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.
Their mission? To encourage and empower the full spectrum of individuals with Autism through education and employment in the skilled trades.
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Beverly Ball brings a unique blend of creativity and craftsmanship to TACT. With degrees in English, Rhetoric, and Poetry, combined with over 30 years of welding experience, she exemplifies the art of bridging disciplines. As a Denver Academy teacher, she founded and ran the Welding Program for over 15 years, inspiring countless students. A trailblazing tradeswoman, she now shares her expertise and passion with TACT, empowering the next generation of skilled professionals.
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Byron Green holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, graduating in 2015. He spent seven years as an engineer at IBM before relocating to Denver in 2022 to follow his passion for DJing. Introduced to TACT through a mutual friend, Byron was inspired by its mission and quickly became involved. His enthusiasm for technology, mentoring, learning, and community service makes him a perfect fit for TACT, where he empowers students to thrive.
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Born and raised in the UK, Christian Thierens moved to the USA in his mid-twenties to pursue a career as a professional ballroom dance teacher. A late-diagnosed AuDHD individual, Christian shares this journey with his wife, embracing neurodivergence as part of their shared story. Working with the autistic community fulfills a lifelong dream, and Christian remains passionate about advocating for awareness and inclusion in every aspect of his work and personal endeavors.
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Lori McClurg brings over 30 years of expertise in education, specializing in social-emotional, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. She is a credentialed elementary and special education teacher and licensed Director of Special Education, Lori holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master’s from the University of Phoenix, and administrative studies back at UNC. Outside of work, she cherishes time with her sons and family, traveling, and volunteering at a community farm offering animal-emotional support.
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Melissa Flynn is a graduate of the Art Institute of Colorado, holding a degree in Culinary Arts. With 14 years of culinary experience and five years as a caregiver, Melissa brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to TACT. A breast cancer survivor, her resilience and passion inspire everyone she works with. Melissa is dedicated to sharing her love for the culinary arts and empowering students to create meaningful opportunities through their skills.
Born in San Diego, Dana Guzman has lived in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Denver. As the firstborn in a large family, Dana developed a deep connection to technology early on. With 6 years of experience as a Systems Administrator and Engineer, Dana thrives on continuous learning, particularly in STEM fields. Passionate about innovation and problem-solving, he enjoys exploring new advancements and staying updated with the latest trends, bringing expertise and enthusiasm to the TACT team.
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