Parent Testimonials
“My experience with Morgan began when she served as a student teacher at Cedar Park
Middle School, where I had the opportunity to watch her work directly with our two
middle school students. Even early in her teaching career, Morgan demonstrated
exceptional leadership, organization, and a natural ability to connect with students.
That foundation quickly translated into her role as Director of the theatre program,
where her impact became undeniable.
Under Morgan' s leadership, our students achieved back-to-back UIL District
Championships, a testament not only to her theatrical expertise but also to her ability to
motivate, challenge, and inspire young performers. She holds students to high standards
while fostering an environment that is inclusive, supportive, and rooted in
growth—both on and off the stage.
Beyond the classroom and rehearsal space, Morgan proved herself to be an outstanding
collaborator and program builder. I worked closely with her to establish the Cedar Park
Middle School Theatre Parent Booster Club from the ground up. Morgan understood
the importance of community involvement and parent partnership, and she was
instrumental in shaping a booster organization that continues to support students,
productions, and long-term program sustainability. As President, I valued her clear
communication, professionalism, and genuine appreciation for parent volunteers.
Morgan Co is a passionate educator, a strategic leader, and a tireless advocate for
theatre education. She brings vision, integrity, and heart to every role she steps into. I
have no doubt that she would be an incredible asset to any space she enters."
- Tana Alderman, Mother of Talia Alderman (9th) and Colton Alderman (10th)
“I have had the pleasure of watching Ms. Co's work up close since she came to our
district as a student teacher in 2022/3.
Ms. Co made an immediate impression. She directed 'Peter and the Starcatcher' with
the middle school cast — my son played Captain Hook — and what struck me most was
how quickly she earned the trust and enthusiasm of the kids. That kind of genuine
rapport with students isn't something you can teach, and she had it from day one. The
production came together beautifully, with creative staging choices that showed real
artistic vision. It was no surprise when she was hired at the middle school immediately
after. Since then, Ms. Co has continued to challenge and encourage her students, and
the success of the CPMS productions and program show the result of her efforts. Our
students come into high school from an exceptionally well-run middle school theater
program, and Ms. Co has played a large role in that. Ms. Co has my enthusiastic
support. Any theater community would be lucky to have her."
- Liz Saunders, Mother of Charles Saunders (11th)
“As a parent of 4 children who have all been involved in CPMS theatre, I have had the
pleasure of experiencing Ms. Co's interactions with my entire family all the way from
her first production to today. I can wholeheartedly say that she possesses all of the
qualities of an outstanding director and educator.
In the Classroom: I have been volunteering each year to teach improv to the theatre
students at CPMS each year, which gives a unique opportunity to see how the students
in her class interact and learn. The students are eager to learn and interact in a way
beyond that of just a teacher.
Parent Involvement: With each production we have many points where, as a parent, I
am helping to build sets, bring my students for costuming, as well as facilitating
performances. In all aspects Ms. Co is eager to allow parents to enjoy moments with
their children, is welcoming and appreciative of parent help, and enthusiastic about
parent contribution to the production. Having happy parents supporting the productions is an important aspect in ensuring smooth operation of the department and
not all of the other activities my children are involved in have such happy parents. Ms.
Co makes us feel appreciated and excited to contribute.
Casting: My daughter Abby was auditioning for Peter and the Starcatcher and Ms. Co
cast her in a comedic role in the production. It was not the direction Abby had
identified for herself but has since had a string of comedic roles in future productions.
Abby credits Ms. Co with seeing and inspiring that path and it has shaped Abby's
theatre experience since then. Being able to see the hidden talents of young actors
directly benefits the student experience and gives them the confidence to pursue
avenues they may have otherwise not seen for themselves.
Technical: Ms. Co has been involved at CPMS in the technical aspects of the
productions as well. My son Oliver was enthralled with lighting, going on to win
awards at the UIL competition, after working very closely with Ms. Co. He learned so
much from her while she also inspired Oliver to go beyond and explore more advanced
techniques. Her expertise in creating beautiful lighting looks and ability to teach
students like my son how to the same inspired his love for the craft.
