TRIO Staff
Administration
Sari Byerly, PhD
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs
Office: Idaho State University Museum Building, Room 408A
(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."
Daniel Breen
Financial Technician
Office: Idaho State University Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-4415
Daniel has been working with the TRIO staff since 2015. He has an accounting degree from Eastern Idaho Technical College and a bachelor's degree in finance from ISU. He enjoys working with TRIO because the staff is great to get along with.
Renea Midthun
Office Specialist II
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 husband and daughter. For the past ten years, Renea has worked with people with disabilities at New Day Products. She started working with TRIO in the late summer of 2018. Both of Renea’s parents were members of TRIO while they were students at ISU and she is excited for this new opportunity.
Alice Olori
Student Office Assistant
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242
Guillermo Raya
Interim Associate 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!"
Storm Jansson
Advisor/Planner
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 Magic Valley ETS TRIO program working in Canyon Ridge, Jerome High School and Wendell High School.
Eric Lopez
Advisor/Planner
(208) 282-3243
(208) 282-4864
Eric Lopez is a son of farm working immigrant parents and was born in Oregon, but raised in Idaho. Eric is an ETS alumni from Burley High School and received his Bachelor's in Spanish for Health Professions from Idaho State University.
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.
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Cheryl Zimmer
UB/UBMS Associate Director
208 282-7920
Cheryl has dedicated her career for working with TRIO programs, beginning at the University of Wyoming working with Upward Bound and Educational Opportunity Center programs. Her current position of assistant director for Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science allows her to divide her time between the Pocatello TRIO office and the Idaho Falls TRIO office. She truly believes “TRIO WORKS” and she considers herself fortunate to work with the wonderful staff and students of Idaho State University TRIO Access and Opportunity programs.
She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California Santa Cruz and master’s degree in education from Idaho State University.
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Heather Cooper
UB/UBMS Advisor/Coordinator
(208) 282-3242
Heather graduated from Idaho State University in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. As a former Upward Bound Student she knows firsthand how impactful TRIO can be in students’ lives. She is excited to again have an opportunity to be a part of TRIO and help students reach their goals.
Austyn Richards
UB/UBMS 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.
Jean Nsabumuremyi
EOC Director
Office: 315 Falls Avenue Evergreen Building #B-40 Twin Falls, ID 83301
208-732-6261
208-736-3015
Jean D. Nsabumuremyi, MPA joined Idaho State University staff from Rhode Island to work with the TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers in the Magic Valley. He studied Development Sociology and Public Administration at Cornell University and proceeded to work in higher education to support first-generation and low-income college students. Jean started his career as an Academic Coach, Sociology Adjunct Instructor, and Counselor/coordinator at the Community College of Rhode Island. He was a first-generation, low-income, and an adult student who experienced first-hand the positive impacts TRIO makes in the lives of the participants. His love to work with college students and non-traditional adult population brought him to Twin Falls, Idaho, where he assists individuals in accessing post-secondary education opportunities. Jean likes to travel and meet new people from all backgrounds.
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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Noemi Herrera
Advisor/Planner
Office: College of Southern Idaho Mini-Cassia Center 1600 Parke Avenue, Room B-4 Burley, ID 83318
208-732-6463
Noemi graduated from the University of Idaho with a double major in Psychology and Spanish. Then later obtained a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management in Organizational Development from SIT Graduate Institute. She was born and raised in Zacatecas, Mexico. To reconnect to her ancestral roots, she completed a study abroad program in Guadalajara, Mexico. She served in Mozambique, Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer, this experience gave her a remarkable world view perspective. She lived a total of two years in India where she worked for a non-profit as Program Coordinator. This experience was truly humbling and rewarding as she got to learn from the community and serve in various capacities. In the US she worked as a Community Organizer in Denver, Colorado. In her last position, as Program Coordinator for an after-school program she realized her passion for education and the impact she could make in someone’s life. As first generation to complete post-secondary education and as a TRIO SSS alum she is excited to continue to serve her community and encourage others to continue their education in order to create a more educated society for the benefit of our community as a whole.
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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.
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Juanita Gonzalez
Advisor/Counselor
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242
(208) 282-4864
Juanita was born and raised in Blackfoot, Idaho and knows firsthand what it’s like to be a first-generation student and low-income student. She was part of the College Assistance Migrant Program at Boise State University, which is a program similar to TRIO in that it helps first-generation students succeed in college. She received her B.A. in Bilingual/Elementary Education and Spanish from Boise State University in 1999 and received her Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2015. She knows the importance of having a counselor to guide students with their educational and personal goals. She has been with TRIO since August of 2016. She enjoys meeting and assisting TRIO SSS students. She has over 12 years of experience as an academic advisor.
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.
Laticia Herkshan
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242
(208) 282-4864
Laticia Herkshan is an enrolled citizen of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in Fort Hall, Idaho. She is also a descendant of the Modoc people of Southern Oregon, and the Tohono O’Odham people of Southern Arizona. Laticia obtained her double bachelors degree in Anthropology and Political Science with a minor in American Indian Studies, as well as her Masters of Political Science all from Idaho State University. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Public Administration, and her Doctorate in Political Science at ISU. Laticia previously worked on a large NSF grant on which she researched the attitudes of Native Americans toward river management. Laticia has experience in college teaching, and most recently, worked with a non-profit organization exposing middle-school age students to college STEM programs. Laticia is passionate about advocating for underrepresented and underserved populations in higher education, and is excited to be working with the TRIO McNair program 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.
Omar Raudez
TRIO Veterans Recruiter/Advisor
Office: Student Union Building 3rd Floor
(435) 252-0544
(208) 282-3018
Omar’s Raudez is an ISU Alumni with a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelors of Arts in General Studies with Minor in Choreography and Dance Performance. Omar is bilingual in English and Spanish. In his free time he is a fitness enthusiast. Omar is Les Mills certified in two programs and teaches at Gold’s Gym in Pocatello. He loves to help and motivate individuals to push their limits, and to help them fully discover their full potential and empowerment.
Tyler Johnson
TRIO Veterans 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.