TRIO Staff
Administration
Sari Byerly, PhD
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs
Office: Idaho State University SUB Veteran's Student Services, Room 306
(208) 282-3242
Sari Byerly has worked for TRIO programs since 2002. She started her journey working with the TRIO Upward Bound program at the University of Utah. She feels privileged to have the opportunity to work with the educational access and opportunity programs at Idaho State University. The ISU TRIO programs encompass the mission to serve students, meeting them where they are at. The TRIO programs promote inclusion and tolerance as cornerstones of the programs. The TRIO programs provide a pipeline for students in Southeast Idaho taking them from middle school all the way through postsecondary education and beyond.
Dr. Byerly completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Masters of Social Psychology at the University of Utah and her doctorate in Educational Leadership through the University of Idaho. She has served as the president of the state TRIO association, Idaho Association of TRIO Professionals (IATP) and currently serves as the regional -past president for the Northwest Association of Educational Opportunity Programs (NAEOP), representing the great states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. She has been fortunate to find a home working and serving TRIO.
Dr. Byerly personally feels, "as a first-generation student myself I believe the positive impact TRIO programs have on people's lives and it is without question extraordinary. I remember the trials of a first-generation student, with limited outlets for college financing and social support. It is great people who help you along the way. I have been given amazing mentors, friends, and family to share my wonderful journey. I see my work here at Idaho State University as an opportunity to provide similar opportunities, guidance, and mentorship, to pay forward what was given to me. I believe there is nothing better than loving your job each and every day."
Renea Midthun
Administrative Assistant I
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242
(208) 282-4864
Renea Midthun was born and raised here in Pocatello Idaho. She enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with her family Prior to working in the Access & Opportunity Programs office, Renea ran an Adult Day Care for adults with disabilities for over 10 years. She came to ISU in the late summer of 2018. Both of Renea’s parents were members of TRIO while they were students at ISU and she loves being part of the Access & Opportunities team!
Cortney Pedersen
Administrative Assistant II
Office: Idaho State University Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3301
Educational Talent Search
Guillermo Raya
Interim Director
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242
(208) 282-4864
Guillermo Raya is an Idaho native who grew up working in the fields outside Osgood. As the son of farm working immigrant parents, the understanding of the college-going process was limited. Through the continuous support of individuals and the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) he was able to attend Lewis-Clark State College, earning a bachelors degree in business administration. He attributes his collegiate success to programs such as CAMP and TRIO Student Support Services. Having more than 10 years in student recruitment and retention, he continues to serve students who like him had a limited understanding of college.
Rainey Parker
Advisor/Planner
(208) 282-4449
"There is no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone." As a first generation and limited income student, Rainey continues to grow and encourages others to grow too. She has a Bachelor's degree in Health Science with an emphasis in Public Health, and is certified through the state of Idaho as a Rehabilitative Interventionist. Her education has enabled her to work with many students in various school districts for the past seven years and has had amazing experiences with her family and friends. Having an education is the key, that is why Rainey knows "TRIO WORKS!"
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Storm Jansson
Advisor/Coordinator
208-732-6358
Graduating from the University of Idaho May of 2018, Storm Jansson double majored with a Bachelors’ in Spanish and Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology. She received her chance in higher education when being accepted to the College of Southern Idaho in 2013 and received her Associates in Criminal Justice in 2015. Being of limited income, first generation and also a teen mother, she firmly believes everyone deserves the opportunity in higher education. She was raised in a single mother household with two older siblings. Storm Jansson proudly works out of the South East Idaho ETS TRIO program working in Aberdeen High School and Century High School.
Maria Garcia
Advisor/Planner
(208) 732-6463
(208) 678-1400
Maria Garcia graduated from Idaho State University in the Spring of 2019. Maria obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Health Sciences. As a first-generation Latina and limited income student Maria believes that everyone deserves to have an opportunity to receive higher education, even if obstacles and challenges come along your journey. The passion and drive to help others is what motivates Maria to help the community and stand with the mission of TRIO. Maria believes that education is important and that every student should have the resources and tools that TRIO can offer and give. With the support that she received to attend and graduate from a University, she is excited to support, connect, and assist her students from Minico High School, Burley High School, and Twin Falls High School. Maria is excited to represent TRIO and how it has helped, and keeps helping many students like herself.
Angel Davila
Advisor/Planner
(251)219-0227
Angel was born in Fort Worth, Texas to an immigrant family of now 6. He and his family packed up and moved to Notus, ID back in 2005, but due to his parents’ migrant work, had to move to different areas in Idaho throughout his life. Angel later attended the University of Idaho and received his B.S. in Psychology and Sociology as well as a certificate in Diversity and Stratification. Angel first joined the TRIO family back when he was a Freshman at Vallivue High School and has since participated in Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound Math and Science, Upward Bound, and Student Support Services. Looking back, Angel reflects on all the mentors, teachers, and friends he has made along the way since having joined TRIO. “Growing up, my parents weren’t very informed on what steps I needed to take to get to college, they just knew that I had to get there so that I could have more opportunities than they did. Because of that, I thank all of the people that have helped me get to where I am today and I strive to be that same mentor figure for others, for a helping hand truly can be life changing.”
