Faculty

Kiana Alvarez-Nakaya

Edith Diaz-Sierra

Originally from Guatemala City, I began my teaching journey at age nineteen as an elementary educator. Recognizing early on that some students faced unique learning hurdles, I pursued special education and later served as a director for a public daycare within a rural Mayan community. Over nearly two decades in Guatemala, I specialized in early childhood education, coached rural teachers, and studied audiology to implement newborn hearing screenings, advocating fiercely for early intervention over labeling children as "misbehaving." Today, I live in Lakewood with my husband and three beloved rescue dogs, where I enjoy plants, music, and cooking.

Moving to the United States eighteen years ago brought the immense challenge of learning a new language and system, but it also opened doors. Through ESL classes and the IBEST program, I achieved my dream of earning a Master’s in ECE Inclusive Education alongside an Infant Toddler Mental Health certification. My US career spans roles as an infant/toddler teacher, Early Head Start home visitor, and education coach for ECEAP and Head Start teachers. I firmly believe that positive early childhood experiences are the absolute foundation for developing successful, thriving human beings.

Luckisha Phillips

Luckisha Phillips is a tenured faculty member in the Early Childhood Education program at Highline College, where she has taught since 2018 with a particular passion for child development and advocacy courses. She began her career as a preschool teacher and child care center director before working as a children's mental health specialist and in social services serving children, youth, and families. That direct experience with young children and families continues to shape her teaching, grounding her instruction in real-world practice.

Phillips holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington and is completing a doctorate in education. If you want to know more about our program or your path in education, feel free to reach out, email and office hours are the best way to do that.

John Pizarro

I have been with Highline College since 2019, where I serve as an instructor, residency field director, and program coordinator for the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Elementary Education program.

Before beginning my career in education, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Central Washington University and spent several years working in sales. That experience helped me develop strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills that continue to shape my approach as an educator. Inspired to pursue a career in teaching, I earned my Master in Teaching degree from Heritage University and taught elementary school before transitioning to higher education to prepare future teachers.

As both an instructor and residency site supervisor, I strive to equip teacher candidates with the practical skills, confidence, and professionalism they need to succeed in the classroom and education field. Drawing from my experiences in both business and education, I emphasize the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and building meaningful relationships.

One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is the opportunity to build lasting relationships with students and their families. Watching students grow in confidence, take pride in their accomplishments, and recognize their unique gifts is what inspires me every day. I believe every student has strengths to discover, and I am committed to helping future educators create learning environments where all students can thrive.

Jodi White

Hi there! I’m Jodi White. I grew up in rural Ohio, surrounded by fields of corn and wheat and soybeans. My parents were were the first to go beyond high school in their families, attending a small technical college and I was the first person in my family to go to a university. So, community college is in my blood, y'all! And I give all the love and gratitude to my parents who pushed me toward a goal of higher education. In 1991 I moved to Seattle, where I lived on Capitol Hill, in the CD, White Center, and as of 2024, Greenwood. I share space with my large, (very) hairy, (very) rambunctious German shepherd/husky mix dog, and I like to garden, play the musical saw, and do geeky things, like mess around with 3-D modeling and play virtual reality games. I also really like to eat and am a bit of a foodie.

I’ve been teaching at Highline since fall of 2005. My background is in early learning – I’ve been a substitute teacher, a teacher, a lead, a program supervisor, and director.