Teacher Grants: Empowering Teachers Inspiring Students
Building lasting support for a high-need school community to support teacher grants and students education
Our Purpose
Teachers play a crucial role in shaping student success. The Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund was established to support, inspire, and invest in the educators who enhance education for students at Reynaldo L. Martinez Elementary School.
Founded to honor the legacy and wishes of Reynaldo Martinez, an unwavering advocate for teachers, this Fund is housed under the Tahoe Community Foundation (formerly Parasol), a Nevada 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The Board collaborates closely with school leadership and teachers to ensure that charity donations are directed to support teacher grants where they can make the greatest impact.
All initiatives advanced by the Fund intentionally embody the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, ensuring that every student and family is supported with dignity and opportunity, ultimately helping children thrive.
Measurable Impact in a High-Need Community
With the generous support of our charity donations, Reynaldo L. Martinez Elementary School has achieved meaningful, measurable improvements in education:
- Reading proficiency increased by 8.8%
- Overall academic proficiency rose by 11%
- Chronic absenteeism was reduced by 21%
Despite this progress, the need to enhance education remains significant:
- Only 26% of 3rd graders are reading at grade level
- Just 27% of students in grades 3–5 demonstrate proficiency in math
- Approximately 30% of students are English language learners
- Nearly 90% of students come from minority backgrounds
- Add a 5th bullet saying - 100% of students receive free breakfast and lunch, underscoring the level of need we serve
Your support through the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund ensures that teachers and students continue to move forward, helping children achieve their potential and supporting teacher grants that make a difference.
How Your Gift Supports Teachers and Students
Charity donations to the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund directly support initiatives identified by teachers and school leadership. These contributions help enhance education by providing essential teaching aids and classroom supplies for both mainstream and special-needs students. Additionally, donations fund literacy and learning support programs, educational field trips that broaden students’ experiences, and professional learning grants for teachers. Together, we can support teacher grants and develop family-centered engagement initiatives that truly help children.
Strategic Priorities
To expand its impact and ensure long-term sustainability, the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund is instituting a comprehensive capital campaign focused on: establishing and strengthening major stakeholder and community partnerships, raising $500,000 through charity donations to support Reynaldo L. Martinez Elementary School, and launching a long-term capital fundraising strategy to enhance education for current and future generations. These efforts are designed to help children by building enduring support structures that allow the Fund to respond to both immediate needs and long-term opportunities, including support teacher grants.
School-Based Health Center (Proposed)
The Fund is working toward establishing a School-Based Health Center
This center would provide comprehensive health services to students at no cost, regardless of insurance status, helping children achieve better health outcomes and enhancing education. Through charity donations, we can support essential services such as in-person visits with licensed healthcare providers, care for acute and chronic illnesses, mental health screenings, nutrition and exercise counseling, and oral health assessments with preventative care. Additionally, funding would support essential medical equipment and supplies, including exam tables, seating, computers, immunization storage, screening tools, and clinical materials. This initiative aligns with the mission of the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund to support teacher grants that ultimately benefit our students.
Building Support That Lasts
In addition to annual charity donations, the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund is working toward establishing an initial $500,000 endowment. This long-term investment will provide consistent, reliable support for teachers year after year—regardless of economic cycles or fundraising variability. By giving today, supporters can help children meet immediate classroom needs while also enhancing education and contributing to a lasting foundation for future students and educators through support teacher grants.
Join Us
Help Our Cause
Donating directly to support the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund is quick and easy by clicking on the donate button. Your charity donations will help children enhance education and support teacher grants.
Stay Connected & Learn More
Follow Us on Social Media - Instagram: @MartinezInspirationFund
Helpful Links:
Clark County School District (CCSD): https://ccsd.net/schools/contact-information/0208
Reynaldo L. Martinez Elementary School: https://www.reynaldomartinezelementary.com/
Tahoe Community Foundation (formerly Parasol): www.TahoeCF.org
Join us in supporting the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund, which aims to enhance education and help children thrive. Your charity donations can make a significant impact by providing essential support for teacher grants.
Who We Are - Board of Directors
Diane Martinez
Brandon Rytting
Diane Martinez
In honor of her late husband’s legacy, Diane co-founded the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund to enhance education at Reynaldo Martinez Elementary School, a Title I school in North Las Vegas. As Chair of the Fund’s Board of Directors, she remains deeply committed to expanding its reach and impact through charity donations that pr
In honor of her late husband’s legacy, Diane co-founded the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund to enhance education at Reynaldo Martinez Elementary School, a Title I school in North Las Vegas. As Chair of the Fund’s Board of Directors, she remains deeply committed to expanding its reach and impact through charity donations that provide vital resources, support teacher grants, and celebrate teacher excellence, fostering a learning environment where every child can thrive. Diane is a seasoned real estate investor and developer with a proven track record of successful projects across Virginia, Colorado, and Nevada. Specializing in distressed properties, she has led acquisition, redevelopment, and resale management efforts. With an eye for value, Diane has transformed underperforming properties into high-demand assets. Her strategic approach and deep industry knowledge have allowed her to navigate complex market conditions. Throughout her career, Diane has built a reputation for her ability to identify opportunities, manage projects from start to finish, and drive sustainable growth in the real estate sector. Alongside her business ventures, Diane has devoted significant time to nonprofit and charitable organizations in Washington, D.C., Fort Collins, CO, and Las Vegas, NV. Drawing on her leadership and organizational expertise, she has played a vital role in boosting their visibility, expanding programming, and strengthening community engagement. Her efforts to repair communication fissures and build bridges within these organizations fostered greater cohesion and resilience, ultimately helping children in the community.
