Founder/President
Maria (“Ria”) Lopez, the Special Needs CommUNITY of Northern Nevada’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, is a proud Indigenous and Latinx woman who is also a loving mother to two autistic children. Ria’s life has been shaped by her experiences as a neurodivergent person and being the mother of children with special needs. Her dedication to her family and her community has inspired her to become a powerful advocate for disabled individuals and their caregivers.
Ria’s journey as an advocate began when she realized the lack of support and resources available to families like hers. Frustrated by the system’s inability to meet the needs of her family and others like them, Ria took matters into her own hands and founded the Special Needs CommUNITY of Northern Nevada. This nonprofit organization provides a safe and supportive community for disabled individuals no matter their ability and also provides another layer of support for caregivers. It also serves as a platform for advocacy, raising awareness about the challenges faced by disabled individuals and their families.
Ria’s advocacy work has not gone unnoticed. She has become a respected leader in her community, working tirelessly to ensure that the voices of disabled individuals and their caregivers are heard. Her efforts have led to significant improvements in disability services and increased awareness of the challenges faced by disabled individuals and their families.
Despite the many challenges she has faced, Ria remains committed to her family and her community. Her dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of disabled individuals and their caregivers has earned her the admiration and respect of those around her. Ria is a true inspiration, demonstrating the power of love, dedication, and advocacy in the face of adversity.
Vice President – Position Available
If you are interested in applying for this position, click here.
Secretary
Amy Koeckes (she/her), is the Secretary of the Special Needs CommUNITY of Northern Nevada and a volunteer for SNCNN. She is a native Nevadan who was born and raised in Fallon Nevada, and moved to Reno to attend the University of Nevada, Reno.
She earned her MA in educational leadership and her BA in art at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is the past Chair of Nevada Governors Commission of Service and has served on various location, state, and national boards.
Outside of work, she spends time with her daughter and nephew, who are both on the autism spectrum. She hopes to grow connections in the community as well as expand more events for Teens and Young Adults.
Treasurer
Chris Marlow (he/him), the Treasurer of the Special Needs CommuUNITY of Northern Nevada and a volunteer advocate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business/finance and is a seasoned expert in the fields of investing, finance and fraud prevention. With a wealth of experience, he has made significant contributions to each of these areas, driven by his commitment to excellence and innovation.
Beyond his professional achievements, Christopher is happily married and has a wonderful daughter named Quinn on the autism spectrum. Additionally, at a young age of 7 he had a dramatic brain injury from a bike accident accepted his disabilities, which fueled his drive, passion, and commitment for volunteering needs for the community. He loves to travel, embracing new cultures and experiences, and is a golfer at heart. Chris is also passionate about self-development, continually seeking to enhance his skills and knowledge. His fascination with innovation in investing fuels his drive to stay ahead of industry trends and deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Grant Writer
Marisol Lizaola, Grant Writer of the Special Needs CommUNITY of Northern Nevada, has years of experience in managing, overseeing, and evaluating grants. Most recently, her role at the Reno Police Department involved coordinating multiple grant efforts that focused on the dangers and misuse of opioid abuse in our local community. Through a comprehensive multidisciplinary action group, multiple goals and objectives were reached such as providing prescriber education trainings, increasing access to Medicated-Assisted Treatment, and spearheading a mass-reach health communication campaign to increase awareness and resources available in the community with one goal in mind: to help those affected by the opioid crisis in our local community.
Beyond the completion of her Master’s Degree, she has also received hours of training in Advanced Behavior Analysis (ABA), a therapy based on the science of learning and behaviors. For those that may be unfamiliar, ABA therapy is a widely used and effective form of behavior modification designed to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other related issues and disabilities learn new skills, modify existing behaviors, improve communication, and promote academic success.
As the grant writer, her focus primarily resides in persuasively communicating SNCNN’s needs, goals/objectives, programs, and missions to potential donors. Additionally, she is responsible for finding ways to secure essential funding to support SNCNN through research, writing, communication, and project management skills.
She is also a mother of two beautiful boys who inspire her every day to keep pushing forward and to help others in need. She is a passionate, hard-working individual who eagerly volunteers her time and efforts for SNCNN and the community.
Adaptive Music & Dance Coordinator
Roshanna “Rosie” Elwing was born and raised in Reno, NV. She holds a B.A. in Vocal Performance from the University of Nevada, Reno, and graduated in 2013.
From 2012-2022, Roshanna volunteered with our local special needs community through Note-Able Music Therapy Services. She was also employed through local group and private home care agencies where she provided support and assistance to adults with varying developmental and mental health needs. From 2021-2022, she was employed at the Note-Ables as an adaptive music and dance instructor. In 2013, she joined the Unitarian Universalist of Northern Nevada Fellowship choir where she has served as the interim music director. Her fellowship is her core support system and she is so grateful for her fellowship family.
In 2011, Roshanna earned her Minor in French through UNR’s USAC program at the Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour in Pau, France. From 2007- 2009, she attended Biola University’s Conservatory of Music where she earned her Associate’s Degree under the direction of Dr. Susan Ali. From 2004-2007 she studied Vocal Performance, Dance, Theatre, and Musical Theatre at Truckee Meadows Community College under the direction of Theodore Owens and Dr. William Tell Gifford.
Roshanna is currently attending Saint Mary of the Woods College online Music Therapy program in pursuit of a Music Therapy degree and license. She also hopes to one day return to University of Nevada, Reno for a Master’s in Music Education or Music Performance.
Roshanna is currently a Pre-K teacher’s aid with Washoe County School District where she practices and provides trauma-informed curriculum to better serve her students, especially those with special, social emotional, and trauma needs. She is teaching herself Spanish and other as needed languages in order to facilitate her students who are English language learners. It is her desire to utilize her Music Therapy license to better serve Washoe County School District and its students while also continuing to pursue her love of music and dance as the Adaptive Music and Dance coordinator for Special Needs CommUNITY of Northern Nevada. She is vehemently honored and blessed to witness and be a part of Reno’s ever growing special needs community.
Special Needs CommUNITY of Northern Nevada 