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.
KIRSTIN SCHMIDT - COUNSELOR
Kirstin earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona, her teaching credential from San Francisco State University, and her Master's degree in School Counseling from Saint Mary's College of California. Before becoming a school counselor, she spent ten years as an elementary school teacher, building a strong foundation in supporting students' academic, social-emotional, and personal growth. After taking time away from the classroom to raise her three daughters, Kirstin remained deeply involved in education as a parent volunteer, PTA board member, and community advocate. She and her family have called Mill Valley home for the past 14 years, where she continues to enjoy being an active member of the local community. Over the past year and a half at Marin Catholic, Kirstin has enjoyed building meaningful relationships with students, families, faculty, and staff. She is grateful to continue serving the Marin Catholic community as a full-time school counselor, where she is passionate about helping every student feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive both in and beyond the classroom. Outside of school, Kirstin enjoys cheering on her daughters at their many activities, spending time with her family, and exploring Marin's beautiful trails and coastline.
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.
RACHEL YARNOLD - COUNSELOR
Rachel grew up in the East Bay and graduated from San Ramon Valley High School. She went on to attend the University of Rochester, where she played collegiate basketball and earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with minors in Business and Historical Engineering. Since 2011, Rachel has worked in the tech industry as a marketing leader, with roles at companies like Fitbit and 1Password. She specializes in building high-performing teams, streamlining processes, and driving impactful results. Rachel is the Head Coach of the Marin Catholic Women’s Varsity Basketball Team and is excited to contribute to the larger academic community at MC. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, Harper, and coaching a travel basketball team based in San Francisco.
Rachel grew up in the East Bay and graduated from San Ramon Valley High School. She went on to attend the University of Rochester, where she played collegiate basketball and earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with minors in Business and Historical Engineering. Since 2011, Rachel has worked in the tech industry as a marketing leader, with roles at companies like Fitbit and 1Password. She specializes in building high-performing teams, streamlining processes, and driving impactful results. Rachel is the Head Coach of the Marin Catholic Women’s Varsity Basketball Team and is excited to contribute to the larger academic community at MC. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, Harper, and coaching a travel basketball team based in San Francisco.
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.
NICOLE FLORIN - THERAPEUTIC COUNSELOR
Nicole Florin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who serves as a therapeutic counselor with a warm, collaborative, and student-centered approach. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and went on to complete her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and School Counseling at Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga. Dedicated to supporting the emotional and developmental needs of the community, Nicole partners closely with students, families, and staff to foster a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive. Grounded in a Catholic perspective, her approach values the inherent dignity of every individual, seamlessly blending evidence-based practices with deep compassion to help students build resilience and achieve personal success. Outside of her clinical work, Nicole enjoys exploring Northern California with her husband and three children.
675 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Kentfield CA 94904 Phone: 415-464-3800 | Email: admissions@marincatholic.org
