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.

• Assistance in completing college entry and reentry applications
• Information on financial assistance for postsecondary participants
• 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

Emily is passionate about advocating for and assisting First-Generation Pre-College adults and Veterans gain access to postsecondary education that will open up opportunities. Education is a vital resource to lifelong accomplishment and fulfillment. Emily earned a Master degree in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor's degree in Art Teaching from the University of Utah. When not working, Emily enjoys cooking, reading, nature, and spending time with her husband, Jason and Scottie, Dutch.

• TRIO Veterans
• TRIO EOC
• Scheduling appointments
• Application questions and concerns
• Employment opportunities

• Assistance in completing college entry and reentry applications
• Information on financial assistance for postsecondary participants
• 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

Abigail Woods is a proud First-Generation college graduate and Army Veteran who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Community and Public Health from Idaho State University in Spring 2025. She is passionate about serving the Pocatello and Veteran communities and is currently exploring graduate programs to continue her education and expand her impact.

Abigail’s work focuses on reducing health disparities among underserved populations — especially Veterans transitioning to civilian life. She advocates for accessible, stigma-free mental health support and is dedicated to helping Veterans successfully navigate their educational benefits so they can build strong academic and career pathways.

Outside of work, family is everything to Abigail. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner and their three dogs. She also has a strong interest in environmental nutrition and sustainable living. Through VA cooking courses, she has deepened her understanding of how food choices impact both personal well-being and the environment — and she loves putting that knowledge into practice at home.

• Assistance in completing college entry and reentry applications
• Information on financial assistance for postsecondary participants
• 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

Jackie is thrilled to join the TRIO team at Idaho State University. Her background includes teaching at both the K-12 and post-secondary levels, as well as one unique year in Washington D.C. teaching history and government outside at monuments and on busses to students from all over the country. She is excited to work with the veteran and non-veteran communities to help them succeed in their goals.

Jackie’s biggest wish in life is to help students become who they are meant to be. She knows that sometimes life takes unexpected turns and that you don’t always end up where you planned, but also that taking ownership of your own life is important. That is where she wants to help people succeed. One of her favorite sayings when teaching is “Progress, not perfection”, and this definitely applies to advising as well. We often think that everything needs to be perfect, but most of the time it’s really about making progress toward a goal.

In her spare time, Jackie loves to do all things fiber related (knitting, crocheting, spinning yarn), learn to quilt and sew, spend time with her husband and kiddos, and play video games whenever possible. She is extremely fond of and well-versed in all things nerdy (especially Science Fiction and Fantasy literature, films, and video games) and loved having the opportunity to combine her love of SFF with her respect for the environment while completing her most recent educational degree. She is also proof that you don’t have to be 18 to go to college (she was 30 when she went to undergrad), or that you have to be young to achieve your goals (kids, marriage, and degrees both happened later in life). Most of all, she wants to help you thrive on your chosen path.

• Assistance in completing college entry and reentry applications
• Information on financial assistance for postsecondary participants
• 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

Josh is excited to be part of the TRIO team at Idaho State University. He brings a strong background in student services, marketing, outreach, and event coordination, along with an MBA from Utah State University’s Huntsman School of Business.

Josh is passionate about supporting students as they navigate higher education, build confidence, and work toward their academic and personal goals. He enjoys connecting students with resources, creating meaningful relationships in the workplace, and helping college feel more approachable and accessible.

Outside of work, Josh loves music and singing, spending time outdoors, and anything that allows him to connect with friends and family. He is grateful to join the ISU TRIO community and looks forward to supporting students every step of the way.