Administration
Meet the Morton West Administrators!
At Morton West High School, our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all students, staff, and educators. Meet the dedicated Morton West administrative team—committed to delivering the highest quality education and helping every student succeed. Together, they lead with purpose, foster a culture of respect and achievement, and work in partnership with families and the community to ensure student growth. Get to know the leaders who make Morton West a place where students thrive.
Principal
Kristina Cavanaugh
Phone: 708-780-4100 x3017
Email: kcavanaugh@jsmorton.org
Crystal Perez, Secretary, 708-780-4100 x 3010
Chanel Mendoza, Asst. 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.
- Saint Xavier University, Bachelor of Arts- Social Science in Secondary Education
- Saint Xavier University, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Assistant Principals
Nicholas Battaglia
Assistant Principal of Operations
Phone: 708-780-4100 x3974
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
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
Daniel Anzilotti
Assistant Principal of Student Support Services
Phone: 708-780-4100
Email: danzilotti@jsmorton.org
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, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Master of Arts in Educational Administration, University of St. Francis, Joliet
- Master of Science in Public Administration, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Samantha Skubal
Assistant Principal of Student Development & Supports
Phone: 708-780-4100
Email: SSkubal@jsmorton.org
Deans
Justin Stringer
Lead Dean
Phone: 708-780-4100 x3428
Email: JStringer@jsmorton.org
I am honored to begin my role as Lead Dean of Students at Morton West High School. Last year, I served as the Freshman Academy Dean of Students here at Morton West, where I focused on building strong student relationships, fostering a positive school climate, and streamlining systems to better support student success.
With over two decades in education, I bring a diverse background as a teacher, coach, and administrator. Before joining Morton West, I served as Dean of Students at Indian Trail Junior High School, my earlier career includes leadership as an assistant principal, more than 15 years teaching physical education, health, and science, and extensive experience coaching baseball at both the high school and youth levels.
Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, I am passionate about creating an inclusive, respectful, and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive — and I look forward to another great year serving the Morton West community.
Degrees and Certifications
- Northeastern Illinois University – B.S. in Secondary Education (Physical Education)
- Concordia University Chicago – M.Ed. in School Administration (Type 75 Certification)
Xiomara Bustamante
Dean of Students (Juniors)
Phone: 708-780-4100 x3431
Email: xbustamante@jsmorton.org
I’m thrilled to begin my first year as Dean of Students at Morton West! With 18 years in education, I’m honored to serve our students, staff, and families, and I’m committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive school environment where every Mustang can succeed.
Before this role, I served as the Biliteracy Instructional Coach and taught Spanish and English Learners (EL) here at Morton West. As a bilingual educator and instructional leader, I’m passionate about supporting diverse learners, building strong relationships, and working together to ensure every student feels valued and empowered.
I look forward to an amazing year ahead in District 201!
Degrees and Certifications
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M.Ed. Educational Leadership – North Central College
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M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – National Louis University
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B.A. in Secondary Education, Spanish – Northeastern Illinois University
McKenna Powers
Dean of Students (Sophomores)
Phone: 708-780-4100 x3429
Email: mpowers@jsmorton.org
I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree that ignited my passion for education and student development. Over the past several years, I’ve dedicated myself to creating supportive and engaging learning environments, both inside and outside the classroom. In the spring of 2025, I earned my Master’s in Principal Preparation, further equipping me with the leadership skills and vision to support students and staff on a broader level.
This school year, I’m proud to begin my role as a Dean at Morton West High School. I’m excited to be part of a school community that values diversity, academic excellence, and student empowerment. My goal is to work collaboratively with teachers, families, and students to ensure that every student at Morton West feels supported, challenged, and prepared for their future. I’m committed to building strong relationships, promoting a positive school culture, and helping all students reach their full potential.
Degrees and Certifications
- B.A Social Studies Education at the University of Iowa
- B.A History at the University of Iowa
- M. Ed Principal Preparation at Concordia University Chicago
Alex Karr
Dean of Students (Freshmen)
Phone: 708-780-4100 x3973
Email: akarr@jsmorton.org
I am excited to begin my administrative career as the Dean of Students for the freshmen class at Morton West High School. It’s an honor to serve the students, families, and staff of District 201 in this new role. I am looking forward to building relationships with students and families and contributing to a positive school culture where all students feel valued.
Previously, I was an English teacher at Marist High School for 11 years, where I also served as the boys’ varsity tennis coach. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education from Illinois State University and my Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Governors State University. I am eager to help our freshmen start their high school careers with confidence, support, and a sense of belonging that they will carry with them throughout the next four years at Morton West.
Degrees and Certifications
- Illinois State University – B.A. in English Education
- Governors State University – M. A. in Educational Administration
Coordinators/Specialists
Jennifer Pufpaf
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
