International Education Staff

"People in other countries are quickly discovering the hidden gem within the U.S. higher education system, namely community colleges!"

Samira Pardanani
Executive Director for International Education
Samira has been with Shoreline's dynamic IE department for over 10 years and loves working with a team that is innovative and dedicated to students and the field of international education. Before joining Shoreline, Samira was an International Student/Scholar Advisor at the University of Michigan. She has two Masters degrees - in German and in Teaching English as A Second Language. Originally from India, she has also lived and studied in Europe and speaks several languages.

Phone: 206-546-6940
Email: spardana@shoreline.edu

"Helping international students here in the US is my way to repay the kindness of the people around the world who assisted me when I was far from home and needed help and support."

Lianne Almughirah
Director, International Admissions & Student Services
Lianne is originally from Vermont but has lived all over the U.S. She has also lived in Sweden and Russia. Lianne previously worked as an International Student Advisor at North Dakota State University and Assistant Director for International and Multicultural Student Services at Arkansas Tech University. Lianne attended the University of Maine at Farmington, where she received tremendous support and guidance from the staff and faculty. It was this experience, along with being an international student herself, that created her passion for service as a mentor and guide for international students during their college experience.

Phone: 206-533-6664
Email: lalmughirah@shoreline.edu

“Education is for life. It is your special gift and no one can take it away!”

Alix Lewis
Program Coordinator, Admissions & Sponsored Students 
Alix was born in the U.S. and has also lived in other countries, such as England and Mexico. These experiences have helped her to understand what it is like for the international students who come to Shoreline. She is committed to international education and helping students achieve their goals. Alix majored in Islamic Studies.

Phone: 206-546-4632
Email: alixlewis@shoreline.edu

*IMPORTANT: Inquiries related to specific applications should be sent to international@shoreline.edu to ensure a prompt response.

“The world is an amazing place. Take every opportunity to get out and experience it.”

Julianne (Julz) Scott
Program Assistant, International Admissions
Julz grew up in the Seattle area.  She has worked with community colleges for the past few years, and has been working with the admissions team at Shoreline Community College since 2014.  Julz loves the atmosphere that community colleges bring and connecting with students from all over the world.  She loves going for adventures to new places, spending time with friends, her husband, and their dogs.

Phone: 206-546-6995
Email: jscott@shoreline.edu

*IMPORTANT: Inquiries related to specific applications should be sent to international@shoreline.edu to ensure a prompt response.

"Never be late to start a new adventure. Apply to Shoreline and get started!"

Harumi Kendall
F-1 Immigration Specialist
Harumi is originally from Japan and earned an A.A.A.S degree in the Business Technology program at Shoreline Community College. She joined the office in 2005 and has been assisting the admissions and immigration areas of our office since 2010.  She loves yoga, watching movies, and spending time with her dog and cat. 

Phone: 206-546-4676
Email: hkendall@shoreline.edu

“I enjoy meeting students from all over the world and being part of their U.S. academic experience.”

Kristine Towns-von Stauber
Program Specialist, Nonimmigrant & Sponsored Students 
Kris joined Shoreline Community College in January 2014. Previously, she worked as a Student Immigration Advisor at The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. She enjoys helping students understand U.S. immigration laws so they can be successful in their academic goals. When not at work, she likes spending time with her husband, two daughters, and many pets.

Phone: 206-546-5890
Email: ktowns@shoreline.edu

"I’m excited to help you become part of the vibrant community at Shoreline and make the most out of your time here as a student!"

Yushin Wung
Manager, Student Engagement
Yushin was born in the U.S. and grew up in the Seattle area. Her interest in working with students began as an undergraduate, when she served as a Peer Mentor to first-year and transfer A/API students. After graduating, she worked in admissions and financial aid, and had the opportunity to work closely with a diverse population of students. She earned an M.A. in Higher Education & Student Affairs from New York University. She is excited to continue her work with student engagement with international and nontraditional students.

Phone: 206-546-6924
Email: ywung@shoreline.edu

"My experience at Shoreline changed me and my view of the world. The diverse community and amazing staff at Shoreline will support you always."

Jinhee Jeong
Program Assistant, Student Services
Jinhee is from South Korea and she also studied in China. She came to Shoreline Community College as a student in 2016, majored in Communication Studies, and earned her Associate Degree in Spring 2018. She worked as an IPM and Office Assistant during her time of study. Living in different countries, and studying and working as an international student here has helped her better understand the struggles that international students have while living in the U.S. Outside of work, she likes to watch movies.

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

"Wherever your journey takes you, I hope Shoreline will be a memorable experience for you. It is an honor to have you here with us and I wish you the best!"

Kachouaz Lyfoung
Program Assistant, Student Services
Kachouaz (Kat) is French by birth, Hmong by ethnicity and American by citizenship. Kat holds a B.A. from the U of MN, Twin Cities in Global Studies with a focus on Culture, Ethnicity and Identity. Prior to Shoreline, Kat worked for a Tour Operator and for an airline. She has enjoyed traveling multiple times to Europe and Asia. As a multicultural individual, Kat understands the challenges of adjusting to a new environment and juggling different identities. She looks forward to supporting international students during their growth here at Shoreline Community College. Kat enjoys tiny living with her two cats and spending time with her niece.

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

“International education promotes peace, mutual understanding, and the pursuit of scientific truth.”

