Meet Our Team

Dr. Sarah "Friz" Friswold-Atwood

Director of Residence Life

friswoldatwood@mines.edu
pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 869-5529
Residence Life Office – Elm Hall West

About Friz.

Oversees all Residence Life professional staff, their student staffs, and all programming initiatives.

B.S. in Geology, Bowling Green State University
M.S. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration, Indiana University – Bloomington
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, University of North Florida

Dr. Sarah “Friz” Friswold-Atwood serves as the Director of Residence Life at the Colorado School of Mines. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Geology from Bowling Green State University, a Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Indiana University Bloomington, and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida. Her doctoral dissertation focused on how Signature Learning Communities contribute to students’ transitions to college.

Dr. Friswold-Atwood joined Mines in 2019, initially serving as the Associate Director of Residence Life for Residence Education. She transitioned to the role of Director in 2025.

Friz is passionate about creating a welcoming home for Mines students, where they are recognized, celebrated for their individuality, and experience a genuine sense of belonging. Dr. Friswold-Atwood believes that community is a powerful environment for learning and growth—one where students discover themselves while actively engaging with others.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her spouse, Amanda, their dog Bo, and their two cats, Marshmallow and Mousse. She also enjoys riding her gravel bike on trails throughout the foothills of Colorado. In recent summers, she has returned to her home state to explore the many backroads and small towns of Ohio during a week-long bike tour.

Residential Education Team

Vanessa Tackman

Associate Director of Residence Life – Residential Education

vanessa.tackman@mines.edu
pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 869-2564
Residence Life Office – Elm Hall West

About Vanessa.

Oversees Residence Life Coordinators and their student staffs, all programming initiatives, and Signature Learning Community development.

B.S. Health and Physical Education – River Falls, Wisconsin

M.Ed in Adult and Higher Education – The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma

MBA with an emphasis in Human Resources Management – The University of Northern Colorado, Colorado

Hello! My name is Vanessa Tackman and I am the Associate Director of Residence Life. I am originally from Minnesota, but I am so glad to be living in Colorado to have some sunnier days. I love working in Residence Life because I find joy in helping students have meaningful experiences living and learning within the residence halls. I have a lot of experience working in Residence Life, and fun fact: during my first year in college, I worked as a Desk Assistant and got involved in my building’s hall council! For fun, I love playing volleyball and have taught my husband how to play, so we join any volleyball game we can find. I also love food, coffee, matcha tea, walks, movies, running, and spending time with family and friends. We have a cat named, Tinxy that also brings so much joy to our lives! My husband and I love to travel, so whenever we both have time off, we will most likely be outside of the state or the country. Feel free to talk to me about any places that you have traveled to so we can add them to our travel list!

Jaime Burgher

Assistant Director of Residence Life

jaime.burgher@mines.edu
pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 869-
The Village at Mines Park – Building 5

About Jaime.

Oversees Residence Life Coordinators and their student staffs, all programming initiatives, and Signature Learning Community development.

University of Northern Colorado: BA – Special Education

University of Northern Colorado: MA – Higher Education Student Affairs Leadership

Howdy! I joined the Colorado School of Mines community in June 2026 after many years living and working in Colorado and Arizona. My higher education journey started as a first generation, out-of-state student who attended the University of Northern Colorado. It was there, while living in the residence halls for my entire undergraduate career, I gained valuable leadership and pre-professional experiences that prepared me for life after college. During this time, I was a work-study student in a campus office, a Resident Assistant, and served on the RHA executive board. I can personally attest that getting involved is a wonderful way to supplement what you learn in the classroom.

After completing my Master’s degree in Higher Education, I worked at Arizona State University, primarily with student government, then returned to Colorado to work at CU Denver as the Assistant Director of Student Life. Most recently, I worked in the nonprofit sector in statewide leadership and capacity building. I am passionate about helping others discover their passions and equipping them with tools to be successful, working to strengthen democracy and civic engagement, and shared governance.

When not on campus, I love to spend time in Golden with my family enjoying local restaurants and supporting our arts and culture events. I love to volunteer and currently serve on the Jefferson Council Cultural Council.

Yonas Hagos

Assistant Director of Residence Life

yhagos@mines.edu
pronouns: he/him/his
(303) 869-5339
Residence Life Office – Elm Hall West

About Yonas.

