TRIO Staff
Administration
Sari Byerly, PhD
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs
Office: Idaho State University SUB Veteran's Student Services, Room 306
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."
Mandy Peace
Management Assistant
Office: 921 S 8th Ave Pocatello, ID 83209 Museum Building RM 446F
Patrick Rose, PhD
EOC/ETS Director
Office: College of Southern Idaho 315 Falls Ave P.O. Box 1238 Evergreen Building #B-40 Twin Falls, ID 83303
Prior to joining Idaho State University, Dr. Rose was Director for International Affairs and Associate Chair of the Doctorate Program at Seoul Business School in South Korea. He also served as Executive Advisor for Advancement and External Affairs in the Office of the President at Incheon National University. Earlier in his career, Dr. Rose was the Manager for Auburn University's Applied Research Lab and Broadband Technology Opportunities Project. His expertise is in survey research methods, including sample design, survey instrument construction, the data collection process, data coding, statistical analysis, and report writing. While at AU, he received a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. Before joining AU, Dr. Rose was the Public Relations Coordinator for the Division of Student Affairs at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and was formerly the Director of Community Solutions for United Way of Treasure Valley in Boise, Idaho. Dr. Rose has a Master’s degree in Instructional and Performance Technology from Boise State University and he holds two undergraduate degrees in Social Work and History, also from BSU. After graduating, Dr. Rose served two years in the U.S. Peace Corps during which he worked for the Malawi Ministry Health in Central Africa.
Irma Martinez
Advisor/Planner
Office: Mini-Cassia Center, Room B-4 1600 Parke Ave Burley, ID 83318
Educational Talent Search
Patrick Rose, PhD
EOC/ETS Director
Office: College of Southern Idaho 315 Falls Ave P.O. Box 1238 Evergreen Building #B-40 Twin Falls, ID 83303
Prior to joining Idaho State University, Dr. Rose was Director for International Affairs and Associate Chair of the Doctorate Program at Seoul Business School in South Korea. He also served as Executive Advisor for Advancement and External Affairs in the Office of the President at Incheon National University. Earlier in his career, Dr. Rose was the Manager for Auburn University's Applied Research Lab and Broadband Technology Opportunities Project. His expertise is in survey research methods, including sample design, survey instrument construction, the data collection process, data coding, statistical analysis, and report writing. While at AU, he received a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. Before joining AU, Dr. Rose was the Public Relations Coordinator for the Division of Student Affairs at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and was formerly the Director of Community Solutions for United Way of Treasure Valley in Boise, Idaho. Dr. Rose has a Master’s degree in Instructional and Performance Technology from Boise State University and he holds two undergraduate degrees in Social Work and History, also from BSU. After graduating, Dr. Rose served two years in the U.S. Peace Corps during which he worked for the Malawi Ministry Health in Central Africa.
Eric Martinez
Advisor/Planner
Office: 1784 Science Center Dr, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
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Storm Jansson
Interim Assistant Director
Office: 921 South 8th Ave, Stop 8344 Pocatello, ID 83209
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.
Kaitlyn Henecke
Part-time Advisor/Planner
Office: 921 South 8th Ave, Stop 8344 Pocatello, ID 83209
Angel Davila
Advisor/Planner
Office: 1784 Science Center Dr, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
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
Office: 921 South 8th Ave, Stop 8344 Pocatello, ID 83209
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.
Dylon Harrison
Advisor/Planner
Dylon Harrison (He/Him) graduated from Idaho State University in 2021, with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre with honors, and a minor in American Sign Language. While he is not a TRIO alum himself, Dylon is a first-generation college graduate from a limited income background. He is incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work with TRIO to help students from similar backgrounds and beyond.
Irma Martinez
Advisor/Planner
Office: Mini-Cassia Center, 1600 Parke Ave, Room B-4, Burley, Idaho
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Danielle Wylie, PhD
Director
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.
Renea Midthun
Administrative Assistant II
Office: Museum Building, Room 408
(208) 282-4864
Steven Moldenhauer
Advisor/Residential Coordinator
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
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!
Gerardo Torres Garcia
Advisor/Planner
Office: Museum Building Room 446
Denise Tambasco, Ed.D.
Student Support Services/McNair Scholars Program Director
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(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.
Kirsti Beck
Administrative Assistant | McNair, SSS, CAMP
Office: Museum Building 446
H. Maurice Pittman
SSS Advisor
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(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 Advisor
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(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.
KyLeigh Smith
AmeriCorp Service Position Worker for SSS
Office: Museum Building 446
McNair Scholars Program
Denise Tambasco, Ed.D.
Student Support Services/McNair Scholars Program Director
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(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.
Kirsti Beck
Administrative Assistant | McNair, SSS, CAMP
Office: Museum Building 446
Aimee Bozeman
Program Coordinator
Office: Museum Building Rm 446
aimeebozeman@isu.edu
Aimee grew up in a town of less than 1,100 people located in rural Georgia, but her parents always knew she was meant for more than staying there forever. She loved to learn and explore, but she also wanted to do things on her own terms. If you were to ask her mom and dad about her growing up, they’d tell you she was “Dennis the Menace:” always outsmarting her older sister, as well as everyone else. Despite being told that “women shouldn’t be doctors or scientists” by one of her high school teachers, she proudly graduated as a first-generation woman from Georgia Southern University in 2015 with her B.S. in Psychology and minor in Law. In 2016, she joined Dr. Michele Brumley’s lab here at Idaho State University to pursue her dream of being a systems neuroscientist. Her expertise includes: spinal cord circuitry and injury, plasticity during development and following injury, and coordinated/rhythmic motor behavior. She earned her M.S. in Experimental Psychology in 2021 and completed her candidacy exams in Spring 2022. Currently, she is finishing her Ph.D., examining ascending, sacral circuit control of locomotion. In Summer 2022, she was brought on the TRIO McNair Scholars team, and she has never felt more at home! The beginning of Fall 2022, she joined the TRIO office full-time as the program coordinator for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. Her career goals are to meld the two worlds of rigorous neuroscience research and mentoring first-generation college students to achieve their goals and attain their dreams.
Samantha Castro Jimenez
TRIO McNair Graduate Teaching Assistant
Office: Museum Building Rm 446
Amy Christensen
Director
Office: Student Union Building 3rd Floor, Room 313
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.
McKenna Jones
Administrative Assistant II
Office: Student Union Building 3rd Floor, Room 313A
Micheal Gloschat
Advisor/Planner
Office: University Place Idaho Falls 1784 Science Center Dr. STOP 8150 TAB Building, Room 230 Idaho Falls, ID 83402
glos.mich@cei.edu
Schedule an Appointment with Micheal
Micheal has been with TRIO Veterans since 2018 as an Advisor in the Idaho Falls area. He served in the US Army for over 20 years on active duty before retiring. He has also served the US Army as a civilian for over 5 years as well. He graduated from Excelsior College of New York in 2012 with a Bachelors in Science and History. He is currently working on his Masters in Health Science with Excelsior College. Micheal brings a wealth of military knowledge to the team and continues to have a great desire to serve the veteran and active duty military students.
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Carissa Harral
Advisor/Recruiter
Office: Student Union Building 3rd Floor Room 316
(208) 282-3018
Carissa Harral 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.