Staff Directory | MTCollege
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STAFF DIRECTORY
Muckleshoot Tribal College Department
Executive Director of Adult & Higher Education
Denise Bill, Ed.D.
(253) 876-3345
Denise.Bill@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Denise Bill is a member of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. Denise comes from the villages of Burns Creek, Stuck, Herring House, Crossing Over Place, and, KKatilbc. Denise’s Great-Grandmother was Annie Jack, a fluent Lushootseed speaker, and, Iola Bill-Lobehan, also a fluent Lushootseed speaker. Denise’s father is the late Dr. Willard Bill, Sr., a long-time Native Educator, and mother is MaryAnn Bill. Denise is Mother to Elise, Andrew, and, Grandmother to Lily. Denise is the Executive Director of Adult & Higher Education. Denise has spent part of her career in K-12 Educational Systems, both public and Native Schools. Denise has spent the other half of her career in Adult and Higher Education for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. Denise has an Educational Doctoral Degree from the University of Washington. Her dissertation is titled Native American Educational Leadership in the Pacific Northwest.
Project Manager
Wayne Buchanan
(253) 876-3344
Wayne.Buchanan@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Administrative Specialist II
Tyshauna Johnson
(253) 876-3183
Tyshauna.Johnson@muckleshoot.nsn.us
My name is Tyshauna Johnson. I’m the administration specialist at the Muckleshoot Tribal College. I’m a Muckleshoot tribal member and have worked all over the tribe over the past 7 years. I’m super exited to start my journey at MTC and be a part of the MTC family. My goal as a tribal member and as an employee is to continue to motivate others and just to be a helping hand to our community. I love being an inspiration to others and being able to help in any way I can.
Academic Affairs Instructor
Patrick Eagle
(253) 294-8081
Patrick.Eagle@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Patrick Eagle (Karuk descendant) is an academic instructor at Muckleshoot Tribal College. He comes from two strong family names: Eagle(father, Karuk) and Hasson (mother, Jewish). Patrick grew up at home with values (Jewish), while learning Christian values at Seattle Pacific University (Bachelor of Arts in English and Post-baccalaureate in Creative Writing) and Seattle University (Master of Arts in Student Development Administration) Throughout all these experiences, Patrick’s father, James Eagle, taught him the importance of building lasting relationships. Patrick Eagle’s current scholarship interest includes Indigenous pedagogical approaches to developmental reading, writing, and math.
Analyst & Researcher
Michelle Williams
(253) 876-3243
Michelle.Williams@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Michelle Williams is the Analyst and Researcher at Muckleshoot Tribal College. Her Indigenous roots run deep in Guanajuato and Oaxaca, Mexico. She was born and raised in Washington State and is the proud mother of her daughter, Madison Williams. Her mother is Dorothy Vargas-Guevara, and her father is Roger Smedsrud. Her maternal grandparents were first-generation Americans who grew up on the Yakama Reservation after their families immigrated from Mexico. On her father’s side, her ancestry is rooted in Norse culture from Sweden and Buskerud, Norway.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Research Psychology and Investigative Forensics from the University of Maryland. She has a deep love for learning and a strong passion for research and data analysis that supports Indigenous education and community impact. She love learning and is a forever student.
Instructional Coordinator
Justice Bill
(253) 294-8176
Justice.Bill@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Career & Technical Education Department
(CTE)
Career and Technical Education Manager
Lawrence (Larry) Cordier
(253) 876-3256
Lawrence.Cordier@muckleshoot.nsn.us
My Name is Larry Cordier. I was born in the Black Hills and raised on the Rosebud reservation in South Dakota. My father was Dick Cordier from the Sicangu band. My mother was born Phyllis White Eyes from the Oglala band in Pine Ridge South Dakota. I am proud and honored to be working at the Muckleshoot Tribal College
CTE Instructor
Joshua Hawks
(253) 876-2828
Joshua.Hawks@muckleshoot.nsn.us
I am the son of Howard and Koko Hawks. My father’s family is from the US and my mother’s family is from Japan. I teach tech courses at the tribal college; primarily computer literacy. And I have a background in software development with a BAS in software development.
Continuing Education Department
(Highschool, 21+ & Testing Center)
Continuing Education Manager
Justine Koble
(253) 876-3275
Justine.Koble@muckleshoot.nsn.us
I have my Bachelors of Arts in History from Florida State University and my Masters of Arts in Eastern European History from the University of Hawai’i at Moana. I have been in education for over a decade, four of which have been in Adult Education. I am a Southern girl at heart, having spent my formative years in West Florida. I am from generations of military veterans and have lived all over the world. I am the daughter of Mary and granddaughter of John and Maryann. My grandfather and his family were raised in Choctaw, Oklahoma. My husband is active duty Navy, and we have chosen to plant our roots in the South Sound.