Oversees Residence Life Coordinators and their student staffs, all programming initiatives, and Signature Learning Community development.

B.A. in Communication, University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)
M.A. in Leadership: Student Affairs in Higher Education, University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)

My Name is Yonas Hagos, and I have been working at Mines since 2020. I have a passion for building connections with students. I believe in creating a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable discussing their goals, seeking guidance, and exploring opportunities for growth, please make sure to stop my office 😊!

During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my partner, Crystal and our dog, Nala Safari. We enjoy hiking. Also, I enjoy playing and watching basketball, if you see me on the basketball courts on campus, please don’t hesitate to join in.

Kaitlyn Black

Assistant Director of Residence Life

kaitlyn.black@mines.edu
pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 869-5519
Residence Life Office – Elm Hall West

About Kaitlyn.

Oversees Residence Life Coordinators and their student staffs, all programming initiatives, and Signature Learning Community development.

B.S. Counseling and Biblical Leadership (Manhattan Christian College)
M.A. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (LCC International University)

Hi, there! I’m happy to be here and serve as an Assistant Director of Residence Life at Mines. I’m from Kansas originally and grew up playing basketball and soccer. I got to be a goalkeeper in college for two years, where I also became fascinated by cultures from around the world, leadership, and student development.

I moved to the capital city of Mongolia after college where I worked as an English teacher and Higher Education professional for five years. During those years, I got to see much of Asia and Europe and complete my master’s degree. In 2020, I moved to Colorado to further my career in Residence Life! I love being a part of the student experience and empowering students to be owners of their own growth. Outside of work, you can find me shooting hoops, hiking, and hanging out with my community. I also delight in quirky things from thrift stores – ask to see my wall art compilations sometime!

Erin Criswell

Residence Life Coordinator - Spruce Hall

erin.criswell@mines.edu
pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 273-3276
Spruce Hall

About Erin.

Supervises student staff and oversees programming. Serves on an on-call rotation for emergency response.

B.A. Communications – University of Tennessee at Martin

MSEd. Higher Education Leadership – University of Tennessee at Martin

Hi there! I’m Erin, the RLC for Spruce Hall. I’m from Memphis, Tennessee and earned my BA in Communications and MSEd in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Tennessee at Martin before moving to Colorado in 2023. I became an RA at UTM during my freshman year, and the rest is history – I fell in love with working in Residence Life!

I’m always down to chat – if my office door is open (located in Spruce lobby), that means come visit!

Justin Diaz

Residence Life Coordinator - Traditional Halls

justin.diaz@mines.edu
pronouns: he/him/his
(303) 273-3995
Bradford Hall

About Justin.

Supervises student staff and oversees programming. Serves on an on-call rotation for emergency response.

B.A Psychology, Colorado Christian University

M.A Higher Education, University of Denver

Hello! My name is Justin Diaz and I am the RLC of the Traditional Halls! I was born and raised in Houston, Texas before my family decided to move out to Colorado Springs, Colorado. After receiving my undergraduate degree in psychology, I originally was looking to pursue a master’s degree in counseling and become a licensed counselor. I eventually pivoted and found myself working in higher education. I love getting to work with students and know them personally and support them in whatever way I can. My areas of interest include student mental health and integrating my background in psychology with my work in student affairs, especially as many students are facing transitions to a new environment.

I love being able to live in Colorado and enjoy the beautiful weather. In my free time I love to be outside playing sports, as well as playing board games and hanging out with my dog, Brewer.

Caleb Myott

Residence Life Coordinator - Elm Hall & Weaver Towers

caleb.myott@mines.edu
pronouns: he/him/his
(303) 869-5523
Elm Hall East

About Caleb.

Supervises student staff and oversees programming. Serves on an on-call rotation for emergency response.

B.S. Economics- Louisiana State University

M.Ed. Student Affairs in Higher Education- Texas State University

Hi! My name is Caleb Myott, and I will serve as the Residence Life Coordinator overseeing Weaver Towers and Elm Hall. I was born in Troy, New York and have since lived in six different states. I graduated from high school in Washington state and moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to attend LSU, where I worked as a resident assistant for three years.

