Meet the Counseling Team
TREVOR SMYTH - DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING
Trevor was born in San Francisco and is a fifth-generation San Franciscan. His mother, Kathleen Hanley Smyth, was Class of 1978 at Marin Catholic, and his cousin, Colton Hanley, graduated in 2013. Trevor graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and then obtained his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology (PPS Credential) from the University of San Francisco. His career highlights are all connected to attending Kairos in March every year with students from the junior and senior classes. His favorite TV show is Ted Lasso. Trevor looks forward to returning to Ireland to watch live music.
Trevor was born in San Francisco and is a fifth-generation San Franciscan. His mother, Kathleen Hanley Smyth, was Class of 1978 at Marin Catholic, and his cousin, Colton Hanley, graduated in 2013. Trevor graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and then obtained his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology (PPS Credential) from the University of San Francisco. His career highlights are all connected to attending Kairos in March every year with students from the junior and senior classes. His favorite TV show is Ted Lasso. Trevor looks forward to returning to Ireland to watch live music.
DAVE BASSO - COUNSELOR
Dave was born in San Francisco, raised in Marin and his family has been part of the MC community for many years. He attended St. Isabella School and graduated from MC in 1994 along with his twin sister, Lisa. After MC, Dave graduated from Santa Clara with a degree in English, received his teaching credential from Dominican University, and immediately returned to MC in 1999 to begin his vocation in Catholic education. Over his time at MC, Dave has taught English and Theology, coached Basketball and Baseball, been a Dean of Students, Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Principal for Athletics, and currently found his home in the Counseling Department. MC is a second home for Dave and has been a blessing in so many ways. He is proud to be a parent of MC students and loves what he gets to do every single day because of the students at MC. His favorite shows are Friday Night Lights and Yellowstone and he loves sports, hiking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Dave was born in San Francisco, raised in Marin and his family has been part of the MC community for many years. He attended St. Isabella School and graduated from MC in 1994 along with his twin sister, Lisa. After MC, Dave graduated from Santa Clara with a degree in English, received his teaching credential from Dominican University, and immediately returned to MC in 1999 to begin his vocation in Catholic education. Over his time at MC, Dave has taught English and Theology, coached Basketball and Baseball, been a Dean of Students, Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Principal for Athletics, and currently found his home in the Counseling Department. MC is a second home for Dave and has been a blessing in so many ways. He is proud to be a parent of MC students and loves what he gets to do every single day because of the students at MC. His favorite shows are Friday Night Lights and Yellowstone and he loves sports, hiking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
NICKI MULLEN - COUNSELOR
Nicki was born and raised in Southern California and attended Santa Clara University, majoring in psychology. She later received her Master of Education degree from Harvard University where she completed a practicum assessing teens for suicidality. She was an employment counselor in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and then had a 25+ year career in corporate market research working in a wide variety of industries. She had a 6 year career change to at home parenting before returning to the corporate world. Through it all, she kept her interest in education alive as a very active volunteer student mentor, math teacher, parish school of religion teacher, cub scout leader, and district volunteer. Recently, she studied college counseling at UC Berkeley Extension while working as an independent college counselor. She lives in San Rafael with her husband and two sons. She is thrilled to be joining the Marin Catholic Counseling Department and combining her skills and experiences from all areas of her life into her work with our students.
Nicki was born and raised in Southern California and attended Santa Clara University, majoring in psychology. She later received her Master of Education degree from Harvard University where she completed a practicum assessing teens for suicidality. She was an employment counselor in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and then had a 25+ year career in corporate market research working in a wide variety of industries. She had a 6 year career change to at home parenting before returning to the corporate world. Through it all, she kept her interest in education alive as a very active volunteer student mentor, math teacher, parish school of religion teacher, cub scout leader, and district volunteer. Recently, she studied college counseling at UC Berkeley Extension while working as an independent college counselor. She lives in San Rafael with her husband and two sons. She is thrilled to be joining the Marin Catholic Counseling Department and combining her skills and experiences from all areas of her life into her work with our students.
MARIANNA FLORES CHAVEZ - COUNSELOR
Mariana was born in Marin and grew up in Novato. She attended Saint Raphael School and graduated from Marin Catholic in 2017. She went on to attend the University of San Diego and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Ethnic Studies. After college, she worked at Canal Alliance, a local non-profit in the Education and Career Department. In this role, she worked with the after school program, helping to implement their mission of making college access attainable to all students. She is thrilled to be back at her alma mater and to be working alongside many of her former teachers. Her favorite part about working with MC students is getting to see them grow and shine in all things academics, sports, performing arts, ministry and service. A place on her travel bucket list is Colombia.
GAVIN MADDEN - COUNSELOR
Gavin Madden was born in San Francisco and grew up in Greenbrae. His early education included attending Bachich and Kent grammar schools, followed by graduation from Marin Catholic High School in 1994. Gavin pursued higher education at Menlo College, earning a degree in Psychology in 1999. He then completed the credentialing program at Dominican College in 2000. Gavin’s teaching career in Catholic education began at Saint Rita in Fairfax, and he has since taught at Saint Hilary in Tiburon and Saint Raphael in San Rafael over the past 23 years. Outside of his professional life, Gavin enjoys spending time with his wife and watching his sons play sports. He also coaches his daughter's teams and loves walking his dog, Angus, on the scenic trails of Marin County.
