TRIO Staff

Access and Opportunity Financial and Accounting

Mandy is a dedicated professional, First-Generation college student, and TRIO alumna, born and raised in Idaho. Her career has been a dynamic blend of public service, entrepreneurship, and education, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to making a positive impact in every role she undertakes.

Early in her career, Mandy pursued education in nursing and paramedic science, leading to hands-on experience as a firefighter and search and rescue volunteer. She also contributed to emergency services through the American Red Cross and the Medical Reserve Corps. These experiences fostered her passion for helping others in critical situations. In a bold career shift, Mandy moved to Utah, where she transitioned to the private business sector and successfully ran multiple restaurants. Upon returning home to Pocatello to raise her family, she continued to pursue her entrepreneurial spirit by managing retail sales locations and obtaining her banking and lending license.

Her journey came full circle when she found her way back to TRIO, where she now serves as the Management Assistant and Grant Finance Specialist for the nine TRIO programs, as well as the HEP and CAMP programs, at Idaho State University. In this role, she supports services that help students overcome obstacles and achieve their educational goals, giving back to the community that once supported her. Mandy also serves on the Civil Rights Committee at ISU, is an appointed member of the Human Rights Committee for the City of Pocatello, and the Treasurer for the Idaho Association of TRIO Professionals.

Mandy is currently working towards her MBA in Organizational Leadership at Idaho State University, furthering her education and developing the skills needed to drive impactful change within her community and professional life.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Mandy enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, traveling, reading, and playing with her animals. Her diverse experiences and dedication to service make her an invaluable asset to the TRIO programs and a passionate advocate for education and personal growth.

• TRIO, CAMP, HEP Programs
• TRIO, CAMP, HEP Social Media
• TRIO, CAMP, HEP, First-Gen Websites
• Marketing
• ISU's Marketing and Graphic Design Program

Mallori graduated as a first generation college student who graduated from Idaho State University in 2022 with a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design (ISU calls the degree Communications with an emphasis in Visual Communications). She finished her degree and went to work at Stuart's Media in Pocatello. From there she took a break from full time graphic design work to spend time with her two kids. Now she is back at ISU and so excited to help as many people as she can find these awesome programs and continue with their education. 

• TRIO SSS
• TRIO McNair 
• College Assistance Migrant Program
• Scheduling appointments
• Application questions and concerns
• Employment opportunities

Kirsti has worked at Idaho State University since 2004, and in that time has worked in Administrative Support roles with the Institute of Rural Health, New Student Orientation, and the Veteran Student Services Center. She is now enjoying working in Access and Opportunity Programs with the College Assistance Migrant Program, TRIO Student Support Services, and TRIO McNair Scholars Program. She enjoys a quiet life in the country, a great rotation of music, and spending time outdoors and traveling with her family.

• TRIO SSS services
• FAFSA
• Academic Advising
• Academic
• Career and Graduate school exploration
• Institutional navigation.

Maurice is a TRIO SSS alum from California State University Bakersfield. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology and Minor in Communication and later received his Master's degree in Educational Counseling with an emphasis in School Counseling and Student Affairs in Higher Education. Maurice is actively pursuing his Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration at Idaho State University. Maurice absolutely loves his job helping students to successfully find their transformative moments, navigating the university system to completing their four-year degree and encouraging graduate studies and/or to being a productive community leader.

• Class Registration
• FAFSA/Financial Aid
• Advising

Reinalyn is an alumni 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 first-generation college 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.

• Programming, workshops, and events
• Community resources
• Time management assistance
• TRIO Tuesday

I'm working on a PhD in Experimental Psychology, studying locomotion after a spinal cord injury. As a first generation and low-income college student, one of my greatest priorities is helping other first generation, limited income, and underrepresented students to reach their full potential in college and beyond. I work for TRIO so that I can help provide a variety of resources for these students to set them up for success. I enjoy spending time outside in all seasons and traveling everywhere I can with my dogs, and then coming home to relax with my cats. 

• TRIO McNair Scholars Program
• First Generation College Students
• Student recruitment, engagement, and retention
• Undergraduate research opportunities
• Program Initiatives and objective
• Program eligibility and application processes

James holds a doctorate in Political Science from Idaho State University. His
Research mainly consists of looking at how groups of people come to develop their
beliefs and what drives them to turn those beliefs into action. For his Dissertation,
James focused on the politics of disability and how Deaf identity development can
lead to political activation within the discourse surrounding disability.

Beyond his research interest, James's primary passions are teaching and mentorship.
This passion has led him to work with First Generation Students as the Program
Director of the TRIO McNair Scholars Program and prepare current students for
the rigors of graduate level education. His educational goal is to create a place
where everyone regardless of background can see themselves in higher education.

James Curriculum Vitae

Erika graduated from ISU in May of 2018 with her B.A. in sociology and went on to study for a Master of Arts degree also in sociology with the criminology emphasis. Her master's thesis focused on studying the mental and emotional stressors that probation and parole officers in Idaho experience while supervising sex offenders. After graduating with her Master's in May of 2020, Erika continued her education with pursuing a Doctor of Arts degree in Political science also at Idaho State University which will be completed in Spring of 2025.  Erika is committed to showing students that graduate school is possible for anyone with that goal! In her free time, Erika enjoys reading, watching her daughter grow and learn, watching Bones, and working out. 

