WELCOME TO ADVISING IN RUNNING START!

Our comprehensive services are designed to inform, support, and encourage students to be self-directed in the educational planning process.

The advisors in Running Start help with:

  • Running Start Advising and Planning Sessions (during active new student enrollment each quarter)
  • Identifying and evaluating academic and career interests, as well as preparation for university transfer
  • Development of academic plans, to include your high school graduation requirements
  • Interpretation of institutional policies/procedures and program/degree requirements
  • Referral to college and community resources
  • Planning for success when students don't meet academic standards

Drop-in Advising

While you can schedule appointments for longer meetings, drop-ins are for quick questions for current students and are usually limited to about 20 minutes. Examples of things to see your advisor about during drop-ins are: what classes to take next quarter (not create an ed plan), whether to withdraw from a class, questions about placement, how to navigate campus resources, etc.


Who is my advisor?

We assign Running Start students to an advisor based on last name, similar to the way your high school assigns your counselor. Your GRC Running Start advisor is available for drop-ins for current students in their alpha.

Learn more about your advisor below and click the link to join their Zoom lobby during drop-in hours or visit them in SA-135 on designated in-person drop-in days.


Natalie Ramsey (A to Da)

Natalie smiling with her arms crossed

Natalie studied Art at Parson's School of Design in New York and completed a Masters in Education at Antioch University. She has worked in a variety of educational settings throughout her career including: behavioral health, social services and K-12 education in schools. She lives with her granddaughter in Tacoma where she is restoring a Victorian house in the Hilltop neighborhood and works in her art studio.

 

You can reach Natalie by email at nramsey@greenriver.edu. Please call us, visit our virtual lobby or go to Navigate to make an appointment with her.

Natalie's Drop-in Hours:
Day of the Week Modality Time
Monday Virtual: Natalie's zoom lobby 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Friday In-person 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Cady Bigelow (Db to I)

Cady's headshot in front of bright red rhododendrons

Hi! I'm Cady (rhymes with lady). I've worked in education since 2016, ranging from preschool to 5th year university students. I studied Early Childhood Education at Pierce College and then earned my Bachelor's in English Literature, French, and Dance from Pacific Lutheran University. Outside of work I like to play Skyrim, thrift, read, drink coffee, crochet, watch Gilmore Girls, and play board games.
 
You can reach Cady by email at Cady.Bigelow@greenriver.edu. Please call us, visit our virtual lobby, or go to Navigate to make an appointment with them.
 
Cady's Drop-in Hours:
Day of the Week Modality Time
Tuesday Virtual: Cady's zoom lobby 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Friday In-person 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

Loree Rhyne (J to Mi)

Loree headshot in front of willow trees

Hi! My name is Loree Rhyne. I was born and raised in South Korea, went to college in Alabama, and am now very happy to call Washington my home. I have worked at Green River since 2022 and joined the Running Start team in 2024. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, tabletop gaming, and spending time with my husband and our two cats. 

 

You can reach Loree by email at LRhyne@greenriver.edu. Please call us, visit our virtual lobby, or go to Navigate to make an appointment with her. 

Loree's Drop-in Hours:
Day of the Week Modality Time
Monday Virtual: Loree's zoom lobby 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Friday In-person with first available advisor 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

NOTE: please see Loree's revised drop-in schedule above beginning Friday, October 3 to Friday, October 17.


Victoria Chandler (Mj to Se)

Victoria in front of a background of trees

Victoria grew up in the Auburn community. Her academic focus was in education for the first years of her college studies. To complement these studies, she worked with students in the Kent and Auburn School Districts. Over the years she has been a part of public education in various supportive roles. Some of her experiences include being a marching band coach, AVID tutor, a school bus driver, office support, and family support specialist to name a few. She completed her bachelor's degree recently from one of Green River's BAS programs. When she is not at work, she can be found hiking on trails, playing tabletop games, out in her garden, learning a new craft, or playing musical instruments with friends.

You can reach Victoria by email at vchandler@greenriver.edu. Please call us, visit our virtual lobby, or go to Navigate to make an appointment with her. 

Victoria's Drop-in Hours:
Day of the Week Modality Time
Thursday Virtual: Victoria's zoom lobby  1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Friday In-person 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Jordan Echaniz (Sf to Z)

Jordan in front of a waterfall

Hi, I'm Jordan! I was a Running Start student at GRC before transferring to Central Washington University to get my Bachelor of Science. After working in Central's advising office and then in the environmental field hosting educational events, I developed a passion for supporting students and returned to GRC to do just that. When I’m not at work I spend my time with my cat, Charlie, working on embroidery projects or walking nature trails.

You can reach Jordan by email at jordan.echaniz@greenriver.edu. Please call us, visit our virtual lobby, or go to Navigate to make an appointment with them. 
 
Jordan's Drop-in Hours:
Day of the Week Modality Time
Monday Virtual: Jordan's zoom lobby 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Friday In-person 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM