Meet Our Staff

If you have any questions regarding the program please contact:

Julie Trujillo, CHE Coordinator, Advising and Programming at (970) 351-2393 or email her at
julie.trujillo@unco.edu

Adam Alirez
DSF Academic Coach chestaff
(970) 351-1933
Adam.Alirez@unco.edu

Conducts academic coaching for target populations such as first generation, independent youth, Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF), and Daniel's fund Individualized academic advising for students exploring majors. Responsible for policy clarification and advising for students on academic probation and referral to appropriate campus resources. Answers questions about Fresh Start, Grade Forgiveness, academic probation, and academic suspension.

Kyle Castro

CHE Graduate Assistant
(970) 351-2009
kyle.castro@unco.edu

I am currently a graduate assistant for CHE. As an undergraduate, I was part of CHE and had an opportunity to experience all this program had to offer. As a result of awesome guida castro nce and overcoming a number of difficulties, I am now in pursuit of my Master's Degree and accomplishing things I never thought were possible. My passion for education comes from my experiences here at UNC and the people I've had an opportunity to meet. I strongly believe with hard work and dedication, all things are possible, regardless of who I am or where I come from. With that, I love to appreciate everything life has to offer, including the challenges! Outside of work and class, I enjoy all sports, especially when it's the Lakers and Yankees! I also enjoy the company of my friends and family, and lets not forget my dog Zeus. I also enjoy movies and a lot of them! Reading isn't my favorite, but I do enjoy an occasional book, especially topics on Martin Luther King Jr. Along with that, I enjoy learning about anything and everything because the world is too rich to ignore. Last but certainly not least, I enjoy art and listening to music!

Dora S. Frias

CHE Academic Coach
(970) 351-1901
Dora.frias@unco.edu

I have been with CHE since August of 2010 as an Academic Coach. I received my Masters degree from Colorado State University in Student Affairs in Higher Education and my frias Bachelors from Texas A&M University in Kinesiology. I grew up in El Paso, Texas and was born in Durango, Mexico. My roots and background are very important to me and drive a lot of the work that I currently do. Prior to coming to Colorado I worked as a Physical Education and Health teacher in El Paso, Texas. While my formal title in the office is Academic Coach, the conversations I enjoy with students the most have nothing to do with academics. My favorite conversations are those that are rooted in social justice and identity. Through my work with students I hope to create a community, which fosters mutual respect, justice and equality for all. Outside of work I enjoy eating good food, spending time with my family and partner, and running/training for half marathons. Oh, and I’m also a sucker for a good romantic comedy.

Cathy Heise

Tutoring Coordinator, CHE and Academic Support and Advising
(970) 351-1906
Catherine.heise@unco.edu

I joined CHE as tutoring coordinator in July 2010 and have a joint appointment with th heise e Academic Support and Advising Tutoring Center. I hold an M.A. in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado and a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from the University of Delaware. My primary mission within CHE is to support the academic growth and success of our students through tutorial services. I especially enjoy designing curriculum and supporting students as they develop their skills in English literacy and composition. Before joining CHE and ASA, I worked on UNC’s Challenge Ropes Course from 1997-2010 and continue to weave aspects of experiential education into my work. With my family, I enjoy outdoor activities, music, and spending time with friends.

Aaron Henderson

CHE Academic Coach
(970) 351-1387
aaron.henderson@unco.edu

I have been with CHE since August 2011 and currently serve as an Academic Coach. aaronhenderson I began my college journey in 2003 when I joined the UNC Bear's football team and pursued a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I received my Masters degree from UNC in Clinical Counseling and am currently working towards a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. Prior to joining the CHE team I spent six years counseling at-risk adults and juveniles around the state of Colorado. I am thrilled to be a part of the CHE family. As the great Muhammad Ali once stated, "Service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on Earth." I believe I was put on this Earth to support and enhance the lives of others. CHE provides a platform for me to do so while granting me the opportunity to learn and grow from each interaction with students. Watching students succeed and conquer various obstacles is one of my greatest joys. If I'm not working, you'll find me on a golf course, pumping iron, watching football, singing, or dancing. Spending time with family and friends fuels my soul and I'm blessed to have both in close proximity.

Berlinda L. Saenz

CHE Coordinator of Educational Technology, Research, and Assessment
(970) 351-2996
berlinda.saenz@unco.edu

I joined the CHE team January 2011 and in my current position I oversee CHE’s technology lab, research and program assessment needs. My personal story began in El P bSaenz aso, TX where I was born and where I have lots of family. My immediate family later moved to Tucson, AZ where I completed my K-12 education. My academic journey as a first generation student lead me to Virginia where I earned my B.A. degree in Human Services from the George Washington University; an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology/Distance Education from Virginia Tech. Consequently, I've worked in several capacities as a youth counselor, trainer, computer tech support, instructional designer, and as a faculty member. I enjoy listening to people’s stories, mentoring and empowering others to rise to their potential, while providing the necessary support and services. When I can find the time I love traveling, walking, hiking, and biking.

Julie Trujillo

CHE Coordinator, Advising and Programming
(970) 351-2393
julie.trujillo@unco.edu

I joined the CHE team in August 2002 and have found this to be the most enjoyable and gratifying position in my career. Actually, it is my dream job, one I am thankful for every day! jTrujillo I am a first-generation student, earning my BA from UNC in Elementary Education and my MPH in Public Health Education. Within CHE, I serve as the Coordinator of Advising and Programming, which alloqws me the opportunity to meet, get to know, and work with CHE students throughout their undergraduate career at UNC. Having the unique opportunity to support such great students is a gift, which I truly appreciate. In my personal life, I am a mom to two adult children and a grandma to a delightful little girl. My husband, Jim, and I enjoy our time together doing just about anything and everything, particularly spending time with family and friends.