About Us

Hi IMS Panthers!

My name is Allie Knechtel (you can call me Ms. K). I grew up in the Issaquah School District (I went to Challenger, BLMS, PCFC, and Skyline), so I am elated to be back as a counselor! I ran track and cross country at Whitworth University while getting my bachelor's degree in Psychology (s'co bucs). I completed my master's degree in School Counseling at Seattle University in 2022, and served as a school counseling intern at PCMS as well as a long term substitute counselor at IHS. I spend as much time as possible outside soaking up the PNW mountains and trees. I love running, soccer (big Sounders and USWNT fan), trying new gluten free recipes, reading, and traveling to experience new places or visit friends and family. My job and privilege is to support you however I can - emotionally, academically, socially - to be your best self. I am excited to be part of the IMS school community, and can't wait to get to know all of you!

My name is Oracio Valdez. I was born and raised in Washington, and grew up in the Yakima Valley and graduated from Wapato High School. I then went on and graduated from the University of Washington, and studied to become a school counselor. I spent my first 20 years counseling in the Yakima Valley, then transferred here to Issaquah. I am so happy to be here at IMS, we have the best kids and staff here, I love it! Please come see me, and I will do my best to help, guide, support, motivate, inspire, and instill hope. I am fluent in Spanish, and enjoy traveling to Mexico and South America when ever I can.

Katherine Lincicum is the School Based Mental Health counselor at Issaquah Middle School. She began working at Issaquah Middle School in 2018 and has been a proud Panther ever since. Katherine received her Masters degree in Social Work and Masters degree in Public Health at the University of California Los Angeles. When not at school, Katherine enjoys hiking, biking, and exploring the region with her family.