Meet Morgan from L.I.F.E
April 30, 2026
Meet Morgan, a Junior at L.I.F.E. Academy. Morgan is finishing his 13th year at the school, and he has received an Arizona Leadership Scholarship for the past nine years. When Morgan was six months old, he was placed by Child Protective Services (CPS) with his cousin, Amanda. She later adopted him when he was two years old. He has faced significant health challenges and was diagnosed with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome). He has had physical therapy since he was four years old and showed positive progress.
From Amanda about Morgan entering her life and his family:
Morgan is my second cousin and CPS placed him with me when he was six months old. His birth mother, my first cousin, was struggling. I was in town visiting my grandmother when CPS called and asked if I could be his Safety Monitor for six months while she tried to get herself together. She attempted but did not meet all the requirements. I became his Foster Parent for a year and a half after that and when he became eligible for adoption, I decided to adopt him in 2011. He has met his birth mom and his other siblings and maintains a good relationship with his family.
Amanda chose L.I.F.E. Academy for Morgan because it was a school specifically for special need individuals. They had the expertise to teach and help him grow. The school staff are trained to see that no one is excluded or ignored, and all the students are addressed by their names on campus due to the high teacher to student ratio. It is a very welcoming environment, and they care about the students’ wellbeing.
Morgan enjoys science and he is currently learning sign language. He is interested in attending a program at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. He says he wants to be a teacher someday. Amanda told us, “Morgan would be a great Sign Language Interpreter. He’s got personality and is not shy!”
Morgan swims in the Mesa Aquatic Club and Ability 360, he has been swimming with Arizona Disabled Sports for the last two years through Move United which is in partnership with Hartford Nationals. He broke three national records last year at the Hartford Nationals in the 50-yard Freestyle, 25-yard Butterfly, and 50-yard Butterfly. Hartford Nationals offer sanctioned competitions for 20 different adaptive sports. He is going back this year to compete at Nationals in July in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he hopes to defend his titles. He also participates in the City of Chandlers adaptive sports program. This year he also played basketball and flag football.
According to Amanda, “ALF has given Morgan a chance to grow and learn in the safest possible environment for him. He has grown up in that school and the teachers and staff know his heart. They know all aspects of his personality and are a vital part of childhood experience. Without ALF support he would not have this incredible opportunity to learn from the best.”
Morgan is a dedicated student. He is one who is excited to do his work and never misses an assignment deadline. He is the true definition of “work hard, play harder.” He loves his academics as much as he loves his sports! – Ms. Jamie Bezdany, Teacher
Morgan has been a hard worker in physical therapy since day one. He arrives at physical therapy ready to work at every session. He routinely comes up with new physical exercises and activities to practice during our sessions. He has nearly achieved all his long-term goal objectives and is beginning to ride a bicycle on his own. He has been a joy to work with in physical therapy! – Steve Lundeen, Physical Therapist
About L.I.F.E. Academy:
L.I.F.E. Academy is a private institution within Lauren’s Institute For Education, serving students from preschool through high school with developmental disabilities. The academy offers multiple classrooms tailored to support a wide array of cognitive, physical, and emotional needs. Individualized learning plans are developed using research-supported curricula, and many of the students receive on-site therapies such as physical, occupational, speech, music, feeding, aquatic therapies, and behavior support (ABA). A transdisciplinary approach ensures collaboration among departments, providing comprehensive support for each student. Enhancement programs, including adaptive physical education, art, music, and karate, enrich their educational experience. In February 2021, L.I.F.E. Academy received a five-year accreditation from Cognia, reflecting its commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. To learn more visit us at : laurensinstitute.org