• TRIO SSS
• TRIO McNair 
• College Assistance Migrant Program
• Scheduling appointments
• Application questions and concerns
• Employment opportunities

Kirsti has worked at Idaho State University since 2004, and in that time has worked in Administrative Support roles with the Institute of Rural Health, New Student Orientation, and the Veteran Student Services Center. She is now enjoying working in Access and Opportunity Programs with the College Assistance Migrant Program, TRIO Student Support Services, and TRIO McNair Scholars Program. She enjoys a quiet life in the country, a great rotation of music, and spending time outdoors and traveling with her family.

• Upward Bound Programs activities
• Eligibility for high school students in our target schools (Aberdeen, American Falls, Blackfoot, Century, Firth, Highland, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Shelley High Schools)
• Jobs for college students and instructors working with our Saturday and Summer Academies

Danielle is a first-generation college graduate from a low-income background, a TRIO alumna, and an advocate for students from backgrounds like her own. After growing up in rural Appalachia, becoming a TRIO McNair Scholar at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) was critical to her success in attending graduate school. She graduated summa cum laude from IUP with BAs in Philosophy and English and went on to earn her Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2014. She then taught and researched at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Mississippi State University. At Mississippi State, Danielle was a philosophy professor and the Undergraduate Coordinator for philosophy majors. Her love for Upward Bound and decision to return to TRIO was inspired by her four summers working as an academic and residential counselor and as a philosophy instructor for the Upward Bound program at Saint Francis University. She has been with the ISU TRIO Upward Bound Programs since 2020.

• Upward Bound Programs administrative questions
• Campus and Community Partnerships for programming and internships

Meagan earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University in 2022. She is currently pursuing her Master’s of Education in School Counseling.

A former teacher, Meagan is passionate about inspiring students to continue their education. Coming from a low-income background, her journey to higher education was not straightforward. In fact, after her first semester of college, she dropped out. With low test scores and a 1.2 GPA, earning a degree felt like an insurmountable challenge.

However, after some tough but transformative conversations with professors at her local community college, Meagan realized her potential. She went on to attend Grand Canyon University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA, summa cum laude, and made the President's List every year. She also currently holds a 4.0 in her Master’s program. This experience solidified her belief that everyone is capable of achieving much more than they realize.

Meagan maintains a curious spirit, always eager to learn about new people, places, ideas, languages, and cultures.

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 there as well as the 2019-2020 NAEOP Emerging Leaders Institute cohort. Steven is currently the Volunteer Auctioneer and Fundraising Specialist for the Friends of NAEOP (FoN). He is also currently the producer and Co-Host of "What's Your Why?!" a podcast for the modern day TRIO Professional. 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.”

• TRIO Pre-college Youth Programs
• How our programs can benefit you
• How to apply for Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math Science
• Eligibility Criteria
• How to apply for college and find financial aid
• Employment opportunities in Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math Science
• Scholarship/Internship opportunities
• The Upward Bound Programs' six-week Summer Academy

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 while in college. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, he taught mathematics, STEM, and career exploration for approximately 20 years in Idaho and Wyoming school districts. Val later returned to Upward Bound, teaching mathematics, STEM, and robotics during the summers. In 2019, he helped coach TRIO's robotics team. Val has endorsements in secondary mathematics, special education, and history. He loves working with TRIO and has been a living witness to the positive impact the program can have on the lives of students. TRIOWorks!

• ETS Eligibility Requirements & Program Activities
• Financial Literacy (FAFSA, Scholarships, Loans, etc.)
• Career Exploration, Pathways, and Applications

Raised in rural Idaho as a first-generation student, Makenzie knows the challenges that Idaho communities face when it comes to access to education. After completing a B.S. in Biology from Idaho State University as a TRIO McNair Scholar in 2021, Makenzie realized through a combination of her first-generation experiences and the Covid-19 pandemic that access to education, and specifically science, is limited in rural communities. This led Makenzie to obtaining a M.S. in Science and Technology Journalism from Texas A&M University, a degree used for transforming difficult concepts into accessible language. Makenzie returned to ISU's TRIO programs as a TRIO ETS advisor in the summer of 2024 to continue working towards access to education and to give back to a community she loves. 

• A mentor to navigate the higher education system
• Tutoring
• Career exploration 
• Scholarships
• Balancing work and school life

Morgan was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona where she attended a rigorous public high school. Despite the majority of the school population being minorities and low income, they ended up ranked as the 8th best high school in the nation. She learned that success is not solely determined by your circumstances, it is defined by your grit. Morgan also lived in NYC and helped youth in the Bronx and Brooklyn. The culture discouraged the youth from believing in themselves and poverty limited them significantly.

Morgan worked with a set of twins who wanted to go to a culinary arts school, but their mom didn't want them to work because they lived in project housing, and if they worked or went to school it would raise the rent. The twins faced homelessness and zero support from their family to pursue secondary education. If only they had support from a program like TRIO, these girls could have a brighter future. 

