Student Profiles

Joe Ramos is a former M1A1 Armor Crewman in the U.S. Army and currently serves as the Business and Operations Manager for the Salt Lake City Parks Division. In a previous role, he was a key member of the Salt Lake City HEART Team, where he coordinated and directed resources to support the city’s unsheltered population.

Joe earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Columbia University in the City of New York, with a focus on domestic policymaking. Outside of work, he enjoys road trips, live theater, and spending time with animals of all kinds. Joe shares his home with three rescue dogs, a kitten, and a 15-foot python, reflecting his deep love for animals.

Ethan Spotten serves as an Acting Officer in Charge (AOIC) for the Wasatch Fire District, where he oversees part-time EMS personnel and a ladder truck during his shifts. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring the safety, well-being, and ongoing training of the team members under his leadership.

Ethan brings over a decade of experience in Wildland Firefighting, a career that has taken him across the Western United States to combat and mitigate the growing threat of wildfires. His extensive expertise has been instrumental in protecting communities and natural landscapes.

In his free time, Ethan enjoys spending quality time with his wife and daughter. Together, the family helps operate their centennial Angus beef farm, carrying on a proud agricultural tradition.

Oran Stainbrook is an artist, designer, builder, actor, and owner of the historic Old Company Store in Kenilworth, Utah. He has spent the past several years renovating and reinventing “the Store” into a live–work space for artists and a community center for the town. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Portland State University, Oran studied City Planning and Urban Design at UC Berkeley. He currently serves on Carbon County’s Planning Commission and its Economic Development Advisory Board. He’s an avid gardener, adventurous hiker, and a terrible cook.

Zeead Swaidan is a U.S. Army combat veteran who served with the 101st Airborne, Air Assault Division. He is currently a Firefighter and Driver Operator with Springville Fire and Rescue. Zeead earned a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement from Utah Valley University (UVU).

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Zeead is fluent in several Arabic dialects, including Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), Levantine, Jordanian, and Gulf dialects.

He is honored to have been accepted into the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at UVU. He looks forward to gaining knowledge, improving himself, and preparing for future career opportunities.

ChristianaWagstaff is a dedicated public service professional with a distinguished career in victim advocacy and social justice. She currently serves as the Director of Victim Services at the Utah County Sheriff's Office, where she leads efforts to support and empower victims of crime.

Christiana holds a B.A. in Sociology from Evergreen State College and is a certified Advanced Comprehensive Victim Intervention Specialist through the National Advocate Credentialing Program. Her professional journey spans over 21,000 hours of dedicated service as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate, with key roles at the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City, Utah Valley University Campus Police Department, and several nonprofit organizations.

In her role, Christiana has developed and presented numerous training programs and publications, including "Trauma Informed Investigations" and "Domestic and Sexual Violence 101." Her co-authored work on domestic violence among Utah women has contributed valuable insights to the field.

Christiana is also actively involved in several professional committees and organizations, including the Utah County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Utah's Victim Services Commission, and the Utah Domestic Violence Fatality Review. Her commitment to continuous learning and professional development is reflected in her extensive training and active participation in initiatives aimed at promoting safety, justice, and community well-being.

Christiana's expertise, dedication, and leadership in public service make her a highly respected figure in the field of victim advocacy. She is passionate about advancing policies and programs that protect and support vulnerable populations.

After earning a degree in Political Science from BYU, Jameson Welch now serves as a police officer in Casper, Wyoming. Alongside his role in law enforcement, he is a commissioned officer with the Wyoming Army National Guard. His unit, a HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) field artillery team, is set to deploy overseas to the U.S. Central Command region for approximately a year starting this fall.

Jameson is also continuing his education in the MPA program at UVU, adding to his academic journey that includes time at USU and BYU. Despite a nine-hour time difference, he is determined to stay on top of his coursework during his deployment.

In his free time, Jameson enjoys outdoor adventures with his wife, Erika, and their one-year-old puppy, Hayden, who loves walks and trips to the park.

As a first-generation American, Perla Lacayo brings a unique perspective to public service, shaped by military service, law enforcement roles, and prison reform advocacy. Seven years in the U.S. Army honed Perla's leadership skills and commitment to serving others. This foundation led to a degree in Criminal Justice and a role with the Department of Corrections as a Program Specialist.

In this capacity, Perla supports reentry programs like Makin’ it Work, helping prisoners articulate their goals, prepare for employment, and navigate the challenges of reintegration. These experiences as a correctional officer and program coordinator deepened Perla’s dedication to reforming correctional systems and advancing public service.

