The Team
TACT is built on a team of movers and shakers
Danny Combs
Founder/CEO
Danny Combs, Founder/CEO
Danny is a fourth-generation woodworker and mechanical tinkerer who grew up making “stuff” with his family. Eventually, he decided to follow his own path and went to Nashville to play music. His vibrant career included various platinum albums with Grammy and Oscar-winning recording artists. After 10 years in the music industry, he began to cultivate his passion for education. His love for teaching lead to teaching private lessons and running the music program at an inner-city high school. He was granted several awards in teaching – including a Grammy Enterprise Award for the program he designed in the Nashville schools – and became a published educational author, arranger, and songwriter. Danny has a Master’s Degree in Education, is a Board Certified Cognitive Specialist, a Certified Autism Specialist, and a classic car junkie. He has two incredible children – Dylan and Ellie. When his son Dylan was diagnosed with autism, Danny formed TACT to help other kids like his own and their families. He served as the Board Chair/President of the Autism Society of Colorado from 2020-2021, serves our Country in the Air Force Reserve by working in Space System Operations out of Buckley Space Force Base, and most recently he co-founded the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce.
contact danny@buildwithtact.org
Becky Mershon
COO + Programs Director
Becky Mershon, COO + Programs Director
Becky is a Colorado native, mother of three, Registered Nurse, Certified Autism Specialist and is currently working on her Masters in Behavior Analysis. She is a founding board member and TACT’s Chief Program and Operations Officer. Becky’s oldest son is on the spectrum and like many parents of children with special needs she has stopped at nothing to help him thrive. Although there were many therapies that certainly helped her son, nothing like TACT existed so she helped start it. She is the “go-to” person at TACT for everything from scheduling to grant writing to admissions and beyond. Becky loves that TACT’s program instills a true sense of pride, accomplishment and practical skills in our children while focusing on what is possible for them and not on their struggles. She works kindly and patiently with every family and coordinates all TACT programs, family services and development.
contact becky@buildwithtact.org
Chris Fraguada
Educational Director
Chris Fraguada, Educational Director
Chris is fully aligned to the mission of TACT. He has a history of expanding the vision of equity, improving lives, and providing opportunities for others.
Chris has dedicated himself to helping others during his fifteen year career in education. He has acquired valuable lessons that he joyfully passes on to students. Chris identifies his “big why” as providing an opportunity to grow and learn from others, influence, teach, and to guide students in becoming their best selves while achieving any goal and overcoming all obstacles. Chris began his special education paraprofessional career out of high school working for Denver Public Schools, focusing on the social, emotional, and autism community. He went on to become a special education teacher and furthered his education with a master’s degree in teaching special education with the pursuance of continued studies in behavior analysis.
Chis is also a talented artist, creator, designer, and builder.
contact chris@buildwithtact.org
Mark Fierro
Director of Employment
Mark Fierro, Director of Employment
Mark comes to TACT with a variety of experiences in both the trades and in client services. He is a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) with experience as an activities director for a large rehabilitation facility. Originally from Texas, Mark grew up learning a variety of trade skills and was a maintenance worker for many years. He is also a personal trainer and track and field coach. As a long-time volunteer with TACT, we are excited to have him officially join us and bring his expertise to our clients and partners!
contact mark@buildwithtact.org
Emiley Logan
Workshop Director
Emiley Logan, Workshop Director
Growing up in Michigan, Emiley knew she had a passion for working with individuals with autism since she first volunteered in a LINKS (Linking Assessment and Instruction for Independence) curriculum in high school. She graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Since then, she has travelled to work at a summer camp in Minnesota, back to Michigan to work at Brain Balance, and then to Colorado where she became a Behavioral Therapist at Garden, Inc. She is now so excited to help students succeed at TACT as a support staff! In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and training her new rescue dog.
contact emiley@buildwithtact.org
Keenan Tarrant
Admissions Director
Keenan Tarrant, Admissions Director
Born in Texas, but spent most of my childhood in Atlanta, GA. I graduated from Texas Tech with a degree in Communication Studies. While in school, I learned how to communicate effectively to all types of people. Throughout high school and college, I played lacrosse. I was team co-captain and led fund raising drives to support the college team. In my spare time, I worked at the student about service organization which supported students’ needs and local community activities that helped the homeless.
Since graduating from college, I have spent the last three years working in account management and customer service roles for Johns Manville and Charles Schwab. In addition, I worked part-time as an executive search analyst for Pierce Consulting Partners to find the right candidates for our client.
I always loved being a team player and contributing to my local community. I have a passion for helping others and get great satisfaction coaching and developing people to reach their potential. Joining the team at TACT is a new venture that matches my strengths and passions.
