Ours Is A Four Corners Approach
1) Academic Lessons are KEY.
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Providing age appropriate instruction is a platform that creates interest and the opportunity to utilize higher order thinking skills. Academics can calm the protective nature of the lower brain when the academic level of the student is met with information that fires the upper, more logical thinking brain. Keeping the flow between instructor and student interesting allows the student to demonstrate understanding through our choice based delivery methodology which utilizes choosing between words as well as letters to choose or spell responses pertaining to lessons.
3) Life Experiences are KEY.
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We delve into the great outdoors (and indoors) to experience life in a fuller and bigger, more purposeful way, taking our communication out into the community, volunteering services, and moving the body in purposeful ways as we climb, hike, and row and move the body in cross brain motor activities!
2) Communication is KEY.
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The result of respecting a student’s intellect by presenting age appropriate academics, and offering that student a method of responding and participating in the lesson is foundational in becoming proficient in communication. Students learn to choose between letters to spell responses in a back and forth exchange between teacher and student. This academic approach often leads to more open communication.
4) Purpose in Movement is KEY.
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Experiencing life in purposeful movement may seem like a no-brainer to some, but it is actually an all-brainer! Besides getting the brain involved in cross-body movement in the community and outdoors, we will help you implement a full brain/body movement program that will aid in calming anxiety and in integrating primal reflexes. (Details coming soon)
OUR TEAM
JOSHA SMITH
Co-Founder and CEO
Josha, a licensed special educator with ongoing training in Rapid Prompting Method and certification in Natural Play Therapy, 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.
KAEGAN SMITH
Co-Founder & Community Outreach Coordinator
Kaegan enthusiastically directs his efforts toward supporting others who lack consistent, reliable communication. Having gained the control required to spell his thoughts to communicate at the age of 18, he has focused on aiding others through co-founding Keys 4 Autism which is an organization providing inspiration and guidance for families who seek to understand their non-speaking/minimally-speaking/unreliably speaking loved ones. Kaegan is the creator of an online mentorship project called, Dear Me. He has presented at conferences and for school staff, enlightening his audiences concerning what it is like to be misunderstood and how to better support and understand those with apraxia. He is currently serving a second year on the Colorado Special Education Advisory Committee, where he seeks to make an impact within the school systems regarding special services and communication access. He also pursues excellence on behalf of students at Hirsch Academy, Atlanta, where he sits on a visionary board and assists with a school mentorship group. Kaegan has studied environmental sustainability online through the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, receiving a certificate in the subject. His next endeavor is to earn a University certificate in assistive technologies- a study that begins January, 2022.
ELLEN MCKAMEY
Chief Operations Officer
Ellen has over 15 years of experience working in domestic and international special education, including applied behavior analysis, play-based therapy, public awareness, child advocacy and most recently became a certified RPM provider as well as earned her Assistive Technology certificate from California State University Northridge. 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 students 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 Keys and we're thrilled to have her on our team.
CHELSEA ROGERS
Level 1 RPM Provider/Social Media Management
​Chelsea has had many careers in her past that gave her purpose but something was always missing. She knew she wanted to be a part of something bigger and kept searching, leading her to work with multiple non-profits as well as becoming a certified yoga teacher. She still wanted more and was open to what would present to her, leading her to meet the KEYS community that she unknowingly was searching for. She loves the outdoors and finds the best way to appreciate it is sharing the adventure with other people. She is passionate about mindfulness, health and wellness and helping whoever she can in whatever capacity she has. Chelsea organizes purposeful activities and adventures, involving movement that activates total body awareness. She loves to guide anyone on how to move with the breath with her workouts she has with students including yoga. Chelsea is also starting to teach RPM with students and is on her way to being RPM certified!
CRIS AVALOS HARO
Property Manager
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 Keys4Autism. 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 Keys4Autism. 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.
SAVANNAH MERCADO
Activities Coordinator
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 Keys4Autism.