TRiO Veterans Staff

• College success program operations
• Adult learners
• Recruitment of Veterans and active duty service members into education
• TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program objectives and progress
• TRIO Educational Opportunity Center - Eastern program objectives and progress
• Program eligibility for adult learners, Veterans, and military-connected students

Katie Leishman is an advocate for individuals striving to achieve their educational and occupational goals. She is deeply honored to play a role in assisting Veterans and first-generation individuals on their journey to postsecondary education. Katie's career in higher education began in 2017 at Idaho State University's College of Technology, where her work focused on assisting underserved populations. As Director of the TRiO Veterans Upward Bound and TRiO Educational Opportunity Center at Idaho State University, Katie is very excited about serving and connecting first-generation college students and Veterans with valuable educational and community resources. She firmly believes that education is a transformative force that can impact not only individuals but future generations. Katie's mission is to empower and transform lives through education. Her work isn't just a profession—it's a commitment to creating positive change.

• Help accessing Federal Financial Aid 
• Filling out a FAFSA 
• Applying to any college
• Connecting with the experts for any question you have about being in school or paying for school 
• Tutoring 
• Building up math and English skills to avoid remedial classes 
• Deciding on a major and career (whether that is a 4 year Bachelors, an Associate’s degree, or Certificate)
• Assist with filling out va.gov

Carissa Alleman is a first-generation and non-traditional student. She is passionate about education and exploring options and opportunities for Veterans in their educational experience. She has received her Bachelors in Anthropology and is currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Social-Cultural Anthropology at Idaho State University. Carissa has worked at Idaho State University for 9 years and is excited to serve TRIO Veterans in her new role as an advisor and recruiter.

• Assistance in completing college entry and reentry applications
• Provide information on financial assistance for postsecondary participants
• Facilitate Financial/Economic Literacy lessons
• Assistance in student loan default mitigation
• Assistance in completing the FAFSA
• Assist clients in being academically prepared for postsecondary admission and testing
• Potential postsecondary transfer service
• English Language Acquisition

Jodi is passionate about advocating for and assisting First-Generation Pre-College adults gain access to postsecondary education that will open up opportunities that they might have thought were out of reach. Education can change the trajectory of one's life in a positive way. Jodi is an Army Veteran, earned a Master degree in Sociology and a Bachelor degree in Sociology from Idaho State University. When not working Jodi enjoys traveling, working out and teaching fitness classes, and spend time with family and friends.