Assessment & Instructional Specialist
Christopher Miller
(253) 876-3395
Christopher.Miller@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Scholarship Department
Financial Aid Director
Marie Marquez
(253) 876-3382
Marie.Marquez@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Bachelor of Science: Business Administration, International Business & Spanish, Translation 1995 to 1997, was Casual Labor for the Muckleshoot Tribe. I was a cook at the Tribal School. At Birth to Three, Teacher Assistant TA, even dressed up for one year as the Easter Bunny. I am featured in the 50th Year Anniversary Year Book. I worked at the Elders, Finance, and Enrollment. In 1997, I became a full-time employee for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe in the Department of Reality. In June 2002, I was hired as the Financial Aid Director for the Higher Education Division Department. I am also currently the proud Guardian and Foster Parent to Muckleshoot children. My paternal grandparents were Gregorio Marquez Avitia and Juana Saenz Salcido & Maternal Grandparents were: Manuela Morelas and Francisco Barraza. My parents Gregorio Marquez Salcido y Pilar Barraza Morales. My grandparents and parents were born in Valle de Zaragoza, Chihuahua, Mexico. I was born in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico and brought to the United States at the age of one. My parents and I migrated into Los Angeles, California to which we lived in Compton until 1987, then my parents moved to Mexico and I stayed to continue my education. Once I graduated from college, I was offered the position of Admission Evaluator at University of California, Long Beach. I have two biological siblings and seven non-biological siblings. My other set of parents are Josefina Cardenas y Raymundo Gutierrez.
Financial Aid Director Trainee
Sahara Singh
(253) 876-3013
Sahara.Singh@muckleshoot.nsn.us
My name is Sahara Singh (née Hansen), and I am an enrolled member of the Muckleshoot Tribe, and a member of the Courville and Siddle families.
I spent the majority of my childhood living on or near the Muckleshoot Reservation, which deeply shaped my identity and values.
I hold a Bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University and a Master's degree from the University of Washington.
Financial Aid Manager
Amy Castaneda
(253) 294-8032
Amy.Castaneda@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Amy Castaneda is the Financial Aid Manager for the Scholarship Department. She is a Muckleshoot tribal member, she’s married and has three children. Amy oversees the Financial Aid team and works with the Private School Assistance Program (PSAP). She graduated from Green River College with her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Management.
Finance Specialist
Cheri Wilbur
(253) 294-8247
Cheri.Wilbur@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Career Advisor III
Jocelyn Alafaio-Patterson
(253) 876-3305
Jocelyn.Patterson@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Career Advisor III
Kelsey Perkovich
(253) 876-3210
Kelsey.Perkovich@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Education/Work Experience: Bachelor of Arts in Education from Pacific Lutheran University
I have lived my whole life in the Puget Sound region. My father is Stacy Smith from Seattle, my mother is Susan Hudelson-Smith. My father’s parents came from Norway and Ireland, the Farstad and Lindsay families, and my mother’s heritage is German and British. After graduating college, I worked as a teacher and tutor, and as the Center Director at Sylvan Learning for over a decade. In my free time, I enjoy attending live concerts, and going on adventures with my two teenage children and toddler son.
Career Advisor III
Fabian Mendoza
(253) 294-8257
Fabian.Mendoza@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Career Advisor III
Lydia Adira
(253) 294-8258
Lydia.Adira@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Lydia Adira is passionate about empowering students to achieve their academic and career aspirations. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Youth Development & Program Planning and a Master of Business Administration, combining deep knowledge of student support with strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
With extensive experience advising students from a wide range of backgrounds, Lydia specializes in academic guidance, career exploration, and inclusive program guidance. She is committed to helping you explore your interests, choose a major or vocational path, and create a personalized plan for future success.
Internship Coordinator
Nicole Nsa
(253) 294-8004
Nicole.Nsa@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Education/Work Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation & Sports Management
I’m originally from Southern California, but I’ve also lived in Arizona and Idaho before settling in Washington with my dog and two cats. I’m a first‑generation American. My dad, Nsa Nsa, is from Nigeria, and my mom, Deborah Nsa (Lalich), was from Canada.
I spent over five years in director roles for the nonprofit world with the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA, then moved into Higher Ed as the Program Manager for Outreach and the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Everett Community College.
I’m really excited to help grow the MIT Internship Program because I love supporting students, building community connections, and helping people discover new opportunities.
Finance Specialist
Ramon Jimenez
(253) 876-3378
Ramon.Jimenez@muckleshoot.nsn.us
College & Career Education Opportunities Program (CCEOP)
CCEOP Manager
Michele Rodarte
(253) 876-3291
Michele.Rodarte@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Lead Youth Crew Supervisor
Josie Benito
(253) 876-2839
Josie.Benito@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Youth Crew Supervisor
Leticia James
(253) 876-3343
Leticia.James@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Youth Crew Supervisor
Antonio Quintana
(253) 876-8079
Antonio.Quintana@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Workshops & Training Department
Program Manager
Dena Starr
(253) 876-3147
Dena.Starr@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Executive Assistant
Laurie Williams
(253) 876-3381
Laurie.Williams@muckleshoot.nsn.us
Northwest Indian College (NWIC)
NWIC Site Manager
Nicole Cabral
MTC: (253) 876-8176
NWIC Phone: (360) 255-4432
NLCabral@nwic.edu
My goal as the NWIC Site Manager is to mentor students as they explore and define their values, education, career and life goals. I considers myself a “developer”, and always see the potential in others; I hope to help NWIC students grow while simultaneously capitalizing on their individual strengths.
I grew up in New Bedford, Massachusetts and am primarily of Portuguese descent. My military service brought me to Washington, where I eventually chose to plant my roots, and have called this home since 2005. Upon transitioning out of the military, I worked on base at the Education Center as an Education Services Specialist for eight years where I assisted soldiers with pursuing and achieving their educational goals. I am a certified Career Advisor and have earned a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Martin’s University. I have years of experience as a culturally responsive academic advisor with students in diverse higher education settings.
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