CASA Staff

Director, Valerie Robertson

I am a first generation student born and raised in San Diego, California where I completed my education through high school. I hold a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and a masters degree in information management, both from the University of Washington. I have over 17 years work experience in higher education. I like being creative and thinking of new strategies for providing services for our students and the campus community as a whole. I also like working with children and young families while resolving issues around education, job training, and technology.

Phone: 253.566.5159

Email: vrobertson@tacomacc.edu

Program Assistant, Leone Faafolau

I am originally from the Island of Samoa.  I lived in Hawaii where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Office Management from Brigham Young University-Hawaii in 1991.  I moved to Tacoma, Washington in 1992 and previously worked for the Seattle School District as an Administrative Secretary for 10 years.  Devoted to serving students with social and educational needs, I also taught students Polynesian dances for several school occasions. I performed a variety of program administration tasks within the Seattle School District.  My aspiration in the near future is pursuing my career in the field of education, by obtaining a Masters degree at the University of Washington, Seattle. My years in the educational capacity have convinced me to stay in the same profession.  Joining the family of Tacoma Community College as a staff member in the CASA Program allows me an opportunity to contribute, support, and continue serving the needs of students.

Phone: 253.460.4309

Email: lfaafolau@tacomacc.edu

Assistant Director, Paul Goetzinger

I am a first generation student born and raised in Washington State. After high school graduation, I attended Highline Community College where I obtained an Associates Degree and then a Bachelors Degree in Politics and Government from the University of Puget Sound. I then moved on to the University of Idaho and earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration. After graduation I worked in the field of law enforcement for 10 years. During this tenure I returned to Highline College and completed a technical degree in the field of Paralegal studies. In 2000 I started a tutorial program at Highline for students aspiring to enter the legal and law enforcement professions. I have written several scholarly articles on constitutional issues which have been published in national law enforcement and security journals and have participated in the training of police officers at regional police departments. I have also been a guest lecturer for college legal and law enforcement courses. My interests also extend beyond the legal field. I am a longtime club runner and cyclist, and I still compete in local running events. In 2004 I completed my USATF athletic coaching credentials at the University of Oregon. I come from a diverse family background. My mother is Native American and I take a great interest in local American Indian education issues. I joined the Tacoma Community College CASA program in 2004 and have worked in academic support and served as a Supplemental Instruction leader for CASA's HD 175 Elementary Algebra program. In 2006 I was appointed CASA's Retention/Instructional Center Coordinator. My past college education and experience allows me to serve in a variety of functions for the program and to assist the Tacoma Community College CASA students in achieving their educational goals.

Phone: 253.566.5052

Email: pgoetzinger@tacomacc.edu

Educational Planner, Katrina Robinson

Katrina has a Bachelor Science Degree in Family Studies and Social Psychology from Western Michigan University. She earned her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Lutheran University.

Phone: 253.460.4388

Email: karobinson@tacomacc.edu