Published September 4, 2025
BY DANIELA FOLEY
After working as a caseworker in Central California and as a behavioral specialist since 2017, Jesse Macias, a new paraeducator at Carmel High, has joined a community of faculty and students where he works alongside students with disabilities.
Jesse Macias is eager to spend the school year with his students. Photo by DANIELA FOLEY.
After graduating from Hartnell College in 2016, Macias worked as a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness, While there, Macias found that what he desired most in life was to help others, in any way possible. Before joining CHS in January 2025, Macias worked as a behavior specialist for nearly eight years.
“I have been working with kids with disabilities for over 20 years,” says Macias. “I started working with kids with autism and fell in love with my job. Before these opportunities I had no clue about how to work with individuals with disabilities, and now it’s like second nature to me.”
Macias’ focus at CHS is to support students in any way possible, while fostering an environment that promotes connection between students and a willingness to learn. For Macias, encouraging his students to develop connections is vital in ensuring growth over time.
The behavioral specialist says, “I look forward to a great year full of sun, warm weather and amazing individuals to share it.”
