Antelope Intros is a recurring GCU Today feature that introduces some of our new employees to the people around them in a way that is fun and informative. Employees are eligible to be featured in the month following their orientation.
JONALYN MOSS
Job title: University counselor
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? I graduated from GCU in 2015. I originally started looking into attending GCU as a student because my mother and my grandfather are alumni. So I am a third-generation GCU grad!
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I enjoy anything outdoors. I go to the gym every morning at 4:30 a.m. (mostly because I know that I won’t go if I wait until after work). I actually was in five sports in high school (soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming, and track and field). I would have continued with soccer, but I ended up having two knee surgeries from injuries sustained in soccer.
What are you passionate about? I am a people person. I love talking with, getting to know and helping people, whether they are co-workers or students.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love to visit any of the lakes. I really enjoy Bartlett Lake because it is close to me and because I grew up riding jet skis there.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I have a lot of fun/weird facts about myself, so just find me if you would like to know more. But one of the best is that I am a distant relative to the actor who played the original Mr. Clean (he was like a brother-in-law to my great grandmother). He was a real guy who was cast for the commercials. After he died, the company continued the commercials by making him into a cartoon.
What are you most proud of? I graduated from GCU in three 3 years. It gave me a lot of my best friends that I still have to this day.
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RENA TRASLAVINA
Job title: Field experience specialist, Central Region
Job location: Main campus
What attracted you to GCU? While completing my master’s degree with GCU, I fell in love with everything about it, from the instructors to the amazing campus. I knew I had to become a part of this incredible university.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? For fun I love camping, crafting with my daughters and watching movies. My favorite outlet is cooking. As a Mexican-Italian, I learned some pretty awesome recipes growing up!
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about education and creating better classrooms for our students, children and future. I aspire to motivate educators to make a difference in the classroom while creating lifelong learners full of positive energy and a strong work ethic.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? One of my favorite places here in Arizona is Flagstaff! You get to enjoy amazing views, play in the snow during winter, enjoy nice weather in the summer and appreciate the small-town feel. Then, it’s a short two-hour drive back to my desert and true love, Phoenix!
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: Growing up with seven siblings in a single-parent home, I learned a lot about what matters in life, how important education is and to always be grateful. As a teacher for the last five years, this is what I showed my students daily in the hope that they would pass it along.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my Mama. Through all the adversity she faced, this brilliant woman was able to raise her children, get through medical-assistance school and work a full-time job. She showed me education is always possible with goals to follow and a kind heart to guide you.
