Meet the Team

Amber, Executive Director: Amber steers the ship by handling grant writing and executive leadership. Her vital work keeps the center running smoothly behind the scenes.
Laura, Office & Media Administrator: Laura keeps the center organized and connected. She manages office operations, advertising, the website, and all social media channels.
Tim, Program Director: Tim leads the youth programs. He works directly with local teens, who absolutely adore his leadership and energy.
Kyler, Program Assistant: As the newest member of the team, Kyler works closely alongside Tim to support and mentor the teens.

Backed by an incredible group of volunteers, this close-knit team combines organizational skill, creative outreach, and heartfelt mentorship to make a lasting impact.

Executive Director

Amber Butler

Amber grew up in Manteca and is a proud graduate of McParland Elementary and East Union High School. She went on to earn her degrees from CSU Stanislaus and the Laurence Drivon School of Law. With a strong commitment to community service, Amber has devoted her career to nonprofit work throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Her passion for youth development fuels her dedication, and she brings both heart and determination to her role at the Center. Amber draws strength and inspiration from her family, who serve as her foundation and motivation to keep making a meaningful impact.

Office Manager

Laura Roots Spence

Meet Laura Roots Spence, the Thomas Toy Center’s Office Manager and the secret ingredient behind our daily operations. Growing up as both a military kid and a pastor’s daughter, Laura developed a unique blend of adaptability, resilience, and a heart for service. She brings that same "awesome" personality and perspective to our team every single day. Laura is a master of logistics who makes the impossible look effortless. Her impressive background includes coordinating massive community events for the Ripon Chamber of Commerce and managing a successful local storefront with a signature eye for design. Whether she’s streamlining office workflows or decorating our space, her hard work is the engine that keeps us moving forward. Outside the office, Laura’s life is defined by her deep roots and faith. She is a dedicated wife and mom, a loyal friend, and a passionate Jesus-follower who serves her community as a Young Adult Group leader. We are incredibly lucky to have her heart and her hustle at the Thomas Toy Center.

Program Director

Tim Kemptner

Tim moved to Manteca in 1979 and graduated from Manteca High in 1992. He has experience working in mental health, construction, and church ministry. One of his most impactful experiences was volunteering for 6 months in an orphanage just south of Ensenada, Mexico. Tim volunteers as a Chaplain for MPD, serves on the Board of the Manteca Children’s Foundation, and has worked, along with his wife Sarah, in the school district as a wellness-coach since 2021. Tim and Sarah were married in 2015 and have a blended family of three boys and three girls.

Program Aide

Kyler Stein

Kyler is the newest member of the Thomas Toy Community Center team! As a Program Aide, she brings a passion for service, a big heart, and endless energy to our community. Outside of work, Kyler loves staying active, lifting weights, and working out. Family means everything to her—she is the proud sister to three older sisters (and three brothers-in-law) and the ultimate "Auntie" to her six nieces and two nephews, who are her absolute world. Kyler is also a licensed pastor with the Assemblies of God, and she is thrilled to use her heart for people to support and uplift everyone who walks through our doors.