The BRAINATION Foundation supports the mission and vision of BRAINATION, Inc. including Inspire Academies, its staff and students, and the educational needs of its youth. It provides funding for grants, scholarships, curricular and teacher support, training, and innovative programs.

Active Scholarships

Dr. Forrest M. “Frosty” Smith, Jr. Scholarship/Fellowship Program

Provides college and trades school scholarships for deserving residential students.

Rev. Olin J. Tunnell Scholarship

Provides scholarships for Anne Frank Inspire Academy students.

Donation in Honor of Rev. Olin Tunnell for Student Scholarships

Events

Inspire Awards

Please visit our Awards page.

BRAINATION Foundation Board

Established in 2011

The governing board's members freely dedicate their time and energy to serving our nonprofit and school community. Our board members know that the students always come first; they make every decision with only the best interests of the students in mind. Please learn more about our members below.

Otis 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.

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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.

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Shelley McCulloch
Treasurer & Secretary
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.

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Stephanie West
Member
Biography

About Stephanie 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.

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Ken Whitt, Ph. D.
Member
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.

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