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!
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

Support Staff

Melody Cunningham

Melody Cunningham

Support Staff
melody@buildwithtact.org

Melody, originally from Colorado Springs, served as an aviation electrician in the U.S. Navy for 4 ½ years, specializing in F-18A+ Legacy Hornets. Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in Louisiana, she pursued a B.A. in cultural anthropology from CU Boulder post-military service. Transitioning to applied behavior analysis, she found her calling in teaching individuals with Autism at TACT. Thrilled to align her strengths and passion, Melody is honored to be part of the team.

Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT)

Samantha Pickren

Samantha Pickren

Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT)
sam@buildwithtact.org

Sam, originally from central Florida, relocated to Colorado in March 2020, drawn by her love for nature and the outdoors. Her hobbies include backpacking, kayaking, and cooking. With 6 years of experience as an RBT and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, she's now pursuing a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UC Denver. Sam is passionate about empowering individuals to be authentic and is thrilled to contribute to TACT.

Job Coach/Support Staff

Isaac Serano

Isaac Serano

Job Coach/Support Staff
isaac@buildwithtact.org

Isaac, originally from New Mexico, gained early trade experience assisting his electrician father and working on cars. Since elementary school, he's been passionate about working with the Autism community, volunteering as a friend to a classmate with Autism. Graduating from Adam’s State University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, he presented research on video games and violent crimes. Joining TACT in June 2023 as a job coach, Isaac empowers and educates the Autism community. In his free time, he works with the Autism community, plays video games, cooks, and enjoys disc golf.

Director of Development

Liam Murphy

Liam Murphy

Director of Development
liam@buildwithtact.org

Originally from a Chicago suburb, Liam Augustine Murphy grew up with a passion for soccer, eventually leading him to education. However, after suffering multiple injuries, Liam’s path was redirected to marketing and education. As an executive at Chicago advertising firms, he led impactful marketing for brands like Motorola, Wendy's and Ace Hardware, leveraging his passion. For Liam, marketing, training and education engage mind, body and soul. Through TACT, Liam seeks to share his passion, skills, and knowledge with the global community of students with Autism, offering a supportive environment where every individual can thrive.

Lead Auto Instructor

Andrew Ellis

Andrew Ellis

Lead Auto Instructor

Andrew has over 15 years of experience as a certified automotive technician working with a variety of vehicles and automotive environments. He is a Senior Level 5 Subaru Master Technician and has owned automotive repair businesses. His strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to diagnose, service and repair mechanical or technical problems effectively are a great asset to the TACT team. Andrew also enjoys cooking and even has experience as an executive chef and kitchen manager! He regularly gives back to the community with various volunteer positions and loves spending time with his beloved dog, Jazz.

Donate

Your support for TACT makes a difference. Empower change with just one click!
Donate Now
Trusted by over 1,500 students