Faculty

Abby Cacho

My name is Abigail (Abby) Cacho, and I’m a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through NCCT as well as a proud Highline College alumna. I graduated from Highline’s Medical Assisting program in 2018, and through the Running Start program, I was fortunate to complete my junior and senior years of high school while earning my MA degree.

After graduation, I spent a few years working in a Hematology/Oncology clinic, where I developed strong clinical skills, learned the importance of compassionate patient care, and gained experience working alongside different healthcare professions. I later transitioned into a Family Medicine clinic to broaden my experience across the lifespan. While there, I became one of the primary back-office trainers and took on the role of Vaccines for Children (VFC) coordinator, which strengthened my attention to detail, organization, and commitment to patient safety and education.

In the Fall of 2023, I returned to Highline College, this time as an instructor, to pursue my passion for teaching and supporting future medical assistants. What I enjoy most about teaching is watching students gain confidence in their skills, connect classroom learning to real clinical practice, and prepare for externship and future employment in the healthcare setting. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family and taking advantage of being outdoors whenever possible. I enjoy crafting and am almost always working on a new project. I also have a strong passion for music and enjoy singing and playing the piano.

Diana Cacho

My name is Diana Cacho, and I am a proud Highline College alumna, having graduated from the Medical Assisting Program. I began my career as a Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) and was hired directly from my externship. I spent two years in that role before following my manager to a new clinic, where I advanced into a leadership position as the trainer for both front and back office staff.

Throughout my career, I have worked in family and internal medicine, as well as a variety of specialties including podiatry, integrative medicine, acupuncture, and behavioral health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked in prompt care, allowing me to maintain and strengthen my clinical skills. For over six years, I also served as the Vaccine for Children (VFC) Coordinator for my clinic, continuing to work per diem and train new staff until Summer 2025.

What I love most about being a Medical Assistant is the opportunity to collaborate with providers, continually learn, and apply that knowledge to support both my patients and my own family. As a Medical Assistant Instructor, I am passionate about passing on that knowledge—teaching students not only the skills required for the MA program, but also how to become lifelong learners and reach their full potential.

Outside of work, my family and I enjoy traveling—especially to the ocean—and spending quality time with my 10-month-old granddaughter.

Cory Martin

Greetings, HEAL learners! My name is Cory Martin, and I teach Medical Terminology and Anatomy in the Healthcare Professions department. I began teaching medical language in 1995 and joined Highline College in 2014. Over the years, medical language has evolved extensively due to medical discoveries, technology advancements, and changing perspectives on patient-centered care. Experiencing this evolution has been both fascinating and rewarding.

I love learning new things! I’m a lifelong learner with academic and professional training in Education, Respiratory Care, Medical Simulation, and Instructional Design. I’m passionate about designing equitable and engaging online learning experiences that support adult learners as they achieve their personal and professional goals. I look forward to working with you in class.