Meet the Team
Our uniquely talented team works together cohesively to bring you community activities that offer social and goal oriented fun!
Co-Founder
Josha Smith
Josha, a licensed special educator is your partner in parenting and in teaching. Bringing 21+ years of experience in both parenting and home schooling along with a BSed with specialty fields of early childhood, special education, and English as a second language to the table, she shares in goal setting and planning for the accomplishment of those goals through age appropriate lesson and game planning. From preschool through adulthood, autistic individuals can be taught age appropriately and with confidence.
Co-Founder, Community Mentor, Outreach Coordinator
Kaegan Smith
Kaegan is your autism specialist who manages our ever-important relationships within the community through Q/A, Blog, and activity planning. He brings mentorship to the table as well as his unique teaching style podcasts and peer to peer activity planning. A published author, Kaegan offers insights into the sensory world and social-emotional world of autism.
Director of Administration
Ellen McKamey
Ellen has over 15 years of experience working in domestic and international special education, including applied behavior analysis, public awareness, child advocacy and most recently became a certified RPM provider. Ellen served in the United States Peace Corps as a special education teacher trainer in Belize. Ellen’s love for adventure and helping those in need has taken her all over the world from studying chimpanzee behavior in South Africa to backpacking through southeast Asia. She has volunteered with local schools in India to increase their knowledge in working with children with autism. She has her master’s degree in sustainable living and has spent the past four years coordinating international therapy services. She recently moved to Fort Collins to partner with CommuniKeys and we're thrilled to have her on our team.
Property Manager
Cris Avalos Haro
Cris’s background in automotive engineering combined with his experience working as a mechanic make him a great fit to help manage the beautiful property at CommuniKeys. He loves figuring out how things work, fixing things when they don’t work, and trying to keep everything running smoothly. He is really enjoying getting to know the welcoming and diverse community at CommuniKeys. Cris is originally from Riobamba, Ecuador, and is a native Spanish speaker. Cris has a deep passion for adventure and a great love of the outdoors. He is an avid mountain biker and rock climber, and he loves spending time exploring the trails in Colorado and beyond. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask him! He will do his best to help you out.
Activities Coordinator
Savannah Mercado
Savannah has a diverse and rich professional background, marked by significant contributions across various fields. With a solid foundation in the military, Savannah served for nine years in medical supply, honing exceptional organizational skills and a strong sense of professionalism. This experience was pivotal in developing the discipline and attention to detail that have been crucial in every subsequent role. Transitioning from military service, Savannah brought these skills into the public education sector, focusing on early childhood special education. This role allowed Savannah to positively impact young lives, fostering growth and development in children who need it the most. Her dedication to supporting these children demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and education. Further expanding her skill set, Savannah also worked as an activity coordinator at a retirement home. In this role, she was responsible for planning and organizing activities that enriched the lives of the elderly residents. This experience not only reinforced Savannah's organizational abilities but also built the confidence that has propelled her in her current role. Through these varied experiences, Savannah has developed a unique blend of skills, from leadership and organization to empathy and educational expertise. Outside of her professional life, Savannah has a passion for sand volleyball. This love for the sport reflects her energetic and dynamic personality, always ready to take on new challenges both on and off the court. Through her varied experiences, Savannah has developed a well-rounded skill set that makes her a valuable asset to CommuniKeys.
Outdoor Educator
Julian Alderman Marx
Julian is a non-speaker and nature lover who assists Keys with the planning of outdoor activities, including walks and hikes around Fort Collins, and the development of educational materials to foster communication. As a high-school graduate, college student, and published poet, he knows first-hand the life-changing benefits effective communication can bring. His interests include travel, food, history, and new experiences.