Perla has seen firsthand the need for effective policies and strong leadership to drive change. This realization inspired her pursuit of a Master of Public Administration (MPA) to enhance her ability to influence meaningful policy reforms. Known for a warm, empathetic leadership style, Perla focuses on governance, public policy, and leadership.

After completing the MPA, Perla plans to advance justice reforms that improve the equity and efficiency of correctional systems, ultimately becoming a leader who shapes impactful public policies for lasting societal benefit.

Clint Sanderson is a dedicated professional with a B.S. in Criminal Justice specializing in Law Enforcement from UVSC. He currently serves as a Surplus Auction Tech for Alpine School District. A native of Pleasant Grove, Clint is pursuing an MPA with aspirations of stepping into roles such as city management, where his forward-thinking approach and adaptability can thrive. His achievements include two prestigious awards from the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office for creating impactful programs and policies. Outside of work, Clint finds joy in riding his motorcycle, spending time with his children, and honing his  skills in communication and conflict resolution.

Tiana Vakaafi Wynn was born in American Samoa but grew up in Orem, Utah. She recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from UVU and is now applying her skills and knowledge at Project Overwatch, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting first responders and veterans. Her role there has deepened her understanding of the unique challenges faced by these crucial groups and reinforced her commitment to public service. As she looks ahead, Tiana is set on pursuing a career in public service. She has a desire to continue to create more positive impacts on the community and improve systems. 

Outside of her professional pursuits, Tiana cherishes her time with family, whose support and encouragement have been a cornerstone of her success. She is especially grateful for her husband, Keaton Wynn for the support he’s given for the past 7 years. Tiana is excited to embark on this new chapter of her academic and professional journey, confident in the knowledge that her family’s support will continue to inspire and motivate her.

Allie Warner grew up in Orem, Utah, and after graduating from BYU Provo in April 2024 with a degree in Family Studies from the School of Family Life, she is excited to continue her graduate studies at UVU. A dedicated athlete, Allie competed collegiately for BYU in cross country, indoor track, and track, and will compete for UVU in her final year of eligibility. Allie believes the best way to help the world is to help the family unit. With passions for sports, education, and family, Allie aspires to pursue a career in non-profit work. She hopes to become an adaptable and inspiring leader, making a meaningful impact wherever her journey takes her.

Addison Miller graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Russian and a minor in International Strategy and Diplomacy. Following his undergraduate studies, he worked as an Adult Intensive Probation Officer in Navajo County, Arizona. He is currently taking a break from full-time work to focus on his graduate studies. Upon completing his MPA program at UVU, Addison plans to continue a career in law enforcement. He enjoys keeping up on current events, reading and spending time with his family and friends outdoors.

Amaya recently graduated from Utah Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She works in government relations for the political nonprofit Sutherland Institute in Salt Lake City, with experience in state legislative relations and public communications. During the 2022 General Legislative Session, she interned with Representative Brad Last, assisting with the 2023 Utah state budget and constituent outreach.

Amaya is eager to further her education in UVU’s MPA program. She lives in American Fork with her husband and their dog, Indi.

Amanda Hamblin, a proud member of the Navajo Nation from the Four Corners region of New Mexico, brings a rich background in community advocacy and organizational leadership to Utah Valley University's Master of Public Administration program. A first-generation college graduate, Amanda earned a B.S. in Sociology with a minor in Communications from Brigham Young University in 2018. Following graduation, she served an 18-month mission in Oklahoma, focusing on community outreach and service initiatives.

Currently, Amanda serves as Director of the Indigenous Educator Corps (IEC) at the NACA Inspired Schools Network (NISN), where she leads efforts to enhance educational opportunities for Native American students while preparing IEC members for leadership roles in their communities. Passionate about honoring her cultural values and fostering collaboration, Amanda is excited to further develop her leadership skills through the MPA program, working to empower Indigenous communities and drive meaningful change.

AngelieTejada is a motivated business management graduate from Utah Valley University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration (MPA) to further develop her leadership skills. As an Administrative Assistant at UVU, Angelie supports the Public Health Department Chair by managing scheduling, budget monitoring, and academic coordination. Committed to creating an inclusive environment, she fosters collaboration within her team. Proudly the first in her family to graduate from college, Angelie aims to become a program director and develop impactful programs that support student success and well-being.

Jackson Roberts, a Utah native, has lived in eight different cities within Utah Valley and is the youngest of five siblings.

He serves as a soldier in the Utah National Guard and works full-time in the G8 Financial Services office as a financial analyst. Recently, Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree in National Security Studies from UVU and is excited to further his education through the MPA program.

