From the time my son Matthew was 6-months old, I have been advocating for him. I noticed he was not meeting milestones and was delayed, but it took 2 years for a physician to hear me and get testing done. I received the diagnosis of Autism and ADHD. At that point I worked tirelessly to find the right specialists and learning systems to help him be the best that he can be, with the end goal of him graduating high school and being a productive member of society. As the years went by, I found all the PT, OT, SLP, resource centers, and moved to Arizona for help, but still was in search of the right school.

I wanted a school and teaching staff that accepted Matthew for who he is, met him where he was at, and took the fight with me to help him learn, graduate and be productive. After moving here in May 2018, I enrolled Matthew in a small high school, but again felt he was being pushed along because it was easier. I researched and found Brightmont Academy, made a call, and the next thing I know, I'm sitting in front of Janie Rosenthal, Director at the Brightmont Academy - Deer Valley campus. She not only gave me all the information about the school, but actually listened to understand my concerns with Matthew's education and what my goals were for him. She was upbeat and I finally felt that Matthew would be successful. She even kept in contact with me while I waited to hear about obtaining Matthew's Empowerment Scholarship. Each time I spoke with Janie, I felt that there was no limit on what Matthew would accomplish at Brightmont Academy.

Fast forward 6 months...we received the ESA Scholarship and we were moving on to Brightmont Academy! Transcripts were sent, Matthew completed his testing to understand where he was academically, and we met with Janie to go over the results. She was not only compassionate when telling me where he was, which was extremely low, but did it in a way that made me feel hope and that we were a team...Matthew would be successful. I felt my prayers were answered!

In August 2019, Matthew started Brightmont Academy and there are not enough words to express this experience. Matthew went from unengaged in school and telling me that the teachers didn't want him or ignored him to the completed opposite. He is engaged, he wants to show that he is independent and can do this. Even when we have had to take steps back in curriculum, build new curriculum for him, etc., he turned around and told me "That's o.k. mom, I like Brightmont." His self esteem was still positive and he still has the drive to succeed. He is quite talkative now and wants to share what he is learning! This inspiration can only be attributed to the teachers support in the classroom and Janie's on-going support to ensure he is successful. For the first time in many years, I know Matthew will graduate and be productive in society.

Janie, Dave, Yaz, and all the teachers that Matthew has worked with this year are absolutely AMAZING!! Their dedication to Matthew learning and being successful is first-rate! I'm completely in awe and so thankful for this dynamic team! I'm profoundly honored to have Matthew at Brightmont Academy - Deer Valley Campus and look forward to what his future will hold.

Janie has been so supportive in making sure my son transitioned to online teaching

smoothly and that the classes he takes meet his needs as well as his requirements. It’s so comforting for me as a mom to have a director be so approachable and vested in the best interest of my son.

Lisa M., Deer Valley Parent