Meet Our

Diane Pierce

Business Manager

Diane has been a member of the Richfield Residential Team since 1992. Being from Monroe, Utah, she had many friends from RRH when she was in high school. Now Diane has the opportunity of sharing stories of their friendship with the children of her former classmates who now reside at the Residential Hall. Diane holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management through Utah State University. Diane and her husband Rob have five children (4 sons and 1 daughter), and she is so proud of her 6 beautiful grandchildren. Diane’s favorite part of being at Richfield Residential Hall is, watching a student succeed into something that they did not think they could do. She says, “I love working with students and their families. It makes my day to hear their success stories; before, during, and after.” Being the first point of contact that students and their families have with Richfield Residential Hall, Diane always tries to make the transition to our program easy and enjoyable. If you talk with Diane once, you know that you have a friend here, and that your student is in great hands. When asked why someone should consider coming to school here, Diane says, “Richfield Residential Hall opens so many doors; not only in education, but life in general. I have seen so many great things happen while here at Richfield Residential Hall. You won’t be disappointed! We have so much to offer, and our motto says it all: Learn today, lead tomorrow!

• diane@richfielddorm.org

Rick Brunson

Facility manager

Rick joined the Richfield Residential Hall in 2018. Previously Rick was the Equine Programs Director as well as the Training Supervisor at Sorenson’s Ranch School in Koosharem UT. Rick believes that every person has value and has something to add to their community and that each person owes a debt of gratitude to their ancestors who have provided a path for them. Ricks goals while at RRH are to provide the students with a clean, comfortable, and safe environment where they can prepare themselves to achieve their dreams and be a positive addition to their future communities. Rick grew up in the small Utah town of Fillmore, UT. He loved horses from an early age and realized the truth in Winston Churchill’s quote, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” After high school graduation and studies at SUSC he spent the rest of his early adult years in the Air Force where he was a veteran of Desert Storm. Rick was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of his Airman Leadership School class and became a NCO before being honorably discharged. Rick loved learning the traditions and customs of other cultures while in the Air Force, and to this day he is always seeking to find what makes each culture great. But as he traveled the globe he always looked forward to coming home on leave and riding his horse into the mountains to find that peaceful feeling that was missing in the world. After the service Rick began a successful career in the livestock transportation industry as a safety supervisor for a trucking company. During his 14 year tenure he was responsible for keeping a fleet of nearly 60 trucks maintained and operating safely. After many years in the business world Rick had the opportunity to join the equine program at Sorenson’s Ranch. This was the positive change Rick was looking for in life, finally a chance to work with teenagers and horses, two of his passions in life. Rick became certified in the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) modality of mental health treatment and practiced daily with students who benefited from time with horses. As a supervisor he cared for the daily needs of the students to make sure they had the best chance at success. Whether it was a clean and safe living area or activities set up on campus, Rick always made sure the students had everything he could provide to help them be successful in their daily lives. Rick and his wife Marci are the proud parents of five children, three of which are grown and have left home. He lives in the small town of Aurora UT with his wife and two remaining children. In his spare time Rick enjoys riding horses with his family, spending time outdoors, and coaching wrestling at the local high school.

• rbrunson@richfielddorm.org

Beatriz Quitco

Counselor

Beatriz Quitco joined Richfield Residential Hall in 2009. She was previously employed with Central Utah Counseling Center before joining the RRH team. Beatriz was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States at a young age. She lived briefly in New Jersey and later moved to Utah. Because of her own diverse background, she has a respect and love of culture and enjoys learning about Native American traditions. Beatriz is a graduate of North Sevier High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with honors from Utah State University and her Master’s of Education degree in Psychology also from Utah State University. Beatriz has served the students and families of Richfield Residential Hall in a variety of positions, including: Homeliving Assistant, Activities Director and Action Team Advisor. She currently serves as the Counselor and continues her duties as the senior staff advisor to the A-team (Student Council). She manages the “High Five” behavior contingency management program at Richfield Residential Hall. Beatriz also shares her love of reading and runs a popular book club. Beatriz believes in life-long learning where individuals should never settle for stagnation. Because of this she has an appreciation for Richfield Residential Hall. About the students and the program Beatriz states, “I have always been passionate about education. The value it contains, the respect it merits, and the character it adds to an individual are only a few benefits . Guidance and motivation are significant factors to success and Richfield Residential hall nurtures those aspects. I love the moment I see a student succeed and continue to follow that path. That moment creates a passion for industry and hunger for growth. I’m proud to know the students I work with and I’m excited to hear about their contributions later in life.” Beatriz resides with her family in Sevier County. She especially loves being a homemaker, learning new things and spending time with her husband and 2 children.

