Michele Gay Presents at the 14th Annual Alabama Child Safety Conference

Discusses Response and Recovery After School-Based Tragedy

Decatur, Ala. – March 8, 2016 – Safe and Sound Schools executive director and co-founder, Michele Gay, shared her experience of the response and recovery efforts at Sandy Hook School with child safety advocates and community members on March 8, 2016, at the 14th Annual Alabama Child Safety Conference at the Decatur Baptist Church in Decatur, Ala.

During her presentation, Michele shared her personal perspective on the Sandy Hook tragedy, focusing on the challenges, successes, and lessons she learned. “For me, it’s the day my life changed forever,” said Michele. “Safety is a team effort. It takes all hands on deck to maximize the safety of our community and our children.”

Michele is the mother of Josephine Grace, lost on Dec. 14, 2012, during the Sandy Hook school shooting in Newtown, Conn. Through her experience and lessons learned, Michele is uniquely positioned to help other communities address prevention, preparation, response, and recovery efforts in the event of a school emergency. In her presentation, she reminded the public of the importance of delivering safety curricula and training that aligns with the unique needs of students and staff of all ages, abilities, and educational levels.

Michele’s presentation is part of her ongoing efforts to advocate for improved safety measures, plans, and practices in schools across the nation. “If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to protect one,” said Michele. “The key takeaway is the need for community involvement and making sure those efforts are strengthened.”

For more information about Safe and Sound Schools, including free assessment tools, tool kits, and resources, visit safeandsoundschools.org.

About Safe and Sound Schools

Safe and Sound Schools is a non-profit organization founded by Sandy Hook parents who lost their children during the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy. Winner of the 2015 SBANE New England Innovation Award for nonprofits, Safe and Sound Schools is dedicated to empowering communities to improve school safety through discussion, collaboration, planning, and sharing of information, tools, and resources. To get involved, visit safeandsoundschools.org.