Encourage. Empower. Educate. Employ.

Building careers and futures for the entire Autism community
1 in 36
children are diagnosed with Autism each year
500,000
children with Autism will age out of the special education system in the next decade

We strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.

Encourage

Our beautiful neurodiverse community has been widely and historically disenfranchised by a traditional deficit-based approach. At TACT, we're the polar opposite and embrace strengths—and asset-based approach to help discover, explore, and create possibilities!

Empower

We believe autistic individuals have incredible abilities and strengths that are valuable to the world. Our holistic approach aims to empower the entire client while they’re at TACT and beyond.

Educate

TACT's unique training provides each client with a differentiated and customized pathway to employment. As a competency-based program, we work with each client until they realize their strengths and are ready to take the next steps in their future.

Employ

Our goal is to find each client a career, not a job. There is a difference, and at TACT, we understand it.  TACT supports clients by finding the right employer, working through the interview process, and supporting them in their careers!
A group of smiling students raising their hands in triumph
Core values
Creating Excellence Through Our Pillars
Inclusion
Grace
Integrity
Discipline
Respect
Empowerment

Our Corporate Sponsors

Discover the heartfelt journey behind TACT

In 2016, TACT was established by parents in Denver, Colorado.

Dylan Combs, son of Danny Combs and Claire Johnson was the inspiration behind TACT. After years of therapies that continued to overlook Dylan’s strengths, focusing instead on the ‘could nots’, they saw a crucial gap in our community’s support system. Their realization sparked the creation of TACT, a program  dedicated to nurturing and amplifying the distinctive strengths not only of Dylan, but also of countless others.

Danny’s personal experience and family upbringing in the trades inspired a new program.

Their mission? To encourage and empower the full spectrum of individuals with Autism through education and employment in the skilled trades.

Join us on this journey of empowerment and inclusion.

Our Team

Clinical Director, BCBA

Michelle Kerska

Michelle Kerska

Clinical Director, BCBA
mkerska@yahoo.com

Michelle earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1995, where she discovered her passion for working with children with autism. She earned her M.S. in Clinical Social Work from San Diego State in 2005 and became a BCBA in 2007. After moving to Colorado in 2008, she opened a private practice. She enjoys time with her husband and two children, plus yoga, baking, traveling, and biking, and is excited to join TACT.

Carpentry Instructor

Alex Randall

Alex Randall

Carpentry Instructor
Arandall@buildwithtact.org

Alex Randall brings 15 years of skilled trades experience and 4 years in special education to TACT as our Carpentry Instructor. A lifelong woodworker and outdoor enthusiast, Alex is passionate about helping students grow through hands-on learning, creativity, and confidence-building in the shop and beyond.

Substitute Instructor

Stan Baldwin

Stan Baldwin

Substitute Instructor
sbaldwin@buildwithtact.org

TACT is excited to welcome Stan Baldwin as a Substitute Instructor. With over 10 years of experience in science and STEM education, including a strong focus on 3D printing and emerging technologies, Stan supports classrooms across departments with flexibility, technical expertise, and a calm, encouraging presence. He is proud to be part of TACT’s mission of connecting real-world skills with meaningful career pathways.

SPED Coordinator

Brian Tagle

Brian Tagle

SPED Coordinator
btagle@buildwithtact.org

Brian Tagle, Special Education Coordinator for TACT Carbondale, was born and raised in Delaware and is the youngest of nine children. He holds degrees in Social Studies and Special Education and brings 10 years of teaching experience. Brian is passionate about inspiring and empowering students. He enjoys ice hockey, skiing, golf, his three pups, and collecting vinyl and vintage audio.

Lead General Maintenance Instructor

Daniel Silkwood

Daniel Silkwood

Lead General Maintenance Instructor
dsilkwood@buildwithtact.org

Daniel Silkwood, Lead General Maintenance Instructor at TACT, was born in San Luis Obispo, California, and brings a true passion for hands-on work and student connection. He enjoys working on cars, woodworking, hunting, and fishing, and finds great joy in helping students grow. Daniel is also a proud father of a blended family of seven.

Support Staff & Office Manager

Melinda Silkwood

Melinda Silkwood

Support Staff & Office Manager
msilkwood@buildwithtact.org

Melinda Silkwood, Support Staff & Office Manager at TACT, was born in Scott City, Kansas, and leads with compassion, warmth, and a servant’s heart. Family is her greatest joy, including her husband of 18 years, three daughters, and three grandchildren. She loves cooking, camping, card games, and dancing with her grandkids.

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Trusted by over 1,500 students
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