DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION |
Here at JUSTin Hope Foundation our mission reflects our dedication to creating an inclusive environment with diversity, equity, and inclusion in mind. We are dedicated to promoting a society that recognizes and values the unique abilities and contributions of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We hope to create an inclusive environment that ensures equal opportunities, accessibility, and support. This hope extends to our programs, services, and advocacy efforts as we work towards fostering a more inclusive society for all.
|
Our Staff
|
Maricela Gutierrez Rodriguez, MNLM | Executive Director
Maricela is a dedicated advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, bringing years of experience and a passion for community service to the JUSTin HOPE Foundation. Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, Maricela has a deep connection to her community, which drives her commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for all. With a degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, she combines her academic background with hands-on experience. She has worked with families and individuals with disabilities both locally and internationally for over a decade, helping to enhance their quality of life through direct support, program coordination, and advocacy efforts. Fluent in Spanish and conversational in American Sign Language, Maricela is committed to breaking down barriers to accessibility and inclusion. She leads with compassion and believes in empowering individuals to live their best lives. |
|
Megan Spangler | MSW Intern
Megan is a college graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and is pursuing a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Nevada, Reno. She completed her social work internship for her Bachelor degree at JUSTin HOPE as she has a passion for working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She is continuing her internship with JUSTin HOPE as she gained experience working with the population she is passionate about. In her free time Megan loves to spend time outdoors whether it is hiking, skiing, paddle boarding, or rock climbing. She loves to volunteer to give back to the Reno community and hopes to facilitate an inclusive environment in doing so. This year she aims to learn more about the administrative side of social work while gaining a better understanding of serving individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. "I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to intern for the JUSTin HOPE Foundation again. There is so much to learn from serving others and I cannot wait to give back to the community of Reno as it has provided so much for me!" |
|
Rachel Caldwell | MSW Intern
Rachel Caldwell is a current MSW student at UNR, where she graduated in 2019 with dual Bachelors' degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, cooking, reading, and knitting as well as other textile crafts. She is currently interning with the JUSTin Hope Foundation with goals to learn how best to serve her community through outreach and in what ways she can put her Social Work studies to good use. She is particularly interested in complex family systems and policy implementation to better her community. "I am particularly excited about contributing to the Foundation's goals overall, which are to help individuals with disabilities live their best lives. I have a lot of energy, positivity and a drive to learn, finding that a hands-on approach is the best means of overcoming anxiety and truly putting your best foot forward for the benefit of everyone." |
|
Sophia Torrez | MSW Intern
Sophie was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She moved to Reno, Nevada in 2020, graduated with a degree in Social Work in May of 2024 and is currently pursuing her masters degree also in Social Work. Sophie is using her experience with other local nonprofit organizations to learn how to be an effective asset at the JUSTin HOPE Foundation. "I am looking forward to continuing to work with families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and am elated and proud to encompass everything that the JUSTin HOPE foundation stands for." |
|
Natalie Grady | MSW Intern
Natalie graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with degrees in Business and Human Development Family Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work. Fluent in Spanish, Natalie brings a multicultural lens to her work, with a deep commitment to mental health advocacy. Her passion for community engagement stems from her involvement with nonprofits such as the Boys and Girls Club, where she gained a unique perspective both as a member and a staff member. This experience has shaped her understanding of the importance of youth programs and the power of community support. "In my internship with the JUSTin HOPE Foundation, I want to strive to focus on supporting individuals who may be seeking help for the first time later in life. I hope to bridge the gap for those who have lacked access to resources and assistance, creating culturally sensitive care plans." |
|
Nathan Carrillo | BSW Intern
Nathan Carrillo is a first-generation college graduate with a Associate’s Degree in Social Work from Truckee Meadows Community College. He was born and raised in Sparks, Nevada. His interest for Social Work stems from his two biggest inspirations in life; his mother and grandmother, who have taught him to treat everyone with kindness and respect. Currently, he is a BSW student at the University of Nevada-Reno. His goal is to bring various individuals from different cultures and backgrounds together to create impactful and meaningful communities. Through his volunteer experience at Holland Project he has witnessed the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for people’s wellbeing. “My personal mission is to help individuals reach their potential all while being true to who they are. Interning at JUSTin Hope is a wonderful opportunity for me and I cannot express how grateful I am.” |
|
Sarah Phillips | BSW Intern
Sarah is a senior at the University of Nevada, Reno working on earning her bachelor's degree in social work and minoring in social justice. She is passionate about many social issues and hopes to bring the change that she wants to see in the world. Sarah has worked with people with disabilities in the past and is excited to get the opportunity to do so again. Having a disability herself, she feels that she has a fantastic opportunity to better connect with her clients on shared experiences. "At the JUSTin HOPE Foundation, I hope to learn how to better help individuals in the intellectual and developmental disability community." |
Board of Directors
|
Karen Purcell | Chair
