Laura Burgess is the co-founder of Hope Springs Academy Hernando, a school in Hernando County, Florida created to serve at-risk youth ages 11 and older with compassion, purpose and high expectations. She brings ten years of experience as a social worker serving children and families to the project, along with 27 years in education, serving in administrative leadership across pre-kindergarten, K–12 and post-secondary settings for 18 of those years. Throughout her career, Ms. Burgess has been guided by a deep calling to serve students whose lives have been shaped by adversity and to ensure they are seen not for their challenges, but for their potential. As an educator, she led a high school dropout prevention program that achieved a 90 percent graduation rate, with most students continuing on to post-secondary education or vocational training. In school leadership roles at both the K–8 and high school levels, she directed academic initiatives that produced meaningful student gains and expanded opportunities for learners who needed them most. Her work is rooted in the belief that lasting academic success begins with healing, support and a strong sense of belonging. Through Hope Springs Academy, she is launching a school that integrates mental health services, character education and rigorous academic support so that students can develop resilience, achieve success in the classroom and move forward with confidence into post-secondary education and productive adult lives. Ms. Burgess holds a BS in social work from George Mason University and a MA in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University.