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

President

Danny Combs

Danny Combs

President
danny@buildwithtact.org

Danny is a leading voice in creating equitable futures for neurodistinct individuals in business. Mr. Combs is the founder of TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades), the state of Colorado’s leading transition to employment and training organization, and the co-founder of the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce, the first neurodiverse chamber in the country. Danny has brought together almost 100 businesses to build better opportunities, pay, and career advancement for neurodistinct individuals. His organizations have raised millions in funding to create scholarships to serve all socioeconomic classes.

In addition to being a leader in the community, Danny has worked with multiple Grammy and Oscar-winning artists, and the music program he developed in Nashville won a Grammy Enterprise Award. Mr. Combs is also an Air Force Reservist who serves his country in the 4th Space Warning Squadron and 310th Space Wing. His leadership, community development, and social innovation have been recognized in the White House, Pentagon, on NBC, ABC, PBS, CBS, Fox, the Denver Business Journal, Epoch Times, News Nation, Classy, and more.

With his dedication and devotion to the community, Danny is also the Board Chair of the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce, a committee member for the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council on Buckley Space Force Base, an Advisory Member for the Career and Technical Education, and part of the Employment Taskforce for the Autism Society of America.

Finally, he has been published multiple times on his thoughts, practices, and leadership about community development, social innovation, transition, autism, and employment. His new book “Supporting Neurodivergent and Autistic People for Their Transition into Adulthood, Blueprints for Education, Training, and Employment” on Routledge/Taylor Francis Publishing is available now.

Most importantly, he’s a father of two amazing kids

COO + Programs Director

Becky Mershon

Becky Mershon

COO + Programs Director
becky@buildwithtact.org

Becky, a Colorado native and mother of three, is a Registered Nurse and Certified Autism Specialist with a Masters in Behavior Analysis. As TACT’s Chief Program and Operations Officer, she spearheads scheduling, grant writing, admissions, and more. Inspired by her oldest son's journey with Autism, she co-founded TACT to provide comprehensive support. Becky ensures TACT instills pride, accomplishment, and practical skills in children, focusing on their possibilities. She coordinates all programs, family services, and development with kindness and patience.

Educational Director

Chris Fraguada

Chris Fraguada

Educational Director
chris@buildwithtact.org

Chris, deeply committed to TACT's mission, champions equity and opportunities, enriching lives. With 15 years in education, he imparts valuable lessons, driven by his passion for growth and learning. Starting as a special education paraprofessional, he progressed to a teacher role, earning a master’s degree in special education. Chris excels in guiding students to their best selves, overcoming obstacles. A skilled artist, creator, designer, and builder, he brings creativity to his work.

Director of Employment

Mark Fierro

Mark Fierro

Director of Employment
mark@buildwithtact.org

Mark brings diverse experience to TACT, blending trades and client services. A certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA), he served as activities director in a rehabilitation facility. Hailing from Texas, he honed trade skills and worked in maintenance. Mark is also a personal trainer and track coach. His commitment as a volunteer makes his official role with TACT a thrilling addition, enriching our clients and partners.

Workshop Director

Emiley Logan

Emiley Logan

Workshop Director
emiley@buildwithtact.org

Emiley, originally from Michigan, discovered her passion for Autism advocacy while volunteering in high school. With a Bachelor's in Psychology from Grand Valley State University, she worked at various institutions before joining TACT as support staff. Her journey took her from a summer camp in Minnesota to roles at Brain Balance and Garden, Inc. Now, she eagerly supports student success at TACT. Outside work, she loves hiking, camping, and training her rescue dog.

Admissions Director

Keenan Tarrant

Keenan Tarrant

Admissions Director
keenan@buildwithtact.org

Keenan, born in Texas and raised in Atlanta, GA, earned a Communication Studies degree from Texas Tech, honing effective communication skills. As a lacrosse co-captain, he led fundraising drives, fostering teamwork and community support. He volunteered with a student service organization aiding the homeless. Transitioning into account management and customer service roles at Johns Manville and Charles Schwab, he also worked part-time in executive search. A team player dedicated to community, coaching, and development, joining TACT aligns with his passions. In his downtime, he enjoys sports, fitness, walking dogs, and pickleball.

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Trusted by over 1,500 students