After receiving my bachelor’s degree in economics from LSU, I started working on my teacher’s certification in Texas before returning to school to pursue a master’s degree. As a graduate student, I served as a graduate residence director for two years, interned with the Texas State office of sustainability, and interned down the road at Colorado College focusing on operations and facilities. I love working with students, learning their stories, and helping them find out what their version of success is.

It has been a dream come true getting to live in and explore the beautiful state of Colorado. In my free time, I love to hike, birdwatch, and play basketball.

Emmanuel "Manny" Quiroz Martinez

Residence Life Coordinator – Maple Hall

emmanuel.quirozmartinez@mines.edu
pronouns: he/him/his
(303) 869-5315
Maple Hall

About Manny.

Supervises student staff and oversees programming. Serves on an on-call rotation for emergency response.

A.A., General Studies, San Jacinto Community College
B.A., Communication, The University of Texas at San Antonio
M.Ed., Higher Education in Student Affairs

Howdy Y’all! My name is Emmanuel Quiroz, but you can call me RLC Manny, I am excited to serve as the Residence Life Coordinator for Maple Hall for the 2026-2027 academic year. I come with ten years of experience working with high school, college, and graduate students. As a first-gen graduate, I understand the unique challenges students face when they move away from college. I am from Houston, TX but have lived in San Antonio, Orlando, New York, and Salem. As a new Colorado resident, I am so excited to emerge into the Mountain man culture, so you’ll probably see me on a hike, using public transportation, and visiting the state parks throughout the year. On my free time, you’ll find me cooking/baking/grilling, looking for the best green salsa in the state, or playing PS5. Napping or watching a show is one of my favorite pastimes.

Ryan Sanborn

Residence Life Coordinator – 1750 Jackson Street

ryan.sanborn@mines.edu
pronouns: he/him/his
(303) 869-5531
1750 Jackson Street

About Ryan.

Supervises student staff and oversees programming. Serves on an on-call rotation for emergency response.

B.A., Communications, Grand Canyon University

M.S., Leadership, Grand Canyon University

Hi! My name is Ryan Sanborn and I am the Residence Life Coordinator of 1750 Jackson. I am originally from Andover, Minnesota. I wanted a break from the cold, so I moved to Arizona where I completed both my undergraduate program (Communications) and graduate program (Leadership) from Grand Canyon University. In my time post-graduation, I worked at a vocational High School for two and half years working with students pursuing certification-based programming as well as working as a Residence Life Coordinator for four years at Grand Canyon University. I love working with students and helping them find the best versions of themselves while figuring out what the college journey looks like for them.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Bri, and our pup, Natty. I also love the theatre, sports (I am fan of any Minnesota team and GCU basketball), as well as trying new restaurants.

Emily Grewal

Residence Life Coordinator – Desk Operations

emily.grewal@mines.edu
pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 869-5517

About Emily.

Supervises student staff and oversees programming. Serves on an on-call rotation for emergency response.

Emily Grewal comes to Mines with a love for working with students and a background in public education. Emily has a Masters in Education from Colorado State University and her Bachelors of Science in Human Development from The University of California, Davis.

Megan Balkin

Residence Life Coordinator – The Village at Mines Park

megan.balkin@mines.edu
Pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 273-3922
The Village at Mines Park – Building 5

About Megan.

Supervises student staff and oversees programming. Serves on an on-call rotation for emergency response.

Oversees: Graphite Neighborhood, Garnet Neighborhood, Galena Neighborhood Buildings 1 and 5

B.A. Biology, B.A. Government – New Mexico State University

M.A. Higher Education – University of Denver

Hello! My name is Megan, your Mines Park RLC! While I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I have learned to love Colorado as my second home. After having originally set out to pursue environmental policy, I fell in love with higher education as a profession while being heavily involved in student government, working as a resident assistant and hall council member, and supporting the Dean of Students office at my undergraduate institution. As a graduate student studying Higher Education, I had the pleasure of working in Alumni and Donor Relations, interning with the Sturm College of Law’s student affairs team, spending my second year as a graduate assistant in DU’s Student Outreach and Support office, and leading my academic program as the Higher Education Student Association president! My professional passions include student participation in institutional shared governance, basic needs access, neurodiversity support, and accessible, quality education for underserved populations. Now, I am so excited to apply my experience and be a part of the Mines community! Go Orediggers!