In my free time, I enjoy going to sporting events, working out, taking dogs for a walk, and playing pickle ball.
contact keenan@buildwithtact.org
Michael Hurst
Automotive Director & Instructor
Michael Hurst, Automotive Director + Instructor
Mike comes to TACT with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. He is an ASE certified mechanic and braking systems specialist. He has worked in all parts of the industry from his beginnings as a lot attendant to his multiple store manager positions. His passion for the automotive industry almost equals his passion for people. As a father, mentor, and volunteer for a variety of organizations and causes, he has consistently been the “go-to-guy” for training new employees, de-escalating tense conversations, and leading multiple automotive teams to success. TACT is proud to have Mike join us! With his vast automotive skills and knowledge as well as his patience, kind heart, and strong work ethic TACT clients are sure to master a variety of skills.
contact mike@buildwithtact.org
Stratton Caputo
Clinical Director, BCBA
Stratton Caputo, Clinical Director, BCBA
Born in Utah. I graduated from Utah State University with degrees in Theology, Special Education, and Psychology then went on to get a master's in special education and Behavior Analysis and am thrilled to be starting my PsyD in Clinical Psychology in the fall. I started working with the IDD population in high school and have worked every aspect of the field since. During college I was head of delegation for Special Olympics and Director of Best Buddies and worked as a construction foreman and superintendent.
Since graduating from college, I have worked across the metro area as a BCBA and clinical director as well as doing remodel and new construction jobs. I love the variety of architecture in the city!
I am excited to be part of the team at TACT!
contact stratton@buildwithtact.org
Cara Clouston
Lead Technology/Computer Science Instructor
Cara Clouston,
Lead Technology/Computer Science Instructor
Cara is a veteran of the computer science world with decades of teaching experience, too. She retired from the Douglas County School District with 23 years of service credit. Prior to that she worked for various government contractors including Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and General Dynamics developing software for large-scale projects.
Cara enjoys getting outdoors to explore the many and varied trails in Colorado from where she hails. She has climbed several of the 14ers along the front range and has ridden in several bicycle rallies. She also enjoys spending time with her daughter and walking their two dogs.
AtTACT, Cara’s focus is on building positive interpersonal relationships with her students and on project-based, student-centered learning. TACT’s students love seeing what “Miss Cara” has in store for them each day!
contact cara@buildwithtact.org
Carly Matthews
Support Staff
Carly Matthews, Support Staff
Carly grew up in St. Charles, Illinois, spending her free time volunteering at Lazarus House - where she discovered her passion of helping others. In pursuit of that passion, she graduated from Southwestern College with a degree in Psychology, and a minor in Leadership. She spent her four years on the Leadership Team participating and coordinating student-led service trips that helped with issues such as Rotary restoration, Hurricane Harvey relief, and food insecurity in Philadelphia. Carly joined TACT in 2022, coming from the lead Behavior Therapist Tech position at Instructional IABA in Castle Rock, CO. Her work as an RBT helped fuel her devotion to foster growth, empowerment, and equity.
In her free time, Carly can be found hiking in the mountains across Colorado, enjoying charcuterie boards in Cheeseman Park, bartending in the Highlands, or volunteering at Metro Caring. "If not me, who? If not now, when?" This quote inspires Carly to step up, always be learning more, and to be brave enough to help those around her. Her focus here at TACT is to help foster empathy, understanding and kindness while building a positive and safe learning environment for students. She is eager to help her students succeed!
contact carly@buildwithtact.org
Jon Graham
Welding Instructor
Jon Graham, Welding Instructor
Jon grew up in Michigan and recently moved to Colorado. He grew up fishing and hunting and loves the outdoors, and the Rocky Mountains. Jon has been welding for 20 years. He started in high school metal shop, then graduated from Denver Community College with an associate degree in welding fabrication. After working in a small shop in Denver furthered his training and joined the ironworker's union. He completed the apprenticeship training program and became a journeyman union ironworker. Shortly after completing that program, he became a welding instructor for the apprenticeship program and became a certified welding inspector as well. I have always had a passion for helping people and watching them get better. I look forward to teaching at TACT and making a difference in the students' lives, while watching them grow and become skilled workers.
contact jon@buildwithtact.org
Tara Head
Office Manager
Tara Head, Office Manager
Tara is a Colorado native, mother of 2 wonderful children, licensed trades woman, QMAP and serves as the Office Manager at TACT.
Before joining the team at TACT, Tara worked as a specialized trades provider for 26 years. She successfully ran her own business for 23 of those years. She is well versed in the trades, in client services and the many facets of running a business.
Tara’s youngest child is on spectrum. Her personal journey alongside her son attending numerous therapies, learning how to best support his unique needs, and seeking all the supports available, left her very impassioned to personally support the neurodiverse community. Tara is fully aligned with the mission of TACT and has a strong personal desire to serve the neurodiverse community to the best of her abilities.