Austyn Richards
Advisor/Planner
(208) 282-3242
Austyn Richards graduated from Idaho State University in 2018, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Being a first-generation college student, and coming from a limited income household, Austyn truly believes in the slogan of “TRIO Works.” Austyn is a former UBMS student who is focused on helping those who are in a similar position as he was. He is excited to be given an opportunity to work with TRIO, and help the students he works with. Austyn believes everyone should have the opportunity to go onto higher education if they would like to, and TRIO is one of the paths that can get them there.
Ramon Juarez
Advisor/Planner
(208) 282-3242
Ramon Juarez graduated from the University of Idaho in May of 2020 with a double major in International Studies and Spanish. It wasn’t until Ramon’s junior year of high school that he understood the importance of pursuing higher education. With the help of programs such as TRIO and the College Assistant Migrant Program (CAMP), Ramon was able to make his dream of going on to college a reality. He believes that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue higher education and learn about the different resources available. Ramon Juarez works in the South East Idaho ETS TRIO Program and focuses on HIghland High School, American Falls High School, Snake River High School, as well as middle school recruitment.
Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math Science
Danielle Wylie, PhD
Director
208-282-3242
Danielle is a first-generation college graduate from a low-income and rural background, a TRIO alumna, and an advocate for students from underrepresented and under supported backgrounds. After joining TRIO as a McNair Scholar at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, she earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She then taught and researched at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Mississippi State University. At Mississippi State, Danielle was an Assistant Professor of Philosophy and the Undergraduate Coordinator for philosophy majors. Her love for Upward Bound goes back to her time as a graduate student, when she worked as an academic and residential counselor and as a philosophy instructor for the Upward Bound program at Saint Francis University.
Steven Moldenhauer
Advisor/Residential Coordinator
208-282-3242
Steven Moldenhauer graduated from Idaho State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre. From there he started his professional journey at Umpqua Community College, in Oregon, as an ETS Advisor. While at UCC he took part in the leadership program offered, then submitted to become part of the 2019-2020 Emerging Leaders Institute cohort. Steven has had amazing opportunities to grow over his career and has adopted this philosophy, “All of us become leaders at any given point in our lives, at any given time. Good leadership looks like great teamwork. No matter your position, you have the opportunity to make a difference, so make it.”
Val Williamson
Advisor/Instructional Coordinator
208-282-3242
Val Williamson started his journey with TRIO in the summer of 1989 when he enrolled in the Upward Bound program as a Freshman in high school. He loved being a part of the program and continued to work for Upward Bound and Student Support Services as a tutor/mentor and instructional leader for a number of years after completing his Bengal Bridge summer. Val left school for a period of time before returning to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. After graduating, he taught mathematics, STEM, and Career Exploration for 17 years for school districts in both Idaho and Wyoming. He has endorsements in secondary mathematics, special education, and history. In 2013, Val began teaching mathematics, STEM classes, and robotics for Upward Bound during the summers. In 2019, Val helped coach TRIO’s robotics team, TRIObotics, where they were a finalist in the Idaho Regional Competition. He loves working with TRIO and has been a witness to the positive impact the program can have on the lives of students. He is a living witness to this fact. TRIOWorks!
Jodi Johnson
Advisor/Programming Coordinator
208-282-3242
Jodi Stuart Johnson was born and raised in Utah; however, she moved to Pocatello to raise her three kids in 1998. She now has 6 grandchildren, all boys. For the past 13 years, she has worked for multiple programs at ISU. Her previous position was with the National Science Foundation grant project, Providing Opportunities for Women in Energy Related (POWER) Careers, advocating for and supporting women entering into STEM programs/careers in which women have traditionally been underrepresented. Her passion to see students succeed in their chosen field was the reason she successfully increased female enrollment by 400% in the grant’s first three years and maintained a 95+% retention rate in the program. Jodi is a first generation college graduate and was a non-traditional student getting her Bachelors Degree in Human Resource Training and Development. She is excited to assist the TRIO Upward Bound students in reaching their goals. She understands how the obstacles that students face can be very overwhelming and discouraging, but by being a part of TRIO to receive the right resources and support, students can keep reaching towards their goals and be successful.
Carolina Driever
Advisor/Planner
Office: College of Southern Idaho 315 Falls Ave P.O. Box 1238 Evergreen Building #B-40 Twin Falls, ID 83303
208-732-6859
208-736-3015
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Denise Tambasco, Ed.D.
Student Support Services/McNair Scholars Program Director
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242
(208) 282-4864
Dr. Tambasco is a native of California, a first generation college student, and a McNair alum. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Chaminade University of Honolulu, with a minor in English Literature which she earned during her year abroad at University of Essex, England. After graduating, Denise worked at NYU School of Medicine in the microbiology department as a research technician. During her time at NYU, Denise discovered that she was passionate about education and decided to change career paths. Denise earned her Master’s degree in Education, and a secondary teaching credential in Science from National University. After teaching middle school math and science, Denise joined a non-profit youth development program where she served as the Program Director. Her work in this comprehensive program was designed around helping youth envision goals for their future — whether that was college, vocational school or another path — and then work toward those goals within a structured support network. In 2017, Denise earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at University of California, Davis. Denise’s educational philosophy is student-centered and strength-based.Denise is also a photography instructor, loves to travel, and sing.
