About Us

We chose a BRAINATION school because we were looking for a different type of education for our kids. The environment allows kids to interact and support each other as a community and fosters relationships. Anne Frank Inspire Academy is not simply another school; it is a community.

At BRAINATION, we view education as a transformative journey unique to each student. Our approach nurtures personal growth, fosters a sense of belonging, and cultivates joy in learning.

Through our inquiry-based model and emphasis on selfreflection, we guide students to develop critical skills such as resilience, curiosity, and emotional intelligence.

This journey is not about reaching a standardized endpoint, but about continuous growth and discovery, preparing students to navigate life’s challenges and become lifelong learners who contribute positively to their communities.

Our Vision

To reimagine and transform global learning.

Our Mission

We increase the capacity for learning by inspiring every student to belong, find joy, and be great.

Inspiring Every Student to Belong, Find Joy, and Be Great

For over 25 years, we have grown and evolved into a powerful network of schools, a network dedicated to increasing the capacity for human greatness in our students, in partnering organizations, and in communities.

BRAINATION is at the forefront of innovative facilitating and learning methods. We have redefined traditional approaches to education and are becoming a leader in world-class learning—helping students become expert learners and leaders, encouraging students to lead principle-centered lives, and inspiring students to belong, find joy, and be great.

Partner With Us

We have designed and operated schools in every environment imaginable. Organizations ranging from the federal government to private youth organizations to local independent school districts have trusted us to care for thousands of their students.

Contact our leadership today to see how we can partner with your organization to fulfill your mission and provide expert educational care for every student, in every environment.

Leadership

Jennifer Rower

Chief Executive Officer

P: (210) 638-5012

Justin Johnston

Superintendent

P: (210) 638-5029

Jennifer Swisher

Chief Operating Officer

P: (210) 638-5016

Alethea Phillips

Chief Compliance Officer

Deanna Burt

Assistant Superintendent

Governing Board Members

Otis "Scotty" Scott, Jr.

President

Steph West

Vice President

Josephine Hurtado

Secretary

Shelley McCulloch

Treasurer

Transforming education in any environment

Public Schools

Early Childhood

Foster Homes

Juvenile Detention

Mental Health

Recovery

Impact

Students Served Since 1998
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Students Served in 2024–2025
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About Jennifer Rower

Jennifer Rower was recently promoted to chief executive officer of BRAINATION, Inc. Ms. Rower has over 22 years of executive leadership experience in a nonprofit setting, including 15 years as a charter school district administrator. She holds a bachelor of business administration degree and a master’s of public administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Ms. Rower is a Texas certified superintendent and national SHRM-SCP. She is a past president of the San Antonio Human Resource Management Association and former state director of Texas SHRM. She is active in the charter school community and in the local San Antonio community. Some of her favorite podcasts include Better Leaders Better Schools, Blanchard LeaderChat, and Lead from the Heart with Mark C. Crowley.

About Justin Johnston

Justin Johnston holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and is currently completing his doctorate at the University of Houston. Mr. Johnston has 12 years of experience as a campus administrator for several ISD campuses, four years as Head of Schools at Anne Frank Inspire Academy, two years as Assistant Superintendent, and is completing his first year as Superintendent. He enjoys spending time with his wife of 19 years, Jessica, and their son, Rhett, an AFIA student.

About Jennifer Swisher

Jennifer Swisher brings over 25 years of leadership in human resources and operations across education, healthcare, and manufacturing. As Chief Operating Officer at BRAINATION, she oversees strategic initiatives, organizational development, and operational excellence for the nonprofit educational network.

Jennifer holds an MBA and a BBA in Human Resource Management from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). A recognized leader in the HR community, Jennifer is a past President of the San Antonio SHRM and a former Director of Texas SHRM organizations.

Jennifer is recognized for her ability to foster positive work environments, design effective HR departments, and develop impactful policies and procedures. Her leadership style is rooted in integrity, collaboration, and a passion for empowering others.