Tim Adams
Brandon Rytting
Diane Martinez
An accomplished education leader with over 25 years of experience, Mr. Adams has demonstrated expertise in school administration, instructional improvement, and fostering positive school cultures to enhance education. As a principal in the Clark County School District since 2006, he has enhanced instructional practices, guided school-wide
An accomplished education leader with over 25 years of experience, Mr. Adams has demonstrated expertise in school administration, instructional improvement, and fostering positive school cultures to enhance education. As a principal in the Clark County School District since 2006, he has enhanced instructional practices, guided school-wide mission development, and implemented initiatives like Leader in Me to promote leadership and social-emotional growth among students and staff. Additionally, Mr. Adams has been instrumental in supporting charity donations, such as the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund, which provides grants to help children and support teacher grants. He has been a part of the Community in Schools programs since 2006, and serves as principal at Reynaldo Martinez Elementary, the first CIS school in Southern Nevada. His tenure includes managing large budgets, improving language acquisition for second-language learners, and streamlining teacher performance evaluations aligned with Nevada standards. Recognized for fostering professional development and building community engagement, he was honored as the 2011 Administrator of the Year by the Clark County School Librarians Association and featured in Eric Jensen’s Teaching With Poverty in Mind video series. With a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he also holds certifications from the Howard University Executive Leadership Academy and the Public Education Foundation Executive Leadership Cohort. Currently contributing to the UNLV Mentorship Program, he brings a passion for driving academic excellence and inspiring school communities.
Matt Rytting
Brandon Rytting
Brandon Rytting
Mr. Rytting serves in honor of his father, Reynaldo Martinez, whose lifelong passion was advocating for teachers and students. Matt was with his father in his final moments, when Reynaldo spoke clearly about his desire to continue helping teachers—especially those serving in challenging environments. This charity donations initiative exis
Mr. Rytting serves in honor of his father, Reynaldo Martinez, whose lifelong passion was advocating for teachers and students. Matt was with his father in his final moments, when Reynaldo spoke clearly about his desire to continue helping teachers—especially those serving in challenging environments. This charity donations initiative exists to carry that wish forward. Through the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund, Matt is committed to honoring his father’s legacy while supporting the educators of Reynaldo Martinez Elementary School, whose daily dedication is quietly changing lives and helping children. Professionally, Matt is an entrepreneur and co-owner of multiple OsteoStrong wellness centers, as well as a pilot for Delta Air Lines. He retired after 22 years of service in the United States Air Force, where he flew the F-15. He brings a strategic mindset to the Board, with a particular focus on growing a sustainable endowment that allows the Fund’s annual giving to continue in perpetuity—ensuring lasting support for the teachers and students this mission was created to serve, including support teacher grants that enhance education.
Brandon Rytting
Brandon Rytting
Brandon Rytting
Mr. Rytting brings both professional expertise and heartfelt dedication to his role as a board member of the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund. With a background in emergency management, Brandon understands the value of strategic planning, thorough preparation, and building community resilience—core principles that align perfectl
Mr. Rytting brings both professional expertise and heartfelt dedication to his role as a board member of the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund. With a background in emergency management, Brandon understands the value of strategic planning, thorough preparation, and building community resilience—core principles that align perfectly with the Fund’s mission to enhance education and support teacher grants aimed at uplifting teachers and students. As one of two sons of the late Reynaldo Martinez, Brandon is committed to preserving his father’s legacy by working to level the playing field for all students. He is dedicated to equipping teachers with essential resources to help children recognize their potential. Through charity donations and fundraising initiatives that promote the Fund’s long-term stability, he, along with other board members, focuses on developing robust community partnerships and pursuing innovative strategies to broaden the Fund’s impact. Through these efforts, he helps ensure the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund continues to make a lasting, positive impact in the North Las Vegas community and beyond for generations to come.
Board of Directors
Alex Ortiz
Heather Somers Teacher Representative
Lee Peyton, Ph.D.
