My name is Daniel Ortiz and I am happy to support and advocate for students as the school counselor at Morton Alternative. I earned my Bachelor’s from Northern Illinois University (Go Huskies!) and received my Masters in School Counseling from Concordia University Chicago.

My journey as an educator began as a high school Spanish teacher with the Chicago Public Schools, and I later transitioned to a high school counselor role. Another stop on my journey gave me the opportunity to work in higher education at City Colleges of Chicago- Truman College. It was a valuable experience working with college students as a college advisor and is helpful now as I assist students with planning for their transition to college.

As a first generation college graduate growing up in Chicago, I can relate to many of the challenges that first generation students face.  I want my students to know that they too can persist and achieve the goals that they identify for themselves. I am excited to partner with students and parents to maximize their success at Morton and in their postsecondary plans.

Georgia Hiotis is a graduate of Dominican University Graduate School of Social Work, with an emphasis in school social work.  For nearly a decade, Georgia has been part of the Morton community.  She first began her Morton career as a social worker at Morton East’s REACH program.  Currently, Georgia is one of the school social workers at Morton Alternative School

Georgia’s philosophy of social work, is to view the student in their entire environment.  Meaning, looking at the entire picture and not just the “problem”.  As a social worker, Georgia connects with students through individual and group sessions.  During sessions, students are able to identify triggers to their emotions, coping strategies, and how to self-advocate for themselves.  In addition to that, parents/guardians are welcomed to the building for informational sessions on a variety of emotional health concerns. 

Georgia continues to build relationships with community resources in the Cicero/Berwyn area.  These relationships are important in order to make appropriate referrals that would help in benefiting the lives of Morton Alternative School students and their families.     

Georgia’s areas of research continue to be finding appropriate programs/interventions for at risk youth, truancy issues, restorative justice practices, and trauma informed care.  On her free time, Georgia enjoys cooking and loves to read.     

My name is Kate Kennealy and I look forward to being a part of MAS this school year.  My role as a school social worker is to create a link between home, school, and community to help students find academic success.  School social workers address the social and psychological issues that impact students ability to be successful in the classroom setting.  In addition, I am available to help parents understand and meet their children’s social and emotional needs.

I am excited to get to know you and provide support throughout the school year!