In her free time Tara enjoys playing games, spending time with her family and being outdoors! Camping in the beautiful Colorado mountains or spending time at the beach top her list of favorite places to be.
contact tara_H@buildwithtact.org
Douglas Hill
Technology for Trades Instructor
Douglas Hill, Technology for Trades Instructor
Doug was raised by self-made parents (a submariner Navy Vet father and Secretary mother) whose 'vacations' meant building things in the backyard. He's a lifelong woodworker, craftsman, film-maker and all-around nerd about continually learning.
Doug holds a B.S. in Technological Studies/Technology Education, as well as Teaching Licenses in both Colorado and New Jersey. He followed his passion for film and writing, earning his M.A. in Screenwriting for Film and TV. He is also a licensed contractor and handyman, completing jobs large to small through his business.
Doug brings an unconventional approach to education following 12+ years teaching in outdoor education, wilderness survival, and primitive skills through his other business, as well as for Red Rocks Community College and in a youth correctional facility.
Doug's known Danny/TACT since ~2016 while he was still working with Temple Grandin School in various roles. Doug credits his communication with, and understanding of, folks on the Autism spectrum with a close relationship to his late uncle who exhibited so many signs of Austism while being a huge supporter of education (a lifelong woodworker himself), despite being denied education beyond 6th grade.
Doug lives in Lafayette with his long-time partner and their houseful of dogs, cats, and other special-needs animals as the opportunities arise.
contact doug@buildwithtact.org
Zach Shitama
Float Instructor and Support Staff
Zach Shitama, Float Instructor and Support Staff
I grew up around tradework. My father was a carpenter and owns a finish woodworking business in Gainesville, FL. I began working with my hands at the age of 15 and fell in love with building instantly. During my freshmen year of college, I was introduced to the world of ABA, autism and the teaching side of education. Since then, this has been my passion and I am infinitely thankful to be able to combine two of my favorite things in my professional life. TACT has allowed me to realize my dream of improving the adult lives of individuals on the autism spectrum by helping them gain access to employment.
Zach Shitama
contact zach@buildwithtact.org
Melody Cunningham
Support Staff
Melody Cunningham, Support Staff
I grew up in Colorado Springs. I joined the U.S.Navy after high school where I served as an aviation electrician for 4 ½ years. I did electrical repair and troubleshooting as well as various maintenance on F-18A+ Legacy Hornets. During that time, I lived in south Louisiana and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Immediately after leaving the military I went on to graduate from CU Boulder with a B.A. in cultural anthropology. I always had a strong desire to teach and help individuals learn but was uncertain how I wanted to put that into practice. I learned about applied behavior analysis and started working with individuals with autism as a behavioral therapist until eventually finding TACT. I am thrilled to be somewhere that matches my strengths and passion for teaching and helping people and honored to be here.
Favorite Ice Cream: Vanilla with fudge, waffle cone pieces, and caramel sauce.
Favorite Color: Burgundy
As a kid, I wanted to grow up to be an astrophysicist, an archeologist, a zoologist, and a fashion designer.
The talent I am most proud of is drawing. I am skilled at drawing realism in pencil and charcoal and currently working on expanding my skills to oil paints.
One of these may not be 100% true.
I can lick my elbow.
I have a SCUBA license
I lived in Germany for over a year.
contact melody@buildwithtact.org
Samantha Pickren Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT)
Samantha Pickren, Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT)
Sam is originally from central Florida and moved to Colorado in March 2020. She loves nature and the outdoors in general, which is what drew her to the state. Some of her favorite things to do include backpacking, kayaking, and cooking. She has been an RBT for 6 years and has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She is currently earning her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UC Denver.
Sam loves being an active member of the community and empowering people to be their most authentic self, and is excited to be part of TACT!
contact sam@buildwithtact.org
Isaac Serano Job Coach/Support Staff
Isaac Serano, Job Coach/Support Staff
Isaac originally migrated from The Land of Enchantment, New Mexico. He grew up helping his father at work as an electrician and working on cars together gaining experience in the trades. Isaac knew he wanted to work with the autism community since he was in elementary school. He volunteered to be the friend of the only kid with autism at his elementary school and enjoyed every minute of it!
Isaac went on to graduate from Adam’s State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in development psychology in 2019. While in school he gained experience in research including presenting at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association on his research on video games and flow and the relationship between violent crimes in teenagers and playing violent video games. Isaac also received an internship at Duke University where he created his own research branching off the research of Makeba Wilbourn.
Isaac joined Tact in June of 2023 as a job coach Isaac now uses his experiences to empower, educate, and bring smiles to the Autism community and the people around him in the best way he can. In his free time, Isaac continues to work with the Autism community for a private company, plays video games, cooks, and loves to play disc golf.
contact isaac@buildwithtact.org