GEAR UP Specialists - Nevada State GEAR UP

Clark County

Kelly Weddingfeld

Nevada GEAR UP Specialist – Clark High School

Website: https://www.clarkchargers.org/
Hometown: West Mifflin, Pennsylvania

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Kelly Weddingfeld

Kelly Weddingfeld
Nevada GEAR UP Specialist – Clark High School

Hometown: West Mifflin, Pennsylvania

Bio: I was raised in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I earned my Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education/Biology and General Science from Slippery Rock University. I moved to Las Vegas during the summer of 1998. I completed a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Lesley University in 2003. My first teaching job for Clark County School District was during the 1999-2000 school year. I have taught both middle and high school science and computers. I continued my education and graduated from Touro University of Nevada in 2020 with a Master’s Degree in School Counseling. I have served as a middle and high school counselor. I love paddle boarding, live music, and spending time with my family and friends. I am looking forward to working with the GEAR UP team and providing the assistance I wish I had as a student.

Favorite Quote: “Education is one thing no one can take away from you.” – Elin Nordegren

Rita Canonico

Nevada GEAR UP Specialist – Durango High School

Website: https://www.durangohighschool.net/
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

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Rita Kundanani

Rita Canonico
Nevada GEAR UP Specialist – Durango High School

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

Bio: Rita was born in Chicago, IL, and moved to Las Vegas with her family when she started middle school at Roy Martin Middle School. Rita graduated from UNLV in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. She taught for nine years at Las Vegas High School while earning her Master’s degree from UNLV in School Counseling. Rita served as a middle and high school counselor, and a graduation specialist for six years while earning her second Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from UNLV. Rita was an assistant principal for two years before joining the GEAR UP program. Rita is excited to join the GEAR UP team and bring significant college and career exposure to students.

Favorite Quote: “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ~Steve Jobs

Diana Vang

Nevada GEAR UP Specialist – Durango High School

Website: https://www.durangohighschool.net/
Hometown: Stevens Point, Wisconsin

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Diana Vang

Diana Vang
Nevada GEAR UP Specialist – Durango High School

Hometown: Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Bio: Diana was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for her bachelor degree and then the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for her Masters in Counseling. After her time with Minneapolis Public Schools, she continued her counseling career at Durango High School in 2019. Diana moved back to Wisconsin in 2021 and has spent the last few years tattooing at her beauty studio. She is now back in Las Vegas and thrilled to be working with Durango students again in the college and career realm. She’s excited to build strong relationships with students and families while fostering new community partnerships that will benefit them. Outside of work, Diana loves to hike, go sightseeing, and cook with her family.

Favorite Quote: “A little progress each day adds up to big results.” -Satya Nani

Nye County

Jennifer Hagstrom

Nevada GEAR UP Specialist – Pahrump Valley High School

School website: https://pvalley-hs.nye.k12.nv.us/
Hometown: Cadillac, Michigan

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Jennifer Hagstrom

Nevada GEAR UP Specialist – Pahrump Valley High School

Hometown: Cadillac, Michigan

Bio: Jennifer is from beautiful Cadillac, Michigan in the scenic Midwest. Upon graduation from Saginaw Valley State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, she relocated to Pahrump, Nevada where she has been a teacher and counselor at Pahrump Valley High School for the past 15 years. During her tenure in Pahrump, Jen earned her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. As a first generation college student herself, Jen made a valuable connection with her high school counselor which drove her to continue to work with students in a counseling setting. She is passionate about helping students navigate the college and career exploration process after graduation, and loves visits from former students. In her spare time, Jen enjoys spending time with friends, family, travelling, and spoiling her dogs Breslin, and Wrigley. Jen is ecstatic to be a part of the GEAR UP family to do the exciting work of helping students to dream, believe and achieve their goals.

Favorite Quote: “When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.” -Dalai Lama

Yulissa Castillo

GEAR UP Facilitator – Pahrump Valley High School

School website: https://pvalley-hs.nye.k12.nv.us/
Hometown: Pahrump, Nevada

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Yulissa Castillo

Nevada GEAR UP Facilitator – Pahrump Valley High School

Hometown: Pahrump, Nevada

Bio: Yulissa graduated from Pahrump Valley High School in 2015. After graduation she enrolled at CSN. Yulissa worked for the GEAR UP Program from 2015-2019 as the Parent Involvement Liaison. She really enjoyed working with the students, and helping them with their transition to after high school. She’s excited to be back working for GEAR UP! In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling.

Favorite Quote: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them” Maya Angelou