Meet the Staff
ABOUT ERIN
SHE, HER, HERS
Erin is the Director of Orientation and Transition for the University of Utah. An alumna of the “U” where she earned a Bachelor of Science in International Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Photography, Erin considers it a privilege to assist the next generation of new students of the University. Erin earned a Master’s in the Education Leadership & Policy program at the University of Utah and completed a Master’s of Art from Savannah College of Art and Design, which aids in her current duties overseeing this great office. Erin was born in Salt Lake City where she’s been a Utah fan all her life.
ABOUT CASSIDY
SHE, HER, HERS
Cassidy is an Assistant Director of Orientation & Transition. She has worked in higher education full-time since 2018 and specializes in training initiatives, educating others, and management and leadership. She is passionate about higher education and utilizes her positive attitude and tireless energy to motivate others to work hard and succeed. Cassidy holds a master's degree in Business Management and Leadership and multiple certificates in leadership, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). In addition, Cassidy enjoys the arts; spending time with family; and discovering new things outside of work.
ABOUT DESH
HE, HIM, HIS
Desh is currently serving as an Assistant Director for the Office of Orientation and Transition. Originally from Lancaster, Virginia Desh attended Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, LA to obtain a Bachelor’s in Sport Administration and a Master’s in Public Administration before joining the orientation team at the U. Working across the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management student success and retention efforts have become a passion area for Desh. Developing social and academic programs for students has sparked a love for advising students and student groups by developing their leadership skills. When not serving the students of the U Desh enjoys giving back to his community and staying up to date on the latest entertainment news. Desh is excited to create a warm and welcoming environment for new students and families at the University of Utah!
ABOUT STEVE
HE, HIM, HIS
Steve is currently serving as the Senior Accountant in the Office of Orientation and Transition and the Enrollment Management Department. He came from the University’s Chemistry Department, and before that worked in the Payroll, Human Resources, & Biomedical Engineering Departments. He loves to be involved in his community, and that has led him to serve on School Community Councils for Midvale Elementary, Midvale Middle School, and Hillcrest High School, and he also served as a City Councilmember for Midvale City. He loves to see individuals come together as a group and achieve so much more than they could on their own.
ABOUT BRITTNY
SHE, HER, HERS
Brittny is the Program Coordinator of Orientation and Transition for the University of Utah. An alumna of the U, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology complemented by a minor in Human Development & Family Studies and certificates through the U of U’s College of Social & Behavioral Science. Throughout her time as a student, Brittny worked extensively with the University of Utah community, initially assuming the role of mentor within the Crimson Mentorship Program under the purview of the Office of Orientation and Transition. She found this experience very rewarding and wanted to continue dedicating time to aiding students, hoping to contribute to their success. As her academic journey culminated, Brittny assumed leadership roles, serving as President of the Crimson Transfer Honor Society and Secretary of PCUU, where she fostered collaborations with various campus partners and local organizations. Driven by a passion for higher education and student support, she is committed to helping students thrive, promoting a sense of belonging, and facilitating the development of meaningful relationships. Brittny is absolutely thrilled to have a role within the Orientation and Transition team and is excited to serve the students at the University of Utah.
Student Leaders
ABOUT AVNEET
SHE, HER, HERS
I am a second-year student studying Business Management and is also a part of the Actor-Training Program (ATP). I'm originally from the East Coast but moved to West Jordan 4 years ago. I chose the University of Utah because of the inclusivity here and all of the opportunities that are offered to students. It's also quite convenient that the university isn't far from home. I'm the youngest of the team, being born in 2005.
ABOUT KAITLYN
SHE, HER, HERS
Kaitlyn Oliva is currently a sophomore looking to major in Marketing at the David Eccles School of Business. While she was born in Orange County, California, she has lived in Lehi, Utah for most of her life. She knew that the U was the school for her after getting into the Lassonde Founders Program last year and getting the opportunity to work on her sustainable clothing business. Her favorite thing to do is travel the world, and most recently got to visit Greece, Italy, and Paris. She is looking forward to a great year serving as a Marketing Intern for the Office of Orientation and Transition!
ABOUT YAZMIN
SHE, HER, HERS
Hello! My name is Yazmin and I am currently a Junior at the University of Utah, majoring in Film and Media Arts. I was born in California, though I have lived in Utah most of my life. I love fall because of the weather and Halloween! I also love listening to music, watching movies and spending time with my family and friends!
ABOUT GLORIA
SHE, HER, HERS
I’m Gloria Vensca Patreicia Wanma, but everyone calls me Gloria. I’m currently majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. When I’m not buried in my textbooks, you’ll often find me doing the things I love most – listening to music, watching movies, hanging out with friends at cafes while savoring new culinary delights, and actively participating in various organizations.
The United States has been my dream destination since I was a child, and I made it a reality by coming here to pursue my studies and career. I’ve always had a thirst for new experiences and stepping out of my comfort zone. My time at the University of Utah has taught me that the American Dream is attainable for everyone, particularly international students like me. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m a firm believer that hard work and resilience can make dreams come true.
ABOUT ADDIE
SHE, HER, HERS
Addie Bethards is currently a senior with a double major in Spanish and Speech & Hearing Sciences. She was born in Los Angeles, California but grew up in Draper, Utah for most of her life. Addie plans to get a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology and work as an SLP in an elementary school with Spanish-speaking children. She loves dancing, running, playing tennis, spending time outside, and spending time with loved ones. She has worked with the Office of Orientation as an office assistant since November 2021 and is proud to be a Ute!
ABOUT ADRIAN
HE, HIM, HIS
I currently am a Freshman Majoring In Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Physics. I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, and I knew I would attend the University Of Utah when we defeated Stanford in the 2022 football season. I enjoy watching and attending the U's football games, being active, and obviously being a NURD.
ABOUT CHRISTINA
SHE, HER, HERS
Christina Lopez is currently a Junior majoring in Architecture. She was born and raised in Utah. She is part of the Color Guard team for the University of Utah. She loves watching movies, reading books, dancing, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. Go Utes!
ABOUT HOLLY
SHE, HER, HERS
My name is Holly and I am a determined freshman at the U pursuing my passion for Entrepreneurship. I am from Portland, Oregon and Hailey, Idaho. My heart lies in helping others, and I am beyond thrilled to be an active member of the orientation team, guiding students into their exciting university journey.