TRIO Staff

Sari Byerly, PhD

Executive Director

Office: Idaho State University Museum Building, Room 446

(208) 282-3242

byersari@isu.edu

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

breedani@isu.edu

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

boweeli3@isu.edu

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.

Maria McCabe

Advisor/Planner

Office: Century, American Falls, and Aberdeen High Schools

(208) 282-3242

lemomari@isu.edu

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.

Braeden Udy

Advisor/Planner

Office: Pocatello and Highland High Schools

(208) 282-3242

udybrae@isu.edu

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!

Rainey Parker

Advisor/Planner

Office: Bonneville, Snake River, and Blackfoot High Schools

(208) 282-7920

clayrain@isu.edu

"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!"

Martha Ramirez

Advisor/Planner

Office: Skyline & Idaho Falls High Schools

(208)-282-7920

ramimart@isu.edu

Denise Tambasco, PhD

SSS/McNair Director

Office: Idaho State University Museum Building, Room 446

(208) 282-3242

(208) 282-4864

Denis 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 started at The Friendship Club where she currently serves as the Program Director. Her work in this comprehensive program is designed to help youth envision goals for their future — whether that's college, vocational school or something else — and then work toward them 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. Her research has focused on the impact of Positive Youth Development Programs on youth identity and youth development. Denise is also a photography instructor, loves to travel, and sings with a local community choir.

Juanita Gonzalez

SSS TRIO Advisor/Counselor

Office: Idaho State University Museum Building, Room 446

(208) 282-3242

gonzjua3@isu.edu

Juanita was born and raised in Blackfoot, Idaho and knows firsthand what it’s like to be a first-generation student.  She was part of the College Assistance Migrant Program at Boise State University. Juanita knows the importance of having a counselor to guide students with their educational and personal goals.  She has been with TRIO since August 2016.  She enjoys meeting and assisting TRIO students.  She received her bachelor’s degree 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.

Maurice Pittman

SSS TRIO Advisor/Counselor

Office: Idaho State University Museum Building, Room 446

(208) 282-3242

pittherb@isu.edu

Maurice hails from the great State of California, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and communications and a master’s degree in counseling with an emphasis in student affairs and school counseling from California State University Bakersfield. Maurice currently works as a TRIO Advisor/Counselor at Idaho State University and loves working with college students helping them to write their own chapter in the Book of Life. As a TRIO alum, Maurice knows that TRIO Works!

Cheryl Zimmer

Associate Director UB/UBMS

208 282-7920

zimmcher@isu.edu

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

zamoanje@isu.edu

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.

Luis Carrillo

UB/UBMS Advisor/Coordinator

(208)282-3242

carrlui2@isu.edu

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.

Heather Cooper

UB/UBMS Advisor/Coordinator

(208) 282-3242

shamheat@isu.edu

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.

Jean Nsabumuremyi

EOC Director

208-732-6261

208-736-3015

nsabjean@isu.edu

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 Twin Falls Office

208-732-6256

puencons@isu.edu

Denise Tambasco, PhD

SSS/McNair Director

Office: Idaho State University Museum Building, Room 446

(208) 282-3242

(208) 282-4864

Denis 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 started at The Friendship Club where she currently serves as the Program Director. Her work in this comprehensive program is designed to help youth envision goals for their future — whether that's college, vocational school or something else — and then work toward them 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. Her research has focused on the impact of Positive Youth Development Programs on youth identity and youth development. Denise is also a photography instructor, loves to travel, and sings with a local community choir.

Alma Jam

TRIO McNair Program Graduate Assistant

Office: Museum Bldg. 4th floor Rm. 402

(208) 282-1433

jamaima@isu.edu

Shea K. Robison, PhD

TRIO McNair Program Coordinator

Office: Museum Bldg., 4th floor Rm. 402

(208) 282-1433

triomcnair@isu.edu

Amy Christensen

Director

Office: Student Union Building 3rd Floor, Room 313

(208)-282-3505

chriamy@isu.edu

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

glosmich@isu.edu glos.mich@cei.edu

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

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.