Breanna Clark

Assistant Director of Recruitment

970-351-4520
breanna.clark@unco.edu 

I was born and raised in Loveland, CO and graduated from Mountain View High School. I visited Dakota Wesleyan University and immediately fell in love with the college campus. I worked as a Student Worker and Ambassador in the Admissions Office at DWU and knew that College Admissions was the career for me. My favorite part of the role is working with students and families as they see all of the college opportunities that are open to them. When I am not at UNC, I enjoy hiking, watching movies, trying new restaurants and learning new skills. 

Favorite place at UNC: The Social Stairs in the Campus Commons! A great place to catch up with friends or listen to a jazz concert. 

Favorite place in Greeley: Poudre River Trail. Year-round opportunity for recreation and seeing wildlife. 

What is your favorite UNC fact? Northern Vision, the 12-foot-high bear sculpture outside the University Center, has been there since 2004. Make sure to stop by during your campus visit for a photo op!

Who is your favorite fictional bear? The Berenstain Bears!

Destri Johnson

Admission Counselor

970-351-3297
destri.johnson@unco.edu

I was born and raised in Haxtun, Colorado, which is a lovely two-hour drive away from Greeley. I am a UNC Alum and first-generation Bear with a degree in Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality Management. I loved getting to interact with different faculty and staff during my undergraduate career and getting involved with on-campus events. Away from my role at UNC, I love spending time with my friends and family, attending local events, and spending time at home learning new hobbies.

Favorite place at UNC: My favorite place on campus is anywhere up high! I love being able to see the mountains from the University Center and all the trees from the third or fourth floor of the library!

Favorite spot in Greeley: I love downtown Greeley! There are so many different restaurants and shops that I definitely stay busy. It’s also a great place to sit down and get some work done.

Favorite UNC fact: If you go into Gunter Hall and look at all the past student athletes, one looks an awful lot like Nicholas Cage.

Favorite fictional bear: Hei Bai from the Avatar: the Last Airbender

Ethan Knapp

Admission Counselor

970-351-2818
ethan.knapp@unco.edu

I grew up right here in Greeley, Colorado, and have watched this town grow throughout the years. There are so many great opportunities in this town, I am excited to continue to be a part of this community!

I graduated here at UNC in 2022 with a degree in Music Business with an emphasis in voice with two certificates in the music area. During my time as a student, I worked as a student ambassador where I found a strong passion for helping students and families take that next step into their future. My favorite part of working in admissions is being able to connect with students I get to meet and support them through the college search process. Outside of work, you can find me playing music, going on gorgeous hikes, snowboarding, taking on the outdoors and spending quality time with friends and family.

Favorite place at UNC: My favorite spot at UNC was definitely Gunter Green! This area is a great spot for all kinds of activities. Whether you want to read a book on a picnic blanket or play some spike ball, this is the place to do it!

Favorite spot in Greeley: Downtown Greeley! All the great events and venues going on in the downtown area makes for great opportunities to enjoy live music, great food, and meet wonderful people from the Greeley community!

Favorite UNC fact: Although UNC’s mascot has been a Bear for a long time, did you know that UNC's mascot used to be the fighting teachers? Founded in 1889, UNC was founded as a State Normal School that prepared students to become experts in education.

Favorite fictional bear: Smokey the Bear. Only you can prevent wildfires

Jilda Nevarez

Admission Counselor

970-351-3170
jilda.nevarez@unco.edu

I was raised in Glenwood Springs Colorado where I attended school k-12. I continued my education as a first-generation student at Colorado State University where I received my B.A in Political Science and a minor in International Development. During my time at CSU, I worked as an ambassador for transfer admissions for 2 years where I learned how important support to access in higher education is, especially with underrepresented students. My time working with transfer students as an ambassador made me realize my passion for helping students in higher education and finding their home away from home.

As a first-generation student I remember how difficult this process felt, so I hope to provide a little bit of guidance and help those who might feel the same.

Favorite place at UNC: Burgers and CO. I love a good burger and fries and being able to enjoy them on the patio area.

Favorite place in Greeley: La Michoacana. This is a great place to get snacks and treats with a little taste of Mexico.

Favorite UNC fact: UNC was founded on April 1st. What a birthday!

Favorite fictional bear: Smokey the Bear. I grew up in the mountains where Smokey was present at any and all school and city celebrations.

