Lauren O’Connor is the President of Amplified Minds, a Dallas-based nonprofit dedicated to providing free mental health services across the DFW area. Motivated by personal experiences with losing loved ones to substance use and suicide, she works to expand access to care while providing meaningful support and advocacy for creatives across the community.

Bringing over 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and the music industry, Lauren has a unique perspective at the intersection of creativity, community, and leadership. She studied Recording Arts at Mediatech Institute and since then has worked extensively within the music and creative industries, gaining first hand insight into the challenges artists and musicians face. She also serves on the Leadership Team of the newly established Women in Music Dallas Chapter.

Through her creative and purpose-driven leadership, she advances efforts to expand access to support and resources through innovative programs and strategic partnerships across Texas. Her work fosters healing, empowerment, and connection, offering essential support for individuals navigating life’s challenges while strengthening and uplifting both the creative and broader community.

Dr. Peter Thomas is a licensed psychologist for the State of Texas and has been practicing therapy in the DFW area since 1995. He graduated from the University of North Texas with his doctorate in counseling psychology in 2008 and he completed his post-doctorate training at the at SMU/UTD and TWU. Since then, he has worked extensively with adolescents and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Currently, he is in practice with Psychiatric Medical Associates, PA in Plano, Texas and working in conjunction with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, general medical practitioners, and research professionals. He is known for his work with Adolescents addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and developing personality issues. He also provides treatment on chronic suicidality and self-injury with teens. Dr. Thomas sees adults addressing similar issues as well. He works part time with inpatient adult clients at Medical City McKinney Behavioral addressing those who struggle with suicidality, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. He also focuses on his work with the adolescent and adult transgender community addressing gender dysphoria, identity, and transition issues. He is also heavily involved in the DFW arts community and has worked for 25 years with the local arts and music community. He sees both local and national performing musicians and artists addressing mental health issues specific to this community such as depression, bipolar, substance use disorders, and problems with performance and creativity.

Jan’l has completed a Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship at Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Metrocare. She is currently working towards licensure as a psychologist. She has experience in a variety of therapeutic settings including individual and group settings, community counseling, outpatient, inpatient, private practice, residential treatment, and correctional facilities. Jan’l remains passionate about working with Amplified Minds and the population we serve. She is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in Texas. Jan’l graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology Mental Health from Norfolk State University. She completed her Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Argosy University Dallas Campus and holds a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Texas School of Professional Psychology.

Tami Thomsen has been a cornerstone of the Dallas music community for many years. Her journey began at Deep Ellum’s Last Beat Record Store, Recording Studio, and Last Beat Record Label. She went on to spend over a decade at Kirtland Records, where she played a pivotal role in releasing records for artists such as Bob Schneider, Polyphonic Spree, and The Fixx. Tami also co-produced iconic events like Taco Libre, Dia De Los Toadies, and Smoked Dallas.

Today, Tami is the owner of Ann Arkey Productions , a management and consulting company where she works with notable clients, including Toadies, Sarah Jaffe, Kirtland Records, State Fair Records and Skylark Soul Co. She has served multiple terms as a Governor on the Texas Chapter of the Recording Academy Board and is an active volunteer on the Advisory Board for Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and part of the newly formed Dallas Music Commission.

Rachel Stanfield is an Arts Administration professional with extensive experience in programming & operations management across the arts, nonprofit, and entertainment sectors. Driven by details, collaboration, and awesome creative humans, Rachel is passionate about community building (especially in the Dallas arts scene!) and working with small to midsize arts organizations, streamlining operations, raising funds, and fostering inclusive communities. Throughout her career, Rachel has built strong relationships with local artists and creatives.

Rachel currently provides national programming support for Punch Bowl Social, coordinating vendors and performers and managing Eventbrite for 13 locations. Previously, she served as Managing Director of The Cedars Union, overseeing operations, finances, artist membership, board collaboration, and fundraising initiatives. Her background also includes talent buying, public programming, and venue operations with organizations such as Encore Live, the AT&T Performing Arts Center, the Dallas Arboretum, House of Blues, and Live Nation.

She holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of North Texas and received the Emerging Arts Leadership Award from the Association of Performing Arts Presenters. Rachel currently volunteers with North Texas Master Naturalist and previously served as a longtime board member and music coordinator for Art Conspiracy.

Rachel is passionate about supporting artists and creatives, strengthening community through the arts, and advocating for mental health access for all. She is thrilled to join the board of Amplified Minds and to help advance its outreach and fundraising efforts. She looks forward to contributing to the organization’s mission of breaking stigma, expanding access to care, and fostering a healthier, more inclusive community.