Support Staff
Teacher Aides
Morton Alternative High School is very lucky to have such a talented and dedicated teachers aide staff. MAS' teacher aides provide invaluable support for our teacher and students. The team has been working together for over ten years and developed a common goal of helping every student succeed.
Perla Morales
Email: pmorales@jsmorton.org
Over the past 23 years, I have had the honor to serve the Morton community. Being bilingual has been a huge asset in building relationships with student’s families. I am a strong believer that every student can succeed. Through rapport development and differentiation instruction. I strive to establish a healthy learning environment that promotes student growth and development. As a member of the community for the past 40 years. I am committed to helping students reach their full potential. My ability to build relationships with students, yet still hold them accountable has helped many of my students to grow into successful, healthy adults.
Carolina Ruiz
Email: cruiz@jsmorton.org
I am an energetic paraprofessional special education teacher with many years of classroom experience and a lifelong passion for learning. I enjoy the unique challenges that allow me to work with students at all different levels. I welcome and look forward to the opportunity to assist students with classroom instruction, academic support and to maintain a comfortable safe place where students can learn and be themselves. I’m excited to work with my loyal colleagues and administration in the everyday M.A.S. adventures while encouraging students to reach their full potential. I’m here to assist students, parents, and teachers by any means necessary to help our students succeed.
In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends, sometimes cooking, dancing, and listening to music.
Elisabeth Vaca
Email: evaca@jsmorton.org
I have been working for J.S. Morton School District as a Teacher Assistant since 2008. My great passion is to help students set and achieve their personal goals by laying the foundation of good study habits. Working at Morton Alternative is challenging and rewarding. I’ve had the opportunity to work and see the growth of each and every student. One of my goals as an educator is meeting each student’s unique needs by developing a personal understanding of each of them. Developing relationships with students and using that to encourage them to succeed is one of my greatest strengths.
When I’m not at work I am with my three children, cooking or catching up on my favorite shows.
Security
Morton Alternative High School's utmost priority is making sure that all students, staff, and visitors are safe. We pride ourselves in making sure every individual who enters our building feels welcomed, and safe. MAS' security team shares this vision and does an excellent job turning that vision into daily practice. Our security team also takes pride in developing strong, positive relationships with our students.
Jocelyn Harris
Email: jocelynharris@jsmorton.org
I have been working as security for District 201 since December 2013. In 2016, I came to Morton Alternative School. I like the smaller setting and being able to build relationships with the students. Having raised a son of my own, I know how to be supportive while holding the students accountable.
I love to read in my spare time, and those who work with me know I make a mean chicken tinga.
Gabe Hillsman
Email: ghillsman@jsmorton.org
I have been working security for the school for 3 years. Before that I served in the Army National Guard for about 6 years in 2010-2016 as a unit supply specialist. I had my basic training in FT. Benning, Georgia where I learned many skills such as leadership and discipline. I enjoy all types of sports especially football and baseball which I played in high school so I can relate and talk to some of the students about that. I have a passion for cooking and often think about owning my own restaurant someday.