Mr. Ortiz has over 30 years of experience in executive leadership, project management, financial oversight, and legislative support across the private and public sectors. His distinguished career includes more than 28 years in Clark County, NV local government, where he managed crucial departmental units, oversaw complex operations, and r
Mr. Ortiz has over 30 years of experience in executive leadership, project management, financial oversight, and legislative support across the private and public sectors. His distinguished career includes more than 28 years in Clark County, NV local government, where he managed crucial departmental units, oversaw complex operations, and represented Clark County as a Lobbyist during multiple Nevada Legislative Sessions. Alex is an accomplished, analytical leader with a proven record of enhancing organizational efficiency, streamlining operations, and building robust, multi-stakeholder relationships, demonstrating a profound capacity for policy influence and strategic governance. Alex's deep commitment to mentorship and community development, particularly in Southern Nevada, aligns directly with the mission of the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund, which aims to help children and enhance education through charity donations and support teacher grants. In the early 2000s, Alex served in key leadership roles as Vice President and Treasurer for the Reynaldo L. Martinez Institute for Leadership and Research. This involvement highlights a sustained dedication to the organization's goals. Alex is also a graduate of Leadership Las Vegas and has contributed extensively to youth development through roles like Coach for the Boys and Girls Club and Co-Director/Counselor for the National Conference for Community and Justice's Camp Anytown. This civic background, combined with his executive experience, makes him an advocate for community progress and ethical leadership.
Lee Peyton, Ph.D.
Heather Somers Teacher Representative
Lee Peyton, Ph.D.
When I was in graduate school, I met Reynaldo and Diane while they were dating in Fort Collins and hosted them for a memorable romantic evening alone at my secluded, one-room Rocky Mountain wilderness cabin with only candles for light, and a wood stove for cooking and heating, and no indoor plumbing. After their relationship survived that
When I was in graduate school, I met Reynaldo and Diane while they were dating in Fort Collins and hosted them for a memorable romantic evening alone at my secluded, one-room Rocky Mountain wilderness cabin with only candles for light, and a wood stove for cooking and heating, and no indoor plumbing. After their relationship survived that night (you can get the hilarious story from Diane), it was clear they were meant for each other. I fondly remember our week-long bicycle trips frequently interrupted by calls from the senator. Additionally, my trip with Reynaldo to Gethsemane Abbey in Kentucky allowed us to soak up the spirit of Thomas Merton, who inspired both of us. I even attempted to play the guitar at their wedding in Diane’s mom's living room in Denver. While I was teaching engineering and writing research proposals in Missouri, and meeting with federal agencies in DC to secure funding for collaboration with China, Reynaldo graciously let me use his desk in the senator’s office as my home base during my visits. Later, as rector of an Episcopal parish in Georgia, I had long discussions with Reynaldo about theology, Thomas Merton, and the civil rights movement after we toured Carter’s Presidential Library together in Atlanta. Now, in New York, I’m working on a book project that covers some of the same topics that Reynaldo and I enjoyed discussing. It’s an honor to serve on the board that is preserving Reynaldo’s passion for teachers and students, ensuring that charity donations enhance education to help children succeed and excel through the highest-quality education possible, including supporting teacher grants through the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund.
Merlinda R. Gallegos, Ph.D.
Heather Somers Teacher Representative
Heather Somers Teacher Representative
Merlinda is a proud founding member of the Martinez Mountaineers, starting with serving on the school dedication committee. She met Reynaldo L. Martinez while volunteering for a Latino Leadership conference at the College of Southern Nevada. Rey chose to join her and the high school students she was chaperoning for lunch. Learning that sh
Merlinda is a proud founding member of the Martinez Mountaineers, starting with serving on the school dedication committee. She met Reynaldo L. Martinez while volunteering for a Latino Leadership conference at the College of Southern Nevada. Rey chose to join her and the high school students she was chaperoning for lunch. Learning that she was also born in New Mexico, almost immediately Merlinda became Rey’s “hermanita.” He appointed her to leadership positions in his nonprofit endeavors, including the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund, which aims to enhance education through charity donations and support teacher grants. Merlinda had a fulfilling career in philanthropy, holding leadership positions in a nonprofit federation, family foundation, public foundation, and corporate philanthropy program. She also served on various nonprofit boards of directors and was appointed to several government task forces and governing boards at the county and state level. Merlinda is currently living la Pura Vida in Costa Rica, continuing her commitment to help children in need.
Heather Somers Teacher Representative
Heather Somers Teacher Representative
Heather Somers Teacher Representative
With 27 years of dedicated experience in education, Ms. Somers has had the privilege of teaching students in grades 2 through 5. She currently serves as the Read by Grade 3 Literacy Specialist at Martinez Elementary School, where she also facilitates the Reading Skills Center. Driven by a deep passion for literacy and a commitment to enha
With 27 years of dedicated experience in education, Ms. Somers has had the privilege of teaching students in grades 2 through 5. She currently serves as the Read by Grade 3 Literacy Specialist at Martinez Elementary School, where she also facilitates the Reading Skills Center. Driven by a deep passion for literacy and a commitment to enhance education, she specializes in identifying and addressing the root causes of reading difficulties to help children succeed. Ms. Somers' leadership extends to presiding over the school’s Lighthouse Action Team and the Response to Intervention (RTI) Team. Through her work, she actively supports teacher grants, including initiatives like the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund, while fostering a supportive learning environment that empowers both students and educators through evidence-based literacy practices.