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 Phen
Director of Programs | program@autismcolorado.org
​
Shannon is a proud University of Texas alumna (Hook 'Em!) with a Master’s in Public Health, specializing in Community Health. Throughout her career, she has served as a health educator in schools and a program manager for public health nonprofits. Her work has focused on designing, implementing, and evaluating inclusive programs for diverse communities, including BIPOC, disability, and low-income populations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shannon worked as an epidemiologist, managing outbreak investigations and advising hospitals and government agencies on health policy and safety protocols. Her passion lies in community-based work, where she thrives in hands-on roles that directly impact the people she serves.
​
Shannon is deeply committed to supporting the neurodivergent community by expanding access to resources, fostering connection, and advocating for equity and empowerment. She believes everyone deserves to be represented and supported in their goals, health, and happiness. Shannon's purpose she lives by is creating space for people to explore healing, connection, and self-expression in their most authentic selves.​ Outside of her role with ASC, Shannon teaches yoga and loves spending time with her dog, Porkchop.
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.
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!