• bquitco@richfielddorm.org

Sylvia Nielson

Academic Director

Raised in Richfield, Sylvia was born for the Folded Arm Clan and born into the Reed People Clan. After spending much of her childhood at Richfield Residential Hall (where her parents worked), it was a natural transition for her to come back following her graduation from college. Sylvia holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, and is currently working on her Masters Degree in Counseling. She also worked for two years at Tuba City Boarding School, and is “currently raising a husband and teenage daughter.” A compassionate and hard-working asset to RRH for over 16 years now, Sylvia says, “I find my job very rewarding and I enjoy the time I spend with the students and staff.” Her favorite part about working here is “all the many wonderful surprises that happen each day. . . it makes work fun.” When asked why someone should consider coming to Richfield Residential Hall, Sylvia says, “If you want a good education and want to be around fun and positive people, this is where you want to be.

• snielson@richfielddorm.org

Sophie Adison

Homeliving Assistant

Raised on the campus of Richfield Residential Hall, Sophie has been involved with RRH for most of her life. She has served our students and their families as the Sevier School District Title VII (Indian Education) Coordinator for several years. She joined the Richfield Residential Hall team as a full time Homeliving Assistant in 2014. In her own words… I am Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms Clan) born for the L0k’aa’ (Reed People). I have lived in Richfield most of my life. I started school at Ashman Elementary and graduated from Richfield High School. I have four amazing children, two beautiful granddaughters and one handsome grandson. They are the loves of my life and I enjoy spending time with each and every one of them. They all have a great sense of humor, which keeps me young and going! I have worked with Native American students and families of Sevier School District as the Title VII Education Coordinator for the past eight years. I also work at the Richfield Public Library as the Native American Resource Coordinator/Librarian, and for the Drug Elimination Program (DEP); a youth afterschool program for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Koosharem Band. I thoroughly enjoy working with our students in the local schools. I appreciate being a small part of their lives and watching them succeed. I enjoy watching comedies, reading, fishing, traveling and of course, my grandkids! I love laughing with my friends and family, going to rodeos and watching BYU Women’s volleyball. I can’t express enough how valuable and important culture and language is in our everyday lives. The positive choices we make in life will keep us in balance and in harmony. I myself continue to learn about my culture and language, I know I can learn more from the students and staff as well. I look forward to this new journey in my life with great enthusiasm.

• sophie@richfielddorm.org

Tristin Armstrong

Homeliving Assistant

I have lived in Sevier county most of my life and graduated from South Sevier in 2014. I continued my education in emergency medical services and enjoy helping people. I have a wife and a young son. I'm excited to be a member of the Richfield residential hall.

• tarmstrong@richfielddorm.org

LaToya Clark

Homeliving Assistant

Yá’át’ééh Shidine’é. Shí éi La Toya Lynn Clark yinishyé. Tachii’nii nishlí Tl’izilani báshíshchíní. Hello, my name is La Toya Lynn Clark I am of the Red Running Into The Water Clan and born for Many Goats Clan. I attended South Sevier High School my freshman and sophomore year (2000-2002) and attended Richfield High School my junior and senior year (2002-2004). Growing up I have always been in a dorm on the Navajo reservation, I went to Kayenta Boarding School, where I was promoted in 2000, and decided to head out here to Richfield Utah to attend the high school here. It was the best decision I ever made in my life because coming here was a wonderful experience. Education was, and still is one of the top priorities here at Richfield Residential Hall and the students that come here become family. That is one of the greatest things I love about RRH, the staff here spend their time working hard every day to make the dorm not only a safe environment but a place that we, previous and new students, can call home.I’ve always been amazed with the people that spend their time every day with us; they become our teachers and even better, they become closer to you like our mothers, fathers, grandmas, and grandpas. They are the people that we children look up to for guidance, teachings, and life learning lessons. Our parents are our first teachers, the staff that are working within these facilities also become those teachers in our lives as well. They are the ones that will continue to show us how to be responsible and respectful. To show us every day new things that will help us with our own lives after high school, we learn the values of keeping our homes clean and down to the smallest things like; managing our time, laundry, helping our fellow students with homework, etc. To be a part of this team as a Homeliving Assistant, my goal is to continue to help the students reach their success in education by making sure they have a safe and clean environment. Also, be there for their needs; mentally, physically, and spiritually. Just like all the people who work at the different dormitories across the Navajo Nation, I want to make a difference in a child’s life by being here; letting them know we are here and we care. I appreciate all the men and women in my life for helping in shaping me to be the person that I am today. Thank you for the opportunity! Let’s make each school year great!!