Though higher education is a passion of mine, I also spend my free time doing a variety of things including a lot of travel, reading, photography, skiing, going to concerts (33 and counting) and spending time with my dog, Bumi the Dachshund, and Willa, the Tortoise Shell cat! Please say hi if you ever see me around!

Joi Wilder

Residence Life Coordinator – The Village at Mines Park

joi.wilder@mines.edu
Pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 273-
The Village at Mines Park – Building 5

About Joi.

Supervises student staff and oversees programming. Serves on an on-call rotation for emergency response.

Oversees: Galena Neighborhood Buildings 2, 3, and 4

B.S Psychology, Minor: Child Advocacy Studies at the University of South Carolina Upstate

M.Ed Higher Education Student Affairs at Western Carolina University

Hi! My name Joi Wilder, one of the Residence Life Coordinators here at Mines Park. Before joining Mines, I worked in Residence Life at Swarthmore College, where I discovered how impactful genuine relationships and intentional community-building can be in a student’s college experience. Whether I’m helping students through challenges, celebrating their successes, or simply chatting around the halls, I like to create a space where everyone feels they belong.

I’m passionate about creating communities where students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves. I believe some of the most meaningful learning happens outside the classroom, and I’m grateful to play a role in helping students navigate their college journey.

Coming from Pennsylvania, I’m excited to now call Colorado home and explore everything the state has to offer. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me hiking, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, walking my dog, traveling, or spending time with friends and family. If you see me around campus, don’t hesitate to stop and say hello, I always enjoy meeting new people!

Dakkota Montoya

Residence Life Coordinator – Student Leadership

dakkota.montoya@mines.edu
Pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 273-3414

About Dakkota.

Advises the Campus Living Student Association (CLSA) and National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH).

B.A. History Education, University of Northern Colorado

M.Ed. Educational Leadership, Regis University

Hello! My name is Dakkota and I will be advising the Campus Living Student Association and the NRHH chapter at School of Mines. My background includes working with housing and public education. When I am not at work, I enjoy reading, quilting, and walking my dog.

Alisha Maes

Residence Life Coordinator – Lookout Apartments

alisha.maes@mines.edu
pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 869-
Lookout Apartments

About Alisha.

Oversees Residence Life Coordinators and their student staffs, all programming initiatives, and Signature Learning Community development.

B.A.S., Leadership & Management, Colorado Mountain College
Master of Applied Leadership & Management, Arizona State University

Hello and welcome! I’m Alisha, one of the RLCs for Lookout Apartments. With over a decade of service in housing, I am committed to ensuring a supportive and enriching living experience for our students.

Being a Colorado native, I have a profound love for our state’s natural beauty and enjoy sharing this passion with others. My family plays a central role in my life, and I understand the importance of creating a community that feels like a second home for our students. I strive to foster a welcoming environment where every individual can thrive academically and personally.

Outside of work, you might find me spending quality time with my family, biking around campus, or attending local community events. These experiences shape my approach to building strong connections within our campus community.

I am excited to support you during your journey at Colorado School of Mines and look forward to helping create lasting memories and meaningful experiences. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or ideas to enhance the community in Lookout.

Nicole Stevens

Residence Life Coordinator – Lookout Apartments

nicole.stevens@mines.edu
pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 869-
Lookout Apartments

About Nicole.

Oversees Residence Life Coordinators and their student staffs, all programming initiatives, and Signature Learning Community development.

B.A. Political Science, University of Alabama

M.A. Women’s Studies, University of Alabama

Ph.D. Comparative Studies, The Ohio State University

Hello! My name is Nicole, and I’m one of the RLCs for Lookout Apartments. This is my first year at Mines, and I am really excited to be here! Prior to coming to Colorado, I was a Hall Director at the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire where I had the opportunity to return to working directly with students after completing a PhD at The Ohio State University. My academic research was focused on historical Science and Technology Studies in the American West and its relationship to building American nationalism; I love talking about it, so pop over for a visit to chat if you’re interested! Alongside my academic work, one of my biggest passions is having the opportunity to support students through the process of figuring out their own passions and interests and helping map out how these passions and interests might apply to their future lives and careers. Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with my family, friends, and my sweet dog Ellie, getting lost on runs, and trying out different fermentation recipes. I am so excited to welcome you home soon!

