Gillian Phillips is a special education teacher at Autism Journey Academy with a strong commitment to helping students learn, grow, and thrive. She began her journey in this field while working as a nanny and babysitter, where she discovered her passion for supporting children and making a meaningful impact in their lives.
In the classroom, Gillian focuses on creating a supportive and engaging environment where each student feels valued and their individual strengths are recognized. She is dedicated to fostering both academic progress and personal development, helping students build confidence and essential life skills.
Known for her thoughtful and encouraging approach, Gillian strives to be a positive role model for her students each day. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her cat, Millie, reading, and going to the gym.
Ethan Abalos is a paraprofessional at Autism Journey Academy who brings an energetic and student-centered approach to the classroom. He has experience working as a behavioral technician in both Applied Behavior Analysis and mental health settings, giving him a well-rounded understanding of diverse learning needs and student personalities.
Ethan is passionate about supporting students across all age groups and is working toward his goal of becoming a special education case manager. In his role, he supports both students and staff while helping create a positive, structured, and encouraging learning environment where students feel comfortable being themselves.
Known for his engaging and creative approach, Ethan enjoys building genuine connections and supporting students not only in their academic growth but also in developing confidence and independence.
Outside of work, Ethan teaches color guard and enjoys designing clothes, using creativity as a way to stay inspired and bring fresh energy into his work with students.
Litzy Lujan is a paraprofessional at Autism Journey Academy with a strong background in supporting individuals with diverse learning and developmental needs. She brings two years of experience as a behavioral therapist, where she developed skills in helping students build communication, confidence, and independence.
In her role, Litzy works closely with teachers and staff to create a positive, structured, and inclusive learning environment. She is passionate about supporting each student’s growth and takes a thoughtful, patient approach to meeting their individual needs.
Known for her caring and supportive nature, Litzy is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the classroom and helping every student feel encouraged and empowered.
Macey Sue Mortenson is a paraprofessional at Autism Journey Academy with a lifelong passion for working with children. Growing up with three younger siblings, she developed a natural ability for caregiving early on. During high school, she volunteered in special education elementary classrooms and gained hands-on experience providing respite care for her younger sister with autism, who remains one of her biggest inspirations.
Macey has also supported children in physical and occupational therapy settings, where she especially enjoyed sessions involving therapy dogs. She is passionate about helping students grow in their educational and social development and finds great fulfillment in being part of their progress each day.
Known for her warm and approachable nature, Macey enjoys connecting with families and welcomes conversations during drop-off and pick-up. Outside of work, she is an avid dog lover and enjoys spending time with her two dogs.
At Autism Journey Academy, we believe every child deserves an education that respects their individuality, nurtures their strengths, and empowers them to achieve their full potential. Our team is here to support your child every step of the way.
We accept Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds. Our team is happy to assist families with the ESA application process to make tuition more accessible.
To get started, please call us today or schedule a pre-enrollment discussion.
Gillian Phillips is a special education teacher at Autism Journey Academy with a strong commitment to helping students learn, grow, and thrive. She began her journey in this field while working as a nanny and babysitter, where she discovered her passion for supporting children and making a meaningful impact in their lives.
In the classroom, Gillian focuses on creating a supportive and engaging environment where each student feels valued and their individual strengths are recognized. She is dedicated to fostering both academic progress and personal development, helping students build confidence and essential life skills.
Known for her thoughtful and encouraging approach, Gillian strives to be a positive role model for her students each day. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her cat, Millie, reading, and going to the gym.
Ethan Abalos is a paraprofessional at Autism Journey Academy who brings an energetic and student-centered approach to the classroom. He has experience working as a behavioral technician in both Applied Behavior Analysis and mental health settings, giving him a well-rounded understanding of diverse learning needs and student personalities.
Ethan is passionate about supporting students across all age groups and is working toward his goal of becoming a special education case manager. In his role, he supports both students and staff while helping create a positive, structured, and encouraging learning environment where students feel comfortable being themselves.
Known for his engaging and creative approach, Ethan enjoys building genuine connections and supporting students not only in their academic growth but also in developing confidence and independence.
Outside of work, Ethan teaches color guard and enjoys designing clothes, using creativity as a way to stay inspired and bring fresh energy into his work with students.
Litzy Lujan is a paraprofessional at Autism Journey Academy with a strong background in supporting individuals with diverse learning and developmental needs. She brings two years of experience as a behavioral therapist, where she developed skills in helping students build communication, confidence, and independence.
In her role, Litzy works closely with teachers and staff to create a positive, structured, and inclusive learning environment. She is passionate about supporting each student’s growth and takes a thoughtful, patient approach to meeting their individual needs.
Known for her caring and supportive nature, Litzy is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the classroom and helping every student feel encouraged and empowered.
Macey Sue Mortenson is a paraprofessional at Autism Journey Academy with a lifelong passion for working with children. Growing up with three younger siblings, she developed a natural ability for caregiving early on. During high school, she volunteered in special education elementary classrooms and gained hands-on experience providing respite care for her younger sister with autism, who remains one of her biggest inspirations.
Macey has also supported children in physical and occupational therapy settings, where she especially enjoyed sessions involving therapy dogs. She is passionate about helping students grow in their educational and social development and finds great fulfillment in being part of their progress each day.
Known for her warm and approachable nature, Macey enjoys connecting with families and welcomes conversations during drop-off and pick-up. Outside of work, she is an avid dog lover and enjoys spending time with her two dogs.