• lclark@richfielddorm.org

Georgianna Craig

Homeliving Assistant

Georgie is from Crown Point, New Mexico, and has been a valuable member of the Richfield Residential Hall family for over 24 years. She was born for the Folded Arms Clan, and born into the Towering House Clan. Georgie is a lifelong learner and is currently furthering her education at Snow College. She has attended many workshops on motivation, drugs, abuse, etc. She has raised her own children in this area, and says you should consider Richfield Residential Hall because, the staff love what they are doing and really care about the students and their progress and happiness. She says that she works here “to make a difference in a student’s life; they are our future.” Her favorite thing about working at Richfield Residential Hall is, “Each day is a new experience. I enjoy watching the students progress, and I enjoy interacting with them.” Georgianna has a great attitude and enjoys teasing the students in their native Navajo language.

• gcraig@richfielddorm.org

Stephanie Hall

Cook

Stephanie was born and raised in the Sevier county area. She’s the proud mother of two Snow College graduates. A resident of Monroe Utah, she has worked the past 13 years as a cook at the south sevier senior center and is excited to be bringing that experience to RRH team. Her favorite part of being a member of the Richfield Residential Hall is knowing how much dedication the staff has in seeing each student reach their full potential. On her days off she enjoys the outdoors; hiking, fishing and spending time with her family. She loves to cook and has a passion for helping others.

• shall@richfielddorm.org

Dawn Hiss

Homeliving Assistant

Hello! I am Dawn Hiss. I am the newest member of the RRH staff and a former resident of all four years at the dorm. I am originally from Coppermine, AZ and love to get back there whenever possible. After graduating high school, I continued to attend Snow College Richfield and graduated from there. I stayed in the valley and worked, got married, and moved back to Arizona. We were away for a few years, but it was time to come back. I have two wonderful children and an amazing husband. In our free time, we like to work on home projects. We are DIY-ers. We also enjoy visiting our family whenever possible, hiking, camping, and any outdoor adventures. I am excited to be working here and look forward to meeting you.

• dhiss@richfielddorm.org

Sharry Jolley

Academic Assitant

Hello. I am Sharry Jolley. I was raised, and lived in, Page Arizona from 1961 to 1987. That wonderful desert is where I am most at home. I attended Page High School but did not graduate from there. It was not until I was 36 years old that I attained my GED because I wanted to impart how important education, and finishing what you start, were to my two beautiful daughters. I went on to begin college at Snow College in Richfield at 42 years old and attained my AS degree there. I earned my BS degree in Psychology and my Masters of Rehabilitation Counseling (MRC) from Utah State University. I am currently a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Licensed Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (LVRC). My favorite quote is from Maya Angelou, “Education helps us cease being intimidated by situations which used to intimidate us.” Before attending college, and while raising my daughters, I was a dog groomer for 32 years! Hard work is hard, but it brings the most joy. I still groomed part time while attending college, worked 4 part time jobs, was the student council activities Vice President in 2004 and student council President in 2005. After attaining my degrees, I worked with at-risk youth at Sorenson’s Ranch in Koosharem Utah for 18 months before being hired by the state of Utah as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. I enjoyed this work for almost 9 years while gaining valuable information and experience that will help me immensely in my position with RRH as the Academic Assistant. I believe that the RRH students who attend Sevier valley schools deserve the best we have to offer in advising, educational opportunities, and care. I intend to uphold that level of guidance.

• sharry.jolley@richfielddorm.org

Nancy McKinlay

Foodservice Director

Nancy joined the Richfield Residential Hall team in 2011 as a Homeliving Assistant. She is of the Salt Clan and was raised in Elsinore, UT (8 miles south of Richfield). Nancy has a degree in business and has been continuing her education by taking education classes at Snow College Richfield, with a goal of earning a degree in education as well. Nancy raised two daughters who were involved in competitive cheerleading. Nancy was involved in their activities and assisted in chaperoning a trip to Nationals in California on several occasions. She enjoys volunteering at the elementary school with activities and numerous field trips; including the Gooseberry Outdoor Education program and camping trips. Nancy says, “My favorite part of working at RRH is definitely the students. I really enjoy hearing about their home and how happy they are when their parents notice the positive changes in school-work, chores and maturity that they develop while they are here. Seeing the pride in your child’s face is a great feeling. I know from personal experience that the schools here are excellent and our students have the opportunity to get a jump start towards their college credits.” She says she loves being a part of the Richfield Residential Hall team because, “All staff at RRH are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and encourage cultural enhancements. The program also teaches independence in preparing for college settings and helps develop self motivation needed in all aspects of life. I graduated from South Sevier High School, and enjoyed being a member of the Drill Team and participating in pageants. I have 2 girls who I encourage to always participate in activities as much as you can and to use every situation as a learning experience. I advise the same with students at RRH. I believe support, discipline and courage to do what is right, as well as respect for our culture and family will help your child reach their full potential.” Nancy enjoys aerobic exercises and reading a wide range of books.