H. Maurice Pittman
Advisor/Counselor
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242
(208) 282-4864
Maurice Pittman was born and raised in Los Angeles, California were he was first introduced to TRIO as an undergraduate student at California State University Bakersfield. Maurice earned his Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Communications. He later earned his Masters Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Student Affairs and School Counseling. Maurice attributes a lot of his college success to his TRIO advisors and mentors. Now that Maurice works for TRIO SSS as a Counselor/Advisor he is giving back to a program and organization that helped with his growth, maturity and success. Maurice is continuing to creating access and opportunity for other students and helping them to develop their growth and prosperity. TRIO Works!
Reinalyn Echon
SSS/McNair Programming Specialist
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242
(208) 282-4864
Reinalyn is an alum of the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program, a McNair-like program for underrepresented students interested in biomedical research. As a MARC scholar, Reinalyn learned the value in creating opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds. In fact, it was her experience in the MARC program that encouraged her to pursue her graduate studies in Psychology. Now, she is excited to pay forward the same opportunities and advances she was given to the TRIO students at ISU. Reinalyn received her bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Fullerton, received her Master's degree in Experimental Psychology at ISU and is currently pursuing her PhD in Experimental Psychology at ISU.
Denise Tambasco, Ed.D.
Student Support Services/McNair Scholars Program Director
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242
(208) 282-4864
Dr. Tambasco is a native of California, a first generation college student, and a McNair alum. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Chaminade University of Honolulu, with a minor in English Literature which she earned during her year abroad at University of Essex, England. After graduating, Denise worked at NYU School of Medicine in the microbiology department as a research technician. During her time at NYU, Denise discovered that she was passionate about education and decided to change career paths. Denise earned her Master’s degree in Education, and a secondary teaching credential in Science from National University. After teaching middle school math and science, Denise joined a non-profit youth development program where she served as the Program Director. Her work in this comprehensive program was designed around helping youth envision goals for their future — whether that was college, vocational school or another path — and then work toward those goals within a structured support network. In 2017, Denise earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at University of California, Davis. Denise’s educational philosophy is student-centered and strength-based.Denise is also a photography instructor, loves to travel, and sing.
Reinalyn Echon
SSS/McNair Programming Specialist
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242
(208) 282-4864
Reinalyn is an alum of the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program, a McNair-like program for underrepresented students interested in biomedical research. As a MARC scholar, Reinalyn learned the value in creating opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds. In fact, it was her experience in the MARC program that encouraged her to pursue her graduate studies in Psychology. Now, she is excited to pay forward the same opportunities and advances she was given to the TRIO students at ISU. Reinalyn received her bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Fullerton, received her Master's degree in Experimental Psychology at ISU and is currently pursuing her PhD in Experimental Psychology at ISU.
Amy Christensen
Director
Office: Student Union Building 3rd Floor, Room 313
(208)-282-3505
Amy Christensen has been supporting the progress of motivated learners for more than seven years. She is a passionate advocate for underrepresented students and is honored to be assisting veterans in their successful transition to the academic world. Amy began her work in higher education with the Successful Transitions And Retention Track (START) program at Idaho State University in 2011. She had the honor of helping to build the START program from the ground up and throughout that experience learned many valuable lessons about what adult learners need to be successful. Serving as both the Student Identity Counselor and later as the program Director for START prepared Amy for her role with TRIO. Amy has her Masters in Counseling from Idaho State University and is licensed as a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Clinical Supervisor in the State of Idaho.
Micheal Gloschat
Advisor/Planner
Office: University Place Idaho Falls 1784 Science Center Dr. STOP 8150 TAB Building, Room 230 Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 282-7920
College of Eastern Idaho
1600 S 25th East
Bldg. #5, Room 508
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 535-5459
glos.mich@cei.edu
Micheal is new to TRIO Veterans, coming from a long career with the US Army. He served in a active duty capacity and a civilian for over 24 years. He graduated from Excelsior College of New York with a Bachelors in Science and History. Micheal is excited to bring his experience working with the military to help all Veteran connected students.
Tyler Johnson
Advisor/Tutor Coordinator
Office: Student Union Building 3rd Floor
(208) 557-3318
(208) 282-3018
Tyler Johnson was born in Logan, UT and has spent most of his life in Pocatello, Idaho. He is a 2019 Idaho State Alumni with a Bachelors in Spanish for the Health Professions and developed a passion for helping incoming students during his years at ISU as a former First Year Experience Mentor. Through opportunities during his undergraduate years, Tyler has worked with a variety of students with diverse backgrounds including first generation, low income and Veteran students. He very much enjoys igniting the fire of motivation within people and assisting them in achieving their goals. He is a big believer in things happening for a reason in life and helping those around him see those reasons is one of his favorite things to do.