Empowering Young Lives Through Music & Technology
amplify Team
Ian Stake - Founder & Creative Director
Ian Stake was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in St. Petersburg, FL. He is a graduate of Flagler College with a BA in Business Administration and Philosophy/Religion. He then received a Master of Divinity from Columbia Seminary. Ian is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of amplify, inc., a non profit organization which he started 10 years ago with a mission of empowering young lives through music and technology. Over the years, he has served the church in many capacities such as Associate Pastor, campus minister, youth minister, and worship leader and currently serves on the staff of Southside United Methodist Church. Previous to Ian's work with the church and amplify, he spent over ten years working as an Investment Advisor for Morgan Stanley and Wachovia. Ian has spent over twenty years in the music industry, where he has performed with or recorded numerous artists including David Crowder, Brandon Heath, Uncle Reece, Phil Wickham and Charlie Hall. Ian lives in San Marco with his wife, Caroline, and two teenage sons. Music is his main passion, but he also enjoys the beach, movies, and sports.
Parker Roberts- Director of Recording Technology
Parker is a graduate of Belmont University’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business with Bachelors degrees in Audio Engineering and Music Business. While at Belmont he studied under music industry legends Bil VornDick (Lynn Anderson, Ralph Stanley) and Bob Bullock (George Strait, Reba McEntire). Parker has produced and engineered projects in professional studios throughout Nashville including the historic RCA Studio B and Oceanway Nashville.
Blake Joel- Marketing & Communications Director
Prior to joining Amplify in 2013, Blake was employed by YouthWorks, Inc., a non-profit organization that facilitates mission trips for youth, adults and families throughout the United States and Canada. In 2011, she served as the Service Coordinator in San Diego, California where she functioned as the liason between local non-profits and YouthWorks volunteers. Blake acted as Site Director for the Nashville, Tennessee area in 2012, where she supervised a staff of three and was responsibilities for all daily operations.
Blake is the sixth generation of the Joel Family to live and work in Jacksonville. She is a graduate of The Bolles School and attended Florida Southern College, where she studied, Public Relations and Communications. Blake is an avid supporter of the community and volunteers for numerous local charitable organizations.
Caroline Stake- Administrative Director
Caroline is a Jacksonville native who graduated from The Bolles School, Agnes Scott College with a B.A. In Psychology, and USF with a Master of Social Work. Her work experience includes directing programs in therapeutic foster care and adoption as well as doing outpatient therapy with children and families. She is passionate about helping folks love each other with intention. Caroline lives with 3 amazing musicians: her husband of 23 years and her two teenage sons.