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An affordable vibrant education
in a diverse urban environment.
303.556.2600
CCD Main Campus

 Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 173363 Campus Box 201
Denver, CO 80217-3363

Physical Address:
1111 W Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80204-2026
303.556.2600
home TRIO Student Support Services Explore

Meet the staff

 
 
Nathan Cadena, Director
  
I was born and raised in Colorado.  Professionally, I have enjoyed serving opportunity programs, including TRIO programs, in Colorado for more than 10 years.  Before arriving at the Community College of Denver (CCD), I worked with non-traditional and underrepresented students through Front Range Community College, the Daniels Fund, and Colorado State University.  I earned a Certificate in Global Career Development Facilitation from the Community College of Denver; a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences from Colorado State University; and a Master of Education from Regis University in Adult Learning, Training, and Development.
 
Working for TRIO is significant as this type of program has played a fundamental role in my life.  In my past, I have received invaluable support as a former student in the TRIO Upward Bound and TRIO Student Support Services programs. My experiences as a TRIO Alumnus contribute greatly to the person I am– which makes me deeply passionate about working within the rich culture at CCD.  First hand, I have been able to experience how dedicated professionals positively foster motivation, retention, and goal completion.  With this in mind, I am thrilled to work with the TRIO students and staff at CCD. 

 
Troy Abfalter, Program Coordinator and Educational Case Manager

I find inspiration in people who get knocked down but keep getting back up; people who bypass what is easy for what is right; people who courageously pursue their full potential despite what life throws at them or tells them. And so I greatly enjoy working with students in TRIO. Our students do not always have an easy road, but they persevere through the ups and downs. They don't quit. I am happy to play a small part in their journey. 

 As for a little about me, I grew up in Minnesota, I love winter more than anyone you know, and my family means the world to me. I love to learn, to create, to ponder, and to bike to work in sub-zero temperatures (all related activities). When I am not at work, you will most likely find me playing outside - skiing, kayaking, climbing, trail running, and such. If not there, I am probably reading, writing, or taking pictures. I am an Americorps alumus and I currently volunteer as an ELA instructor, trail-builder, and youth mentor. I earned my Bachelor's degree at the College of St. Scholastica, my Master's degree from the University of Denver, and I plan to never stop learning. I can convince you that I am a pretty serious person, yet you will find an air guitar behind my file cabinet.  
 
 
Beth Lane, Academic Coordinator and Educational Case Manager

I am a Colorado Native. I have found that I have a dichotomy of loving a small mountain community as much as I love the city. I have spent the last five years living in Durango, Colorado, which is a fairly small mountain town in the four corners.  At the same time I am happy to be back in Denver.  I have two kids which take up all of my spare time, which is fine with me as they are the joy of my life.  Their names are Carson and Livia and they are 9 and 7 respectively. I have been happily married for the last nine years to my husband Jon.     
 
I have been working for TRiO a little over 2 years and feel lucky to be in such a great community of advocates for students; these students who are so impressive to me by their dedication to advancing their education and improving their life.  I earned a degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver in Political Science and History after which I went on to obtain a teachers License from UCD. I am passionate about education and come from a long line of educators.  In fact of many of my relatives are teachers or have a degree in education.  I was a social studies teacher for many years before transitioning into higher education.

 
CONTACT US!
TRIO SSS
(303) 556-4964
Cherry Creek (South) 224
M - Th 8:00 to 5:00
F 10:00 to 5:00
 
Nathan Cadena
Director
Nathan.Cadena@ccd.edu

Troy Abfalter
Program Coordinator
Troy.Abfalter@ccd.edu

Beth Collins
Academic Coordinator
Elizabeth.Lane@ccd.edu

Imane Benjelloun
Program Specialist
Imane.Benjelloun@ccd.edu

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