About Alethea Phillips

Alethea Phillips, Chief Compliance Officer, began her career in 2000 as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, supporting traditional ISDs. In 2008, she was appointed Director of Special Education for Inspire Academies. Alethea has also shared her expertise as adjunct faculty at Our Lady of the Lake University, mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, she has provided Special Education training for aspiring educators through the Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program (TOPP) at Region 20 Education Service Center. Throughout her career, Alethea has embraced numerous leadership roles, including participating in stakeholder groups for the Texas Education Agency and serving on the board of the Alamo Area Council of Administrators of Special Education (AACASE). She is also proud to have contributed to her community as a board member for Laurel Heights United Methodist Church Weekday Day School.

About Deanna Burt

Deanna Burt is an experienced educational leader with over 25 years in public education, including more than a decade in alternative and nontraditional school settings. For the past five years, she has served in executive leadership roles, guiding instructional systems, special education, and innovative program development. Ms. Burt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas, a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a Texas-certified superintendent.

Deanna’s leadership is defined by intention, clarity, and a deep commitment to people. She believes meaningful relationships and thoughtful systems create the conditions for lasting impact and growth. At Braination, Deanna focuses on building strong partnerships, empowering others to lead and grow, and advancing student-centered outcomes that honor diverse needs—creating environments where people and purpose can thrive.

About Otis Scott, Jr.

Otis L. Scott, Jr. recently joined the board in 2019 where he serves as board president. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 24 years. His performance and achievements resulted in his selection as the Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA) and Command Chief for the Air Force District of Washington serving over 30,000 individuals worldwide. He holds a bachelor of science degree in management from National Louis University and earned a dual master of arts degree in human resource development and management from Webster University. He has lectured at a variety of military institutions and agencies, institutes of higher learning, and professional organizations. Scott has championed causes to develop financial support for college-bound students. He has provided career counseling to over 2,500 students. His leadership roles in the community include president of the San Antonio Advisory Board of the Texas Diversity Council, president of the 10th Security Police Association, president of SAHRMA, and board of directors for City Year. He retired at the end of 2019 from University of San Antonio as the assistant director of career services, employer relations.

About Steph West

Steph joined the board in 2021. She is a behavior specialist, social skills strategist, professional development presenter, curriculum creator, and neurodiverse advocate. She has specialist certifications in autism, behavior, traumatic brain injury, and transition services. In addition to her behavior specialist experience, Steph has public school campus administration experience. Steph earned her bachelor of arts in psychology. Later she would attend the University of North Texas, where she obtained a master of education in education administration and a master of education in special education. She is the founder and director of the Starfish Social Club.

About Josephine Hurtado

Josephine joined the board in 2022 after a 30-year career in engineering and construction management. Her work history includes extensive experience in estimate development, project operations, and talent management for power generation and industrial projects in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Colombia. She started as a project construction representative and subsequently served in various corporate executive positions as vice-president. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor of science in civil engineering and a master of science in engineering. Her past leadership roles in the community include member of the executive committee of the World Affairs Council, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and board member of the San Antonio Council on Drug and Alcohol Awareness. She currently supports the implementation of the Chamber’s Leadership Programs and, as a STEM education advocate, works with academic institutions to grow and enhance their programs.

About Shelley McCulloch

Shelley joined the board in 2021. She is a CPA, a certified internal auditor, and a chartered global management accountant, among other certifications. Currently, she is a high-performance results coach, a financial consultant, and a financial coach. Shelley also is a trainer of advanced integrative psychology. She graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a bachelor of arts in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Her volunteer experience through the San Antonio CPA Society is extensive. She served in multiple roles to include chair of the financial literacy committee, program coordinator/lead instructor for SAMMinistries money management courses, and public speaker. Shelly’s volunteerism also extended to being a financial coach for Solutions That Equip People for Success (STEPS) program. She is working on publishing a book.