• nmckinlay@richfielddorm.org

Ryne Richards

Dorm Manager

Ryne was born in Okinawa, a small island which lies in the East China Sea between Japan and Taiwan. He spoke the Ryukyu language at home and in the community. In elementary school, his education was conducted in the Japanese language. With the death of his mother, he was adopted at the age of nine by Mr. and Mrs. Richards, an American couple stationed at Kadena Air Force Base. On his 10thbirthday, he came to the United States and grew up mainly in California. He went to Brigham Young University in Utah and majored in elementary education and Japanese language. He was an elementary school teacher in northern Utah and a high school teacher in Everett, Washington. The last 20 years, he was a college instructor in Japan teaching English as a second language and English composition. With his love for trout fishing and a desire to work with high school students, he feels that he is very fortunate to be able to work at Richfield Residential Hall in central Utah. He has two married daughters in Italy and in Oregon, a son serving in the Army in Texas and a daughter attending Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah and three grandchildren in Oregon. He is eager to teach Japanese to the RRH students and also to learn Diné bizaad from the students and staff.

• rrichards@richfielddorm.org

Brenna Roberts

Homeliving Assistant

Brenna Roberts is from the Tewa Tribe. She is the youngest of 7 daughters who she keeps in contact with regularly, family is very important to her. Brenna has 2 children of her own; Dawson and Tymber. Continuing her education has always been a goal of hers, and is currently attending college online. Brenna loves school and hopes to encourage the students to love learning as well. In her free time, Brenna loves listening to, playing, and composing music. She plays multiple instruments including piano, drums, guitar, and multiple percussion instruments. She also spends a lot of her free time scouting, hunting, and hiking.

• broberts@richfielddorm.org

Ray Samuel

Night Attendant

• rsamuel@richfielddorm.org

Tina Stevens

Home Living Assistant

Tina is of the Red Running into the Water clan (Tachiinii) and born for Start of the Red Streak clan (Deeschiinii). Her maternal grandparents are Towering House (Kinyaa’aanii) and paternal grandparents are Water’s Edge (Tabaha). Tina grew up in the small Navajo community of Coppermine, where she was raised with four other sisters and no brothers. She said growing up on a farm in this way taught her the value of hard work and strength. Like the stories of many of those who work here, Tina was a student before returning as a staff. She attended all four years in the dorm from 2001-2005 and graduated from Richfield High School in the spring of 2005. After graduation she attended and graduated from both, what was formerly known as, the College of Eastern Utah-SJC and the University of Utah. She obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology from the University of Utah, with the intention and knowledge that she would one day return to the place and the people that helped shape her. Tina began her career with Richfield Residential Hall in 2011, after moving her family back to Richfield. When asked what she enjoyed most about working here, Tina says, “the joy in watching the students learn and grow.” Her teaching to the students at RRH is that we learn something new every day; and there is never an end to learning. Tina is a mom to three of her own; two girls and a boy. She enjoys spending time with them, being outdoors, and finding ways to improve herself and well-being.

• tstevens@richfielddorm.org
• tstevens@richfielddorm.org

Kelsee Wilson

Cook

Kelsee was raised in Sevier County in a family of seven daughters. This upbringing gave her the opportunity to learn many important and necessary life skills. Kelsee attended Richfield High School where she was heavily involved in 4-H In the 4H program, she served as a County Ambassador and as Miss 4-H for a year, along with completing hundreds of hours of community service.Kelsee is reliable and a hard worker and takes pride in her work. She has a strong work history in the foodservice industry and looks forward to contributing her skills and knowledge to the Richfield Residential Hall residents. Kelsee married her best friend and love of her life in 2013 after dating for 6 years. She lives in Richfield with her husband, Justin, and their 3-year-old daughter, Emma. They love the outdoors and spending time together as a family. Kelsee. was hired July, 2019 as a Foodservice Worker and is very excited to be part of the team.

• kwilson@richfielddorm.org