GEAR UP FIRST YEAR ADVISORS

Elana Ruminski

College of Southern Nevada (CSN) GEAR UP First Year Advisor

School website: https://www.csn.edu/
Hometown: Puyallup, Washington

Elana Ruminski

College of Southern Nevada (CSN) GEAR UP First Year Advisor

Hometown: Puyallup, Washington

Bio: Elana loves good eats, traveling, her family dog’s Griffey (bernedoodle) and Nala (goldendoodle), spending time with her loved ones and experiencing all things! She was born and raised in Washington State where she developed her love for swim and water polo as well as team and community environments. She attended UNLV where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Minor in sociology. While in college, she was involved on campus attending any and all events and an active member of Alpha Gamma Delta and Rebel Events Board. After graduating from UNLV, she served for AmeriCorps for 2 terms at Tacoma Community College (TCC) in Tacoma, Washington. While at TCC she helped students in the beginning of their higher ed journey with the application and enrollment process at the college. In the near future, she’s interested in volunteering for programs that are in various countries outside of the US.

Favorite Quote: “Enjoy the Journey”

Jairon Castellanos-Boteo

Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) GEAR UP First Year Advisor

School website: https://www.tmcc.edu/recruitment-access-center/gear-up
Hometown: San José Acatempa, Guatemala

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Jairon Castellanos-Boteo

Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) GEAR UP First Year Advisor

Hometown: San José Acatempa, Guatemala

Bio: Jairon Castellanso-Boteo is a first-generation college graduate, TRiO Scholar and First in the Pack Alum. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Social work from the University of Nevada, Reno. Jairon obtained his Masters in Social work from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2020. He also recently graduated in 2021 with an associates in Theology.He is from Guatemala and grew up in Reno Nevada.. He loves Japanese food and their culture. When Jairon is not at work you can either find him at the gym, riding his motorcycle, Working on his car, or playing with his German shepherd BEAR. He is excited to be part of the GEAR UP team and hopes to help students receive a fun and enriching experience while achieving their goals.

Favorite Quote: “If you don’t like your destiny, don’t accept it. Instead have the courage to change it the way you want it to be.” – Naruto Uzumaki

Kelly Briggs

Great Basin College (GBC) GEAR UP First Year Advisor

School website: https://www.gbcnv.edu/
Hometown: Orangeville, ON

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Kelly Briggs

Kelly Briggs
Great Basin College (GBC)
First Year College Advisor

School Website: https://www.gbcnv.edu

Hometown: Orangeville, ON

Bio: Kelly is originally from Ontario, Canada, where she earned degrees in Classics before focusing on Education. She taught ESL in Toronto, Ontario and Guangzhou, China and then returned to the University of Toronto to complete an education degree with an emphasis in multi-cultural classrooms. She then lived and taught in Cairo, Egypt and Manhattan, Kansas before moving to Nevada. When not working, she enjoys spending time in her garden and exploring new places. She is excited to work as a First Year Advisor at Great Basin College helping students identify, refine, and work towards their dreams.

Favorite Quote: “ The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

Joy Cooper

Nevada State University (NSU) GEAR UP First Year Advisor

School website: https://nevadastate.edu/
Hometown: Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Joy Cooper

Nevada State University (NSU) GEAR UP First Year Advisor

Hometown: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Bio: Joy graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with areas of study in English, secondary education, and counseling. During her undergraduate career, Joy served as a military police soldier in the Nevada Army National Guard, was a charter member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority’s Eta Rho chapter, and was a recipient of the 2023 Lance and Elena Calvert Award for Undergraduate Research in the Creative Works category. Coming from a family of educators, Joy has always believed in the value of education and the importance of socio-emotional health for students and their success. Outside of GEAR UP, Joy enjoys playing video games, reading books, going to the gym, and hanging out at cat cafes.

Favorite Quote: “From a different perspective, an imposing wall is just a large door.” – Shinichi Kudo

Katherine Burdick

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) GEAR UP First Year Advisor

School website: https://www.unlv.edu/
Hometown: Inglewood, CA

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Katherine Burdick

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) GEAR UP First Year Advisor

Hometown: Inglewood, CA

Bio: : Kat was born in Inglewood, CA and moved to Las Vegas, NV for highschool. After graduating from high school, she earned her Associate’s Degree in Communication studies at CSN and then transferred to UNLV to complete her Bachelor’s in the same field. Kat is also a recent graduate of the UNLV Masters of Public Administration program. As a first-generation Latina student, Kat is excited to work with the GEAR UP team and help others begin their higher education journey. In her free time Kat enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, and trying new restaurants.

Favorite Quote:“Life’s a garden, dig it” – Joe Dirt

Tawnie D’Angelo

Western Nevada College (WNC) GEAR UP First Year Advisor

School website: https://wnc.edu/advising/high-school-programs/gear-up.php
Hometown: Minden, Nevada

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Tawnie D'Angelo

Tawnie D’Angelo
Western Nevada College (WNC) GEAR UP First Year Advisor

Hometown: Minden, NV

Bio: I am honored to be the new GEAR UP Ambassador for Western Nevada College. My passion for education began during my studies at the University of Nevada, Reno where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. During my senior year of college, I had the opportunity to participate in a work-based practicum at Western Nevada College where I assisted in Student Outreach. This is where I found my love of education and helping students reach their potential. I taught Pre-Kindergarten in Truckee, CA. before joining the GEAR Up team. I believe education is an important part of our lives from early childhood on and we never stop learning. In my free time, you can find me on the golf course or playing with my two crazy dogs!

Favorite Quote: “It Doesn’t Matter Where You Came From. All That Matters Is Where You Are Going.”- Brian Tracy