International Student Academic Advisors

 "I look forward to getting to know you and helping you throughout your educational journey!"

Jessica Galán
Academic Advisor
Jessica is originally from California, and settled in Seattle in 2000 after earning a Bachelor's degree in Educational Studies from the University of Oregon, and a Master's degree in Student Development Administration from Seattle University. Jessica has been advising international students in the Seattle area since 2004. She has lived and studied in the Basque Country in Spain, where she has family, and has traveled to over 15 different countries around the world. Jessica is excited to get to know students at Shoreline and help them achieve their educational goals in the U.S.

Phone: 206-546-4697
Email: jgalan@shoreline.edu

"Let me help you plan your academic  life and transfer."

Cynthia Okawara
Academic Advisor
Cynthia has been advising at Shoreline since 2006. She comes with years of experience in international education, including fifteen years of advising. She loves helping students achieve their goals and become successful. She believes student involvement is the key to success! Cynthia was born in Seattle, but lived most of her early years in Minnesota. She has a B.A. from the UW in English/Elementary Education and an M.Ed. from Western Washington University. She lived in Japan for five years and speaks some Japanese. She has also traveled to Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. She is married and has two kids.

Phone: 206-533-6758
Email: cokawara@shoreline.edu

"When I lived overseas so many people were kind and helped me. I like to repay that kindness by helping our students!"

John Tankersley
Academic Advisor
John has been an international student advisor since 2004 and has lived in Washington since 2007.  He is originally from Tennessee, where he attended university and received a Bachelor's in Economics and a Master's in ESL Education.  He has traveled extensively round the world, and lived and taught English as a foreign language in Poland for one year and Japan for two years. He settled down in Seattle because of the people, the culture of the area, and the mild climate.  He loves meeting with students and helping them through their educational journey in the U.S.

Phone: 206-546-4697
Email: jtankersley@shoreline.edu

"The exchange of ideas and perspectives that comes from hosting international students on our campus is a gift to our community!"

Ginger Villanueva
Academic Advisor
Ginger has been advising international students since 1999 and has a Master’s degree in Higher Education. She is originally from California and received her undergraduate degree from UC Davis. Her passion for intercultural experiences was sparked by living in Spain, Germany, and Austria for three years and loves that her job brings the world to her! She is excited to help students adjust to life in Shoreline and prepare for successful careers. Ginger loves to travel and has been to China, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and many countries in Europe.

Phone: 206-546-4697
Email: gvillanueva@shoreline.edu