Jessica Pimentel

Assistant Director of Transfer Recruitment

970-351-3808
jessica.pimentel@unco.edu

I was born in Chihuahua, Mexico but was raised in Colorado. I have moved around a lot from Aurora, Commerce City, Denver, Thornton, and Greeley. I am a two-time alumna of UNC. At my time at UNC, I started as a non-traditional student when I transferred. UNC was just what I wanted. Not too big and not too small to get the full college experience. I received tremendous support from many people on campus and departments such as the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center, Center for Women & Gender Equity, and EMSA. Thanks to the this support I was able to open up about my identities and support other students. During my journey at UNC, I advocated for open access and financial/professional resources for undocumented students. Due to this experience, I learned that my passion was to serve students and I received my masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership.  

I wish to continue to support access to higher education of underrepresented populations.  

Favorite place at UNC: The Cesar Chavez Cultural Center and The Center for Women & Gender Equity were my favorite places to be as a student. As mentioned,I received tremendous support in these spaces, and they had so many fun events and programming.  

Favorite place in Greeley: Bittersweet Park is my favorite place for evening strolls. It is a nice place to de-stress and take in the view while jogging or walking.  

Favorite UNC fact: The oldest building at UNC is Candelaria and it used to be a bomb/tornado shelter several years ago.  

Favorite fictional bear: Boog from open season! 

José Davíd Reynoza

Assistant Director of Diversity & Access

970-351-1351
jose.reynozaayala@unco.edu

Saludos! I grew up in a city not too far from here called Brighton, about 45 minutes from Greeley. At the time it was a lot smaller of a town. I attended school with roughly the same group of students at three different stages (elementary, middle school, high school). Mi familia is originally from Durango, Durango in Mexico and Spanish is my first language! I am a first-generation student and I recently received my bachelors with my degree in Musical Theater and a minor in dance here at the University of Northern Colorado.

In my time as a student at UNC I served as a student ambassador for almost 4 years, worked closely with our cultural centers, performed in several mainstage theater productions and I helped start a student organization named Operation: Cheesecake to promote proper representation and serve as a theater for social change. In my free time I love reading plays, watching movies and dancing!  

Favorite place at UNC: I find so much peace hammocking out by Cranford Park. There is always a chance to see some energetic dogs playing fetch and the trees are the perfect size/distance to position your hammock to catch the sunset’s rays in the best way and maybe read a good book. 

Favorite spot in Greeley: Other than old downtown, I really enjoy going on jogs or walks around Glenmere Park. The small lake there brings a cool variety of wildlife and community that I love.

Favorite UNC fact: UNC has over 100 registered student organizations. I loved being able to build a group with my friends and I appreciated so much the ability to receive support from the school for the student groups. Also, with that many groups, you are certain to find your people!

Vanessa Chavez

Admission Counselor

970-351-1711
vanessa.chavez@unco.edu

I was born and raised in Aurora, Colorado. Colorado has so much to offer, so I chose to start my career here!

I graduated in 2022 from UNC with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. I am a first-generation student and take pride in my journey through the Natural and Health Sciences department. The most memorable parts of this journey were the hours I spent in the classroom, the research I was apart of, the countless office hours and labs I attended, and overall, the knowledge I gained along the way.

During my time at UNC, I worked at Outdoor Pursuits, where I found my passion for the outdoors. OP gave me new experiences like snowboarding, which were not very accessible for my family growing up. Because of this, I appreciated OP because they provided the opportunity to access the outdoors in an affordable way, while making lifelong connections to those around me. This program is available to all students, so I recommend utilizing it whether you’re well versed in the outdoors or a first timer.

As I navigated through college, I cultivated relationships unlike any other. With the confidence I gained through my degree, from my employment, and from those around me, I am excited to work alongside diverse individuals like myself. As an Admissions Counselor, I look forward to providing support and resources to people during their college search process.

Favorite place at UNC: My favorite place at UNC is the lawn next door to Gunter Hall. There is plenty of space to set up your favorite lawn games and enjoy time outside of school and work. I enjoy bringing my dog Luna, here to play fetch.

Favorite spot in Greeley: My favorite place in Greeley is the weekly Farmer’s Market. From May all the way through October the local farmer’s market sets up at the Depot on 7th Ave where you could shop for produce, bread, sweet treats, and more! It takes mundane grocery shopping to a whole other level by supporting small business and adding flavor to your home. I attend the Farmers Market most weekends and make sure to pick up all my vegetables, bread, and my favorite, kettle corn.

Favorite UNC fact: My favorite UNC fact is that UNC is moving forward with creating a College of Osteopathic Medicine. The first class of students are projected to begin instruction in fall 2025. Because I received my degree in Biological Sciences, I appreciate the expansion of programs in the Health Sciences.

Favorite fictional bear: My favorite fictional bear is Corduroy, the buttonless bear. Corduroy is a beautiful reminder to everyone that we are great just the way we are. The buttonless bear reminds us that we are all worthy of appreciation and true friends will accept us, flaws, and all.