UB Staff

Jaime grew up in beautiful Eastern Oregon and enjoyed school, sports and outdoor adventures. His low-income and first generation to college upbringing and background did not stop him from entering college directly after high school. Jaime attended Eastern Oregon University for 2 years before transferring to Boise State University his junior year. He ended up not only completing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, but went on to get his Masters Degree in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) as well as his Idaho Secondary Teaching Certification in Social Studies.

Jaime started in Boise State University TRIO Upward Bound in 2000. He worked 12 years as a classroom teacher in the program and then moved into the Assistant Director role. In the fall of 2013, Jaime became the Director of the four Upward Bound programs here at Boise State University.

Jaime is a true family man. Outside of work, Jaime spends most of his free time with his four boys and wife Crystal. They enjoy sports, hiking, camping, movies and travel. He is also a youth coach (football, basketball, baseball, etc.) and enjoys rooting for the Boise State Broncos.

Born and raised in a rural town near Guadalajara, Mexico. Moved to Idaho at 15 years old. I am a former TRIO Upward Bound student, first-generation graduate, and a proud daughter to immigrant parents. Went to the University of Idaho and graduated with my Bachelor’s degree with a double major in International Affairs and Spanish in 2017. Worked with the TRIO UB Program as a tutor while studying abroad in San Juan Puerto Rico, then as a Residential Mentor during the summers of 2016 and 2017 with the TRIO UB at Boise State University. Then came back to TRIO UB as a permanent staff member in 2019. Currently I am working on my Master’s Degree in Instruction and Curriculum, also will be receiving a Graduate Certificate in Applied Public Administration and hoping to graduate in Spring of 2023. My hobbies consist of going to the gym, dancing, going to the movies, reading, and learning. I love being part of the TRIO Family as it allows me to serve first generation students like myself and assist their families in many different ways.

Corey has been at Boise State University 2012 working as the technology coordinator with TRIO Educational Talent Search and TRIO Upward Bound programs.  He also instructs the Teaching with Technology (T3) course for the TRIO Summer Program.  He loves working with students and loves to see the changes that come into the lives through what TRIO offers.

When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, fishing on the Boise river, hiking, camping, biking, and skiing in the nearby mountains.

He has a Master’s of Education degree in Instructional Technology and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education.

Nikki Cavalero grew up right here in Boise attending Liberty Elementary, East Junior High and Boise High School.  Nikki became the first member of her family to successfully complete her degree, graduating from Boise State University in 1997 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science and Secondary Education Certification in Political Science/American Government and Social Studies. After a short stint in the US History classroom, Nikki’s appetite for experiential learning led her on a 14-year adventure in the private sector.  Through hard work and resourcefulness, she was able to play many leadership roles, including owning her own business.  Nikki is grateful for the adventure that allowed her to visit 48 states, 16 countries, and even live abroad in Bangalore, India.  While this journey added amazing depth to her life, she made the decision to come back home to Boise to raise her own family.  Nikki is happily married and the proud mother of two young children. She is currently on track to earn a Master’s in Counseling in spring of 2024. Nikki joined the TRIO Upward Bound family at Boise State University in 2017.

Joshua is in his 14th year as an Educational Specialist for the Boise State University TRIO Upward Bound program. Following participation in the Northwest Association of Educational Opportunity Programs’ (NAEOP) Emerging Leadership Institute in 2013-14, Joshua went on to hold several leadership positions at the state, regional, and national levels, including President of NAEOP from 2017-19. One of the highlights of his professional career was serving as Co-chair for the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) 40th Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA.

Joshua holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from Minot (ND) State University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Wyoming. He previously taught high school mathematics for three years at Bismarck (ND) High School.

Cory Freese has worked with Boise State’s TRIO Upward Bound program since 2014 as an educational specialist at Rimrock Jr./Sr. High School.  He holds a degree from Ball State University, and is currently working towards a MEd in Educational Leadership at Boise State University.

Pete Putra is an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boys Indian Reservation located in Montana. He has attended public schools, boarding schools and reservation schools. He graduated from Owyhee High School in 1977 and joined the Marine Corps after graduation. Pete attended Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he received his accounting technician certificate in 1983. He has worked for the Shoshone Paiute Tribes in Owyhee Nevada in various positions that included directing or coordinating program for a number of years. Also worked as an adolescent counselor and prevention specialist for alcohol and drug programs off the reservation. He has also worked with the State of Idaho at the State level for IDHW and with Goodwill Industries welfare to work programs and is currently back with the BSU TRIO Upward Bound Program at Owyhee High School. He has continued to work with the very low-income people of all backgrounds. He received a BA in History Secondary Education from Boise State University in Idaho. He is also trained as a Wholistic Communicator at Anchor Point Institute in Salt Lake City, UT. Over the years he has trained professionals and laymen in the areas of alcohol and drug abuse counseling, parenting, teacher education as well as being a classroom teacher for three years.
Pete has also been asked to speak at various conferences and cultural events on spirituality and beliefs. He is actively involved in his culture and family life. His greatest reward comes from teaching people and students about their potential and the resources they possess within themselves. He currently resides on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation with his family, relatives, and friends. His goals are to become a published author of poetry, oratory speaker, higher learning teacher and guided (w)holistic trainer.

Megan Simila has worked with the Boise State’s TRIO Upward Bound program since 2014 as an educational specialist at Nampa High School.  She holds degrees from Northwest Nazarene University, the University of Cambridge, and is currently working towards a PhD in Public Policy and Administration at Boise State University.  In her spare time, she likes to kayak, explore and the great outdoors, and eat fresh peaches.