Administration
Meet the Morton West Administrators!
Our duty at Morton West High School is to provide a safe, enriched, and positive environment for our students, staff and teachers. Meet the Morton West Administration team that are here to provide the best education for your students.
Principal
Phone: 708-780-4100 x3017
Email: kcavanaugh@jsmorton.org
Saint Xavier University, Bachelor of Arts- Social Science in Secondary Education
Saint Xavier University, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Kristina Cavanaugh
Crystal Perez, Secretary, (708)-780-4100 x 3010
Chanel Mendoza, Assistant Secretary, (708) 780-4100 x 3012
Welcome to Morton West High School! As Principal, I am invested in our academic programs, opportunities for student involvement and belonging, and to providing a safe school for our students.
The heart of student success and belonging comes from the positive partnerships with faculty, staff, families, and the community. The impact and intensity of these successes is dependent on building relationships through trust and cooperation amongst all stakeholders. Please join my building leadership team and I in working together to support each student in their high school journey as they make the most of their extracurricular involvement, academic coursework and exploration of career pathways. It is through our partnership that each student will prepare their path to success leading them to post-secondary education, industry certifications, work and/or career goals through a safe, caring and responsive environment so all students succeed.
As a career Mustang, I began my professional career at Morton Alternative School as a teacher of social science for eight years before joining the administrative team at Morton West. Once at Morton West, I served two years as a Dean of Students before moving into the position as Assistant Principal of Operations for the following nine years. As the Assistant Principal, I gained a wealth of knowledge in the areas of master scheduling, registration, school safety and building operations. In 2020, I embarked on my new journey as Principal and have loved each opportunity to build relationships with students, faculty, staff, families, and the community. The Morton West community has a dedicated staff who value the dignity and uniqueness of each student. I am committed to providing a positive, safe and supportive environment for students to engage in all aspects of the school community, develop responsible citizenship and the value of lifelong learning. I am honored to be a career Mustang and a member of the District 201 family.
Assistant Principals
Mr. Nicholas Battaglia
Assistant Principal of Operations
Phone: 708-780-4100 x 3974
Email: NBattaglia@jsmorton.org
Bachelor's of Science in Biology-Benedictine University
Secondary Education Licensure
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction-National Louis University
Master of Arts in School Leadership-Concordia University
Ms. Amanda Torres
Assistant Principal of Instruction
Phone: 708-780-4100 x3020
Email: atorres@jsmorton.org
Maria Reyna, Secretary: 708-780-4100 x3019
I am excited to be entering my seventh year at Morton West! I have had the pleasure of assuming the role of Assistant Principal of Instruction. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the students of District 201 in this new position. I will continue to collaborate with teachers to strengthen, not only our academic curriculum, but our social-emotional learning as well.
Prior to becoming Assistant Principal, I served as the Lead Dean of Students at Morton West. I am proud of my time in the Deans' Office and cherish the times I spent guiding our students towards a life of citizenship and happiness. During my 16 years in education, I have strived to help each student become a successful contributor to their community.
I am looking forward to another great year in District 201!
Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Upper Iowa University
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Mr. Daniel Anzilotti
Assistant Principal of Student Support Services
Phone: 708-780-4100
Email: danzilotti@jsmorton.org
Mr. Dustin Heap
Assistant Principal for the Freshman Academy and Student Activities
Phone: 708-780-4100 x3017
Email: dheap@jsmorton.org
Valerie Palomares, Secretary: 708-780-4100 x3016
I am honored and excited to begin my third year as Assistant Principal of the Freshman Academy at Morton West!
I am looking forward to building relationships with students, staff, and the entire community of Morton West. I believe that students are most successful when they are truly a part of the school community. I want to encourage every student to get involved, whether that is in clubs, sports, or other opportunities.
Prior to joining Morton West, I spent the last 8 years teaching social studies. I also coached football, wrestling, and track. I believe in constantly pushing oneself to improve their knowledge and skills and want to empower students to do the same. I look forward to being a part of the Morton West family. GO MUSTANGS!
Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Master of Arts in Educational Administration from University of St. Francis, Joliet
Master of Science in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Deans
Ms. Hannah Gallardo
Dean of Students
Phone: 708-780-4100
Email: hhenry@jsmorton.org
I am excited to begin my administration career as a Dean of Students here at Morton West. I am excited to begin forming memorable and sincere relationships with student and the Morton West school community as a whole and strongly believe that my role is to support student learning in any way I can.
Prior to coming here, I spent the six years in the classroom as a high school math teacher. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Northwestern University as well as a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago.
I am born and raised in the Chicagoland area and look forward to continuing working with that community.
Northwestern University, Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education
Concordia University Chicago, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Mr. Matthew Kocourek
Dean of Students of the Freshman Academy
Phone: 708-528-2503
Email: mkocourek@jsmorton.org
Coordinators/Specialists
Ms. Jennifer Puff
Special Education Coordinator
Phone: 708-780-4100 x3733
Email: Jpufpaf@jsmorton.org
Maria Reyna, Secretary: 708-780-4100 x3019
I am honored to serve as Special Education Coordinator at Morton West High School. I have had the pleasure of being an administrator at Morton West High School since 2016.
I started my educational career in January 2008 as a Special Education teacher and began my administrative career in 2016 as a Dean of Students at Morton West. In my eight years of teaching, I worked with students ranging from five to twenty-one years old with a variety of disabilities in both the public and therapeutic day school setting. At Morton West, we provide an entire continuum of special education services. We have programs ranging from adaptive skills instruction to resource services. I will work closely with the students, staff, parents, administration, and community members to ensure that students receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrict environment. My focus will be to support students who require special education services to become a productive member of society by supporting them in achieving their individual post-secondary goals. I look forward to a successful and wonderful year!
Degrees and Certifications:
Western Illinois University, Bachelor of Science: Special Education, K-12, Learning Behavioral Specialist.
Concordia University Chicago, Master of Arts: Educational Leadership
IL Professional Educator License, General Administrative Certificate
Ms. Margarita Ramirez
Biliteracy Coordinator
Phone: 708-780-4100 x 3054
Email: mramirez@jsmorton.org