Parisa Mashayekhi is a committed advocate for social justice and a recent alumnus of the University of Utah, where she obtained dual bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Criminology. Throughout her academic journey, she interned at the Rape Recovery Center as a Victim Advocate, offering personalized support to over thirty survivors of sexual violence and co-facilitating a weekly support group. Currently, Parisa is pursuing a master's degree in public administration, with aspirations to lead the next generation of sexual and domestic violence support centers. In her leisure time, she enjoys practicing ballet, engaging in video gaming, and refining her makeup artistry skills.

Thalia Lozano is a first-generation Latina and the youngest of five siblings, born and raised in Utah. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and currently works at a domestic violence shelter, supporting survivors as they navigate critical resources and services. Her work is rooted in a passion for advocacy, especially for Spanish speaking and undocumented individuals who face systemic barriers to safety and justice.

Thalia is pursuing her Master of Public Administration to deepen her understanding of public policy and strengthen her leadership skills. Her goal is to one day establish a nonprofit organization that provides culturally responsive services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, particularly within marginalized communities.

Her drive to serve others is deeply influenced by the resilience and sacrifices of her parents and grandparents, who instilled in her the values of perseverance, compassion, and community. Their support, along with that of her siblings and partner, continues to inspire her work and long term vision.

In her free time, Thalia enjoys spending time with her cats and her nieces and nephews, who bring joy to her life.

Tessa, a native of Orem, Utah, holds a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy with an emphasis in Youth Leadership from Brigham Young University. Her career began with six formative years at a Residential Treatment Center for adolescent boys, where she developed a deep understanding of resilience, personal growth, and the transformative power of facing challenges head-on.

Currently, Tessa works as a Locksmith in the Facilities department here at UVU, where she applies her problem-solving skills and collaborative mindset to support campus operations. Her experience in therapeutic settings continues to inform her approach to teamwork, leadership, and continuous improvement.

Tessa is pursuing a Master of Public Administration to expand her leadership capabilities and explore new opportunities in organizational development and public service. She is committed to lifelong learning and is eager to take on new challenges that will prepare her for future leadership roles.

Caleb Ream

NatalieBaldwin grew up in Southern California and moved to Utah just before her junior year of high school, which she has called home ever since. She currently works at Utah Valley University as the Dean’s administrative assistant for the College of Health and Public Service, where the MPA program is housed. This role has provided her with valuable insight into higher education and public service, sparking her interest in pursuing an MPA.

Natalie’s goal in the program is to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to step into a leadership or management role where she can make a meaningful impact in higher education, the public sector, or nonprofit work. She is also working toward a Management Certificate through the Woodbury School of Business to strengthen her leadership foundation. In her limited spare time, Natalie enjoys gardening, reading and listening to audiobooks, and playing card games with her family.

BronwynBates holds a Bachelor’s degree in Family Life Studies from Brigham Young University. With a strong background in education, she has served in a variety of roles supporting students and academic programs. Currently, she works as the Admissions Advisor for healthcare programs at Mountainland Technical College, where she enjoys guiding prospective students through the enrollment process and helping them take the next step in their educational journey.

Passionate about student success and institutional growth, Bronwyn is excited to join UVU’s Master of Public Administration program to build on her experience and develop leadership, policy, and administrative skills that will strengthen her contributions in the field of higher education.

LizDean is a retired healthcare executive with 20 years of experience at Northwest Medical. As Vice President of Operations, she focused on improving efficiency and clinical outcomes while advocating for patients within the challenging environment of insurance criteria and reimbursement policies.

She is currently focused on making a positive impact in her community and spending quality time with her family.  She is drawn to criminal justice reform and prisoner advocacy, believing that every individual possesses inherent worth and deserves dignity and compassion.  She values free will and believes in the virtue of persuasion and collaboration to promote autonomy and meaningful change.

Liz earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Utah Valley University.

RachelGardner is a land steward, writer, and community advocate pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Utah Valley University. With a background in nonprofit collaboration and a deep commitment to public service, she is passionate about preserving shared spaces, supporting food sovereignty, and fostering inclusive communities. Her work explores the intersections of culture, land, and belonging, and she believes that storytelling, equity, and stewardship are vital tools for systems change. When she’s not digging in the dirt or writing grant proposals, she can be found tending bees, growing, processing, and preserving her own food, and actively collaborating with local leaders to build a future rooted in regeneration, reciprocity, and collective care.