PK Electrical, Inc. Karen Purcell, P.E., is the founder, owner, and president of PK Electrical, Inc., an electrical engineering, design, and consulting firm with offices in Reno, NV and Denver, CO. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Widener University in Pennsylvania. Ms. Purcell has more than 30 years of experience in electrical engineering. She draws on her successful engineering experience to inspire young women to enter into and remain in science, technology, engineering and math related careers with full confidence, knowing that she did it, other women have done it, and that they are unquestionably our leaders of tomorrow. Ms. Purcell is a Nevada Women’s Fund board member, served as the Event Chair for the 2016 Salute to Women of Achievement, and has received numerous awards in her profession. |
|
Mitch Laughton | Chair
The Laughton Co. Mitch is the president of The Laughton Company, an insurance brokerage and investment advisory firm. Mitch has spent more than 30 years specializing in advising businesses and individuals on their Health and their Wealth. His goal is to assist in designing a blueprint for success with business owners as they build their financial fortress. With his unique experience in Employee Benefit, Executive Benefit, and Retirement Benefit planning , the team at the Laughton Company delivers programs that can combine sponsored programs with individual planning to meet personal goals. Mitch graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's of science in business. Mitch and his wife Galen have been married for 29 years. They have two sets of twins: Carter, Kelsey, Sydney, and Shayna. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, golf, skiing, fishing, music, and sports |
|
Gabriela Garcia | Treasurer
Itron, Inc. Gabriela is a dynamic professional in finance with a specialization in treasury management. She holds dual degrees in Finance and International Business, complemented by an MBA. Her career trajectory includes years at a leading bank, followed by transformative years at an international corporation. Amidst her corporate achievements, Gabriela remains rooted in her community connections, taking pride in her vibrant Latina heritage. This nexus fuels her commitment to giving back and sparking positive change. Beyond the hustle of numbers and spreadsheets, Gaby finds solace in the open air and traveling the world. As much as she appreciates the analytical world, she is equally passionate about the natural world. You'll often find her exploring trails, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking in the beauty of the outdoors with her husband and dogs. |
|
Art Reitz | Co-Founder
Reno Fire Department Art is the co-founder of the JUSTin Hope Foundation. He is Justin's father and has been married to Carol for almost 20 years. He has been employed with the City of Reno Fire Department for the past 17 years. He is the recipient of the 2014-2015 Community Service Award from Firehouse Magazine and the Northern Nevada Red Cross Real Heroes Community Impact Award for 2014. |
|
Meredith Williams
United Federal Credit Union Market Vice President for United Federal Credit Union, responsible for growing the Nevada Market through engaging and developing her employees and the community. Meredith has over 23 years of financial service industry experience in the Reno and Carson City, NV area and also serves the community as a board member and Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern NV. |
|
Brandon Gottier
BDG Web Design Brandon is the founder and owner of BDG Web Design, a web development firm in Reno, NV. BDG’s main focus is custom web development and mobile applications. Brandon enjoys being able to work with other small businesses in the area to develop systems and create solutions to help his clients succeed. Brandon grew up in Washington state and moved to Nevada to play baseball at the University of Nevada Reno in 2002. In 2005, Brandon graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Business Information Systems. In his spare time, he enjoys playing sports, camping, hiking and spending time with his wife and two daughters. |
|
Dave Sinclair
Score Mentor Dave is a US Navy Veteran, founder and President of CEI Alarm in Sparks, Nevada since 1991 (30 years) and has recently sold his business and is now retired. Dave has completed The EO Entrepreneurial Master’s Program at MIT (Class of 2014) and has extensive business experience having purchased 15 alarm companies over the years. He has won many awards such as voted Best Place to Work in the State of Nevada (twice). Dave is an active member in the community serving as Past President of many organizations including The Rotary Club of Sparks, Executive Association of Reno, and currently a board member of the Reno/Sparks Chamber of Commerce. |
|
Meagan Noin
MN | G Partners, Inc. As the principal of her firm, Meagan personally oversees the execution of communication campaigns, manages client budgets, oversees operations, new business development, and media and client relations on a local, regional and national level. Her areas of practice include corporate communications, product promotion, event management, traditional and online advertising placement, crisis communications and media relations. A Reno native, Meagan is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno with dual degrees in journalism and political science. She taught media production as a member of the faculty at the Reynolds School of Journalism and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation. She is also an active member of the University of Nevada Young Alumni Association and the Builders Association of Northern Nevada (BANN). |
|
Austin Sweet
Gunderson Law Firm Austin is a partner at Gunderson Law Firm. Austin’s practice focuses on business, contract, and real estate law. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington before attending the Boston University School of Law. Since returning to Reno, Austin has primarily represented local businesses and business owners in a wide variety of matters across Nevada, California, and the nation. Austin enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Kerry and their two daughters. You can usually find them somewhere in the Sierras, likely hiking, skiing, rock climbing, trail running, backpacking, or camping. |
|
Joanne Ryan
Microsoft Corporation Joanne is first off, a mom to her three sons Conor, Brendan and Shane, and wife to her husband Bob. As a family, they love spending time together on vacations and outdoors, especially skiing and being at Lake Tahoe. In addition, Joanne has worked at Microsoft for the last 11 years currently as a Senior Launch Manager. While her focus is on her three sons, she focuses a lot of needed time with her second son Brendan, who is diagnosed with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), a rare, severe form of Epilepsy. LGS is characterized by drug resistant seizures that start in childhood, more than one seizure type, specific EEG pattern and developmental delay/cognitive impairment. In her spare time, she loves to read, work out, quilt, and serve on boards supporting the disability community. |