We are a nation of learners and innovators. The greatness of our communities resides in our families—our children—in unleashing their vast potential through the power of learning and through the power of a great education. That is our legacy. And this is our future: to reimagine and transform global learning.
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 twenty 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
Biography
About Jennifer Rower
Jennifer Rower was recently promoted to chief executive officer of BRAINATION, Inc. Ms. Rower has over 19 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.
Ken
Whitt
, Ph. D.
Superintendent
P: (210) 638-5004
Biography
About Ken Whitt
Dr. Whitt has served as superintendent of Inspire Academies since June of 2020, joining the district as deputy superintendent in 2018. He attended the University of Houston and received a BA in biology with teaching certifications in biology and psychology. Dr. Whitt also completed two graduate degrees: an MS in environmental science and an MS in educational management with principal certification from the University of Houston. In 2009, he completed his doctorate in educational administration and superintendent certification at Texas A&M University College Station. His 24-year career path followed a traditional advancement track, having started as a middle school teacher and high school teacher and then moving forward in advancing campus and district leadership roles in traditional public school settings until reaching the level of superintendent. He is also a published author. His dissertation research, Understanding Superintendent Self-Efficacy Influences on Instructional Leadership and Student Achievement was published in the Journal of School Leadership.
Dr. Whitt has received awards from Texas A&M University (outstanding service and academic achievement) and the American Association of School Administrators (Finis Engleman Award). With two daughters/two sons-in-law and two granddaughters, one of whom attends AFIA in San Antonio, he spends his time split between San Antonio and his family's ranch south of Houston.
Justin
Johnston
Assistant Superintendent
P: (210) 638-5029
Biography
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 campus administrator of several ISD campuses, three years as Head of Schools at Anne Frank Inspire Academy, and completing his first year as district assistant superintendent. He enjoys spending time with his wife of 17 years, Jessica, and his son and AFIA student, Rhett.
Jennifer
Swisher
Chief Human Resources Officer
P: (210) 638-5016
Biography
About Jennifer Swisher
Jennifer Swisher has been in the field of Human Resources for over 21 years. She currently serves as the chief human resources officer for BRAINATION, Inc. Jennifer received her bachelor of business administration degree in HR management from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) in 2000 and is currently enrolled in the UTSA MBA program. Her certifications include the SPHR and SHRM-SCP, and she is a Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team™ accredited facilitator. Her experience spans various industries, including education, healthcare, and manufacturing. She is considered an expert in her field with extensive knowledge in recruitment, employee relations, payroll and benefits administration, compensation, and training and development. She has been instrumental in the organizational design of human resource departments and has extensive experience creating policies and procedures and creating positive work environments.
Jennifer spent her career giving back to the HR community through her volunteer roles with the San Antonio Human Resource Association and the Texas SHRM State Council. She is an active member of the San Antonio Human Resource Management Association and served on the board of directors from 2006 through 2012, serving as president in 2009 and 2010. She served on the board of directors for Texas SHRM from 2013 through 2020.
Governing Board Members
Otis "Scotty"
Scott, Jr.
President
Biography
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.
Dr.
Alan
Holden
, Ph.D.
Vice President
Biography
About Alan Holden
Dr. Alan Holden joined the board in 2018 where he serves as board vice president. Dr. Holden attended Kutztown State University of Pennsylvania and Temple University earning a bachelor's and master's of anthropology. He went on to earn his doctorate in community health sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health. Dr. Holden’s field experience includes research methods of psychology, etiology, and epidemiology of health disparities among children. He holds areas of expertise in psychology of health and medicine, behavioral science/health promotion/patient navigation, statistics and research design. His past appointments included serving as adjunct professor for Trinity University and as of present serves as adjunct associate professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Shelley
McCulloch
Treasurer
Biography
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.
Josephine
Hurtado
Secretary
Biography
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.
Josephine
Hurtado
Member
Biography
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.
Services
Impact
"BRAINATION provides exceptional educational services to our facility. We couldn’t be more satisfied with our partnership."
"BRAINATION schools have
the magic to unleash a child’s curiosity and help them grow from exactly where they are. They are the future of education."
"BRAINATION schools design learning activities that are engaging and interactive. I appreciate the student-centered focus on inquiry and autonomy."
"We feel BRAINATION schools hold kids to a higher standard of learning and will definitely continue our child’s education there. It’s what more schools should start moving toward in education."
"BRAINATION educators make the effort to truly know and understand our child. This makes all the difference in the world!"