Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Johnson.
Hi Morgan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Diabetes Youth Services has always been an integral part of my life. My journey with DYS began before I was born — my mother, Patty McCullough, is a Certified Diabetes Educator and one of the founding nurses who created the very first overnight camp for the organization. She has never missed a year of camp in 35 years. In fact, she was pregnant with me at camp, and in a special full‑circle moment, I was pregnant with my son at camp in 2022.
My mom brought me to camp with her starting when I was just 7 years old, and from that moment, I was hooked. I was fascinated by how these incredible kids living with type 1 diabetes managed finger pokes, blood sugar checks, carb counts, and insulin doses — and still participated in every activity as any other kid would, with just a bit of extra effort.
I started as a camper from ages 7–15, served as a counselor for four years, worked as Camp Director for four years, and for the past two years, I’ve been honored to serve as the Director of Programs and Education. I am deeply passionate about this organization and witness firsthand the profound impact our programs have on children living with type 1 diabetes. Camp, in particular, is where I see kids thrive — gaining confidence, creating connections, and finding a supportive community that truly understands the daily challenges and demands of this disease.
Managing diabetes is like working a full‑time job with no breaks and no time off. Nearly every aspect of life — from food, to activity, to stress and hormonal changes — can affect blood sugar levels. In 2024, we celebrated our 40th anniversary serving families across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, supporting 37 counties. What started with just a handful of campers has grown into an organization that impacts the lives of more than 2,000 individuals every year.
To further this impact, I launched our first‑ever Youth Advisory Board — an initiative that empowers high school students to become advocates for type 1 diabetes awareness, build valuable leadership skills, and form lasting friendships. I also started a diabetes education program for coaches, providing training before each sports season (fall, winter, and spring) to educate staff about supporting athletes with diabetes. Our goal is to ensure that every student with diabetes has the opportunity to participate fully and safely in sports, with staff who understand how to help manage the disease effectively.
In 2024 alone, I oversaw a school support program in which our nurses trained more than 800 staff across 24 counties, making school environments safer and more confident spaces for students with diabetes. I also spoke to over 400 students in classrooms, helping foster understanding and empathy for their classmates living with the disease.
DYS is thriving, and we remain committed to meeting the evolving needs of kids and families living with type 1 diabetes. This organization has shaped who I am, and I will continue to give my heart and soul to it for as long as I am able.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey with Diabetes Youth Services has been an incredible experience — one filled with rewarding moments and a few challenges along the way. The pandemic in 2020 was especially difficult, as we had to cancel in‑person programming and camp due to COVID‑19. Rather than cancel altogether, we created an innovative alternative called “Camp Connection” — an online version of our summer camps. We mailed every camper a box filled with supplies for crafts and activities, a camp t‑shirt, and other special items to make the virtual experience feel as close to the real thing as possible. We were proud to be one of the only organizations in the state to host a summer camp that year, and it remains one of my proudest accomplishments.
Throughout the years, we’ve faced other obstacles as well — from lower fundraising totals and rising costs to challenges with volunteer recruitment and support. Yet, thanks to resilience, passion, and sheer hard work, DYS is now in one of the strongest positions in its history. We continue to grow, evolve, and adapt to best serve the needs of kids and families living with type 1 diabetes.
Our success is truly a team effort. It’s built upon the dedication of our amazing staff — Executive Director Kathy Lathrop and Camp Director Isabella Blair — as well as the support and commitment of our Board of Directors, grantors, and community partners. In honor of our 40th anniversary, we established an endowment fund that will provide a sustainable source of income for DYS, ensuring we can continue serving kids and families for the next 40 years and beyond.
Through our Hot Shots Summer Camps, family programs, and school support, we remain committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact in our community. We are proud of where we’ve been, excited about where we’re going, and grateful for everyone who has been part of this journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I graduated from the University of Toledo in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and was fortunate to land my first role at Diabetes Youth Services (DYS) in 2017 as Camp Director. In that role, I oversaw all family programs and summer camps, concluding with the successful virtual “Camp Connection” in 2020.
Shortly thereafter, I left DYS to pursue my passion for working in diabetes care and became the Wellness Coordinator for ProMedica. In that role, I managed a range of employee wellness programs, helping staff at ProMedica, the City of Toledo, and Lucas County access the medications, medical supplies, and medical care necessary to properly manage both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
After three years, I felt a strong pull to return “home” to DYS — a place where I’ve always felt I truly belonged, and where my heart has always been. Today, I serve as the Director of Programs and Education. In this role, I specialize in overseeing our School Support Program, which was created to educate every member of a school staff — from the nurse to the bus driver — about diabetes. We also educate students about what diabetes is, how it’s treated, and how to be supportive friends and classmates. Our free, customized training is available for schools, daycares, and other settings, ensuring staff and students alike have the tools and knowledge to support those living with diabetes.
Additionally, I have recently launched a free “crash course” for coaches at local schools and community organizations. This one-hour online training covers topics such as a general overview of diabetes, how sports affect blood sugar levels, the role of diabetes technology, recognizing and treating high and low blood sugar levels, managing emergencies, and understanding treatment plans for athletes with type 1 diabetes.
I also oversee, coordinate, and implement our Family Programs throughout the year — opportunities for families living with diabetes to connect, build friendships, and support one another while enjoying activities like the annual Kalahari Waterpark Adventure, Toledo Mud Hens baseball games, pool parties, and Walleye hockey games. Additionally, I supervise the Director of our Summer Camps, ensuring that every camp experience operates smoothly and delivers a safe, memorable, and enriching experience for our campers.
I am incredibly proud of how I’ve evolved — both personally and professionally — through my role at DYS, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of the families we serve.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe the qualities and characteristics most essential for success in this role are a genuine passion for helping others, a collaborative and team-oriented mindset, an outgoing and approachable demeanor, strong organizational and time-management skills, effective public speaking and event planning abilities, and an overall drive and commitment to work hard.
We are a small but mighty team of three, and each of us takes on a variety of responsibilities — both individually and collaboratively — to ensure the success of our summer camps, family programs, and school support services. Together, we work to create meaningful, impactful experiences for the families we serve, and it’s this collective dedication that allows us to accomplish so much.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dys4kids.org
- Instagram: @dyssweetkids
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dys4kids