I come to Utah Valley University's Master of Public Administration program with leadership roles shaped from baseball and LDS church service. As a First Team All-WAC honoree and 2025 WAC champion, I developed strong leadership, teamwork and discipline. Being the oldest of six siblings and a first-generation college student has helped engrave determination and sacrifice my whole life. My volunteer work through the LDS Church shows my commitment to lifelong service and engagement throughout the community. Through the MPA program, I aim to graduate in healthcare management and make an immediate impact in the real world. I look forward to expanding my knowledge on leadership and service to put me in a position to be the best in the work field. 

Hello, my name is HunterKatschke. I am from Las Vegas, Nevada, and completed my bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Utah Tech University. I looked forward to completing the MPA program at Utah Valley to one day become a police chief. The master's program will help me climb the ranks to fulfill my goals faster. Once I complete this program, I will officially become the second person in my family to graduate with a master's degree. 

My name is Jacob Beltran, and I am from Phoenix, Arizona. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree here at Utah Valley University. I recently graduated with my bachelor’s degree in business and analysis, and I am also a member of the baseball team, where I am preparing to compete in my fifth year.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and going on runs. Transferring to Utah Valley after my sophomore year has been a tremendous blessing; I believe I have grown not only as a student but also as a person. I am excited for this new chapter in my educational journey and look forward to gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve my goals.

One of my aspirations is to make a meaningful impact in my community, particularly through nonprofit programs. With a master’s in Public Administration, I am confident I will strengthen my skill set and gain the tools I need to be successful in the world.

Abbi recently graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. While at UVU, she gravitated toward classes in family sciences, early childhood development, and autism, which deepened her interest in how children grow and learn—both inside and outside the classroom. During her undergrad, she worked with kids and also served as a peer mentor for college students with intellectual disabilities. These experiences especially shaped her belief that every person deserves a high-quality education that meets their individual needs. 

Her own path through education, combined with the experiences of students she’s worked with, has sparked a strong desire to help create a more inclusive and equitable public school system. While in this program, she hopes to learn how to become someone that can enact actual change on the school, district, and state level. 

Abbi is excited to continue learning and growing as she steps into this program. She hopes to bring empathy, curiosity, and a genuine love of people and education into every space she works in.

Ioana is originally from Bucharest - Romania, where she earned a degree in Sociology with a focus on Probation. After graduation, she moved to England, where she lived and worked for nearly seven years. Since 2017, she has been living in the United States and is currently employed with Adult Probation and Parole, where she aspires to become a certified Law Enforcement Agent.
In her free time, Ioana enjoys traveling, reading, and listening to music. She also has a passion for cooking and baking.

My name is Brianna Wilson. I’m originally from Minnesota and currently live in Orem, Utah. I graduated from Brigham Young University in 2023 with a degree in Family Studies.

I currently work as an admissions representative for Eagle Gate Nursing College. Before this role, I served as a family advocate for GRANDfamilies, where I witnessed firsthand how government agencies and nonprofit organizations collaborate to strengthen communities. That experience deepened my interest in public service and the ways policy and administration directly impact people’s lives.

I chose to pursue the MPA program because I am passionate about helping my community while also building on my strengths in administration and organizational leadership. Through this program, I hope to gain the skills and knowledge to pursue a career as a Title IX administrator or to work in grant writing and management for nonprofit organizations. My goal is to make a meaningful impact by ensuring resources and opportunities are accessible to those who need them most.

Outside of work and school, I am a strong advocate for sexual assault survivors and was honored to have my advocacy work published in the Salt Lake Tribune. I also love spending time in nature, especially exploring the beauty of southern Utah, where I find a lot of peace and renewal.

I am from St. George, Utah, and recently graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Services Administration, emphasizing Patient Care. Before attending UVU, I studied Emergency Medical Services at Dixie State University, where I earned my Paramedic certification.

I am currently employed as a full-time Firefighter-Paramedic with the Hurricane Valley Fire SSD and also work part-time as a Firefighter with the St. George Fire Department. In addition, I recently completed five years of volunteer service as a Paramedic with the Washington County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team. Within my work as a firefighter, I specialize in paramedicine and EMS and was recently certified as a HazMat Technician.

I am deeply passionate about the fire and emergency services field. Over the course of my career, I have developed a strong interest in emerging legislation that impacts emergency services. In the future, I hope to become more involved in legislative efforts and lobbying to promote, expand, and improve emergency services. Pursuing a Master of Public Administration will help me strengthen my credibility and broaden my knowledge base in emergency services administration.

In my free time, I enjoy woodworking, spending time outdoors, and being with family and friends.