TRIO Staff

• Access & Opportunity 
• First generation to college initiatives 
• Outreach Campus Supports 
• Food Insecurity Supports

Sari Byerly has worked for Access and Success related programs since 2002. She started her journey advocating for access 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. 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. Dr. Byerly personally feels, "as a first-generation student myself I believe the positive impact mentorship and intentional access and success programming can 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."

• Scheduling with advisors
• Marketing
• First-Generation Students

McKenna is a first-generation college student who graduated from Idaho State University with bachelor's degrees in Marketing and Economics in 2020. Starting with TRIO in 2021, she has seen the difference TRIO makes in students' lives. McKenna helps and supports all of the programs within the Access and Opportunity Department at Idaho State University with marketing. As an Idaho native, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and two dogs.  

Access and Opportunity Financial and Accounting

Mandy is a TRIO Upward Bound Alum and a First-Generation College Student who attended Idaho State University.  She has been with Access and Opportunity Programs since February of 2022. Mandy works to support TRIO and CAMP Access Programs in Financial Analysis and Management.  As an Idaho native, Mandy enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, attending sporting events and going on as many adventures as possible. 

• 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.

• 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

• 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 underrepresented and under-supported backgrounds. After growing up in rural Appalachia, becoming a TRIO McNair Scholar at Indiana University of Pennsylvania was critical to her success in attending graduate school. She earned 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 Related Inquiries
• Student Application Process, Eligibility Criteria, Overall Program Information
• Saturday Academy Schedule
• Summer Academy Information

Renea has worked in the Access & Opportunity Programs office since summer of 2018 and has been able to work with every program that it houses. She is currently the Administrative Assistant for the TRIO Upward Bound Programs and loves seeing the impact that the Access & Opportunity Programs has on First Generation students.

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!

• TRIO Application Process (Spanish & English)
• Upward Bound Summer Academy
• Upward Bound Saturday Academy
• TRIO Programs eligibility

Gerardo "Jerry" Torres is a first-generation college graduate and a son of immigrant parents who came to America to pursue a brighter future. As a former participant of the TRIO Upward Bound and Student Support Services program at Idaho State University, Jerry knows the transformative power of supportive educational programs. Jerry holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish and a minor in Mathematics. Throughout his undergraduate years, he served as a mentor for Upward Bound during the summers, giving back to a program that had such a profound impact on his own life. In Jerry's words, "TRIO has been a defining force in my life and I wouldn't be where I am today without it. The advisors and people I've met through the program inspired me to pursue my passions and make a difference in this community."

• Access and Opportunity services
• TRIO Educational Talent Search Operations
• TRIO Educational Talent Search student programming
• TRIO ETS scope of service
• TRIO ETS team members
• TRIO ETS activities and events
• TRIO Educational Talent Search grant objectives

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 opportunity in higher education when being accepted to the College of Southern Idaho in 2013. She received her Associates in Criminal Justice from CSI in 2015 and transferred to UI to complete her Bachelors' Degrees. Being a teen mother of limited-income, first-generation background, 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 on Pocatello main campus for the TRIO ETS program serving Aberdeen High School.

• Upward Bound Programs Related Inquiries
• Student Application Process, Eligibility Criteria, Overall Program Information
• Saturday Academy Schedule
• Summer Academy Information

Renea has worked in the Access & Opportunity Programs office since summer of 2018 and has been able to work with every program that it houses. She is currently the Administrative Assistant for the TRIO Upward Bound Programs and loves seeing the impact that the Access & Opportunity Programs has on First Generation students.

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 TRIO UBMS and SSS alumni, who is focused on helping those who are in a similar position as he was. Austyn graduated from Idaho State University in 2018, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. 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.  

• How to get money for school
• Figuring out your career goals
• Classes you are struggling in
• Why college is so important

Nick is a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor's in Political Science. He believes in the transformative principles of a growth mindset and deep learning. He has accumulated over a thousand hours of coaching experience with high school students. As someone who is hard of hearing and neurodiverse, Nick aims to encourage student self-advocacy and empowerment. In his down time, Nick enjoys deep philosophical discussions, board games, and science fiction. He truly believes in the power of education and is dedicated to helping improve the lives of others.

• 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.

• Advising 
• Educational Talent Search
• College Applications

Aby Vazquez will graduate from Idaho State University in Spring of 2024 with her Bachelors in Health Science. Being a First Generation student and coming from limited income household, Aby believes that she can help students who wish to further their education and help in anyway to make that possible.

• 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.

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.

• 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 servicemembers 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 Access Program 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 holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education from Portland State University and a Master of Science in Human Resource Development with an emphasis in Career and Technical Education from Idaho State University. Her certification as a Work-Based Learning Coordinator through the Idaho Division of Career & Technical Education underlines her commitment to fostering career exploration and occupational development. 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.

• College Success program operations
• TRIO Veterans Upward Bound
• Adult learners
• Recruitment of Veterans and active duty servicemembers into education
• TRIO Veterans program objectives and progress

Amy Christensen is a passionate advocate for access and opportunity in post-secondary education and she 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, and served as both the Student Identity Counselor and later as the program Director. As Director for the TRIO Veterans Upward Bound project at Idaho State University Amy enjoys focusing on building a strong team, connecting Veterans to educational and community resources, and advocating for continued education as a tool to help create purpose and meaning for her participants. 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.

• Help accessing Federal Financial Aid 
• Filling out a FAFSA 
• Applying to any college
• Connecting with the experts for any question you have about being in school or paying for school 
• Tutoring 
• Building up math and English skills to avoid remedial classes 
• Deciding on a major and career (whether that is a 4 year Bachelors, an Associate’s degree, or Certificate)
• Assist with filling out va.gov

Carissa Alleman 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.

• 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.