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, focusing in Community Health. During her career, Shannon has worked as a health educator with schools, and nonprofits evaluating and building programs for numerous diverse communities. Shannon also served as an epidemiologist studying cases and outbreaks, designing, implementing, and advise on health policies and protocols to minimize outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She always had a passion for serving and helping local communities to make a difference, and prefers to be involved in the ground work. Shannon is committed to serving the Autism community and connecting them to 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.
