TRIO Staff
Administration
Sari Byerly, PhD
Executive Director
Office: Idaho State University Museum Building, Room 446
(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 Wizard
Office: Idaho State University Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-4415
Daniel has been working with the TRIO staff since 2015. He has an 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.
Elizabeth Bowers
Administrative Assistant II
Office: Idaho State University Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3301
Elizabeth graduated from Idaho State University in 2017 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Health Care Administration and a minor in Business. As a TRIO ETS and SSS alumna, she understands the challenges that first-generation students are faced with as they take the journey to obtain a post-secondary education, and she is passionate about giving back to the TRIO programs. She enjoys photography, crafting, learning new things, and spending time with her son. Elizabeth plans to attend graduate school at Idaho State University.
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.
Brandy Lowe
Office Assistant
Office: Idaho State University (Twin Falls) 315 Falls Ave. P.O. Box 1238 Evergreen Building #B-40 Twin Falls, ID 83303
(208) 732-6256
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah Brandy Lowe spent her childhood busy as a ballet dancer. She was accepted to the University of Utah on a dance scholarship, but decided to pursue a life in Twin Falls, Idaho to be closer to family. After years of working as an Executive Legal Assistant she decided to return to school and pursue a career in Administration. Currently working on her degree in Business Management, Brandy couldn't be happier to be apart of working with TRIO EOC. To her, there is nothing more inspiring than working with refugees who have come to this country to better their lives and create a better future for their families. Brandy looks forward to working more with the community of Twin Falls and hopes to reach those in need of pursuing their education. Brandy has been blessed to be the mama to a beautiful, compassionate ten year old daughter. In her free time, Brandy enjoys gardening, cooking, being with friends and family, listening to music, and traveling
Rose Treviño
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.
Maria McCabe
Advisor/Planner
Office: Century, American Falls, and Aberdeen High Schools
(208) 282-3242
Maria graduated from Idaho State University in 2012 with her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Social Work, and a minor in Spanish. She enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors with her husband, as well as spending time with her family and friends. Maria believes that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their academic goals. As a proud TRIO Alumni of ETS and SSS, she can say first-hand that TRIO works! She is excited to be able to assist students in achieving their goals and prepare for their future endeavors.
Rainey Parker
Advisor/Planner
Office: Bonneville, Snake River, and Blackfoot High Schools
(208) 282-7920
"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 know "TRIO WORKS!"
Storm Jansson
ETS Advisor/Planner
Office: College of Southern Idaho 315 Falls Avenue Evergreen Building #B-40 Twin Falls, ID 83303
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.
Martha Ramirez
Advisor/Planner
Office: Skyline & Idaho Falls High Schools
(208)-282-7920
Braeden Udy
Advisor/Planner
Office: Pocatello and Highland High Schools
(208) 282-3242
Braeden has been with ISU TRIO since August 2014. Braeden graduated from Utah State University in 2013 with a bachelors degree in American Studies and a minor in political science, and is currently working on a Masters of Public Administration at Idaho State University. A fervent reader, traveler, hiker, and musician, Braeden likes to learn about and explore the world. As a former first-generation and limited-income student, he is excited to help students achieve their goals and dreams because he knows that TRIO works!
Linda Ruiz
Advisor/Planner
Office: College of Southern Idaho Mini-Cassia Center 1600 Parke Avenue, Room A-23 Burley, ID 83318
(208) 732-6463
(208) 678-1400
As a proud Latinx women and daughter to immigrant parents, Linda graduated from the University of Idaho in 2018 with two bachelor degrees in political science and Spanish in addition, to a Certificate of Diversity and Stratification. Born and raised in Rupert, ID, Linda saw all doors close on her when she became a teen mom. She was faced with stereotypes and challenges that would motivate her to attend the University of Idaho in 2014 and better her future for her daughter. Being a first generation student, Linda personally knows the struggles they face in getting on the right path to attend and graduate from college. It's her turn to give back to her community, Southern Idaho, and help any students fulfill their goals by assisting them with financial and academic aid, career exploration, and so much more. She proudly serves Minico High School on Tuesdays from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm and Twin Falls High School on Wednesdays from 8:30 am-3:30 pm.
Cheryl Zimmer
Associate Director UB/UBMS
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.
Anjel Zamora
UBMS Advisor/Instructor
(208) 282-7920
Anjel completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in microbiology with a chemistry minor from Idaho State University in 2013. When he is not out exploring the outdoors, Anjel loves relaxing with his great friends and family. Anjel is a first-generation; limited-income student who strongly believes that education is the universal equalizer and anyone can truly fulfill their educational goals if they put their mind into it. Having gone through the TRIO SSS program, he understands how TRIO works and knows it can help students.
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.
Luis Carrillo
UB/UBMS Advisor/Coordinator
(208)282-3242
Luis' TRIO career begins when he was a TRIO Student Support Services program participant. He is a proud SSS alumnus and proof that TRIO WORKS! He graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Lewis-Clark State College. He considers himself to be humorous and down to earth. Luis believes education is the key to a better life; he loves working for TRIO because he believes in the mission of spreading access and opportunities to TRIO students. As a professional he has been privileged to work for two TRIO programs first, as an Educational Talent Search Advisor, and currently as an Upward Bound Advisor. TRIO has given him the tools to help change communities, to help others gain access and opportunities not just in education but in life. He is a graduate of NAEOP Emerging Leaders Institute, Past Counselor for Council for Opportunity in Education’s National Student Leadership Congress (NSLC), Served as President for Idaho Association of TRIO Professionals, and is currently pursuing his Masters in Public Administration. Luis is honored to be surrounded by great mentors and passionate TRIO Professionals.
Jean Nsabumuremyi
EOC Director
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.
Connie Puente
EOC Advisor/Planner
208-732-6256
Tiffanny Stipe
EOC Advisor/Planner
Office: College of Southern Idaho 315 Falls Ave P.O. Box 1238 Evergreen Building #B-40 Twin Falls, ID 83303
(208) 732-6463
(208) 736-6865
Hello, my name is Tiffanny Stipe. I grew up in the Magic Valley and attained my Associates of Elementary Education through C.S.I. I am raising my family of 3 children and a brand new grandson in Filer Idaho. I recently attained my Bachelor’s degree in a Study of Elementary Education. I have worked in many public service settings including working in the school districts as a Migrant Liaison, Preschool teacher aide, Computer teacher aide, and as a developmental therapist. More recently I was the Youthbuild GED Instructor for the Community Council of Idaho. My hobbies include crafting, getting outdoors, and enjoying down time with my children! I love to teach all walks of life and right now as a TRIO Advisor/Planner I have the opportunity to help and teach individuals how to gain access to financial assistance for college and how to create a solid plan to be successful in college! I love helping people achieve their goals, it is the absolute best! I look forward to working with a great team of people from ISU, CSI, and the community.
Denise Tambasco, Ed. D.
Student Support Services/McNair Scholars Program Director
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3514
(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.
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!
Denise Tambasco, Ed. D.
Student Support Services/McNair Scholars Program Director
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3514
(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.
Alma Jam
TRIO McNair Program Graduate Assistant
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242
(208) 282- 4864
Dr. Shea Robison
TRIO McNair Scholars Coordinator
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242
(208) 282-4864
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
University Place Idaho Falls
1784 Science Center Dr. STOP 8150
TAB Building, Room 230
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 282-7920
glosmich@isu.edu
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.