Meet the Counselors
6th Grade
Katie Miller, LCSW, PPSC
Pronouns: she/her
(Monday through Friday)
(510) 644-8534
I’ve been working in schools since graduating from Hunter College with my MSW in 2014. Prior to joining King, I worked as a Social Worker in New York City and Oakland public schools. In 2021, I earned my post-masters PPSC at Humboldt State and I decided to make the transition to School Counseling.
I feel very lucky to have discovered my passion for working with middle school students during a grad school internship and have remained with this age group ever since. Bearing witness and supporting students during the dynamic period of change that happens in middle school is both inspiring and rewarding. I feel so fortunate to partner with teachers, school staff, families and students to co-create a healthy school community. One of the favorite parts of my job at King is working with student leaders and I feel passionately about incorporating student voice into decision making at King.
When I’m not working, I spend my free time hiking, backpacking and going on roadtrips. My goal is to visit all states and national parks in the coming years!
7th Grade
Sarah McCarthy, MFT, PPSC
Pronouns: she/her
(Monday through Thursday)
(510) 644- 2873
My love for working with young people started through leading wilderness trips and led to a passion for providing counseling and support in schools. I’ve primarily worked with high school and middle school aged youth since 2004, and I started at King in 2021. I have a Masters in Education from Harvard University and earned my PPSC credential and MFT license from San Francisco State University.
I love how school counseling allows me to have strong and lasting relationships with students and caregivers. My hope is that every student feels a sense of significance and belonging while they learn and grow. Middle school is such a unique time, there is so much happening at this age! I feel passionate about working in partnership with caregivers, teachers and administrators to help all students to explore who they are and thrive.
In my free time, I love spending time with my two sons and husband (exploring beaches and forests, reading on the couch - anything!), quilting, gardening, and cooking.
8th Grade
CC Miksza, LCSW PPSC
Pronouns: she/her
(Monday through Thursday)
(510) 644-6102
I've been working in schools since 2010 and I've been a counselor at King since 2015. I have a background in science and astrophysics and an undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley, but really began pursuing my love of counseling with my Masters in Social Work. I received my MSW from Cal State East Bay, my credential from San Francisco State University, and my clinical license with the state of CA. In addition, I've pursued further training in Mindfulness, trauma-focused CBT, and restorative practices.
I love supporting students and witnessing their growing confidence as they begin to recognize their own inner strengths and the power they possess to create change in themselves and their communities. Student empowerment is a beautiful thing to be a part of and my favorite part of my job!
When I'm not working, I love spending time with my daughters, my husband, and our pets. I also have a few hobbies, including: dancing, hiking, singing, sewing, exploring, and tinkering with things.
8th Grade and Restorative Justice
Lydia Stewart, PPSC
Pronouns: she/her
(Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)
(510) 644-6102
I developed an interest in school counseling when I was in middle school. I had a great counselor who provided support and encouragement through the ups and downs of adolescence. After graduating from West Chester University with a Master Degree in Counseling and Educational Psychology, I was excited to start working with pre-teens. I love to see their energy and excitement as they grow and develop. I recognize how home environment, friends and peers can impact a student's academic performance. My hope is to create a safe environment for all students, to meet them where they are at and help them grow into who they’d like to become.
When I’m not in school, I like to listen to music and discover new artists. I also like to hike and spend time in the sunshine with my family and friends.
Restorative Justice (All Grades)
Chau Tran, LCSW, PPSC
Pronouns: she/her
(Monday, Wednesday-Friday)
(510) 644-8534
I have been working in schools since 2002 and have been a restorative justice counselor at King since 2016. I have an undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and began my work in education leading community service programs in the Bay Area and abroad. During this time I discovered my passion for empowering youth and returned to school to obtain my Masters in Social Work from Columbia University.
My past work experience includes leading wilderness therapy trips, managing international service projects in rural villages with youth and serving as a mental health therapist. I've had the opportunity to support students ranging from elementary age through young adults, but middle school age has a special place in my heart! I adore this age group and am passionate about supporting them through the quandaries that cross their paths as they grow into themselves.
When I'm not working, I'm spending time with my son and husband relaxing, cooking, visiting family & friends, and exploring outdoor adventures. My hobbies are yoga, camping and trying new boba places!
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My primary focus at King is to lead our restorative justice practices in discipline and integrating the circle process for community building and conflict repair.
8th Grade and Restorative Justice
Chau Tran, LCSW, PPSC
Pronouns: she/her
(Monday, Wednesday-Friday)
(510) 644-8534
I have been working in schools since 2002 and have been a restorative justice counselor at King since 2016. I have an undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and began my work in education leading community service programs in the Bay Area and abroad. During this time I discovered my passion for empowering youth and returned to school to obtain my Masters in Social Work from Columbia University.
My past work experience includes leading wilderness therapy trips, managing international service projects in rural villages with youth and serving as a mental health therapist. I've had the opportunity to support students ranging from elementary age through young adults, but middle school age has a special place in my heart! I adore this age group and am passionate about supporting them through the quandaries that cross their paths as they grow into themselves.
When I'm not working, I'm spending time with my son and husband relaxing, cooking, visiting family & friends, and exploring outdoor adventures. My hobbies are yoga, camping and trying new boba places!
​
My primary focus at King is to lead our restorative justice practices in discipline and integrating the circle process for community building and conflict repair.
School Climate & Culture (All Grades)/7th Grade
I graduated from Smith College School for Social Work in 2005 with my MSW and worked at Berkeley High in the Health Center providing individual, group and crisis counseling work to the student population. I pursued a post-masters PPSC at San Francisco State University in 2010 and began working at King in 2014.
I LOVE working with adolescents and am regularly inspired by their creativity, talent, and humor. I am inspired by how they show up as themselves each day and are open to partnering with adults to be their best selves. I adore working with them in individual and group counseling sessions as well as clubs and leadership groups.
Pre-kids, I liked to windsurf, teach sailing, and go rock climbing outdoors. Now I have fun at the beach, love a good movie night and camping with my family and our dogs.
As of 2023, I will be the Community Building Counselor for King. I will support students to help lead the school in activities for all school and grade level activities.