Ryan Dowd
Executive Director
Ryan is the Executive Director at Pathway, a mission-driven organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After working with similar organizations in Springfield and spending time in Jacksonville early in his career, Ryan was excited to join the Pathway team, and it’s been the most rewarding chapter of his professional career so far. He’s especially passionate about helping people gain more independence, whether through paid work opportunities or more choice in their daily lives. Ryan is a big believer in teamwork, patience, and treating the people they support like family. When he’s not at work, you might find him talking baseball (he made the Hall of Fame at Quincy University – Go Hawks!), or
catching another Eric Clapton concert—yes, he’s seen him in concert more than a dozen times!
His advice to anyone new to Pathway? Give it time. The key to this work is patience, patience with others and patience with yourself.
Tammy Holaway
Finance Director
Tammy is the Finance Director at Pathway, where she oversees the Business Office, IT, and The Attic. With more than 25 years of experience in accounting and over a decade in leadership roles, Tammy brings a strong financial background from diverse industries, including healthcare and the music world. Though new to the field of developmental disabilities when joining Pathway, she’s quickly grown passionate about the mission and the people it serves. What Tammy finds most rewarding is the daily interaction with the individuals supported by Pathway – their joy, spirit, and energy bring meaning to every day. One favorite memory- watching Julio come in and start dancing with everyone, lighting up the room with smiles and laughter. Outside of finance, Tammy has a creative side, having owned a dance studio, choreographed for theater and schools, and performed in a vocal trio for 10 years.
Her advice to anyone new to the field? Be patient- with the job, with the people, and with the process. It’s worth it.
Amanda Jamison
Human Resources Director
Amanda is the Human Resources Director at Pathway, where no two days are ever the same—and that’s exactly what she loves about it. After looking for a more meaningful career, a friend encouraged her to apply, and it turned out to be the most rewarding job she’s ever had. Whether helping an employee solve a problem, answering a question about policy, or reading feedback from the employee survey, Amanda takes pride in supporting the employees who make Pathway run. Problem-solving and listening are at the heart of her work, and she believes real growth happens when people feel heard and valued. Even in difficult moments—like the times (yes, plural!) a flood happened at the Plaza—she has seen firsthand how the team comes together like a family to overcome any obstacle. Outside of work, Amanda loves to travel and is a big baseball fan, Go Cubs Go! She is currently on an MLB Stadium Tour, with eight stadiums down and more on the calendar.
Her advice to anyone new at Pathway? Start with an open heart and mind. It’s not just a job—you’re making a difference.
Anna Siragusa
Community Living Services Director
Anna is the Community Living Services Director at Pathway, where she works to create meaningful experiences and opportunities for the people the organization supports. From the moment she learned about Pathway’s mission, she knew it was where she was meant to be. Each day brings the chance to make a positive impact—whether big or small—and that’s what drives her. With a natural sense of empathy and a heart for advocacy, Anna is committed to helping individuals live rich, fulfilling lives. She’s passionate about creating new opportunities, and though turning big ideas into reality can take time, she knows that good things are always worth the wait. One of her favorite moments at Pathway was watching the joy on everyone’s faces during a spontaneous dance party with Julio—a memory that reflects the energy and love that define their work. Known as someone both staff and individuals can trust and talk to, Anna believes in being a supportive, reliable presence. Outside of work, Anna enjoys cooking, going to the gym, and spending time with her fiancé! And she can speak Polish—a fun fact that surprises many!
Her advice for new team members? Give it your all. Every role at Pathway matters, and every person here plays a part in helping those we support live their best lives.
Michael Elmore
Program Services Director
Michael is the Program Services Director at Pathway and has been working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since childhood. After earning a degree in Human Services, Michael was naturally drawn to Pathway’s mission and joined the organization in 2009. His passion lies in helping people live meaningful lives—especially through paid work opportunities that build confidence and purpose. Though finding employment for the people Pathway supports can be challenging in today’s economic climate, Michael is driven by the moments of success, when hard work results in real opportunities. In his leadership role, he focuses on building strong, unified teams and shaping a creative, compassionate culture within the Community Day Services department. What inspires Michael most is the people—the individuals supported by Pathway and the incredible coworkers he works alongside. To him, success is seeing others thrive on their own terms. One favorite memory: watching the joy on participants’ faces as they received awards at Pathway’s annual celebration. Outside of work, Michael enjoys creative writing and is slowly working on a book.
His advice to newcomers? Ask questions. Listen. Respect the people we support as adults with dreams and rights. And let their joy reshape your definition of success.
