Our Team

Founder & President

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Karmen is the mother of two incredible children on the autism spectrum. Her children are her passion and the driving force behind the mission of The NoCo Autism Connection. With a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Northern Colorado and continuing studies in Speech and Language Pathology at MSU Denver, Karmen is dedicated to creating accessible resources and inclusive spaces for autistic individuals and their families. She believes that meaningful connection and community are essential parts of advocacy and support. Karmen enjoys spending time with her husband Rick and their kids, being outdoors, and building relationships with other parents who understand the journey of raising a neurodivergent child. She finds joy in creating events that are welcoming, sensory friendly, and truly accommodating. Through The NoCo Autism Connection, she hopes to uplift and empower families across Northern Colorado.

Vice President of Membership

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Jenny is a former special education teacher with additional education and experience in speech-language pathology and social emotional learning. She actively volunteers with her local school district as an executive committee member of the Special Education Advisory Committee and serves on the advisory board of a local children's museum, where she advocates for inclusive and accessible experiences.

As a mother of three children, ranging from elementary to high school, Jenny brings firsthand insight into the joys and challenges of parenting kids with additional needs. Her lived experience informs her advocacy and fuels her passion for empowering other families.

Jenny values community and the power of authentic connection. She is honored to be a part of The NoCo Autism Connection.

In her spare time, Jenny enjoys solving puzzles, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and being outdoors.

Vice President of Marketing

and Outreach

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Lauren has called Fort Collins home for the past 11 years and brings 15 years of fundraising experience to her work supporting nonprofits and strengthening the communities they serve. Her connection to the NoCo Autism Connection is deeply personal, as her child’s autism diagnosis led her to seek out a community of families who truly understood the journey of raising a neurodivergent child. While she found incredible support from healthcare professionals, she longed for the friendship, compassion, and connection that comes from families who simply “get it.” Lauren is passionate about creating opportunities for families to feel supported, understood, and connected. She believes that community and shared experiences can make all the difference in helping families navigate their unique journeys. Outside of her work with the organization, Lauren enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to music, and making memories with her husband, Will, and their two sons, who keep her busy and on her toes.

Treasurer

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​Jeremy is a dedicated community advocate with a strong passion for social impact and service. With 20 years of experience in the banking industry and 18 years of non-profit board experience, he brings valuable expertise in making community connections and financial knowledge. Jeremy has contributed to various charitable initiatives focused on eliminating family homelessness and youth development. And has a proven track record of helping organizations strengthen their mission, broaden their reach, and deepen their impact. As a member of the board, he is committed to advancing the organization’s goals with integrity, collaboration, and a steadfast belief in the power of community-driven change. When not working or serving his community, he can be found on the golf course, traveling with his family, or helping coach and participate in his two children’s various activities.