Meet Our Advisors & Staff
Navigate Hub for Exploring Students - Leadership
Bio
Julia joined the Navigate Hub for Exploring Students team in 2012. She is an alumna of the University of Utah with undergraduate studies in Mass Communication and Leadership Studies. She also earned her Master’s degree in Information Systems from the U. Julia is passionate about working with first year students, exploring students, and underrepresented students. In her free time, Julia enjoys gardening, renovating her home, spending time with her two black cats, and sewing.
advisor story Mission Statement
The Navigate Hub for Exploring Students is the home for students exploring academic
options at the University of Utah. We assist students in making intentional decisions
by engaging in conversations around the student’s abilities, values, and interests.
We leverage that information to collaboratively build an exceptional educational experience
for each student.
Exploration Advisors
Bio
Stephanie joined the Navigate Hub for Exploring Students in July 2015 as part of the Major Exploration Program team. She graduated from the U in 2010, double majoring in Psychology and Behavioral Science & Health.
Bio
Erin joined the Navigate Hub for Exploring Students team in July 2024 after spending 7 years working as an academic advisor and career specialist with business students at Utah State University. Erin moved to Utah in 2012 to complete her undergraduate degree as a first generation, non-traditional student in Integrated Studies and later her MBA at Utah State University. Prior to working in higher education, Erin worked in social services specializing in serving at-risk youth and individuals with disabilities; she now applies those same skills and passion to helping students in higher education achieve academic and professional success. In her free time, Erin teaches part-time at USU, is trying her hand at pottery, and loves to spend time with her son and her pup, Zoey.
Bio
Heather enjoys advising students and helping them reach their academic goals. She graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. degree in Human Development and a M. Ed degree in School Counseling.
Bio
Tyler earned her BS in Interpersonal & Family Communication in 2021 and a Master’s in Professional Communication in 2024 from Weber State University. She is passionate about helping students find joy and success in higher education. In her spare time you can find her running, trying new sandwiches, and spending time with her cat Dee Dee.
Bio
Shelley's from all over, but went to high school and college in California and has been in Utah for over 15 years. She earned her BA in Geography from Humboldt State University and her Master of Education from the University of Utah. She loves working with college students because of their excitement, desire to grow and explore, and also their goofiness. Shelley joined the Navigate Hub for Exploring Students in 2011.
Bio
Rosie is originally from the east coast and completed her B.A in English/Communication Studies before heading west for graduate school, where she completed her M.A in Communication from the University of Utah. While she misses the ocean waves, she has embraced Salt Lake’s mountain views. Rosie loves the energy and enthusiasm of first-year students and is committed to helping them navigate higher education. In her free time, she enjoys finding new restaurants and watching soccer.
Bio
Tyler joined the Navigate Hub for Exploring Students team in September 2025 after spending three years as an academic advisor at Weber State University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Weber State University and a master’s degree in Management from Utah State University. Since 2019, Tyler has worked in higher education, supporting students as they explore their academic interests and plan for their future careers. His interests include going to the gym, watching TV shows and movies, reading, and traveling.
Alessandra ZamoraBio
Alessandra was born and raised in Salt Lake City and is a U alum twice over. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies in 2017 and her Master’s degree in Education, Culture, and Society in 2019 before joining Preprofessional Advising in May 2021. As a first generation Latina, she is passionate and committed to helping students navigate higher education. She is a new mom and loves spending time with her family. An avid cook and baker, she loves to decorate cakes and is a huge foodie.
PreProfessional Advisors
Bio
Amy earned her BS degree from the University of Utah and MS (Master of Counseling) degree from Arizona State University. After living in Arizona and working in education and counseling in various capacities, she moved back to Utah to join her alma mater as an advisor and never left! For 20+ years she has assisted students preparing for law school and, for 10+ years, also students preparing for health professions. Amy enjoys hiking, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and training her senior rescue dog. She applies the lesson that you can, in fact, teach an old dog new tricks to herself as well, always seeking out opportunities to learn new things. This is one reason she finds working with young people at a university with so many opportunities for growth so fulfilling.
Bio
Jesus joined the Navigate Hub for Exploring Students in May 2025. He was raised in California and came to Utah in 2011. He is a first-generation graduate of Weber State University where he earned a bachelor's in Social Work and master's in Professional Communication. Since 2019 Jesus has been advising students in GEAR UP/TRIO programs, first-year learning communities, and pre-professional programs. In his free time, Jesus enjoys snowboarding, paddleboarding, pickleball, and traveling for concerts.
Administrative Team
Bio
David has been with the Navigate Hub for Exploring Students since March 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in French (plus a Secretarial Certificate) from the University of Utah and attended the University of Washington for one year. A Utah native, he enjoys time with friends and travelling (especially to British Columbia), stamps, French fries, and animals (especially dogs).
Bio
Cassidy is a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Utah. With a strong commitment to advocacy and empowerment, Cassidy is passionate about helping people and ensuring their voices are heard. In addition to her studies, she serves as the Reception Team Coordinator, where she helps create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students and visitors.
Bio
Leslie is originally from Los Angeles and relocated to Utah in late 2023 to join Navigate Hub for Exploring Students. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Chicano/Latino Studies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Education, Culture, and Society at the University of Utah. In her free time, she enjoys visiting local coffee shops and cheering on her favorite team—the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bio
McKenna is currently working on the Mortuary Science program at SLCC and will then transfer over to the U to get her Bachelors in Biology with an emphasis on human physiology. She was born and raised in Utah and has been to every national park in the state. When she is home she spends her time listening to true crime podcasts while crocheting with her cat chasing the yarn.
Bio
Zoey joined the University of Utah team as a Happiness Coordinator in 2024. Her areas of expertise include stress reduction, morale boosting, and spontaneous joy generation. Zoey holds a Bachelor of Canine Comfort from Woofminster College. When off duty, she enjoys long walks, treat sampling, and perfecting her belly rub technique.