Lynda Tache’s world was forever changed when her only child, Grant, was born in 2001. He was a beautiful baby, but had many different developmental and behavioral challenges starting as young as 6 months old. After years of struggling and not being able to find answers, Grant was finally diagnosed 5 ½ years later with autism and other related conditions, taking Lynda’s life on a very special path that unbeknownst to her would impact many lives, including her own. She was now a single mom at a loss for where to turn next for answers and support after the diagnosis to help her and her son find hope. Like most parents in this same situation, she woke up every morning asking herself, “What now, and what does the future hold?” Little did she know her quest for answers would change hers, Grant’s and numerous families in similar situations’ lives for the better.
Her quest for solutions to answer her questions began, and in 2007 Lynda took her need to find help to the state, working on policy and advocacy for autism and other underserved populations. In 2009, she courageously started a non-profit organization in honor of her son, named Grant a Gift Autism Foundation. Lynda served as the President, CEO, and Board Member of the organization, including Chairperson of the Board, from its inception until her exit in 2017. Under her leadership, Grant a Gift became a premier nonprofit in Nevada, providing hope and help for families affected by autism. Prior to her departure, Lynda spearheaded the creation of the multi-million-dollar Grant a Gift affiliate named UNLV Medicine Ackerman Autism Center in Partnership with the School of Medicine where it still remains aligned. Today, it is known as the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation Ackerman Center and is the largest center for Autism in the state of Nevada that serves thousands of children, youth, and family members annually.
Lynda once again found a need to find answers and create solutions to next steps for her family and community as Grant was transitioning into adulthood. In 2019, she was presented with the opportunity to collaborate on creating more comprehensive programs and services for all types of neurodevelopmental and related conditions, where she co-founded the Collaboration Center Foundation. During her tenure as its Co-Founder, President, CEO, and Board Member, she spearheaded the organization’s multi-million-dollar, 5-acre campus buildout that serves thousands of individuals, family members, and caregivers living with Intellectual, Developmental, Physical and Learning Disabilities of all ages.
Throughout all of this, Lynda continued to work on disability policy and state advocacy, including serving as the Political Director for Marsy’s Law Victims’ Rights Bill for Nevada, which passed as Question 1 on the November 2018 ballot, revising the Nevada Constitution. Lynda currently works on statewide committees, programs, and trustee boards that affect systems change and is a faculty member for the LEND (Leadership and Education for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) program through the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities at University of Nevada, Reno. She has also served as a Trustee Member on the Discovery Children’s Museum and Autism Coalition of Nevada boards, among others. She is currently a Women United member for the United Way of Southern Nevada and serves on the Association of Fundraising Professionals Board and Advisory Board of The Salvation Army of Southern Nevada.
Lynda is a CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) and is a CLC (Certified Life & Business Coach). She is truly dedicated to serving and guiding individuals, non-profit organizations, and corporate businesses that desire to impact their communities, and most importantly, families living with autism and other disabilities find hope for the future and achieve the greatest quality of life possible.
Today, Lynda is excited to continue her journey, working directly alongside both nonprofits and families to help them find their greatness and reach their full potential – the time is now!