Our staff.
Jennifer Korb
Executive Director | director@autismcolorado.org
Jennifer is a Colorado native and resides in Jefferson County with her husband and two children. Jennifer's lengthy professional career in public education as a teacher, administrator, and director of instruction has given her a deep understanding of how people learn and how to create opportunities that bring our people's strengths. Her work in the non-profit sector as a founding member of the Internet Safety Foundation, a leadership team member at Night Lights Respite Care and as the Board President at Bal Swan Children's Center has given her a solid foundation to support the Autism community. Jennifer is a connector who builds strong relationships with a focus on inclusivity. She cares deeply about the people in her community, particularly those who are neurodivergent. Her eldest son is on the autism spectrum and has an intellectual disability. From the earliest days of raising a child with a disability, Jennifer has worked to create inclusive spaces where all people are represented and feel a sense of belonging and community.
Shannon P
Director of Programs | program@autismcolorado.org
Shannon is a University of Texas alumni (Hook 'Em!), who earned her Master's in Public Health, focused in Community Health. During her career, Shannon has worked as a health educator with schools and nonprofits, building and evaluating programs for numerous diverse communities. Shannon was an epidemiologist during the COVID-19 pandemic who worked on outbreak cases and advised on health policies and protocols for the government. She always had a passion for serving and helping local communities to make a difference and prefers to be involved in the groundwork.
Shannon is committed to serving the neurodivergent community and connecting them to the support and resources that enhance their lives. She believes everyone deserves to be empowered and represented by their life goals, health, and happiness.
Laya Buchanan
Grant Coordinator | grants@autismcolorado.org
Laya is an alumna of the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelors in Geography and of Columbia University with a Master’s of Public Health in Epidemiology. She has served in a variety of nonprofit roles, serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Vermont and Colorado. She is currently the Grant Writer at Spirit of the Sun, an Indigenous led- and serving- nonprofit, where she was formerly the Resource Development and Volunteer Coordinator.
Laya is also autistic and passionate about connecting with the autistic community, and she is thrilled to be doing work to support her own community.
Kim Thomas
Info and Referral Specialist | info@autismcolorado.org
Kim Thomas is the Executive Director of Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry and an Information and Referral Specialist with Autism Society Colorado. Kim is the Former President & Chief Executive Officer of the South Carolina Autism Society . Under her leadership, Kim oversaw daily operations of the organization, supervising nearly 45 staff members in five offices throughout South Carolina.
Kim focuses on fostering relationships with various state organizations and agencies, as her duties include grant development and managing fund raising and special event activities throughout South Carolina. She sits on several advisory groups among agencies such as the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Department of Education, and Vocational Rehabilitation. She is also a former member of the ACT Early Team . She received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine from Lander University. Kim is passionate about advocating for neurodiversity and support services.
Alexa Vertin
MSU Intern | alexavertin@autismcolorado.org
My name is Alexa, I am currently attending school at MSU Denver for social work and am a senior in the Social Work Program there. I chose to do my internship with ASC because I am passionate about working with children/individuals with disabilities. I wanted to work with this organization specifically because I have an older brother with Autism so I want to learn more about the ways that I can work with individuals with disabilities which will help me with my social work career. I have had volunteer experience in the past working with adults with disabilities and it was such a rewarding experience so I am excited to learn more at ASC.
I have lived in Colorado almost my whole life and love to hike, paddleboard, and do almost all outdoor activities!