Spring 2026 Site Leaders & Staff Partners
Well before the tires hit the road, our incredible team of student Site Leaders and Staff Partners are carefully crafting the transformative experiences that U of U students enjoy each year. These daring darlings of social change coordinate the community engagement, issue education, and reflection pieces on their Alternative Breaks experiences, and they'd love to share their enthusiasm for their work with you.
Knowledgeable, hard-working, and passionate about student engagement, these folx are great resources for Alt Breaks participants to connect with the campus community in different areas and ways. While Site Leaders are the go-to for questions about their specific AB experiences, feel free to connect with our Staff/Faculty Partners with any questions about Alternative Breaks, their department and work on campus!
Reach out to them if you have any questions about the experiences they're planning!
Alternative Break Spring Leadership Teams
Site Leader
Kaylee Haarbrink
She/HerKaylee Haarbrink
Hi! I am Kaylee and I am a junior at the University of Utah studying nursing with the goal of becoming a flight nurse. Recently I have discovered a love for psychology and am considering adding it as a second major. I tend to spend my free time outside; I love to fly fish and camp. Whether I am out and about or staying in I love to be with friends and family. Some of my other hobbies include gaming, reading, drag racing (cars), and playing flute. I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to lead an Alternative Break as I have loved the two that I have participated in, and they opened a whole new world of interests and possibilities for me. The little community that we build together, the knowledge we learn from each other, and the memories we create are priceless!
Staff Partner
Tim Torgerson
He/Him
Tim Torgerson
I will be working as a staff partner for the Community Health Break. This is my second year at the University of Utah, where I work as a Resident Director. Last year, I oversaw the Gateway Heights and Officers' Circle communities, and this year, I will be overseeing the Impact and Prosperity Epicenter. Before coming to Utah, I worked as a graduate student at the University of Mississippi in their housing area, where I earned my Master's in Higher Ed Administration. I am originally from Wisconsin, where I attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for undergrad. It is at UWO where I developed a passion for education and have continued that journey since then.
Site Leader
Ari Duven
She/HerAri Duven
Hi! My name is Ari and I use she/her pronouns. I'm a 3rd year studying physics with an emphasis in astronomy & astrophysics. I've lived in Utah my whole life, but love traveling to new places! In my free time, I love spending time with my cat, crocheting, and being outdoors.
I'm so excited to have the opportunity to lead the education alternative break this year! I've been a Partnership Liaison (PL) for the Social Justice Gardens program, and will be a PL for ACT Prep this year! I love engaging with my community and am excited to help other students engage in a meaningful way. I have always loved eduction and love helping students at all levels within the education system.
Staff Partner
Alyssa Henrie
She/Her
Alyssa Henrie
Alyssa Henrie is a proud alumna of the University of Utah, Class of 2024, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science with an emphasis in Law and Politics. During her time as a student, she was actively involved in campus life through roles with the Union Programming Council, the Hinckley Institute of Politics’ Local and Global Internships, and served as both an Orientation Leader and a University Ambassador, among other positions.
Alyssa is excited to be working full-time as the Union Administrative Assistant, where she enjoys contributing to meaningful projects during her gap year as she applies to law school.
Site Leader
Gavin Reynolds
He/They
Gavin Reynolds
Hey! My name is Gavin Reynolds, and I'm a 4th-year student double majoring in Urban Ecology & Planning, as well as Political Science, with an emphasis in Public Policy. I also serve as a student representative of the Demonstration and Activity Resource Team, a Supreme Court Justice for ASUU, and President of Hillel for Utah.
I'm from Salt Lake City and love to get outdoors for hiking, biking, camping, paddleboarding, and skiing! I also love to travel, exploring different cultures, and cooking & baking. I also love reality TV and am passionate about the Real Housewives of SLC, Below Deck, and Below Deck Mediterranean.
I've been on 2 Alternative Breaks, first the Urban Environmentalism Break in Portland and second the Hunger Break in Seattle. I'm passionate about Urban density and finding real solutions to housing insecurity, and am super excited to create the housing break, work with the participants to create a collaborative experience, and creating new bonds with students!
