The Amplify Team
The most fun folks you will ever meet. Our dream is for every young person to grow up in a community which supports them and their dreams, and provides the education and resources to plan their entire future.
Amber E. McConnell, Ph.D.
Executive Director
She / Her / Hers
Dr. Amber McConnell has a proven record of accomplishment in research, advocacy, grant writing, and professional development. She is a thought-leader in program evaluation and data analytics. Dr. McConnell’s research focus is improving post-school outcomes for youth, and she led a nationally renowned research team in creating a psychometrically sound, web-based instrument to assess nonacademic skills that predict post-school employment and education. Educators across the nation use the Transition Assessment and Goal Generator (TAGG), and it is available in four languages.
Her experiences include strategic planning, project evaluation, capacity building, and graduate-level college course instruction at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK and Stuttgart, Germany. She has published 11 research studies in academic journals, written four book chapters, presented her work at 22 national conferences, and contracted with four states to provide professional development. Dr. McConnell graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a doctorate degree in Educational Psychology.
Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
A: I would love to transport myself anywhere I wanted at the blink of an eye. I want to be everywhere and know it’s not possible, but if I could at least cut out the connecting flights from Tulsa.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Tulsa?
A: The diversity of people. I think Tulsa is a special community in Oklahoma where diverse communities of folks feel welcomed and safe.
Preston Shatwell
PR Director
He / Him / His
Preston Shatwell is a born and raised Tulsan with a passion for local politics and advocacy. As a student, Preston was twice-elected as the Governor of the historic Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature where he led hundreds of students across Oklahoma to work on our state’s unique problems through legislation and leadership. Preston is a Point Foundation Scholarship recipient, the national LGBTQ scholarship fund, awarded for his work on youth engagement and leadership and background working with local politics and nonprofits.
Preston is a creative professional passionate about building connection. His experience includes private sector marketing and communications, local politics, nonprofit, and business development. Today, he finds immense fulfillment from the opportunity to combine his professional skillet and personal passions with Amplify. Preston led the re-brand for Amplify and is inspired to continue innovative work advancing youth health in our community.
Q: What is the most random talent you have?
A: A SUPER flexible back… I can reach my ankles when doing a back bend.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Tulsa?
A: Tulsa is cool. It shocks some folks to hear me say it, but Tulsa is making cool things happen in Oklahoma. It’s an affordable metropolitan destination with thriving local arts, philanthropy, and a unique culture in the Midwest.
Jenny Briggs, MSW, LMSW
Program Manager
She / Her / Hers
Jenny Briggs is a Licensed Master Social Worker who brings a strengths-based, systems-oriented approach and passion for youth-voice to her work with the Tulsa Campaign. Previously, Jenny served as Program Director for Camp Fire Green Country and as a Family Life & Sexuality Educator for the Carrera Program. In addition to sexual health education, Jenny’s experiences include positive youth development, trauma-informed care, team management, program development and evaluation, and leveraging community partnerships to achieve long-term goals.
Q: If you could have any one person at your dinner party, who would it be and why?
A: Can I choose 146? If I can choose 146 folks, I’d bring all the youth I had the opportunity to work with in Carrera class of 2021 together again. I’ve never laughed more with or learned more from anyone (especially you, 7th hour) than this remarkable, reflective, courageous, hilarious group of young people. But if I only get one, I’d have to pick Kurt Vonnegut, because he was clever and charming and profound all in the same sentence.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Tulsa?
A: The people. I have the privilege of working alongside some of the most heart-centered, youth-driven, intentional folks in promoting adolescent sexual health and in my personal life. I’m grateful for the change makers, the social workers, the advocates, the organizers, and the mentors I learn from every day. Tulsa is transforming because the people just do NOT quit.
Terrie Kinsey
Operations Manager
She / Her / Hers
Terrie Kinsey joined the team in March 2019, accepting the position of Operations Manager. Prior to moving to Oklahoma in 2005, Terrie was a social worker in Texas, working with youth and indigent populations. After receiving her degrees in Marketing and American Indian Studies from Northeastern State University, Terrie accepted the position of Language Program Coordinator for the Sac and Fox Nation for seven years, before becoming the Grant Writer and Tribal Liaison for Bacone College. Terrie is a certified grant writer, experienced grant administrator, and organizational manager
Q: What would you name your boat if you had one?
A: Bucket List
Q: What is your favorite place in Tulsa?
A: Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Amanda Lowe
Program Coordinator
They / Them / Their
Amanda comes to the Amplify with a passion for youth and their voices. Amanda earned a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies with a focus in Women and Gender Studies. As a first generation college graduate, they are proud to have been named American Studies Senior of the Year.
An alumni member of AmeriCorps and Oklahoma Policy Institute’s Summer Policy Institute, Amanda is committed to serving Tulsa. Amanda has extensive experience with youth leadership facilitation, training, research, and 14+ years of work and support for sexual health and reproductive justice initiatives. Amanda loves making community connections, advocating for LGBTQ+ issues, and is a collector of social justice themed children and young adult literature.
Q: If you could be a crayon, what color crayon would you be and why?
A: A multi-colored confetti crayon. One of my favorite attributes for myself is that I am resourceful and utilize my experiences, passions, identities, educational background, and community resources when taking on a project. I’m also a non-binary human, so limiting myself to one color is not really my thing.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Tulsa?
A: I love how many layers Tulsa has to it. The closer you look the more you find active community engagement, art, social justice-focused initiatives, history to learn and grow from, and so much more. My favorite spot in town is Central Library. If you want to spend an afternoon digging through Tulsa history, check out their vertical files in the Oklahoma room.