Board of Directors
2022 Board Members at DIRT’s Annual Fundraiser Take Root held @ Mosaic Community Campus
Bryn baldassdari - chair
With a background in Human Development and Family Studies and a specialization in Occupational Therapy courses from Colorado State University, Bryn's journey has come full circle. Having returned to her hometown of Littleton as the Executive Director of Stepping Stone Support Center, Bryn's passion for empowering people with disabilities is evident. Her enthusiasm for our mission aligns seamlessly with her dedication to creating employment opportunities and fostering integration in the workplace.
Sasha Hutchings - Vice Chair
Sasha is a dynamic force in the non-profit arena, serving as the Executive Director of Jefferson County Communities That Care. With past roles as the Managing Director of Phamaly Theater Company and Director of Victim Services and Advocacy Network in the Denver District Attorney's office, her experience spans impactful positions in diverse domains.
CHRISTOPHER TOMPKINS - TREASURER
With over two decades of experience in pharmaceutical and biotechnology, Chris brings a wealth of expertise as Chief Technology Officer of KromaTiD. His insights into industries historically lacking neurodivergent opportunities fuel his passion for defining roles, accommodations, and careers for these individuals.
BARRY JACKSON - SECRETARY
Barry is a seasoned and creative business executive with over 30 years of experience producing individual and team results in both entrepreneurial and diverse corporate environments. Having lived in many places since eighth grade, when he left Colorado to do the Air Force base to base hop, he returned to Colorado with a wife and two kids in tow. Barry found himself appointed by then-Governor Ritter to the Colorado Autism Commission, where he was elected Co-Chair by his peers.
Dustin Roberts, MBA, QKA, AIF®
Dustin, a Vice President and Consultant at Innovest Portfolio Solutions, focuses on enhancing retirement plan efficiency as part of the Retirement Plan Practice Group. He also leads the Employee Education Team, conducting presentations and meetings for participants.
Driven by a personal mission to support neurodivergent individuals, Dustin is committed to assisting plan sponsors in fulfilling their fiduciary duties and achieving enhanced retirement outcomes. He believes in helping people and organizations realize their exceptional potential while ensuring greater financial security.
Shae Clark
Shae, an accomplished leader and Vice President of Human Resources at FirstBank, brings a strong leadership background and dedication to excellence.
With a military background of nearly six years in the US Navy, Shae's commitment and discipline are evident. Currently, they also serve as the Director of Membership at the Denver Veteran Leadership Council. Shae is a driving force in their organization's diversity committee, actively shaping initiatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their personal mission, driven by experience, involves empowering neurodivergent individuals and creating a more inclusive community.
Manan Kothari
Manan's life has been shaped by a journey from a family-owned coffee farm in Costa Rica to revitalizing a local food store in Berkeley, CA. This journey underscores his commitment to accessibility, community, and service. Starting as a DIRT volunteer, he immersed himself in our mission, attending intern events and fundraisers. His desire to make an impact led him to become an integral part of our team.
BENNETT Parnes
Father of a young woman with autism, Bennett and his wife Betty are founding members of Pinyon Ranch and DIRT, a non-profit with a mission to provide work and living solutions for adults with autism. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Bennett has lived in Chicago, California, Thailand, and Hawaii finally making his way to Denver in 1995.
A physician and Medical Director of the Senior's Clinic at the University of Colorado Hospital, he continues to provide support and direction to our growing organization.
Mary Boone
Advocating for her autistic son ignited Mary's passion for DIRT's mission from the outset. Her decade-long paralegal experience and unwavering support drive her belief in the capabilities of neuro-diverse adults.
“When I am at DIRT or a DIRT truck event, I am so moved by the pride the interns have when they are working and how welcoming the community has been. These very capable adults need the support of the community to reach their full potential, and DIRT is the stepping stone that is missing for most of them.”
Lauren Kelly (LK)
Lauren Kelly was born and raised in Colorado. She has worked for Target for nine years and has been volunteering with the organization since the very beginning. She was introduced to the organization through Garden. She also has been traveling with the Gnomes since 2017 and is serving as an Ambassador.
In her spare time, she participates in Special Olympics. Over the past ten years, she has been a Fitness Captain and Athlete Leader. She is passionate about helping other people that have disabilities.