Braden Boisvert comes to the Masters in Public Administration program with an educational background in economics, having earned his bachelor's degree from Oregon State University. Though his professional experiences have centered on athletics and working with youth, Braden has a passion for public service and hopes to pursue a career in sports administration or government after completing his MPA. As a student-athlete, Braden demonstrated leadership skills as the SAAC representative, helping lead change around name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies and other student athlete advocacy. Braden is excited to start the MPA program to expand his skillset and knowledge, setting himself up for future success in public administration. He hopes the program will provide him with diverse perspectives that blend his interests in economics, sports, and governance. Braden is eager to learn from faculty mentors and peers to prepare for a meaningful career in public service.
Samuel Knight is the Command Sergeant Major for 1st/211th Attack Battalion, a Utah Army National Guard Apache unit, based out of West Jordan. He is responsible for the Battalion’s discipline and morale, and is one half of the Command Team. During the work week he supervises a Blackhawk helicopter maintenance crew.
Sam has been in the Army for 26 years, and is looking forward to the next chapter after retirement. He believes that his time in the military has been an excellent choice and has helped prepare him for any challenge. He loves to train the soldiers and has most enjoyed being a mentor to those he has served with. Sam deployed multiple times to the Middle East.
Sam holds a bachelor’s degree in multi-disciplinary studies from University of Arkansas at Grantham. He is married and has five grown children.
Laura Gale recently earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis
in Public Policy and Administration from Utah Valley University. At UVU, Laura was
actively involved in government and was a legislative intern for Representative Karianne
Lisonbee during the 2022 Utah Legislative Session.
Over the past year, Laura has been an investigator for the Equity & Title IX Office
at UVU. In this role, she works to gather evidence, research UVU policies, and assist
all who interact with the Title IX office. Laura also works closely with the Office
of General Counsel and other departments across UVU to advocate for students, faculty,
and staff affected in different situations.
Laura is pursuing an MPA degree because of her passion for public service and progress
in the community as a public servant. She is particularly interested in working in
public office and social justice. She is a hard worker, passionate about public service,
and committed to making a difference. Laura is also eager to learn more from her professors
and classmates and to discuss how she can contribute to the community with an MPA
degree.
Abby graduated from Lamar University with a Communication Public Relation degree and hopes to get a grasp on what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to administration because she plans to become a college soccer coach. With this, she hopes to be able to handle arising situations in a professional environment and operate in a professional manner with a MPA degree.
Jake Turville is an Event Manager for Utah Valley University Intramural Sports. His job entails managing sports events, enrolling participants, creating schedules, officiating disputes, hiring and training staff, and coordinating event setup. Jake believes that the federal, state, and local governments should do more for the people. Specifically, he wants all citizens to have access to quality healthcare and a college education without financial burden. Jake attended Utah Valley University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Admin. & Public Policy and has an Associate of Applied Science in Digital Cinema Production.
Kim Andersen has worked in criminal justice for the past ten years, serving pretrial, probation, and reentry clients. Having worked in both client-facing and supervisory roles, she is aware of the direct impact our interactions have on people who are justice-involved, and how collaboration is key when striving toward improved outcomes.
Kim is dedicated to providing quality and effective services that not only positively impact individuals, but our community as well. She holds herself to high standards to exceed expectations and is driven by integrity. Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Utah.
Brian Taylor is a captain at the Provo Police Department where he leads the criminal investigative division. He provides training, policy guidance, administrative support and leadership to detectives and victim advocates. Brian has been a patrol officer, sex crimes investigator, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant and public information officer among other assignments.
Brian served in the United States Marine Corps. His combat journal was published in a five-part series by the Wall Street Journal’s online Opinion Journal. Brian resides in American Fork, Utah with his wife Sharlene. They have three adult children.
Brian Worsham Is a dedicated Correctional Officer at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City. He strives for excellence as he helps to rehabilitate offenders. Brian loves the challenge of an ever changing and difficult work environment. He is a great asset to the Correctional Facility as he quickly and efficiently handles stressful situations such as fights, riots, and escape attempts. Brian follows USCF's mission statement by being devoted to providing maximum opportunities for offenders to make lasting changes through accountability, treatment, education, and positive reinforcement within a safe environment. Everyday Brian proudly puts on a uniform with patches that say Honor, Accountability, and Integrity. He is a great example to inmates and other staff members as he carries out his duties holding tightly to those attributes.
Michelle Heleno is a full-time master's degree in public administration (MPA) student at UVU. She is determined, persistent, and resilient. Michelle, who was born in Equator and raised in Barcelona, Spain, relocated to the US to finish high school and eventually attended CUNY York College to obtain a bachelor's degree in social work. She is the first person in her family to graduate from college and is now pursuing her master's. Michelle is working remotely as a Program Assistant in the Housing Department at Queens Community House, a non-profit organization in Queens, New York. Traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and learning about other cultures are things Michelle enjoys.
