Meet Your Students Support Team

I was born in Seattle, but grew up in the woods across the water in Seabeck. I moved to Seattle in 2006 when I went to Seattle University (go Redhawks!) and I stayed here ever since. Before working at Cascade I worked with our district’s high school alternative programs for six years. I started working at Cascade in 2019 and I’m so happy to be a part of our school community. I love being a Counselor because I get to help young people overcome challenging times in life and take control of their futures. In my free time I love to knit, preserve fruits and veggies while they’re in season (I make delicious plum jam!), camping and hiking, and gardening. My favorite author is Zadie Smith and my favorite color is green.

Phone: 206-631-5508

Email: alexa.wayman@highlineschools.org

Degrees and Certifications:

BA in Psychology and International Studies, Seattle University, MAEd in School and Community Counseling, Seattle University, Residency ESA, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

I grew up in Los Angeles, the second to youngest of six. My parents were teachers, and four of us followed in their footsteps by pursuing careers in education.

After college I moved to the Northwest and in 1995 I started working as a school counselor in the Highline School District. I spent many years working as a part-time elementary counselor while I raised my four children. I returned to full-time work at Cascade three years ago, where I love working with students and families. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, eating, hiking, watching movies, doing puzzles, and playing games. 

Phone: (206) 631-5513

Email: mara.pinzatodd@highlineschools.org 

Degrees and Certifications:

B.A. in Psychology, Stanford University, M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, University of Washington, ESA in School Counseling

I moved to Seattle in 2012 to study Biology at the University of Washington. While I was there I volunteered for an after school STEM program for middle and high school students. Because of this experience, I decided to pursue a career in education after graduating from UW. I worked in an after-school program in White Center for seven years and learned so much about what it means to be in community.

After a while, I decided I wanted to be a school counselor, so I went for my master's degree at Seattle University. I feel so fortunate to continue experiencing the warmth of the White Center community by being your school counselor. I strive to stay rooted in anti-racist practices and advocate for student and family needs. My goal is to partner with youth and their families to support them in achieving their goals. I want to support students in recognizing their own value and how they can meaningfully contribute to their community by being themselves and uplifting others. Come chat with me! I love to talk about the latest TV shows and movies. I love music, so I'm always ready to hear your latest favorite songs and artists.  

Phone: (206) 631-5512

Email: Yvonne.Alvarez@highlineschools.org 

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor's Degree – Biology: Cellular, Molecular, Developmental - University of Washington Master's in Education – School Counseling – Seattle University

ESA – School Counselor

I am the Prevention and Intervention Specialist – SBIRT Coordinator at Cascade Middle School and Evergreen High School as well as the lead in the district.

I am a daughter of Vietnamese refugees, born and raised in Seattle. I have a deep appreciation for the greenery present in the PNW and while I recognize that the beauty comes with the cold and rain, I am best suited for warmth and sunshine. I have a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington. In partnership with families and community, I support students navigate the trials of adolescence, mental health concerns, substance use, interpersonal conflicts and more.

I am passionate about equity in schools and mental health and I believe in helping our students identify the values that drive them. I learn so much from our students and families and am humbled by their stories every day. I am grateful to be able do this work at Cascade with our team of compassionate providers. Outside of my work life, I am a mom to two and I enjoy cooking, eating, reading, drinking warm beverages on cold days and spending time with my family and friends.

Phone: 206-631-5510 (voicemail), 425-954-5269 (google voice)

Email: lauren.tran@highlineschools.org

Degrees and Certifications:

BA Interdisciplinary Concentration (Teaching and Learning Across Cultures), Western, Washington University - Bellingham, WA, MA Social Work, University of Washington – Seattle, Washington

I am a proud daughter of refugees, born and raised in the Bay Area. I moved to Washington in 2007 and am happy to call this place home now.

I’ve worked for Highline Public Schools since fall of 2018 and joined the Cascade team spring of 2022. Prior to that, I worked as a social worker in both child welfare and hospital settings. I love being a School Social Worker because it is truly a privilege walking alongside young people as they get to know and grow into themselves! When I'm not at work, you can usually find me on long walks with my dog, spending time with friends, eating something yummy, or at the yoga or boxing studio.

Phone: 206-631-5510

Email: nancy.trang@highlineschools.org

Degrees and Certifications

BA in Psychology from Whitworth University, MSW from University of Washington, Initial ESA