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.
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Our Staff
Maricela Gutierrez Rodriguez, MNLM | Executive Director
Maricela was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Communication Disorders and completed her Masters in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. She is fluent in Spanish and functional American Sign Language. Maricela has worked in community-based organizations for over eight years specializing in program management, education and training. She has been working with families and individuals with disabilities both locally and worldwide for the past ten years. Maricela brings her passion for community engagement and inclusion to the JUSTin HOPE Foundation. |
Carla Parra | Program Coordinator
Carla is a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. Her studies and volunteer work have allowed her to work with different populations, strengthening her passion for empowering and supporting vulnerable groups. Carla completed her social work internship placement at the JUSTin HOPE Foundation where she gained experience in working with families and individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities while learning valuable skills to be a successful professional. She aims to explore new spaces that can teach her new skills and help her grow as she pursues a career in social work. "I am excited about working for the JUSTin HOPE Foundation because although I expect it to challenge me at times, I know there is so much I can learn from working with the people and community who make this organization possible." |
Citlalli Garcia Alejandre | MSW Intern
Citlalli received a bachelor’s degree in psychology as a first-generation student from the University of Nevada, Reno. Her previous work experience at Washoe County School District with students with disabilities created a passion to make a positive impact on individuals’ lives. These experiences have illuminated the importance of empowerment and support in fostering growth. Currently, on the path to earning her master's degree in social work, Citlalli's aspirations are helping create a community that offers more resources for individuals with disabilities. She wants to gain an understanding of clinical therapy and an aspiration to offer bilingual services. “Having the opportunity to be a part of the JUSTin HOPE Foundation a is responsibility that might be rigorous. However, it will be gratifying knowing how much I can gain from connecting with program participants and the local community.” |
Megan Spangler | BSW Intern
Megan is in her fourth year at the University of Nevada, Reno and is pursuing a Bachelor degree in Social Work (BSW) with a minor in Developmental Disabilities. Her background in working with Special Olympics, running a community group for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and doing in-home caregiving have fueled her excitement to advocate for an inclusive society. Joining the JUSTin HOPE Foundation as an intern, Megan is excited to advance her professional skills while learning how to better promote inclusion and advocacy. “I have always had a passion for the disability community and feel they have much more to teach us than we can teach them. I am looking forward to not only growing as a professional and a future social worker, but growing as an individual. I strongly believe that interning for the JUSTin HOPE Foundation can help me achieve these goals.” |
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. |
Rasa Corletto
Parent Rasa was born and raised in a small town in Lithuania and moved to the USA 20 years ago. She is a proud stay at home mom to Brady, 6, and Abigaile, 11. Her daughter has cerebral palsy and requires 24/7 care and that is why she chose to be a stay at home parent 8 years ago. "Abby is my inspiration and drive to stand up and advocate for kids and adults with disabilities." Jesse Corletto Parent/First Responder/Record Street Brewing Jesse is Nevada native and is a proud father of four amazing children. He is a firefighter of 20 years, business owner, and a passionate community stake holder. Together they enjoy and value family time, days at a lake, nature walks with their pup Luna, date nights trying new foods, concerts and binge watching Netflix shows. |
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. |