Directing: With young actors it is very easy to give direction or
“line readings" as an example and have the students do exactly what was said - I have experienced this firsthand when teaching improv. I have seen how Ms. Co provides direction to students where they are able to extend beyond the words on the page and continue to explore and expand upon the direction, bringing their own ideas to create something new. This is well aligned with a greater level of responsibility on the actor at the high school level. I expect Ms. Co will be able to build stronger actors wherever she goes through her direction.
Ms. Co would be a great asset to any program, and my family has loved working with
and knowing her these past four years."
- Shawn Davis, Father of (Abby Davis (11th), Easton Davis (9th), Oliver Davis (9th), Elliott
Davis (7th)
“My child worked on multiple productions under her guidance at Cedar Park Middle
School. During that time, I was able to spend time around the students and Ms. Co.
Based on my observations and interactions with Ms. Co and the students, I am able to
share that she is detail-oriented and organized in all aspects of bringing a production
together. She is able to thoroughly execute her vision, and is intentional with her work
with students. Not only does she connect well with students, but she is a great
collaborator with the other Fine Arts directors that are her colleagues at CPMS. She is
driven with respect to all aspects of theatre, and is extremely knowledgeable with not
only performing but technical areas as well. Ms. Co is well-liked by students, earns
their respect, and also shows them respect.
I believe Ms. Co would be a good fit in any theatre department and that she would be
loved and respected by its students, teachers, and parents."
- Natalie Rodriguez, Mother of Seth Rodriguez (10th)
“Morgan treats the students with respect and kindness. She has a gentle way of guiding
their creativity and fostering their potential while letting them grow and shine on their
own merit. Under her guidance, trust is earned by both parties. The students know that
Ms. Co has their back and work hard to realize their shared vision. Students have clear
expectations when working with Ms. Co and are never taken by surprise if she has to
intervene and redirect when students have lost the thread.
I've watched my daughter blossom into a responsible, driven, and passionate thespian
under Morgan's care. My daughter, Mia, was one of the costume leads for Shrek the
musical this spring. On build day, her team failed to meet their goals and fell behind in
work. Hearing this, as a parent I immediately worried about how my clinically anxious
kid would react to her first failure as a very new leader. Mia listened to the feedback,
talked with her team about how they would get back on track, took responsibility with
Ms. Co then set off on making it right. I can't tell you how amazed I was . I'm thankful
to Morgan for giving Mia the space to fail and raise again to bounce back stronger. Her
growth is a direct result of the trust and support that is evident in Morgan’s program.
Morgan also followed up with me to check in on how Mia handled the feedback,
knowing how hard she can be on herself.
The program asks a lot of the kids, but Morgan shows up for them. She knows them and
pushes them to grow. You couldn't ask for a better leader than Morgan Co.”
- Kim Ashwood, Mother of Mia Ashwood (7th)
“Morgan Co is a wonderful human being and an excellent teacher, and I can’t imagine anyone better to be teaching my children.
She is so very kind, caring, friendly and easily approachable for students and parents
alike. She doesn't appear to stress out and is not quick to get angry with students.
Morgan is a happy, upbeat individual who is a positive influence on all of her students.
As a CPMS theatre parent with 2 children who have come through the program, I have
always felt that they were in good hands with Morgan.
She is also valuable in that she is organized with regards to the logistical planning
involved with productions. Her email communication with parents is stellar – she
always provides details in an outline so we can easily understand what is expected. All of
the productions she has managed since she first student-taught at CPMS have been
nothing short of excellent, from the casting to the costumes to the execution of them all.
Morgan Co would be a wonderful choice for any role she pursues.”
- Karin Reed, Mother of Ethan Reed (7th) and Landon Reed (10th)