Meet the Staff
We strive to make our staff as diverse as Highline’s student body.
Our staff consists of accomplished student writers who are both native and non-native English speakers. We actively seek to hire students from diverse backgrounds because we believe we are all improved by hearing multicultural voices. Learn how to become a tutor.
JaeLeesa Smith,
Program Specialist 2, Academic Success Center
Graduate from Highline College and Central Washington University, with the desire to give back to the same community that has continued to bring me so much joy. In my role, I work hard to ensure students are aware and utilize the FREE Resources and Services that can help with their academic success. If looking you can find me in the Academic Success Centers, greeting and connecting students with peer tutors to receive academic support. Each student’s success is my goal, therefore think of me as a helpful steppingstone towards your own desired path of greatness.
Prairie Brown
Director, Highline Writing Center
Prairie has enjoyed teaching at Highline since 2017, where she has taught a variety of English classes as well as spending a year directing the Advising Center. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Portland State University and a Master of Arts degree in English, with a focus on American Literature, Rhetoric and Composition, from Central Washington University. Before coming to Highline, she taught at North Seattle College and taught and directed the Learning Commons at Central Washington University. Her primary teaching and scholarship interests include pre-college writing and writing center studies, and she is thrilled to be the incoming director of the Highline Writing Center. Outside of class, she loves baking, reading cozy mysteries, and traveling.
Phivin,
Lead Writing Tutor
Hello everyone! My name is Phivin Cheng, and I am a student at Highline College.
The reason why I became a writing tutor is that I love helping my peers feel more confident in their writing skills. Currently, I am pursuing Nursing in Highline, and my long-time career goal would be somewhere in the Medical field. But I am also interested in the tech-field, so right now, I will be exploring different career paths, and pursuing nursing on the side.
One fun fact about me is that I can speak three languages fluently.
Carley,
English 101 Embedded Tutor
Hello everyone! My name is Carley, and I am an embedded tutor here at Highline College. As an embedded tutor, I split my time between helping students in a classroom setting and at the Writing Center. Writing is my passion, and I am always excited to talk with students about their writing. My interest in storytelling and creating opportunities for authentic communication led me to pursue a BA in English and an AA in Multimedia. I love mixing written, audible, and visual forms of communication to present stories.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, traveling, playing games, being active, and spending time with family, friends, and my dog.
Jeremiah
I became a writing tutor so that I could not only assist others with their ability to write and learn new information, but so I could also do the same. I’m currently working on getting my AA to transfer to the University of Washington and work towards an English degree, and in the future, I’d like to work in the film/entertainment industry, and ultimately be a film director. One fun fact about me is that I do voice acting and am currently working on writing a novel and a film script.
Yeabsira
Hi Everyone! My name is Yeabsira and I am a student here at Highline College.
I became a writing tutor because I love helping people and I always think that there is something magical about guiding fellow students through the writing process. As I am helping others, I keep discovering more about myself. And I find their challenges becoming my lessons.
Currently I am working to get my AA in Biology at Highline and planning on transferring to a 4-year university preferably University of Washington and specialize in dermatology.
One fun fact about me is that I am allergic to sweets but I keep having them.
Rawan
Hello, everyone! My name is Rawan. I am currently a Running Start student at Highline College.
I want to be a writing tutor as I have struggled immensely with writing throughout my journey. When challenging topics arose, I would ask for assistance from professors. Although they tried to help, I still didn’t fully understand and was ashamed to ask again. So I simply sat there, in my confusion. I want the students I tutor to understand everything and not feel ashamed of their confusion. I’ll make sure they leave with their questions answered and knowledge gained. Not only will students gain, but also oneself. Teaching others is an important stage in the learning process and will improve my writing skills. My major at Highline College is biology, and while I have a passion for writing, I enjoy STEM and hope to pursue a career in it. My long-term educational goal is to expand my knowledge and abilities while growing myself as a person. I want to thrive academically and grow into someone who is respected and inspiring to others.
If you need help, please come by; I look forward to meeting you.
-Rawan
Josh
Hi, my name is Josh and I actually became a writing tutor because my English professor recommended it to me. I enjoy meeting new people and have always loved writing, and felt that tutoring in the Writing Center would be perfect for me! I started my first quarter back in Fall 2024 and am majoring in Multimedia Design. I hope to eventually work on films and tv on the production side of things, think editing, scriptwriting, and cinematography. One fun fact about me is that I love cooking and baking! (I just hate cleaning up afterwards)
Isabella
Hi everyone! My name is Isabella Nguyen, and I’m a Running Start student at Highline 😊
I became a writing tutor because I enjoy helping others express their ideas clearly and discover their unique voices. I’m a Pre-Nursing major with plans to earn my AA next year and pursue a BSN afterward. My long-term goal is to become a registered nurse specializing in pediatrics. I love connecting with people and believe writing is a powerful way to share ideas and make an impact. A fun fact about me is that I play both the piano and violin.
I look forward to working with you soon!
Soledad
I became a writing tutor because I’m passionate about helping others improve their writing while also strengthening my own skills. I enjoy working with students to develop their ideas and express themselves more clearly. Right now, I’m a Running Start student, and I’m working towards earning my Associate’s degree. After that, I plan to pursue a Bachelor’s in Education and eventually a Master’s in Counseling. One “fun fact” about me is that I love horror movies.