Housing
Staff Partner
Yecenia Hernandez
She/Her
Yecenia Hernandez
!Hey there! My name is Yecenia Hernandez and I have lived in Utah and have been a Resident Director with the Office of Residence Life for a full year now. I attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where I held various roles on campus that helped me discover my passion in working to support students. I then pursued a masters in Student Affairs from Iowa State University. I am a proud first-generation student! In my free time I enjoy exploring new places like restaurants, coffee shops, and nature spots. I am very much excited to be apart of the Alt Break program!
Site Leader
Abby Flack
she/her
Abby Flack
Immigration
Staff Partner
Ana Sanchez Benet
she/her/ella
Ana Sanchez Benet
Hola!
My name is Ana Sanchez Benet, and I’m a second-year master’s student in Educational Leadership and Policy, with a concentration in Student Affairs. I currently work as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Undergraduate Studies Department for First Experiences.
Over the past two years, my focus has been on building the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience necessary to advocate for students. I’m especially passionate about promoting student development, supporting student success, and helping shape policies that directly impact student life and learning.
I was born in Cuba and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. I love meeting new people and connecting with their stories—and I’m truly excited to be a part of this team. I can’t wait to meet everyone and start this journey together!
SITE LEADER
Vanessa Downing
she/her/ella
Hola! My name is Vanessa, and I’m majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology with a strong passion for exploring the brain and mental health. I’m honored to serve as the site leader for this break focused on Refugee Rights and Resettlement. I look forward to learning alongside others and engaging in meaningful conversations.
I grew up just 5 minutes from the beach in Perú and love swimming, being outdoors, and staying active with my family. I’m married to my best friend and share my home with a playful beagle who keeps me on my toes.
One of my favorite life mottos is, “But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things you never knew, you never knew.” I believe being present and open brings the greatest joy by helping us step out of our bubbles and connect with other worlds through compassion, understanding, and action. I can’t wait to grow with this team!
Staff Partner
Sarah Mann
she/her
My name is Sarah, and I am so excited to be a staff partner for the first time this year!
I received my undergraduate degree from the University of San Diego, where I also fell in love with environmental conservation and Marine life! I am so happy to be returning to San Diego with Alt Breaks this year!
Today I work for the U as a Resident Director, overseeing Marriott Honors Community. My favorite part of my job is getting to know and learning from the incredible students I work with, which is the same reason I can't wait to be a staff partner this year!
When I'm not on campus, you can find me hiking one of Utah's gorgeous trails, traveling the world with my partner, or making art inspired by all the cool places I get to explore!
I can't wait to jump into Marine Conservation this spring!
Site Leader
Currently Vacant
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Staff Partner
Ethan Foley
He/himEthan Foley
Hey there! My name is Ethan Foley, and I am super excited to be rejoining the AB team this Spring. I served as a Staff Partner back in Fall 2023 for the Hunger & Food Justice Break in Seattle, and I am thrilled to be rejoining the team again this Spring for the Refugee Rights & Resettlement Break here in Salt Lake City. In my full time role, I serve as the Student Governance Advisor for the Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU) - your student government!
I care deeply about community engagement, and I am thrilled to be staying here in Utah this Spring to learn more about the good work our local community partners are doing to serve our neighbors here in Salt Lake. Alternative Breaks play an important role in educating, empowering, and uplifting one another and our communities, and I cannot think of a more pressing or timely issue than working to strengthen our refugee communities here in Utah. I hope this break is a spark for each of us to continue our engagement here locally by extending our relationships with community partners long after our break concludes. I can't wait to see you all soon!
Site Leader
Nick Delquandro
he/him
Sex & Healthy Relationships
Staff Partner
Corinne Casazza
she/hersCorinne Casazza
Corinne is a staff member here at the University of Utah, working in the Center for Campus Wellness as a Health Educator. Corinne has been in this position for about a year now and has had the opportunity to grow as a professional and work with some of the most selfless and amazing folks at the CCW. Prior to moving to Utah, Corinne has worked with elementary-aged students as a long-term substitute teacher, as well as served for a year in the AmeriCorps NCCC, where she helped on various community facing projects in the southwest region of the U.S. Corinne is really looking forward to her role as a staff partner on the Sex and Healthy Relationships alternative break in Las Vegas, NV as this work ties directly into her professional scope of work. In her free time, you can find Corinne running, snowboarding, baking a delicious baked good, hiking, traveling to a new place or just catching up with friends and family.
Site Leader
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TBD
Urban Environmentalism
Staff Partner
Emily Payne
she/hersPierre Romangin