Meet the Team:
The Down Syndrome Association of Brevard (DSAB) is a 501 (c)(3) Florida non-profit organization, founded in 2006, dedicated to support, early intervention, education, awareness, and advocacy for persons with Down syndrome and their families.
DSAB is governed by a Board of Directors made up of Officers and an Executive Director. Officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary) are elected by the Board each year at the January meeting. Our board meets monthly to ensure successful execution of our mission.
Staff
In 2013 Victoria and her husband James welcomed their first child, Kristalyn, born with Down syndrome and a multitude of surprise health complications. Though Kristalyn is still fed through a g-tube she is healthy and very proud to be the big sister to Hailey (2015), Brooklyn (2018), James IV (2023) and William (2025). Through Kristalyn, Victoria has found a mission supporting and advocating for persons with Down syndrome.
Victoria is a former Rollins College softball player/graduate and business executive. She and her husband own and operate East Coast Metalworks, LLC. After serving on the board of directors for 8 years, Victoria is thrilled to be the DSAB Executive Director, and is excited to bring on new ideas, partners and ways to support those with Down syndrome in Brevard County.
Contact: director@dsabrevard.org
Board of Directors
Steve and his family moved to Melbourne from Maryland in 2018, where Steve volunteered as an Area Director for Special Olympics. His daughter Candace runs her own business for motivational speaking called Great Life Unlimited and was featured in the 2020 DSAB virtual Buddy Walk. Steve, who enjoys anything to do with physical fitness, is also a retired educator and award-wining school principal. In fact, he was named Principal of the Year in Maryland in 2015-2016. Steve is also active with Suntree United Methodist Church and the Coach of the DSAB Adult Fitness class.
Contact: president@dsabrevard.org
Joanna "Jo" Kiel is a Maryland native whose passion for advocacy began with her youngest sister, Lexi, who has Down syndrome. A Marshall University graduate and former Baltimore Ravens Cheerleader, Jo went on to coach Special Olympics Cheerleading in both Maryland and Florida. She now serves as Director of Business Development at Embraer Executive Jets and brings her leadership, community connections, and enthusiasm to the DSAB Board as Vice President.
Jo lives on the Space Coast with her husband, Ryan, and their two sons, Brady and Ryder. She plays an active role in leading the Down for Derby Gala and Buddy Walk committees and is passionate about strengthening partnerships that create greater opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout Brevard County.
Contact: jok@dsabrevard.org
Jay and his wife, Donna, have lived in Brevard County since 1999 and are proud parents to Joel and Evan, who has Down syndrome. A retired CEO, and board member, of two different Nasdaq-listed companies, Jay stays active in leadership roles, serving on the DSAB Board and as President of the National Down Syndrome Congress Board of Trustees. Jay also serves as Vice Chair of the East Coast Zoological Society, the parent organization for the Brevard Zoo and soon to be Bowen Aquarium.
Jay is President of and a coach for Tim’s Kids, a program which helps children with disabilities learn to play hockey for free. He also plays competitively himself and enjoys kayaking, biking, golfing, traveling, and reading.
Contact: treasurer@dsabrevard.org
Jenny recently relocated to Brevard County with her husband and two daughters, ages 10 and 11, following her husband’s retirement from the U.S. Coast Guard. She is an Occupational Therapist with over 16 years of experience and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Management.
Her professional background includes both occupational therapy and prior work in residential services for individuals with disabilities. With a lifelong connection to the disability services field, influenced in part by her mother’s career, she has long been involved in supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families. She is excited to serve on the board of the Down Syndrome Association of Brevard County and to support its mission within the community.
In her free time, she enjoys painting, creative pursuits, spending time on the water, and traveling with her family. After recently moving from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, she and her family enjoy beachside living in Satellite Beach.
Theresa has been a Brevard County resident since 1994 and has always been a dedicated advocate for her brother Anthony, who has Down syndrome. After becoming his full-time caregiver in 2015, she discovered DSAB and felt inspired to give back to the community.
Owner of Manatee Promotions, LLC since 2008, Theresa has provided marketing solutions to businesses and nonprofits while actively engaging in the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce. With a background in supported employment, she is passionate about creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her dog, Penny.
James (Jamie) is a Florida native born in Fort Lauderdale. He lived in Deerfield Beach for 30 years before moving to Viera. Jamie joined the DSAB board in 2023 as our first self-advocate. Jamie has one older brother who is married with 2 children and he loves being an uncle playing at the park with his nephew and niece.
Jamie has worked at Chick-fil-A for over ten years first in Pompano Beach for seven years and for the last three years in Viera. Jamie has been an athlete in Special Olympics since elementary school participating in basketball, soccer, pickleball, golf and bowling. At home, he enjoys spending time with his dog, Bonnie.
Originally from New Jersey, Jaime Rhude moved to Brevard County at a young age and proudly calls it home. She is a Mortgage Loan Officer with CrossCountry Mortgage, bringing over 10 years of banking experience to her clients. Jaime holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management and an Associate’s degree in Healthcare Management.
Jaime is a proud mom of two boys and a military spouse, and she is deeply committed to supporting and empowering families in her community. In her free time, she enjoys softball, running, working out, beach days, and creating magical memories at Disney.
Jaime is honored to serve as a Board Member of the Down Syndrome Association of Brevard and is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission through advocacy, education, and service to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Originally from Virginia, Bridgett always dreamed of living near the sun and waves, and made that dream a reality when she moved to Brevard County in 2007. She quickly fell in love with the community and everything it has to offer.
Having previously worked with the Down syndrome population in Virginia, she felt instantly connected to the mission and knew she wanted to get involved. As a mom to a son with Autism, Bridgett also understands firsthand the importance of education, inclusion, and strong community support for individuals and families.
Bridgett is a local realtor who loves serving her clients and sharing the very best of Brevard. Outside of work, she’s most often found spending time with her three boys, at the sports fields, enjoying the beach, and sharing life with her amazing husband Robert. Bridgett is honored to join the DSAB board and looks forward to this exciting new adventure of serving the Brevard community.
Shannon Dowdell is a dedicated advocate, educator, and community leader who is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the Down Syndrome Association of Brevard. As the mother of a son with Down syndrome, she is passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities and empowering families through advocacy, education, and community connection.
Shannon brings experience in education, coaching, and nonprofit leadership, with a strong commitment to inclusion and creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to thrive. After previously serving on the board, she is excited to return and continue supporting DSAB’s mission of enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout Brevard County.