My name is Naylet Morales. I am from Utah and have lived here most of my life. I am 22 years old and I enjoy anything outdoors, such as: hiking, camping, and paddle boarding. I am a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I am FEMA certified and have an Associate and Bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
GaryMcCloy received his undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Utah. He is a Battalion Chief for Farmington Fire Department and a certified flight paramedic. He loves hanging out with his wife, kids and grandkids.”
Jared Nation is a Student Athlete on the UVU Track and Field team and has worked with people of varying backgrounds in order assist in the success of the throwing events. One of Jared's core beliefs that has brought him success is that you get out what you put in. This philosophy drives him to work hard in his studies, on the track and in his daily life. Jared’s passion for fitness and wellness lead him to employment as a personal trainer, where he was able to work with people of all fitness levels and backgrounds as well as varying states of health, in order to assist them in achieving their fitness goals. An alumnus of Paradise Valley Community College, Jared earned all American Honors in the Javelin at the NJCAA level, an achievement he hopes to repeat at the NCAA Division 1 level. Additionally, Jared has earned all WAC honors for the Javelin throw in his time at UVU. Jared currently holds a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation from Utah Valley University.
Aloha! Nellie Kapetaua is from Hawaii and now resides in Utah with her husband. She currently works as a Senior Executive Assistant at Intermountain Healthcare. In this position she supports two senior level physicians. She is passionate about helping people and working together as a team to solve problems.
Nellie received her Bachelor’s in Health Administration from Weber State University. She is looking forward to additional opportunities to better help and serve those in her communities.
When she is not working, she spends lots of my time with family and enjoys lots of traveling and different cultures.
Ariele Perez works for the public sector as a caseworker in the Department of Health and Human Services for the state of Utah. Ariele has a passion for helping others and finding ways for individuals to overcome challenges. She believes in pursuing just and equitable opportunities for everyone to live safe and healthy lives. She has a background in non-profit and worked as an advocate for an organization that provides support and services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Ariele holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Sociology with a minor in Social Justice from Utah Tech University.
Lee recently graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Emergency Services Administration with an emphasis in Disaster Management. Lee has completed an internship with the Intermountain Center for Disaster Preparedness. He retired after working twenty years for the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office in the Jail. He worked as both an officer and sergeant in the jail. For ten years Lee was in charge of preparing lesson plans and instructors for all CPR and First-aid classes at the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s office. Lee and his family are avid whitewater rafters. He has rafted from as far north as Iceland and as far south as Costa Rica, with many stops in between.
Nicholas Sims has been attending Utah Valley University since the fall of 2019. His first year of college was quite the experience, as COVID 19 hit later that spring. This affected both his schooling and athletic career. Currently, he is on the UVU baseball team and has been given another year of eligibility due to COVID. He graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice and this upcoming season will be his 5th year at Utah Valley University. His future plans are to join a federal investigative agency.
Steven Lehmitz is a City Planner, working for Eagle Mountain City. He enjoys the fast-paced work environment, trying to keep up with the breakneck growth Eagle Mountain is experiencing. He works with and advises many parties regarding land usage throughout the city. He completed and received his bachelor’s degree in Geography from Brigham Young University in December of 2019, with an emphasis in Environmental Studies. Steven decided to pursue an MPA in hopes of advancing and broadening his skill set and career opportunities. He hopes to continue working and serving in local government, where he feels he can help shape the growth and change that inevitably comes. His goal is to learn all he can to best lead those he will have the privilege of working with.
Brooke Plothow Nelson was born in Provo, Utah and is the oldest of seven children. She was raised in a loving home with two great parents who loved their children and provided them with many opportunities. She grew up playing sports, doing well in school, and learning musical instruments. Brooke graduated from Orem High School and went to Brigham Young University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in political science. She was able to be part of BYU’s student government and went to London on a study abroad. Brooke served an LDS Mission in Paris, France, and was given the Governor’s Award for Service for starting and implementing Bedtime Stories which is a program that still exists today where incarcerated parents read books to their children and a copy of the recording, and the book is sent to the child. She is the mother of four handsome boys who also enjoy playing sports and who do well in school. Brooke has lived all around the world including England, France, Ireland, and Australia. She was an expat for four years living abroad. Brooke co-founded and operated a successful IT business for five years. Currently, she works for the Utah County Attorney’s office, and is looking forward to getting her MPA at UVU.
Jordan Cornett completed a Bachelor's Degree in Emergency Services Administration with an Emphasis in Emergency Management & Disaster Assistance and a Minor in Criminal Justice. Now in the MPA program while completing a Graduate Certificate In Health Care Management.
