Peer mentors
Harold Alba Cervantes
I am pursuing an integrated elementary teaching degree with an emphasis on early childhood and English language acquisition and development. I was born in Reno and have spent my entire life here. Some of my hobbies include hitting the gym, playing soccer and trying out new sports here and there. I am excited to meet you all this semester.
Email address: halbacervantes@unr.edu
Jaelynn Ciballos
I’m Jae Ciballos, a third-year public student, who is pursuing the pre-med track as a first-generation college student! I love to meet new faces and welcome everyone that comes my way. I look forward to learning more about each of your aspirations and goals in life as a peer mentor. Experiencing college with an incredible support system from family, friends and college peers is truly an amazing experience I feel every student deserves. I’ve grown so much while being part of TRIO and hope to give back to my community as a peer mentor and create that safe space for every mentee I meet! In my free time away from academics and work, I love to listen to music, read and spend time with my loved ones! I’ve started watching movies and shows this summer so if there are any recommendations on any good ones feel free to tell me what’s interesting! I am so excited to meet all of you and can’t wait to see all your hard work and growth in college.
Email address: jaelynnc@unr.edu
Karter Conway
My name is Karter, and I am double majoring in Microbiology and Biotechnology with the goal of becoming a pediatric doctor. I am from Yerington, Nevada. I love science and discovering new things! Being a first-generation college student, I understand the challenges and excitement that come with navigating university life, and I'm here to help other first-gen students find their place and feel at home on campus. The First-Gen Center has truly been a second family to me, providing support, friendship, and a sense of belonging that has made my college experience much more enriching. I hope to pass that same sense of community on to you as we embark on this journey together. When I'm not hitting the books, you can find me indulging in my hobbies—reading, beading, and crocheting. These activities allow me to relax and express my creativity in different ways. I’m always looking to learn new things, so if you have any tips or want to chat, I’m all ears! I look forward to meeting and getting to know each of you!
Email Address: Karterc@unr.edu
Audrie Escover
Kamusta! My name is Audrie Escover. I am a first-generation student passionately studying Psychology and am also part of the TRIO Classic program. I aim to go to graduate school and pursue a career in Child or Clinical Psychology. I was born and raised in the Philippines, and moving to Nevada was a difficult change for me. I understand the challenges that come with this and being a first-generation student, especially when you are navigating two worlds at once. My experiences have fueled my passion for empowering and helping other students on a similar journey. As a peer mentor, I am here to support, listen, and help you thrive in our communities. I recognize that the best way to help someone is to allow them to be guided and cared for in order for them to help themselves. In my free time, I enjoy expressing myself through singing (especially karaoke!) and reading books. I also like going to the gym and staying active. I love cooking Filipino food and trying new recipes, and I am always up for movie nights. These hobbies help me stay connected to my roots while embracing new experiences.
I look forward to connecting with you and being part of your journey!
Email Address: aescover@unr.edu
Fia Ewers
My name is Fia Ewers, and I am a senior at the University of Nevada, Reno majoring in social work! I am a first-generation student and have been in the TRIO Scholars program for the last three years. After I graduate in May, I plan on enrolling in the Master of Social Work program. After finishing my schooling, I hope to bring my passion of serving students to my work by supporting students who have experienced foster care. Outside of academics and work, I am a plant lover, and I enjoy reading, hanging out with my two cats and being outdoors. I’m so excited to start this journey as a peer mentor and support students as they walk through college!
Email address: sewers@unr.edu
Kayla Flores
My name is Kayla Flores, and I am a First-Generation college student majoring in Social Work. I was born and raised here in Reno, Nevada. Growing up, I have always loved connecting with those around me and hearing the experiences that have shaped them to become the person they are today. As a peer mentor, I can't wait to get to know who YOU are as we walk through this college journey together. Being part of the TRIO program has helped me not only in my academics, but also in making me feel like I'm part of a family on campus. I hope that my students will experience the same thing because it is hard to do college alone. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with the people I love, creating playlists, dancing (as best as I can), and being outdoors.
I'm looking forward to meeting you!
