Meet the Team

Aimee Brown (she/her) - Title III & Guided Pathways Director

Aimee Brown holds a Master’s in Education from Harvard University in Higher Education and a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Plan II Honors from the University of Texas. She has a passion for eliminating barriers for students in education and currently oversees Guided Pathways work at her college, focusing on creating clear, equitable pathways to help students achieve their educational and career goals with an anti-racist approach. Aimee has built programs that support students, including college access initiatives and comprehensive Guided Pathways structures. While administering the Title III grant, she successfully closed equity gaps in retention and completion rates for students of color. Her leadership has contributed to the institutionalization of key roles and practices that continue to benefit students. She is dedicated to fostering an anti-racist, student-centered approach to higher education. Originally from Texas, Aimee enjoys traveling, hiking, and crocheting in her free time.

Tristinn Williams (she/her) - Assistant Director of First Year Experience

Tristinn Williams has a MATESOL degree from the University of Washington, Seattle and a bachelor's degree in business administration and Spanish from Walla Walla University. Tristinn began her career as an English Language and College Strategies instructor at Cascadia College, and was hired as the Assistant Director of First Year Experience in February 2024. She enjoys traveling, learning languages, running & yoga, and trying all the restaurants within walking distance of the campus.

Jessica Albavera (she/her) - Pathways Navigator

Jessica was born and raised in the Bay Area and came to North Seattle College in the fall of 2022 from San Francisco where she worked as an elementary school teacher for 6 years. She received her B.A. from the University of Puget Sound and jumped at the opportunity to return to Washington. Regardless of their age, Jessica is committed to ensuring a transformative educational experience for her students. Her purpose is to make sure students feel seen, appreciated, and valued as members of the school community. She received her Master’s in Human Rights Education which only strengthened her desire to serve the students that the education system was not built to serve. When she’s not working, Jessica loves to read fiction, starting (not always finishing) craft projects, and going to trivia.

Kara Schwartz (she/her) - Assistant Director of Advising 

Kara was born and raised in Los Angeles and moved to Seattle in 2015 to pursue her Master's degree while working at South Seattle College. In 2022, Kara joined the Tree Frog community at North Seattle College as the Assistant Director of Advising. She is passionate about working in collaboration with students and colleagues to improve systems and processes that directly impact the student experience at North. Kara has a Master's in Education from Seattle University in Student Development Administration and a B.A. in Psychology from University of Redlands. When she's not working, Kara enjoys reading, playing board games & card games, and taking her dogs on long walks.

Sabrina Springer (she/her) - Office Assistant 2- Guided Pathways

Sabrina Springer has recently completed her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from the University of Washington. Previously, she graduated with her Associate's in business at North Seattle College. Her focus is to work in a capacity that improves the lives of students through promoting the benefits of higher education. In 2019, she worked as a student ambassador / assistant administrator for Title III grant projects such as creating and editing the Guided Pathways quarterly newsletter as well as researching and compiling data into various formats for stakeholder communications. In her personal time, she volunteers as a tutor for middle schoolers in language arts. Also, Sabrina enjoys time together with her family playing pickleball, basketball, and card games.

Marcia Shaw (she/her) - Program Specialist III

Marcia Shaw, a Seattle native, is a Program Specialist 3 with over 30 years of experience in higher education. Currently at North Seattle College, she specializes in managing complex programs, overseeing budgets, and supporting staff, faculty and students in Guiding Pathways and Early Childhood Education. Marcia is skilled in financial management, academic scheduling, and project oversight. Beyond her professional work, she has been a dedicated volunteer and member of The Angel Band Project since 2010, where her passion for supporting others continues to drive her personal and professional endeavors. When she’s not working, Marcia enjoys traveling, music and spending time with family and friends.