Faculty

Kelli Barkov

I have been with Highline College since 2025, teaching Business and Business Technology. Originally from Alaska, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Alaska Southeast. My family moved to Seattle in 2018 to explore new opportunities in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I bring 20 years of experience in the financial and investment industry, spanning government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors.
 
I love teaching Business Technology because in today’s digital economy, it’s more than a skill—it’s a gateway to opportunity. Technology doesn’t see race, gender, or background; it sees creativity, persistence, and capability. Learning tools like Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and data systems empowers students to organize, analyze, communicate, and lead. These skills level the playing field and open doors to growth and confidence. I’m excited to share my passion for business and technology with Highline students. Go Thunderbirds!

Cathy Cartwright

Hi there! I’m Cathy Cartwright, and I’ve been part of the Highline College community since 2002. I started as Course Information Manager—aka the scheduling person—and when told the system was broken, I built one that worked. That challenge sparked a rewarding career in finance and planning at Highline. Over the years, I’ve served as Director of Instructional Budget and Planning, Budget Director, and Finance Director. I later found my true calling in the classroom and now teach Accounting and Business. I began my tenure process in fall 2021 and was thrilled to be granted tenure in winter 2024. Nothing brings me more joy than helping students learn accounting and watching them grow in confidence and skill. 

In addition to teaching I also coordinate the Accounting, Business and Business Technology programs. 

I earned my AA from Highline and both my BA and Master’s in Accounting from Central Washington University. Outside of work, I’m an unapologetic early bird who loves morning coffee, cat snuggles, and a good book.

Samad Chakour

I have been with Highline College since Fall 2004, teaching business and sharing my passion for connecting classroom learning to the real world. I hold an AA from Seattle Central Community College, a BA from the University of Washington, an MBA from City University of Seattle, and a PhD from the University of Sarasota in Florida. I love teaching business because it’s deeply connected to current events and global change. Integrating both business and current issues helps students build critical thinking and media literacy skills, making learning relevant while preparing them to be informed, engaged global citizens. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling the world, long-distance cycling, walking, and reading.

Kelly Converse

I’m a dedicated educator and cross-disciplinary leader with experience in both corporate and academic settings. Prior to Highline College I taught at Palm Beach State in Florida.  I also bring real-world business experience from top organizations like IBM and the International Atomic Energy Agency, a United Nations organization. This mix of teaching and industry experience allows me to connect theory to practice through real-world examples. Over the years, I’ve worked in IT management, global leadership, organizational transformation, complex project management (including Agile practices), application portfolio management, and IT operations. I’m passionate about mentoring, people development, and strategic thinking.  I look forward to connecting with you during your academic journey!

Skyler Fulton

Former NFL wide receiver, Skyler Fulton, recently completed his Master's in Wealth Management at Columbia University. He has now been accepted to the Texas Tech PhD program for financial planning and will focus his research on people who are the first generation of wealth in their immediate family. He was able to pursue his degree at Columbia and will be able to pursue his PhD at Texas Tech because of the @playerstrust Scholarship program. He is currently teaching financial literacy classes at Highline College and hopes to develop financial literacy programs/game plans for people who are the first generation of wealth in their families to address things like the expectations of taking care of your immediate family financially.

Mary Kajoka

Hello! I’m Mary Kajoka. I am a grateful and dedicated faculty member who started my journey right here at Highline College. I earned my Associate of Applied Science and my BAS in Global Trade and Logistics from Highline, then went on to complete my MBA at Eastern Washington University. I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside the college—starting as a student, working on campus, teaching part-time, and eventually moving into a full-time, tenured faculty role. I also co-ordinate our Business Management Bachelor’s program.

I absolutely love teaching business. I’m especially passionate about Excel and logistics—because let’s be honest, everything revolves around the supply chain! It brings me so much joy to help students build skills that will support them in their education and careers. Watching them succeed is the best part of my job.

When I’m not teaching, I’m spending time with my husband and our amazing kids. I love cheering them on in their sports and traveling whenever I get the chance.

James Peyton

James Peyton teaches economics and statistics at Highline College. Professor Peyton's interests include economic education, environmental economics, and labor markets. He earned his Ph.D. in environmental and resource economics from the University of California, Davis.

Kevin Rainge

Kevin is an experienced Senior Legal Counsel with a demonstrated history of working in the IT, insurance and health care industries. He is skilled in Privacy, Artificial Intelligence, Employment Law, Legal Compliance, Contracts, Governmental Affairs, and Commercial Litigation. Kevin has over ten years experience at Highline College teaching Introduction to Law, Business, Law, Employment Law, and other legal studies courses. He holds BA in Political Science from the University of California Davis, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law.

Charlotta Robertson

My name is Dr. Charlotta Robertson (Dr. C.) and I have over twenty-six years experience in San Diego Community Colleges and three years in the County of San Diego, with extensive expertise in Human Resources (HR) and Management Services. After retiring and relocating to Washington, I began teaching Human Resource courses for Highline’s Online HR Certification program in Fall 2024. As a practitioner-scholar, I enjoy empowering students with real-world knowledge of HR practicum and boosting their knowledge and confidence as future HR professionals.

I possess a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master’s in Public Administration with emphasis in Personnel and Labor Relations, and hold Professional Human Resources (PHR) certification from HRCI. My HR journey began when I worked on campus as an HR Assistant. As I advanced in my leadership education and HR acumen, I progressively moved from entry-level to paraprofessional and administrative positions.  When time permits, I enjoy spending time with family, especially my granddaughter, exercising and engaging in outdoor adventures.

Dawn Thomas

I am a Human Resources Professional with over 20 years of progressively responsible experience as a Business Partner, Classification/Compensation Analyst, Trainer, People Leader, and Consultant, working with a wide range of executive-level management, employees, and academics. I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies, and Master's Degree in Public Administration from California State University, San Bernardino, and have my Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification and Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from HRCI. I have had the pleasure of teaching a variety of human resource courses at Highline since 2011 and love working with our students.  Human resources is a critically important function in every organization, and I am so happy to be able to teach our students about it.  In my spare time, I love spending time with friends and hanging out with my husband, daughter, and our dog.