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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 self-reflection, 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 an impactful 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

Deanna Burt

Assistant Superintendent

Biography
Phylicia Glover

Phylicia Glover

Assistant Superintendent

Biography

Justin Johnston

Superintendent

Biography
April Maas

April Maas

Assistant Superintendent

Biography

Alethea Phillips

Chief Compliance Officer

Biography

Jennifer Rower

Chief Executive Officer

Biography

Jennifer Swisher

Chief Operating Officer

Biography

Governing Board Members >

Transforming education in any environment

Public Schools

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Early Childhood

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Foster Homes

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Juvenile Detention

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Mental Health

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Recovery

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Impact

Students Served Since 1998
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Students Served in 2025–2026
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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 Phylicia Glover

Phylicia Glover serves as Assistant Superintendent for Braination, bringing 28 years of public education experience, including more than five years in higher education and a decade of educational leadership supporting campus leaders. She partners with educators to strengthen instruction, build leadership capacity, and create meaningful learning experiences for every student.

In her former district, Phylicia launched the Aspiring Leaders Academy and New Teachers Academy and led implementation of the Teacher Incentive Allotment. She strengthened instructional leadership teams districtwide by implementing strategies from the Effective Schools Framework, establishing meaningful professional learning communities, and developing professional learning targeted to each campus’s needs.

Phylicia holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in Reading Literacy from Prairie View A&M University, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Wesleyan University, and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. She is also a Texas-certified superintendent. Her work reflects a commitment to developing educators and ensuring students feel a sense of belonging, are held to high expectations, and have opportunities to thrive.

About Justin Johnston

Justin Johnston is a visionary leader dedicated to reimagining and transforming global learning. As the Superintendent of BRAINATION’s Inspire Academies, he champions an educational philosophy that views learning as a transformative journey where every student can belong, find joy, and be great. Justin brings over a decade of administrative experience to this mission, having served 12 years as a campus administrator and four years as Head of Schools at Anne Frank Inspire Academy. Currently completing his doctorate at the University of Houston, he combines academic research with practical leadership to redefine traditional education.

About April Maas

April Maas is a passionate educational leader committed to creating learning environments where students and staff can belong, find joy, and be great. As Assistant Superintendent for BRAINATION’s Inspire Academies, April supports curriculum, instruction, professional development, instructional technology, and talent development across the organization.

With more than 17 years in education, April has served as a classroom teacher, department chair, instructional facilitator, curriculum coordinator, principal, director of curriculum and instruction, and district leader. Throughout her career, she has focused on building instructional capacity through meaningful professional learning, strong PLCs, teacher coaching, curriculum design, and systems that support high-quality, learner-centered instruction.

April holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas at San Antonio, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University, and Texas principal and superintendent certifications. Her leadership is rooted in relationships, clarity, collaboration, and the belief that when educators are well supported, students are empowered to thrive.

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 Jennifer Rower

Jennifer Rower has served as BRAINATION’s CEO since 2020. Jennifer has 25 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit settings and over 18 years of experience in charter school district administration. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is a certified Superintendent and SHRM-SCP. She has vast cross-industry experience in banking, construction, engineering, manufacturing, and government. 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 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.