Facilities & Operations Team

Logan Thurnauer

Associate Director of Residence Life - Facilities & Operations

logan.thurnauer@mines.edu
pronouns: he/him/his
(303) 273-3982
Weaver Towers

About Logan.

Oversees all aspects of Residence Life assets, building projects, and yearly procedures.

B.A., English Literature and Philosophy, Saint Michael’s CollegeM.S.Ed., Higher Education, University of Pennsylvania

A native New Englander, over the past fifteen years I’ve worked in residence life and graduate student services, gradually developing my passion for service and creating processes that are user friendly and easy to access. I’ve made stops as a hall director at Salve Regina University and Lewis & Clark College, as well as worked with graduate students at New York University, Abu Dhabi and the University of Pennsylvania. Most recently, I worked just up the street managing residential operations at the University of Colorado, Boulder. In my life outside of work I enjoy travel, cooking, reading, gardening, and beekeeping in his free time.

Jackie Garramone

Assistant Director of Occupancy Management

jgarramo@mines.edu
pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 273-3928
Residence Life Office – Elm Hall West

About Jackie.

Oversees housing assignments for the Residence Halls, Mines Park Apartments, 1750 Jackson Street, and Greek Housing.

Taylor Miller-Lim

Assistant Director of Facilities & Operations

taylor.miller-lim@mines.edu
pronouns:she/her/hers
(303) 869-5518
Weaver Towers

About Taylor.

Kelsey Ruby

Coordinator for Housing Occupancy & Marketing

kelsey.ruby@mines.edu
pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 869-5528
Residence Life Office – Elm Hall West

About Kels.

Oversees department website and social media; coordinates housing assignments and various processes for housing operations.

B.A., English, University of North Florida
M.A., Higher Education, University of Denver

Hi y’all! I’m Kels, and I come to Mines from my hometown of Ft. Myers, Florida. Mines is such a unique campus, with a strong sense of community and care among its students and staff, and I love learning alongside such ambitious students! I always look forward to seeing how much students grow between the day they move in and the day they move out! When I’m not at work, you can find me with my husband, our son, and our dogs!

Yoke Tassent

Coordinator for Housing Occupancy & Retention

yoke.tassent@mines.edu
pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 869-5534
Residence Life Office – Elm Hall West

About Yoke.

Coordinates housing assignments and various processes for housing operations, specifically focused on upper-division students residing in 1750 Jackson, Lookout Apartments, Greek Housing, and The Village at Mines Park.

B.A. Biology and Philosophy, Rollins College

M.A. Educational Leadership, University of Central Florida

Hey Orediggers! My name is Yoke (she/her/hers). I began my journey as a housing staff member in the RA role at Rollins College which is located in Central Florida. This position encouraged me to work as a live in staff member (like your RLCs), and I enjoyed building connections and community. I decided to join the Housing Team at Mines because I was looking for a way to shift into a role that was more data and process driven. As a previous STEM student, I was even more excited to start working with the Mines community. In my personal life, I love enjoying the great outdoors. With Mines being positioned in the beautiful city of Golden, in the foothills of the Rockies, it is the perfect place to be.

Debi Pretz

Project Assistant for Residence Life

dpretz@mines.edu
pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 384-2576
Residence Life Office – Elm Hall West

About Debi.

Oversees administrative processes for the Office of Residence Life.

My name is Debi Pretz, and I have been working at Mines in Residence Life since January 2006. Changes at Mines over the years makes me excited for the next class of students, as they, too, change with each incoming class. The joy of getting to know our students and what they bring to and expect from Mines is uplifting and “new.” Some end up working in our department for years – only to leave and continue to share with us their memories and how living and working with us is carried over into their fields of expertise and their lives post-Mines. This NEVER gets old, which is why I truly love – and stay in – Residence Life. Staff, faculty, colleagues, student staff: the absolute best and each day is busy, but joyous and truly rewarding!

Amy Hoppes

Administrative Coordinator of Residence Life

ahoppes@mines.edu
pronouns: she/her/hers
(303) 273-3181
Residence Life Office – Elm Hall West

About Amy.

Oversees administrative processes for Residence Life within the Campus Living Office.