It started with one child, her grandson, and a leap of faith. Today, Dr. Sarah Briscoe’s Inspire Change Academy has grown to 17 enrolled children, and she is just getting started.
For more than 27 years, Dr. Briscoe dedicated her career to education, working her way from substitute teaching and serving as a teaching assistant to becoming an instructional coach and eventually Director of Impact for St. Louis Public Schools, supporting more than 22 schools.
But even with a successful career and a PhD in Educational Leadership, Sarah felt called to something different.
She took a leave of absence to figure out where she truly belonged. She wanted to get back to what she loved most about education: watching children grow, celebrating their milestones, and knowing she was making a difference in their lives.
Then she heard three words that changed everything: “Start your own.”
Sarah listened. Inspire Change Academy began with her grandson as its first child. Since the beginning of the year, the Academy has grown to 17 enrolled children, with 12 to 13 children consistently in her care. Soon, Sarah realized she was running out of room.
As the Academy grew, finances became another hurdle. Every time Sarah talked about her vision, she kept hearing the same recommendation: “Go to Justine PETERSEN.”
Sarah connected with JP CEO Robert Boyle, worked to strengthen her credit, and later met with Chief Lending Officer Aida Richardson, who listened to her vision and helped her move forward.
Today, Sarah wants Inspire Change Academy to be a place families can trust, where children feel safe and supported, parents have peace of mind, and staff are treated fairly and valued.
Within the next five years, she hopes to open a second location and serve even more families. Sarah credits Justine PETERSEN with providing the resources, guidance, and support to help bring that vision to life.
Sarah once stepped away from the career she knew to find where she belonged. Along the way, she created that place for others.
It started with her grandson. Today, there are 17 children. Tomorrow, there could be many more. Dr. Sarah Briscoe walked through an open door, and Inspire Change Academy is only beginning.