MEET THE RUNNING START TEAM:
Allison Kaneshige
Career and Academic Advisor
Dual Credit Programs
📧 Email: AKaneshige@whatcom.edu
📞 Phone: 360.383.3125
About Allison:
As an Academic Advisor, I support Running Start students in navigating their educational goals – I assist with registration and course questions, degree completion, post-graduation path planning, and more.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor of Arts in Education, Communities, and Organizations (ECO) & Communication, University of Washington
Why I Love Working at Running Start:
I love getting to work with students directly, hearing and learning about their favorite things, and what they want their future to look like. College can hold a lot of unknowns, so I’m always excited to be a part of the process and help make things clearer. WCC is an exciting place for you to explore your passions and interests, while also earning credit for High School!
Fun Fact:
I spent a summer in college sailing across the Atlantic Ocean with strangers, and prior to working at Whatcom, I worked at Disney World. Ask me about the best Disney snacks!
Dan Swigart-Harris
Program Specialist for Running Start
Dual Credit Programs
📧 Email: DHarris@whatcom.edu
📞 Phone: 360.383.3124
About Dan:
I work behind the scenes with numbers and reports and accounts, so that you, the student, hopefully don’t have to think about them too much! You may see me from time to time, as I manage our Book Loan Program and Fee Waiver. Also, I communicate often with your high school counselor and registrar.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor of Arts, English, Western Washington University
- All kinds of stuff in the office and in the classroom at various K-12 schools and colleges.
Why I Love Working at Running Start:
There are so many pieces to Running Start: numbers, laws, policies. It’s a wonderful challenge to make everything work together, and very satisfying when all the gears turn just right.
Fun Fact:
Favorite Symphony: Kalinnikov #1
David Achutegui
Program Specialist
Orca Central & Running Start
📧 Email: dachuteguimarin@whatcom.edu
📞 Phone: 360.383.3147
About David:
I work as a Program Specialist at Orca Central, where I handle the processing of Enrollment Verification Forms (EVFs) for the Running Start program and contribute to front desk operations. My role involves collaborating with the team to manage a range of responsibilities, including answering phone and email inquiries, and performing general administrative support tasks.
Education & Experience:
- Professional Certificate in Computer System Administration from IES Valle del Cidacos (Spain)
- BA in Marketing and Markets Research from Universidad Oberta de Cataluña (Spain)
- Experience working in Transitional Learning
Why I Love Working at Running Start:
Being part of Running Start means helping students take bold steps into college life while still in high school. What inspires me most is contributing to a program that creates meaningful opportunities for every kid and family, empowering them to dream bigger and reach further.
Fun Fact:
I’ve watched every episode of The Simpsons—at least twice being humble. If you ever need a quote for any situation, I’ve got you covered.
Jackie Ferry
Career and Academic Advisor
Dual Credit Programs
📧 Email: JFerry@whatcom.edu
📞 Phone: 360.383.3129
About Jackie:
As an advisor in Running Start, I support high school students as they navigate the transition to college level coursework and decision making. I help students understand their academic options, set goals and make informed decisions about their education. My background as a high school teacher gives me insight into the challenges and opportunities they face and I love being part of their journey toward success.
Education & Experience:
- Master's of Education, Western Washington University
- Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources, University of Washington
- Former High School Science Teacher and FFA Advisor
- Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Certificate, University of Washington
- Business Management-Social Media Marketing Certificate, Bellingham Technical College
Why I Love Working at Running Start:
I love working in Running Start because it allows me to support and empower students as they navigate the transition from high school to college. As a former teacher, homeroom advisor and mom, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful early college experiences can be. It’s incredibly rewarding to help students explore their potential, build confidence and take charge of their education in a supportive environment.
Fun Fact:
On most Saturday’s, you can find me at the Bellingham Farmer’s Market selling my hand crafted jam and jelly.
Karla Coglizer
Associate Director for Running Start
Dual Credit Programs
📧 Email: KCoglizer@whatcom.edu
📞 Phone: 360.383.3126
About Karla:
My role at WCC is to know everything about being a Running Start student! I help students and families understand the program, advise and coach students, and represent the interests of Running Start students within the WCC community.
Education & Experience:
- Master of Arts in Education with a Specialization in Counseling, Washington State University
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communication, Willamette University
- Dispute Resolution Certification, University of Idaho College of Law
- Leadership Coaching Certification, Be More U
- High School Counselor for 7 years
Why I Love Working at Running Start:
My favorite part of working in Running Start is helping students and families to maneuver through the immense growth that happens when teenagers enter the college environment. Nerves to confidence, dependence to autonomy, adolescence to maturity.
Fun Fact:
I feel most alive when I am creating new experiences in new places. I have visited all the U.S. states and over 30 countries, seeing incredible beauty in them all.
Katie DeOrio
Director for Dual Credit Programs
Dual Credit Programs
📧 Email: KDeorio@whatcom.edu
📞 Phone: 360.383.3122
About Katie:
My role is to support the incredible staff of Running Start so they can best serve high school students and their advocates. I’m passionate about creating systems and opportunities that make earning college credits in high school a smooth and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Education & Experience:
- Master in Public Administration, New York University
- Master in Education, University of St. Thomas
- Bachelor of Arts, Tufts University
- Worked in public school operations for 15 years.
Why I Love Working at Running Start:
I love my job because I get to support an incredible team of smart, dedicated, and kind staff who are passionate about helping students accelerate their dreams. It’s inspiring to see high school students take bold steps toward their future, and I’m grateful to play a part in creating opportunities that make their journey rewarding.
Fun Fact:
On the weekends, you will usually find me outside in the woods or watching my children play soccer.
Waverly Shreffler
Career & Academic Advisor
Dual Credit Programs/Running Start
📧 Email: wshreffler@whatcom.edu
📞 Phone: 360-383-3058
About Waverly: I have the unique privilege of supporting students as they set and achieve their academic and career goals. I assist with course and degree planning, registration, and a smooth transition post-graduation.
Education & Experience:
Why I Love Working at Running Start: I am passionate about helping each student take ownership of their educational journey and feel empowered to fall in love with their future. As a former high school teacher, I’ve had the privilege of watching students grow from curious young learners into confident and thoughtful graduates. It brings me joy to offer encouragement and guidance as students navigate each challenge and triumph along the way. I believe alternative educational pathways are so important, and I’m truly grateful to be part of a community that values this incredible dual-credit partnership with Whatcom Community College.
Fun Fact: I love the ocean and spend many days out of the year kayaking and paddleboarding Bellingham Bay, and exploring the San Juan Islands with my partner, family, and friends. Connecting with and protecting the Salish Sea and all its inhabitants is deeply important to me!