Bo Fu
Senior Associate Director, International Outreach
Bo Fu has lived in the United States since 1995 and has a master's degree in International Studies from Peking University. Bo lectured on International Politics at Shandong University and taught Chinese at Shoreline Community College. He has been actively participating in international education cooperation between the United States and China. Bo believes that global education, engagement, and awareness will help protect the environment and improve the well-being of human society. Bo loves traveling, road trips, and classical music.

Phone: 206-546-6960
Email: bfu@shoreline.edu

"Only through education will the world truly become unified. I am excited to help international students come to Shoreline and continue the spread of education around the world.”

Andrew Hull
Associate Director, International Outreach
Andrew made the trip to Shoreline across the country from Chicago to become a Dolphin. With opportunities to travel to multiple countries across Europe in high school and studying abroad in Australia while in college, Andrew has enjoyed getting to immerse himself in new cultures. As a two-sport athlete in college, Andrew has had many teammates from across the United States and around the world. He is excited to continue to work with international students, helping them learn more about Shoreline Community College. Andrew, in his free time, enjoys staying physically fit, traveling, and getting out into nature.

Phone: 206-546-6740
Email: ahull@shoreline.edu

“International education is not just learning from textbooks and teachers. Learning and living the culture are the experiences that will truly stay with you for the rest of your life.”

Howard Lee
Associate Director, International Outreach
Howard is Taiwanese-American, and originally from California. He has a B.A. in Law and Society from UC Irvine and an M.S. in Education from Cal State Fullerton. Howard has worked with international students for almost 10 years, and he firmly believes that all students should strive to be global citizens. Outside of work, Howard enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and outdoors activities. 

Phone: 206-546-5848
Email: hlee@shoreline.edu

“I love helping students and families take the first steps towards studying in the United States; I really believe that intercultural experiences change lives!”

Lisa A. Maroni
Senior Associate Director, International Outreach
A Metro Detroit native, Lisa embarked on her first study abroad to Mexico when she was just 15 years old. Lisa was fortunate to have six study abroad experiences throughout high school and college, including full semester programs in Taipei and Dubai. After graduation, Lisa taught English in South Korea and Taiwan before returning to the United States to earn her M.Ed. in Counseling-Student Affairs. Lisa has worked in several international education roles over the past decade, most recently as an international recruiter for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. 

Phone: 206-546-6916
Email: lmaroni@shoreline.edu

“Get out. See the world. I offer to you an ironclad guarantee that when you look back on your life, you won’t be thinking: I wish I had been fewer places.”

Cory Anthony
International Programs Manager - Marketing, Outreach, and Study Abroad
For seven years, Cory taught English in Shaoxing (a small town of 500,000) and Shanghai (the one in China, not Illinois). In 2013, he moved to Seattle. Because of his love for travel and his strong belief in the benefits of overseas study, he is working to make sure every student who wants to study abroad has the opportunity to do so. He is very happy to be here at Shoreline Community College, whose study abroad programs are among the best that any college has to offer. Cory received his B.A. in English from the University of California at Santa Barbara. 

Phone: 206-546-4627
Email: canthony@shoreline.edu

“The world is a fascinating place. Get out and learn more about your neighbors!”

JoAnna Buxton
Administrative Assistant, Budget & Outreach Support
Originally from a small town in central Montana, JoAnna has been in the Seattle area for over 20 years. She has a background in small office management and bookkeeping and joined the Shoreline Community College family in 2015. She believes that global understanding and exchange are important in our ever shrinking world and is excited to be working in the dynamic environment of the International Education Department. When not at work, JoAnna enjoys sewing, reading, and spending time with her husband and two active little boys.

Phone: 206-533-6616
Email: jbuxton@shoreline.edu

“International education is a great pathway to connect the whole world by learning and experiencing different cultures.”

Xiaohan "Linda" Du
International Programs Manager - China Specialist
Linda is originally from Baoding, China. She first came to the U.S. in 2010 as an exchange student at Danville High School in Arkansas. After completing her undergraduate studies at Arkansas Tech University, she chose to earn a master’s degree in College Student Personnel because of her dedication to supporting international students and promoting internationalization in higher education. Linda understands the challenges most international students face and how to support them so they can be successful here at Shoreline. She loves watching movies, traveling, and cooking Chinese food.

Phone: 206-533-6656
Email: ldu@shoreline.edu

"I really enjoy working with and learning from students from all over the world.  Thank you for letting us be part of your academic journey!" 

Anne Colpitts
Academic Advisor
Anne Colpitts grew up in Washington State, but spent many years in California and Vermont before happily returning to Seattle’s rainy winters, glorious summers, and good coffee in 2012.  She has always loved travel and languages, and was fortunate to study in Japan, Spain, Guatemala, and Mexico during high school and college, and to continue traveling afterwards.  Anne has a Master’s degree in Spanish Literature and began working in higher education in 2008.  She is excited to work with Shoreline students as they explore their educational options and navigate the transfer process.

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

 "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

"Community colleges are corridors to your higher education goals."

Kanchana Kularatne
Academic Advisor
Kanchana is from Sri Lanka, the home of Ceylon Tea! Her roots are firmly grounded in community college education. Her interest in issues of cultural and ethnic diversity and social justice began at a young age when she lived in England, and it continued as she came to a U.S. community college as an international student in 2004. Kanchana has a Master's degree in Education from the University of Washington, and she has been advising international students since 2010. She is excited to help you adjust to life at Shoreline and navigate the complex world of education in the U.S.

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

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

Cynthia Okawara
Lead 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