Board of Directors

Michael Jones is the Executive Director of the First Coast Ability & Wellness Center, where he is dedicated to creating greater opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental differences to live healthy, connected, and independent lives.

As a physical therapist and longtime advocate for inclusive health and wellness, Michael has built his career around helping people of all ability levels develop strength, confidence, and greater independence. His professional experience spans neurologic rehabilitation, adaptive training, sports medicine, orthopedics, and performance development, giving him a unique perspective on the physical, social, and functional factors that influence quality of life.

Michael is especially passionate about breaking down the barriers that can prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in their communities. He believes wellness should be accessible to everyone and that adaptive recreation, fitness, education, and meaningful social connection can play an important role in helping individuals thrive.

His commitment to this work is also deeply personal. Through his family and experiences within the disability community, Michael has seen firsthand the importance of creating environments where people with disabilities are not simply included, but valued, empowered, and given opportunities to pursue their own goals.

At First Coast Ability & Wellness Center, Michael works alongside the Board of Directors, community partners, families, and individuals with disabilities to develop programs that promote wellness, independence, inclusion, and meaningful community participation across the First Coast.

Michael holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and is committed to bringing evidence-based practice, compassion, creativity, and a strong belief in human potential to the organization’s mission.

Debbie was a Founding Member and the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville for nearly 20 years. As a native to Jacksonville, Florida, Debbie has served on numerous boards and committees representing the Down syndrome community both locally and nationally. She is passionate and enthusiastic about serving individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Differences (IDD). Debbie has always received inspiration and hope from her family and her son Nick, who has Down syndrome. Debbie looks forward to the continued progress and achievements for all individuals with IDD’s and to growing the acceptance and inclusion of these individuals within the community.

Jeff Leach is a passionate advocate for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Differences (IDD) and a longtime champion of inclusion, opportunity, and community.

Jeff’s connection to the IDD community is deeply personal. He and his wife are proud parents of three children, Sydney, Jagger, and Jayden. Their daughter, Sydney, was born with Down syndrome, inspiring Jeff to become a lifelong advocate for individuals with IDD’s and their families.

Jeff began his nonprofit leadership journey as a member of the Board of the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization from 2002 to 2005. He later served as Board President of the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville for more than 15 years. During his tenure, he helped guide the organization through significant growth, expanding its annual budget from approximately $100,000 to more than $1 million and strengthening its ability to serve individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

A staunch advocate for inclusion, Jeff has spoken extensively about the importance of ensuring that individuals with IDD are fully included in their schools, communities, and everyday lives. He believes that inclusion is not simply about providing access—it is about creating meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to participate, contribute, build relationships, and reach their full potential.

Jeff is excited to bring his years of advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and personal experience to First Coast Ability and Wellness Center. He is especially passionate about helping adults with IDD build stronger minds and healthier bodies while creating a community where everyone feels valued, connected, and empowered to live their best life.