Number 395 September 25, 2026 St. Louis

When the Door Opens, You Walk Through

Dr. Sarah Briscoe turns a lifetime of education into a new beginning with Inspire Change Academy.

It started with one child, her granddaughter, 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. As the Academy grew, the space in her home became smaller.

Growth is a sign of a good thing. More students and their families want to be a part of Inspire Change Academy. But growth means there is more funding.

Every time Sarah talked about her vision with others, 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 is 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 granddaughter. 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 the beginning.

Fair Housing Tip: Your Neighborhood, Your Choice

When searching for a home, you have the right to explore the communities that work best for you. A housing provider or real estate professional should not direct you toward or away from a neighborhood because of your race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or family status.

Ask to see every available property that meets your needs and budget. If you believe your choices are being unfairly limited, keep notes and save any messages or listings.

Fair housing means having the freedom to choose where you call home. Learn more from HUD.

Email JPHomeTeam@justinepetersen.org for more information.

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If you live in St. Louis City County and need capital to start or grow your business, contact LaTrisha Gandy or Franchot Cunningham today!

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