Jordan works part-time in EMS and has his Fire Instructor and Apparatus Driver Operator. In the Utah Army National Guard, he is an Airborne Paratrooper & Parachute Rigger with the local Special Forces Group Support Battalion.
In his free time, he loves anything to do with the water. Annual white water rafting trips to Jackson Hole, WY, paddle boarding, and wake surfing. This fall you’ll catch him cruising on a motorcycle and stopping to pet any dog he can. He is very excited for the opportunity to learn with so many people who have years of experience in this Cohort.
Sonja is the Risk & Emergency Manager at Utah Tech University where she also holds the role of Clery Compliance Officer and sits on a National Federal Regulations Committee for Clery Compliance. Sonja served as the International Director for a contracted company that trained law enforcement agencies overseas where she was responsible for meeting with international government officials, coordinated training logistics for U.S. Law Enforcement Agencies, and served as translator. Sonja strives to provide a safe and innovative environment for employees, students, and community members to explore and expand their horizons. Sonja is an alumnus of Utah Tech University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Criminology and holds several certifications from FEMA, Utah Safety Counsel, and National Association for Clery Compliance Officers.
Isaac Lovings is a student athlete for Utah Valley’s Baseball team. He is in the Masters of Public Administration program at Utah Valley. Isaac earned his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice Law & Society from Pacific University. In his second year attending Pacific University, Isaac worked as an intern for the Hillsboro Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team. During his time there, Isaac helped construct a flow chart of mental health and crisis resources for officers responding to mental health calls in the Hillsboro area.
Before attending Pacific University, Isaac attended Concordia University in Portland for two years where he studied Homeland Security & Emergency Management.
During Isaac’s baseball career at Pacific University, he was named First Team All NWC Catcher both 2022 & 2023, while also being named Third team All-West Region Catcher in 2022 and Second Team All-West Region Catcher in 2023. Isaac was also named First Team All NWC Scholar Athlete.
Isaac has learned that through hard work and good relationship building, he can be a dependable leader, teammate, and friend to those around him.
Amy Eddington
Alexis received a Bachelor's in Sociology from Brigham Young University-Idaho. She received hands-on research experience during her time at Brigham Young University-Idaho in hopes of using her research skills to further her education and help within her career. She is pursuing a master’s in public administration and plans to go into Non-Profit work. She hopes that with the knowledge and skills she receives from her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she will be able to best help her community during her career.
Chase Stilson is a Captain in the Utah Army National Guard serving for over 12 years. He has served the community as a wildland firefighter with the Utah DNR and as a structure firefighter for the Utah National Guard. He currently serves as the Camp W.G. Williams Range Control Officer and is responsible for the overall safety of 5,000 Utah National Guard members that train on the installation. Chase attended Utah Valley University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Services Administration. He resides in Lindon, UT with his wife Steviee and their two children.
ZerrionPayton, originally from California, is a graduate from Westminster University with a degree
in Communication. He is an assistant coach for the Utah Valley's Men's Basketball
Team and is excited to attack the MPA program
Ethan Brodsky is a full time student-athlete at Utah Valley University. Ethan competes on the baseball team, bringing his talents and accolades from the west coast to the valley in hopes of a successful final season.
Ethan’s passion for athletics in addition to the business world inspires him to be a positive influence to other collegiate athletes. Ethan hopes to start his own staffing agency to help connect student-athletes to potential employers.
Ethan holds a bachelor’s of science in Business Administration from California State University, East Bay.
Gabrielle is a dedicated professional who holds a degree in Outdoor Recreation Management from Utah Valley University. With a strong inclination towards non-profit and government work, Gabrielle has gained valuable experience in both sectors. Her past roles include working at Olympic National Park under the Department of the Interior and contributing to Springville City's recreation programs. Currently, as the Assistant Director of Donor Relations in Institutional Advancement at UVU, she plays a vital role in stewarding gifts from generous donors, ensuring that their contributions make a meaningful impact. Gabrielle's passion for giving back to her alma mater and helping students fulfill their educational aspirations drives her in her work.
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April Bernabe is a Utility Billing Clerk for the City of North Salt Lake. She is passionate about serving the community she grew up in and enjoys assisting those who are Spanish speakers.
April is a first-generation college graduate. An ambition she has is to assist other first-generation college students in a broader sense. When she began her college journey, she had very little information and resources available. It gives her great joy to assist and guide others who are in the same position she once was. Additionally, a goal she has is to expand her education and career at the city. Obtaining her MPA would allow her to give back and help others in the city she was raised.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Utah. During her time in college, she worked for the Utah State House of Representatives; she interned for Representative Stewart Barlow during the 2020 Legislative Session. During the time she worked here, she learned the importance of good government representation and the difference that one person can make. This is what motivated her to pursue a career working in government.
