A Nonprofit Organization · Serving Teens and Adults with Disabilities Across the Lifespan Since 1973
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Board & Staff
Amplify Life is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization that was founded in 1973 by a group of committed parents who wanted to increase opportunities for their children with disabilities to experience the world. Over forty years later, we are still going strong, and growing!
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Our Staff Members
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Jessica Davis- Executive Director, M.Ed. in Special Education
Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Special Education, and a teaching license in Special Education and has worked in the Washoe County School District for 8 years in different special education classrooms. Jessica volunteered with Amplify Life for many years participating in Works! camps and programs before becoming Amplify Life’s Executive Director in 2019. Since becoming the Executive Director, she has started Café Canteen, as well as other dynamic programs. Jessica is a University of Nevada, Reno Alumnus, and played volleyball for the Pack.
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Sheena Rogers - Office Manager
Sheena is a mother of 5 children, and has several years of experience working in the disabled community in group home environments. She has a passion for advocacy of others.
As a former dance instructor, photo editor, and nail technician she adds artistic and energetic personality to the team. She brings her knowledge and experience of being a small business owner to aid her as the office manager.
She has donated her services and time to Amplify Life and she has worked closely with Cindy and Michael Prescott during the past five years.
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Kennedy Martinez B.S.W. - Program Coordinator
Kennedy graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She started her internship with Amplify Life in August 2021. While at UNR and attending her internship, Kennedy fell in love with our population and continues to have a passion for advocacy. She has seven years of experience working in a daycare as a teacher and administrator. She has been a part of the Amplify Life Team since May of 2022.
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Taylor Cheney M.P.H. - Employment and Life Skills Coordinator
Taylor is a graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno, with a Masters Degree in Public Health. While at UNR, she gained a passion for advocacy and supporting people with disabilities. She has experience as a Registered Behavior Technician where she worked with all ages. She loves fundraising and has been a part of the Amplify Life team for over a year.
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Our Board
Chairman- Diane Thorkildson, MPA
Family Faculty at the Nevada Center of Excellence in Disabilities
Vice-Chairman- Cyndy Gustafson, MA
CEO of Strategic Process, LLC
Secretary/Treasurer- Al Herak
Director, Financial/Decision Support, Renown Health
Member- Stephanie Rice, Esq.
Partner, Midtown Law Group
Member- David Frydman
Executive Director, Student Support Services, Washoe County School District
Member- Linda Barnes
Disability Advocate/Parent Special Needs Person
Member-Michelle Casey
Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo
Member - Travis Mills
Outreach Coordinator at Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED) where he takes pictures of all programming for marketing purposes. Travis joined the board to advocate for people with disabilities and share experience with his photography.
Member - Gabe Tejada
Pursuing his Associates of Arts Degree at TMCC. Gabe would like to get a degree in Secondary Education with emphasis in History. Gabe is on the Nevada Governor's Council as a self-advocate.
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If you would like to email the Board, please email us at board@amplifylife.org and we will get right back to you.
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