Email address: krflores@unr.edu
Schedule with Kayla
Daniela Hernandez Tamayo
Hi everyone! My name is Daniela Hernandez Tamayo. I am majoring in Public Health on the pre-nursing track here at the University of Nevada, Reno. My goal is to get into nursing school and become a pediatric nurse to work with underrepresented communities! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, hiking, trying new foods and exploring new coffee shops anywhere I go! I am very excited to help students navigate their college journey! :)
Email: danielah@unr.edu
Jerardo Nataren
My name is Jerardo Nataren, and I am from Las Vegas, Nevada. I’m a fourth-year Political Science and Spanish major on the pre-law track and hope to be a judge some day. I love playing board games with my friends and the lawyer in me insists that we follow the rules to a tee. I also love playing street hockey because I can't skate on ice and taking my two dogs to the park. I have participated in TRIO all throughout my undergrad and I’m grateful to have a support system which has kept me accountable. Everyone lives a complex life, especially first gen students, and it is crucial to note that you don’t have to go through life's challenges alone! I am an avid believer of paying it forward because the world would stop turning if we kept the tools to success a secret.
Email address: jnataren@unr.edu
Diana Pierrott
Hello, I am Diana Pierrott, a third-year undergraduate student. I am pursuing a bachelor's in both Criminal Justice and Psychology. I aim to work in the CRJ system. I was born and raised in Carson City, Nevada. I love finding new hobbies and enjoy anything that includes physical strength, especially rock climbing and weight lifting! As a peer mentor, I aim to connect with you and offer any guidance when it comes to achieving your goals. I am looking forward to meeting with you!
Email: dianapierrott@unr.edu
Sam Ramirez
My name is Samuel Rea Ramirez! I was born and raised in Reno, Nevada, where I attended AACT High School. I am a proud first-generation student majoring in Communication Studies. Everything in life communicates a message, and it is up to us to interpret it. I am also minoring in Debate and traveling to different universities to compete. I am very passionate about helping people become their best selves in their way. I ultimately want to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and enter a profession where I can have a direct impact on the lives of others. I want to do whatever I can to make the first-gen space as comfortable and inviting as possible. I love hanging out with friends, cracking jokes, dancing and being silly. I am super excited to connect with you and see the person you grow into!
Email address: srearamirez@unr.edu
Shiane Rene
My name is Shiane and I am currently working towards my masters in social work here at the University of Nevada, Reno. I also got my bachelors in Kinesiology and Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2020. I am a proud first-gen student and I am incredibly happy to be the graduate assistant for First in the Pack! Once I graduate, I am eager to channel my passion into helping individuals with disabilities. During my free time you might find me at a concert, doing some yoga, playing softball, or reading a book.
Email address: srene@unr.edu
Schedule with Shiane
Kaitlyn Rodriguez
My name is Kaitlyn Rodriguez, and I was born and raised in Reno, NV where I attended Robert Mcqueen High School. I am currently a second-year mentor for First in the Pack, as well as having been part of TRIO STEM scholars for about 3 years. I am a senior studying business marketing and will graduate this Fall! I hope to one day own a company or organization that benefits the community in many aspects. I’m passionate about helping first generation students find their way and home on campus. In my free time I love to spend time with my friends and family while we cook or watch movies. I also enjoy dancing, traveling, snowboarding and listening to music. I'm very excited to help students navigate the college world!
Email Address: kaitlynrodriguez@unr.edu
Keith Sanchez
My name is Keith and I grew up in Mexico! I came to the University of Nevada, Reno after moving to Las Vegas a few years ago, and the First-Gen Center has become my happy place on campus since I was a freshman. Now I'm double-majoring in Neuroscience and Spanish. I'm also part of the TRIO STEM program at the First-Gen Center, and my ultimate goal is to go to med school to become a pediatrician. In my free time I like to read, play the mandolin, go swimming with my friends and drink a lot of coffee. I'm really excited to meet each one of you and be your support throughout your college journey!
Email address: keithsanchez@unr.edu
Jammie Verdin
My name is Jammie Verdin, and I am a first-generation student with a BS in Psychology, currently working toward my Master's in Social Work. I've loved seeing the impact of the First-Generation Student Center, which has played a big role in my academic journey and I am very excited to be a part of that impact for other students. I was born and raised here in Reno, but I have a lot of family in Mexico and various spots around the US! I love using my free time to spend time with family and friends, or learning new hobbies.