Intensive English

Meet Our Staff

Jon Dietzen - English Program Manager
Welcome to Highline and the beautiful Pacific Northwest! I’d like to introduce myself and our great staff here at Kaplan Aspect Highline!

I am originally from the Seattle area and attended university in Portland, Oregon. After graduating and meeting my beautiful wife, we left the US and taught English in China for 3 years. After returning from China, I finished my Master's degree and began working here at Kaplan Aspect in 2005.

Living in a foreign country is a challenge, and I applaud you for living abroad in order to widen your horizons and sharpen your English language skills.

Eva Bach - Academic Coordinator
I grew up near Chicago. I then lived in central New York State, rural Japan (where I taught English), and England before finding a home here in Washington in the spring of 2007. In my free time, I sing with a women's chorus, watch movies, and use the Internet to connect with friends all over the world. I love to travel and learn about different cultures, and I'm so glad my job here at Kaplan Aspect allows me to work with such a diverse group of students and teachers. I am excited that you have decided to join us, and I encourage you to make the most of your experience here. Soon, you will be able to say that you have friends all over the world, too!

Kirsten Weber - International Student Advisor
I am a native of the Seattle area and recently graduated with my Masters degree from Seattle University. I first became interested in international education when I was a conversation pal right here at Highline. I am an avid movie fan and enjoy seeing the latest new release. I also enjoy cooking (and eating), reading and most recently knitting. Being a former Highline student, I am excited to be back on the campus and working here at Kaplan. I look forward to meeting you!

Alex Griffin - Instructor, High-Intermediate/Activities Coordinator
I was born in Puyallup and have lived in the Tacoma area most of my life. My background is in International Studies with emphasis in Latin America, which led me to live in Brazil to improve my Portuguese. I enjoy reading, travel, photography, movies and foreign languages. I have taught English as a Second Language for close to seven years, and five of those years have been at the Highline campus of Kaplan English Programs. I like teaching ESL because it gives me a chance to share my experience of learning foreign languages with others that are also learning a foreign language.

Amy Maranan - Instructor, Intermediate Level/Student Services Coordinator
I was born and raised in the Seattle area and I love to call beautiful western Washington my home. I enjoy nature, outdoor sports, and the arts, especially dance. I like to travel and learn about and experience different cultures. I have been working with international students for many years. I lived in Japan for a few years while I taught English and now I teach English here at Kaplan. I love my job because even if I can't go and visit different nations, the nations still come to me. I'm excited to be a part of your Kaplan experience and I know you will have more than just a language learning experience but you'll have a lifetime of unforgettable memories. Welcome!