OPTICA Staff

Lori Epperson

Pronouns: she/her
Interim Director, Title V OPTICA Grant

Lori Epperson joined the Pueblo Community College OPTICA team in June 2022. She has been supporting student’s personal and academic success for over 20 years in both public and private higher education institutions through recruitment, admissions, advising and graduation services. She has a Master of Science degree in Academic Advising from Kansas State University. Along with supporting students outside the classroom, for the past 7 years, she has supported first-year students in the classroom teaching college success strategies. Her passion is serving first-generation students through a holistic lens that focuses on student’s strengths.   

In her free time, she enjoys cooking, camping, fishing, hiking, and spending time with family and her sweet dog Dolly. 

Julie Crespin

First Year Coordinator

As the First Year Coordinator at PCC, I bring a deep passion for education and student success. My diverse personal background allows me to connect meaningfully with students and understand the unique challenges they may face. As a Hispanic individual, Pueblo native, and proud PCC alum, I have firsthand insight into the experiences of our student community.

I hold a BA in English and plan to pursue a master's degree in creative writing. With more than twenty years of experience coaching employees across a variety of fields, as well as teaching part-time at PCC, I am well-prepared to support students as they transition into college life. Supporting new students through their first year of college is especially fulfilling to me, as I strive to help them build strong habits for personal growth, confidence, and long-term academic success.

Brionna Rodas

First Year Experience Coordinator

Brionna Rodas knows exactly what it takes to succeed at Pueblo Community College—because she’s done it! As a 2020 PCC alum and first-generation graduate, Brionna now serves as the First-Year Coordinator, helping new students find their footing. After completing her English Literature studies at PCC and CSU Pueblo in 2023, she is currently leveling up her expertise with a Master’s in Marketing from the University of Northern Colorado. Brionna is passionate about using her recruiting background and personal experience to ensure every first-year student she meets feels connected, informed, and empowered to reach the finish line.

When Brionna isn’t working or studying, she makes time to read books, play video games such as Fortnite, and spend time with her husband and fur babies (four dogs and one cat).

Paul Valdez

Pronouns: he/him
First Year Coordinator, MEChA Club Advisor

Paul Valdez is a First Year Coordinator and AAA 1009 instructor, as well as the staff advisor for MEChA de PCC club. Paul has been with PCC for just over a year. Previous to working with PCC he worked as an academic advisor with the Hasan School of Business with Colorado State University-Pueblo.

Paul received his Bachelor of Science in History from Colorado State University-Pueblo with minors in Chicano Studies and Coaching. Paul plans to attend the University of New Mexico in Fall 2024 to pursue his Masters of Arts in Chicano and Chicana Studies.

Paul enjoys playing guitar, listening to music, and attending concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Paul also flies drones in his spare time for fun, is an amateur video and audio editor, and documentary film maker.