Confidential Advocates

Schedule an Appointment with an Advocate

Confidential Advocates provide a confidential space where you can speak to someone if you, or someone you care about, has experienced gendered or sexual harassment or interpersonal violence. We have been trained to provide trauma-informed support and we are not required to report to Title IX.

We can help you strategize next steps as they relate to:

• What you need to feel safe, especially on campus.
• Accommodations that can help you to maintain  academic success.
• Campus or community resources you need for personal health and wellness.
• Whether to report to Title IX.
• Whether to request an investigation or informal resolution process.
• Where to go to collect evidence.
• Whether to file a police report.

What you say to us has legal privilege, so we are not required to share what you tell us in the case of most legal subpoenas. However, there may be legal exceptions to confidentiality and privilege off campus, such as in cases of abuse of a minor, the elderly or a person who is disabled. If you are concerned about these exceptions, please ask us during the appointment.

If you schedule a meeting with a Confidential Advocate, please read this. It has information about what you can expect when meeting with a Confidential Advocate.

Who We Are

I’m Claire Costin, and I’m an unashamed dog enthusiast. My two golden retrievers are the light of my life and my constant adventure buddies. We can usually be found exploring Portland’s food scene, going for long run-walks, or hanging out on my couch watching TV and snuggling. If I can’t bring my dogs, I’m probably not going.

I’m also an aspiring knitter, amateur chef, and casual musician. I’m passionate about researching social justice issues and inclusive teaching, and the best part of my job is working with students from diverse backgrounds. That, and when students send me pictures of their dogs.

I'm Dawn Lloyd, an Alumna of the University, having graduated in 2008 with a BA in Music- you may still find me in the practice rooms at times practicing piano! I currently work in the Information Services department managing the Customer Support Team, including our Help Desk. In addition to my love for UP, I am a lover of soccer, cats, and cars. As a bi woman, I also identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and have been proud to see the University become a more welcoming place for this group in recent years. 

I’m Genesis Soto, a Latina, first-gen college student, and IVP and Survivor Support Intern at UP. I was born to an immigrant family and raised in Texas. After living with the bizarre Texas weather for the first eighteen years of my life, I decided I needed a change of scenery. I major in Psychology and study Spanish as a minor. When I’m not attending classes and studying for exams, I can be found at the Pilot House grabbing lunch with friends or working out at Beauchamp. I love to start paintings and never finish them, reread my favorite fantasy books, binge-watch shows I’ve already seen, and watch rom-coms and dramatic movies. I also enjoy playing online co-op games with my family and friends. Some of my best memories include the intense collaboration of Overcooked and the devastating betrayals committed during Mario Kart. As a family and friend-oriented person, I am passionate about helping people thrive and achieve their goals.

Aloha! I’m Kiana Iwata, a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i, I take great pride in sharing the aloha spirit. I am of Asian American descent, with a heritage that is both Chinese and Japanese. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy watching reality TV, relaxing with friends, visiting the beach, and exploring new cafes. I also have a particular love for matcha! Additionally, while watermelon is often considered a summer fruit, it remains my favorite year-round. I love building and making new connections, as friendships are especially important when college can often mean being far away from home. I deeply value being there for my friends and always offer a supportive and listening ear. I strive to be a constant source of support, always available to lend a listening ear and provide encouragement.

I’m Montana Hisel-Cochran. Named after a state my parents never visited, I was born and raised in New Mexico, went to college in Colorado, and spent the first half of my career in the Panhandle of Texas.  A first-generation college student, I rode on my first plane as a sophomore in college to attend a speech tournament in Arizona. I enjoy live music, all types of Broadway shows, and listening to podcasts, especially about cults! If it were still a thing, I’d be a travel agent, as planning trips for myself or others is one of my favorite hobbies.  

I’m September Nelson, an alumna and faculty member in the School of Nursing and Health Innovation. Caring for people as a nurse, educator, and mom is at my core. I love to swim and cycle and do both as often as I can. If I could, I would swim in the warm waters off of the Big Island in Hawai’i every day! I also enjoy spending time with my adult sons. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I work to advocate for equity and inclusion of all identities.

I’m Erin Currie, the Coordinator of the Confidential Advocates. At UP I balance roles in student wellness, counseling, teaching, and research. My mission is to engage everyone in making our campus a safe and welcoming place to live, learn and work together. Outside of UP you might find me baking, as I try out old family recipes and experiment with new ones. You could also find me rock climbing or hiking. I also might be researching and writing about psychology and popular culture. Most likely, you’ll see me out walking my dog.

Pronouns: She/They

I'm Ben Tribelhorn, a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating mouthwatering masterpieces in the kitchen. When I'm not whipping up delicious dishes, you can find me exploring the depths of the ocean as a scuba diving aficionado. Two adorable furballs, my feline companions, add a touch of charm and chaos to my life.

Beyond the kitchen and underwater adventures, I embrace and celebrate my identity as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Life's a journey, and mine is filled with flavors, underwater wonders, and the purrfect company of my two fabulous cats.