School Counseling

Dr. Candace King

Freshman Counselor

Dr. Candace King is a dedicated and highly credentialed educator and school counselor with over a decade of experience supporting students’ academic, emotional, and personal growth. She currently serves as the Freshman Academy Counselor at Halls High School, where she is entering her third year in the role.

Dr. King began her career in 2013 as an English teacher at Clayton High School in Clayton, North Carolina, where she was honored as Beginning Teacher of the Year. In 2015, she returned to her home in East Tennessee and taught English at Halls Middle School before transitioning to Halls High School in 2016. There, she taught English for six years, later serving as the College and Career Counselor during the 2022–2023 school year.

Dr. King holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Bachelor’s in Secondary English Education from the University of Mount Olive, a Master’s in English Literature from Southern New Hampshire University, and both an Education Specialist degree and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. In addition, she earned a Master’s in School Counseling from the University of Tennessee at Martin and is currently pursuing a second Education Specialist degree in School Counseling from the University of West Alabama.

Her doctoral research focused on mental health in school settings, specifically the impact of mindfulness practices on student well-being. This passion for mental health advocacy inspired her transition from the classroom to school counseling.

Dr. King is certified by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) as a Trauma and Crisis Specialist and is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. She is also deeply committed to the healing power of creative expression and is currently working toward becoming a Certified Applied Poetry Facilitator through the National Association for Poetry Therapy.

Main: 865.922.7757

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Kaycee Miller

Academy of Entrepreneurship & Skilled Services

Kaycee Miller graduated from Lincoln Memorial University with her Masters in Education for  School Counseling in 2016. In 2013, she graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with her degree in Secondary Education Social Sciences. Kaycee is a proud alumna of Loudon High School of the class of 2008. 

In 2017, Kaycee Miller was hired at Halls High School within Knox County Schools where she continues to serve as a Professional School Counselor. Kaycee is passionate about serving students through all three ASCA domains which is reflective in the initiatives she has led and assisted in bringing to the student body at Halls High School. Kaycee has had the privilege of serving KCS as an ACEs Strong Brain Trainer, LGBTQ+ Inclusion Specialist, Suicide Prevention Cooridnator, ProjectU advisor, and Assistant Child Abuse Prevention Coordinator. One of Kaycee’s favorite trainings she has been able to host for students is teenYouth Mental Health First Aid which is in its fourth year of existence. In the realm of small group counseling, Kaycee leads student counseling groups on grief, first generation colleges going, and the Dove’s self-esteem project. 

Since 2013, Kaycee has been honored to serve a variety of populations of students in the different communities of Hamilton County, Monroe County, and Hickman County. She was inspired to enter the field of education because of the impact educators and coaches had on her while growing up. Education is the launching pad to access a life of value.

Main: 865.922.7757

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Brad Byrd

Academy of Life Sciences Counselor

Bradley Byrd is a school counselor and the department chair of the counseling department at Halls High School.  Mr. Byrd began his professional career in 2004 and has served as a school counselor at HHS since 2006.  He holds a key role in dual enrollment, where he consistently guides students toward earning college credit as high school Seniors and Juniors.

Mr. Byrd currently acts as the counselor for the Academy of Life Sciences. Outside of his professional pursuits, Mr. Byrd loves attending concerts and sporting events, hiking, jogging, and spending time with friends.

Main: 865.922.7757

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Catie Swift 

Academy of Engineering, Manufacturing, & Transportation Counselor

Caton Swift is a dedicated and compassionate school counselor based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Originally from Nashville, Caton earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services specializing in Nutrition at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she developed a strong foundation in wellness and student support. Her early career at a small start-up introduced her to the transformative power of counseling, sparking a passion that led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Professional School Counseling from Carson-Newman University.

Currently serving students in grades 11–12 (last names H–N) and within the Academy of Engineering, Manufacturing, and Transportation, Caton is known for her student-centered approach and her commitment to equity and mental health advocacy. Co-collaborating with co-counselors, Caton helps to play a key role in facilitating annual student support groups, including an Anxiety Group, Dove Self-Esteem Group, and helped begin the small group for first-generation college-bound students. In 2023, she also co-led a community event focused on outreach to Latinx families, promoting inclusivity and access to resources.

Caton is actively involved in professional development and knowledge sharing. She has presented on small group counseling and individual interventions at district learning days and professional development sessions, drawing inspiration from leading practices, including insights from the SCALI conference. Her professional affiliations include the Tennessee Counseling Association (TCA) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and she is a trained LGBTQ+ and Equality Specialist.

Beyond counseling, Caton contributes significantly to school-wide programs and student success initiatives. She co-mentors ProjectU, a student-led group focused on mental health awareness and wellness, which has hosted Mental Health Awareness Week and other impactful events. She also plays an integral role in planning and hosting key milestones such as Senior Signing Day, Awards Day, and the Senior Incentive Program for College App Week.

Additionally, Caton has served on the SCOIR Committee, which helps streamline post-secondary planning tools for students. Her involvement reflects a deep commitment to both academic and emotional support for all students.

Caton strives to make her office a welcoming place for all students and families, as she works in collaboration with parents/guardians, staff, and administration to serve the needs of the whole child, focusing especially on social/emotional health, academic learning, and planning for the post-secondary world.  

Caton lives in Knoxville with her husband, child, and two dogs, where she continues to invest in her local community and the future of education through her work as a school counselor. 

Main: 865.922.7757

Email Ms. Swift