Meet our amazing team

JEN BARON ★ FOUNDER + DIRECTOR

[email protected] ★ 805-861-8128

It’s been said that I came into this world singing. Having grown up in the California foothills—miles from the nearest town—it isn’t surprising that I filled my days with make believe, attentiveness to my surroundings, and a deep desire to connect artistically. My childhood home was rife with music, and storytelling was central to our everyday interactions as a family. I began writing music when I was 8 years old and haven’t stopped since. I feel so grateful to be able to support our incredible youth while they explore their passions, build leadership skills, and come into their brilliant selves.

SHANNA DOOLITTLE ★ PROGRAM DIRECTOR

shanna@amplifyartsproject.org

I’ll always love the ocean, but that didn’t stop me from trading my surfboard for a drum set when I was in 10th grade. After graduating college, I moved to Portland, Oregon and played drums for several different bands including The Haggard (Mr Lady), Cadallaca (K records and Kill Rock Stars), and STLS (Kill Rock Stars). Whenever I was home from touring, I worked as a nanny, in after school programs and summer camps. In 2001, I was able to combine my love of camp, music, and mentorship as a volunteer at the first Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls. Within a few years, I joined the executive leadership team, helped found the Girls Rock Camp Alliance, and worked on “Girls Rock: The Movie” (2007) and Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls: How to Start a Band, Write Songs, Record an Album, and Rock Out (2008, Chronicle Books).

I joined the Amplify team as a day camp drum instructor in 2013. Since then, I have worn every hat from camp director to gear manager. With enormous joy, I began my full time position as program director in 2021. I love that I get to work every day to empower girls and women. I love to connect families and youth to our mission, mentors, and incredible programming that teaches not only technical skills of music education and the creative arts, but also life skills such as team work, participating in community, and developing meaningful relationships with positive mentors.

I split my time between southern California where I still get to enjoy the beach and sun, and in Portland, Oregon, with my partner and daughter.