Trenna Tataipu is currently working as a paraprofessional (second year) in the Provo
city school district. This profession has given her the knowledge and skills to improve
in such areas as critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and most of all,
patience. Before working as an elementary paraprofessional, Trenna was employed as
a team lead in the program and senior specialist position at the local recreation
center. Her favorite thing about this position was communicating and connecting with
the elderly that attended the center on a daily/weekly basis. Working with both elderly
people and elementary aged students has given her the opportunity to utilize emotional
intelligence and its elements in different aspects.
Before jumping back into the workforce, Trenna was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker
for a few years. She went back to school while both of her children were still in
diapers and expresses gratitude to having graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho
(ONLN) with a bachelor’s degree of Applied Health. She is pursuing her master’s in
public administration to further her knowledge and attain the necessary skills of
public service.
Trenna enjoys challenging herself with personal inspired goals. She recently completed
the 2023 Utah Valley Marathon in June and Tour De Provo in January. Trenna is from
Hau’ula, Hawai’i and is of Hawaiian and Samoan descent. She and her husband moved
to Utah in 2013 and have been living in Provo since. Other hobbies Trenna enjoys are
hiking, swimming, paddleboarding, reading a good book, watching a good show or movie,
and playing pickleball.
Lauren works in the Aviation Industry as a Certified Flight Instructor in Duluth, MN. She has been flying since 2016 when she enrolled in the Utah Valley University Aviation Global Program through her local flight school in Green Bay, WI. In 2019, she graduated from UVU with a Bachelor's of Science in Aviation Science with an emphasis in Professional Piloting. Her attention to detail and safety have allowed her the opportunities to run flight training programs in multiple states. She has also been able to gain industry experience working for the number one general aviation aircraft manufacturer.
Scott Hatfield is from Ridgecrest, California. He served 6 years in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman with 2nd Battalion 7th Marines and did a tour in the Middle East, Embassy duty in Yemen, and finished his military career at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms. After the military Scott has worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the United States Senate, Utah Department of Corrections in many capacities and ran for Utah's 2nd Congressional District for the United States House of Representatives. Currently, Scott works as a control point operator at the Utah Department of Corrections aiding correctional officers with the internal security of the prison. Scott holds a bachelor of science from UVU in Political Science. Scott in his off time enjoys backpacking, hiking, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Danielle Rodriguez is a recent MPA graduate. Previously, she completed a Bachelor’s in Health Education Magna Cum Laude and the Honors Program at Utah Valley University. She is a licensed health teacher through the state of Utah with biology and middle school science endorsements. She has managed an organic health center to spread her passion for living a long, healthy life. Danielle has worked in financial services and completed her investment licenses series 6, 63, and 26 in her pursuit of educating middle-income families in financial services. She started her college education with an associate degree in Law Enforcement at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California. Danielle has volunteered with grade school children in elementary schools and church, serving her community for twelve years. Danielle recently gave birth to her eighth child. As her first passion is family, she has learned the importance of a healthy, natural, holistic lifestyle that she will pass down to her community and grandchildren, including her first granddaughter, who recently made her a proud grandmother with her entrance into the world.
I currently work for Utah County Public Works - I’ve also worked for City and State
offices as well. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications from the University
of Utah and actually started my college career in 2001 back at Salt Lake Community
College and received an Associates in General Studies. I feel that one should never
stop learning nor let life’s obstacles get in the way of educational goals.
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my 8 nephews, reading, and going for
hikes and drives. I hope that I’ll be able to use my MPA to help further my career
prospects and to enhance my skill set within my current position
Kyler Wakefield is originally from Las Vegas, NV, but moved to Orangeville, UT, while attending high school. Kyler decided to pursue an MPA to advance his career and learn practical skills useful in his work as an administrator at Utah Valley University. After completing the program, Kyler intends to put his degree to work by finding a job in the public sector where he can make meaningful impacts on the lives of everyday people. In his free time, Kyler enjoys cooking, studying history, running, and spending time with his wife.
Captain Scott Spieth has served in law enforcement for over 19 years. Currently, Scott serves as Captain of the Orem Police Department Patrol Division. This division is comprised of three Lieutenants, seven sergeants, and 60 officers who are tasked with 24/7/365 service for the citizens of Orem. Scott has served for over six years with the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force where he focused on wiretap investigations. While assigned to the Task Force, Lt. Spieth was a member of the F.B.I. Transnational Organized Crime unit. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UVU in Emergency Services Administration.
"Kaitlynn grew up in Orem and after graduating from BYU-Idaho in 2021 with a degree in Public Policy and Administration, she was excited to return to her hometown to continue graduate studies at UVU. Along with a love for policy and administration, Kaitlynn has a passion for Chinese language and culture, speaking both Mandarin and Cantonese and hopes to apply her language skills to a future career. She is expecting to graduate in the spring and looks forward to applying administrative and organizational studies within the realm of public service."