Gavin Madden was born in San Francisco and grew up in Greenbrae. His early education included attending Bachich and Kent grammar schools, followed by graduation from Marin Catholic High School in 1994. Gavin pursued higher education at Menlo College, earning a degree in Psychology in 1999. He then completed the credentialing program at Dominican College in 2000. Gavin’s teaching career in Catholic education began at Saint Rita in Fairfax, and he has since taught at Saint Hilary in Tiburon and Saint Raphael in San Rafael over the past 23 years. Outside of his professional life, Gavin enjoys spending time with his wife and watching his sons play sports. He also coaches his daughter's teams and loves walking his dog, Angus, on the scenic trails of Marin County.
SOPHIA RODRIGUEZ - COUNSELOR
Sophia grew up in San Jose, attending Archbishop Mitty High School. She received her BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Child Development and a minor in Psychology from the California Polytechnic State University and her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego. While earning her Masters, she spent time working with previously incarcerated juveniles at a nonprofit in San Diego. After moving to Marin she has spent time working in a private group practice with children and young adults. Sophia is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC11800) who is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the Yale University Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) approach. With students and families, she strives to provide a safe and comfortable space for growth and understanding. In her free time, Sophia enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, enjoying musicals, and adventuring in the outdoors, especially the beach. Sophia is excited to be part of the MC family!
GABY RIVERA - COUNSELING DEPARTMENT ASSISTANT
Gaby is a Marin County native and grew up in Novato. She attended Terra Linda High School and then went on to get her Bachelor's degree in Sociology at the University of San Diego. After graduating, she moved to Philly where she did a year of service with AmeriCorp working in a dual language classroom. She returned to Marin in 2021 to work with a local college acess program, 10,000 Degrees. Once a student in the program, she was happy to be back working alongside some of her old mentors and advisors. Now, she is excited to be at Marin Catholic and to continue being an advocate for all students. A place on her travel bucket list is Amsterdam.
Gaby is a Marin County native and grew up in Novato. She attended Terra Linda High School and then went on to get her Bachelor's degree in Sociology at the University of San Diego. After graduating, she moved to Philly where she did a year of service with AmeriCorp working in a dual language classroom. She returned to Marin in 2021 to work with a local college acess program, 10,000 Degrees. Once a student in the program, she was happy to be back working alongside some of her old mentors and advisors. Now, she is excited to be at Marin Catholic and to continue being an advocate for all students. A place on her travel bucket list is Amsterdam.
LISA INGELS - THERAPEUTIC COUNSELOR
Lisa was born in San Francisco, and grew up in Marin County. She attended St. Anselm and graduated from Marin Catholic in 1992. She comes from a large family of MC Wildcats, with one son graduating in 2024, and the other currently a student at MC. After graduating high school she attended Oregon State University and received a Bachelor of Science, Human Development and Family Sciences degree. She found her passion in counseling, knowing that at times people need a place to navigate life's challenges. In order to follow her passion she obtained a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of San Francisco, and received her Marriage and Family Therapy License. Through the years Lisa has counseled adolescents in juvenile hall, and worked as a counselor for Bay Area Community Resources. Working in various middle and high schools as a drug and alcohol counselor educator, she was the director of the Youth Substance Abuse Program, as well as helped to establish and run a drug and alcohol day treatment high school for adolescents. As a Marriage and Family Therapist she held a private practice, and worked as a Guidance Counselor at Marin Catholic. In 2006 she helped create the Therapeutic Department at MC. Lisa is grateful to work with amazing colleagues who make work a fun place to be, while fulfilling her passion of wanting to help those in need. She enjoys being able to provide empathy and support to students and parents when obstacles arise. Lisa loves spending time with her family playing games and enjoying the outdoors.
SARAH KAHN - THERAPEUTIC COUNSELOR
Sarah, born and raised in Indiana, graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor's degree in Education. Relocating to San Francisco three decades ago, she raised her two daughters and taught second grade at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in the city. Following her dream, she then earned a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University. For the past six years, she has specialized in therapeutic counseling for adolescents and their families within the Tamalpais School District and recently opened a private practice in Kentfield. Since moving to Marin she has been enjoying all the nature, the beautiful hiking trails and the delicious fresh food Marin has to offer.
Sarah, born and raised in Indiana, graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor's degree in Education. Relocating to San Francisco three decades ago, she raised her two daughters and taught second grade at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in the city. Following her dream, she then earned a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University. For the past six years, she has specialized in therapeutic counseling for adolescents and their families within the Tamalpais School District and recently opened a private practice in Kentfield. Since moving to Marin she has been enjoying all the nature, the beautiful hiking trails and the delicious fresh food Marin has to offer.
675 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Kentfield CA 94904 Phone: 415-464-3898 | Email: admissions@marincatholic.org