Because of how she was treated growing up, seeing so many youth being discouraged in NYC, and knowing the true potential we all have made Morgan want to work with students and advocate for them. So, Morgan graduated from BYUI with a bachelor's in sociology and is pursuing a master's in public administration at ISU. She believes every student is capable of success, which is why she loves working for TRIO.

• Scholarships
• FAFSA
• College applications

A fourth-generation Idahoan, Terri has been raised with a deep respect and love for the land, people and institutions of Idaho. She enjoys working with youth and supporting future generations. She holds a Bachelor’s of Art degree in Journalism from Idaho State University.

• FASFA
• TRIO ETS
• TRIO McNair
• TRIO SSS

I was born in Idaho but spent most of my childhood in Zacatecas, Mexico. I graduated from Burley High School, where I was an active participant in TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS). In Spring 2024, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Latino Studies and Spanish from Idaho State University. During my undergraduate years, I was a TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) student, a McNair Scholar, and a member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. I also gained valuable experience working as a mentor for TRIO Upward Bound during the summer.

Currently, I work as an advisor for TRIO ETS, serving Snake River High School, Aberdeen High School, and American Falls High School.

• TRIO Educational Talent Search Operations
• TRIO Educational Opportunity Center Operations

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.

Advising services to pre-college students, EOC Program, ETS Program

When I was growing up, I was the weird kid who was poor and didn’t have many friends. And I didn't have much hope at a fulling career or much of a future. I graduated from an alternative high school a year late, was married, and had an infant. I figured that was where I would be. I would be a stay at home mom or work at a minimum wage job and always be a paycheck to paycheck family.
One day, at my minimum wage job, a college instructor asked me what I wanted to do and if I would be content in minimum wage positions my entire life. She saw potential inside of me that I couldn't see, to be more than what I grew up in, and to change my future narrative. It may have taken me a few tries and many years, but I received my first AA degree when I was 39. I have gone on to earn a second AA and I am working towards my BA which I hope to have before I am 50.
I want to help as many people as I can. I want to show them their potential and be their cheer leader to keep going especially when things get hard. Everyone has the ability to change their narrative.

ETS

• Academic advisement, tutoring, mentoring
• College, career, and financial aid awareness activities
• College and career field trips
• Individual assistance with college admissions, scholarship applications, and financial aid forms

EOC

• Financial Aid Application Assistance (FAFSA), Financial Aid Verifications, Financial Literacy Education (Loans), College Transfer, Workforce, GED Referral, and English As a Second Language (ESL) Referral

Irma Martinez graduated from the University of Idaho in December 2017 and received a Bachelor's in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Irma was a member of the TRIO family as a Freshman at Burley high school. She joined the College of Assistant Migrant Program (CAMP) and was involved in the Multicultural Affairs Office and has since participated in Student Support Services throughout her journey at the University of Idaho. Irma works for both TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) and Educational Talent Search (ETS) Programs that focus on providing higher education for eighth graders, high school students to adults. I am onsite at Mt. Harrison High School, Canyon Ridge High School, Kimberly High School, Filer High School, Buhl High School, and Gooding High School. As well as recruiting in Mini-Cassia in the surrounding areas in the Mini-Cassia and Magic Valley.

• TRIO Educational Talent Search Operations
• TRIO Educational Opportunity Center Operations

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.

Advising services to pre-college students, EOC Program, ETS Program

When I was growing up, I was the weird kid who was poor and didn’t have many friends. And I didn't have much hope at a fulling career or much of a future. I graduated from an alternative high school a year late, was married, and had an infant. I figured that was where I would be. I would be a stay at home mom or work at a minimum wage job and always be a paycheck to paycheck family.
One day, at my minimum wage job, a college instructor asked me what I wanted to do and if I would be content in minimum wage positions my entire life. She saw potential inside of me that I couldn't see, to be more than what I grew up in, and to change my future narrative. It may have taken me a few tries and many years, but I received my first AA degree when I was 39. I have gone on to earn a second AA and I am working towards my BA which I hope to have before I am 50.
I want to help as many people as I can. I want to show them their potential and be their cheer leader to keep going especially when things get hard. Everyone has the ability to change their narrative.

• Financial Aid Application Assistance (FAFSA)
• Financial Aid Verifications
• Financial Literacy Education (Loans)
• College Transfers
• Workforce Training 
• GED Referral
• English As a Second Language (ESL) Referral

• Financial Aid Application Assistance (FAFSA)
• Financial Aid Verifications
• Financial Literacy Education (Loans)
• College Transfers
• Workforce Training 
• GED Referral
• English As a Second Language (ESL) Referral

• 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
• Provide information on financial assistance for postsecondary participants
• Facilitate Financial/Economic Literacy lessons
• 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

Jodi is passionate about advocating for and assisting First-Generation Pre-College adults gain access to postsecondary education that will open up opportunities that they might have thought were out of reach. Education can change the trajectory of one's life in a positive way. Jodi is an Army Veteran, earned a Master degree in Sociology and a Bachelor degree in Sociology from Idaho State University. When not working Jodi enjoys traveling, working out and teaching fitness classes, and spend time with family and friends.

• 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.