Explore the library of Safe and Sound Schools resources. Safe & Sound RESOURCES Guides & Downloads GUIDE TO SAFER ONLINE PRACTICES We often describe school safety and student well-being as the ultimate team sport — it truly takes all of us. That’s why we’ve partnered with Snap Inc. to provide resources that empower parents, caregivers, and educators to help foster safer online environments for students. EXPLORE BTAM & ASD E-GUIDE Ideal for leaders and front-line staff, this guide provides best practice guidance to law enforcement agencies, leaders, and practitioners, as well as school officials, behavioral health specialists, parents, and community stakeholders. EXPLORE HEALTHY DIGITAL PRACTICES Building on insights from roundtable discussions with district and school administrators, mental health professionals, educators, and law enforcement officials, Safe and Sound Schools, Snapchat, and leading school safety experts joined forces to develop this toolkit. EXPLORE THE TOOLKITS Based on our Straight-A Safety Model, our free toolkits are a way to rethink school safety, designed to help communities facilitate conversations, problem-solving, and partnerships within the school community. EXPLORE Programs & Training Resources ASV DATABASE Established in 2015, the Averted School Violence database has been rebuilt to enhance reporting and maximize impact. Join our mission to improve school safety and prevent future violence by anonymously and securely submitting an averted incident for review. EXPLORE PARENTS FOR SAFER SCHOOLS Designed to help parents and caregivers become school safety advocates and leaders of positive change, this program provides supplemental resources designed to help educate and inspire advocating with authority and credibility, and lead school safety initiatives in their communities. EXPLORE SAFE AND SOUND STUDENT CLUB Safe and Sound Students is a program designed to help students learn and get involved in school safety. The program equips students with resources to help them become advocates, leaders, agents of change, and tools to help them navigate and address school safety issues. EXPLORE STAYING SAFE Recognizing the unique needs of the school environment, Safe and Sound Schools has tailored this program to address the specific roles and responsibilities of school personnel, ensuring that the training is as relevant and effective as possible in a school context. EXPLORE Additional Resources BLOG Our blog brings together news, opinions, and expertise from a wide variety of respected industry experts. Explore today to learn more about how you can contribute to building a culture of safety in your community. READ BLOG PODCAST Join Michele Gay, founder and Director of Safe and Sound Schools and a mother who lost her child tragically in the Sandy Hook School tragedy, as she discusses practical and inspiring ways we can work together to ensure safer schools for all. VIEW EPISODES ANNUAL REPORTS Sound Schools Annual Report serves as a testament to the significant milestones we've reached together and the invaluable partnerships helping us advance our mission of protecting every school, every student, every day. REVIEW REPORTS POST CRISIS SUPPORT NETWORK Explore a network of survivors and safety professionals who can provide support during the recovery process. The road to recovery is long and unique to each individual affected. This is hard, emotional, and often, overwhelming. And it takes time. EXPLORE

Safe & Sound EVENTS “I have never heard from a more inspirational group than I have the last 2 days… I am so thankful to have heard your stories and found them so inspirational. Keep saying the names of the lives lost, keep telling your stories. Thank you!” – Nicole, Attendee EXCLUDE PAST EVENTS 2026 SOUTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT REGISTER NOW – February 26 & 27: Join Safe and Sound Schools and the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative (GRREC) for an impactful and inspiring two-day event. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore best practices, discover programs, and gain actionable insights for your schools and communities. Don’t miss your opportunity to attend! Start Now INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT ON THREAT ASSESSMENT REGISTER NOW - January 13-15, Beaverton, OR Join Safe and Sound Schools, Safer Schools Together, and the Beaverton School District for three transformative days of actionable insights, expert-led sessions, and invaluable connections. Open to international attendees, this is an event school leaders and BTAM teams do not want to miss! Start Now LESSONS IN PREVENTION WEBINAR REGISTER NOW - December 10th | 1-2PM ET Join Safe and Sound Schools and NASRO for an engaging and informative webinar as we explore the Averted School Violence (ASV) Project and recognize these meaningful acts. The discussion will feature real-world cases analyzed for key takeaways to help attendees recognize warning signs, strengthen safety systems, and build more resilient schools. Start Now NORTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT DETAILS COMING SOON - Chelmsford, MA Join Safe and Sound Schools for an impactful and inspiring two-day event. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore best practices, discover programs, and gain actionable insights. Start Now EVENT HEADLINES BPD Partners with Safe & Sound Schools for Northeast School Safety Summit October 24th through the 25th, the Burlington Police Department teamed up with the organization Safe & Sound Schools to host the Northeast School Safety Summit at the Cafe Escadrille, where professionals from all areas of school safety came together to share information and experience. READ ARTICLE CONTACT US Would you like to speak to us about hosing an event? Contact us. CONTACT US

DETAILS COMING SOON - Chelmsford, MA Join Safe and Sound Schools for an impactful and inspiring two-day event. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore best practices, discover programs, and gain actionable insights. NORTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT DETAILS COMING SOON Rethink Comprehensive School Safety Bringing together national experts and local leaders for two days of keynotes and expert panels, attendees will learn about current trends and proven practices using Safe and Sound Schools’ Framework for Comprehensive School Safety Planning and Development. Discover innovative, actionable ideas for violence prevention Learn evidence-based strategies and best practices from national safety and mental health experts Network and collaborate with local and regional stakeholders Return to your community with practical solutions to keep schools safe and sound Join us and collaborate among school safety and security specialists, administrative personnel, school-based mental health professionals, school resource officers, teachers, special education staff, prevention specialists, and other key stakeholders. START DATE: LOCATION: Chelmsford, MA END DATE: BACK NORTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT DETAILS COMING SOON - Chelmsford, MA Join Safe and Sound Schools for an impactful and inspiring two-day event. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore best practices, discover programs, and gain actionable insights. DETAILS COMING SOON

Safe and Sound EVENTS Explore our events featuring top school safety experts on today's most critical topics. HOST AN EVENT “I have never heard from a more inspirational group than I have the last 2 days… I am so thankful to have heard your stories and found them so inspirational. Keep saying the names of the lives lost, keep telling your stories. Thank you!” – Nicole, Attendee EXCLUDE PAST EVENTS LESSONS IN PREVENTION WEBINAR REGISTER NOW - December 10th | 1-2PM ET Join Safe and Sound Schools and NASRO for an engaging and informative webinar as we explore the Averted School Violence (ASV) Project and recognize these meaningful acts. The discussion will feature real-world cases analyzed for key takeaways to help attendees recognize warning signs, strengthen safety systems, and build more resilient schools. LEARN MORE INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT ON THREAT ASSESSMENT REGISTER NOW - January 13-15 Join Safe and Sound Schools, Safer Schools Together, and the Beaverton School District for three transformative days of actionable insights, expert-led sessions, and invaluable connections. Open to international attendees, this is an event school leaders and BTAM teams do not want to miss! LEARN MORE 2026 SOUTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT REGISTER NOW – February 26 & 27 Join Safe and Sound Schools and the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative (GRREC) for an impactful and inspiring two-day event. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore best practices, discover programs, and gain actionable insights for your schools and communities. Don’t miss your opportunity to attend! LEARN MORE NORTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT DETAILS COMING SOON Join Safe and Sound Schools for an impactful and inspiring two-day event. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore best practices, discover programs, and gain actionable insights. LEARN MORE 2025 MIDWEST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT This event has concluded. Join Safe and Sound Schools and the Plymouth Police Department for an impactful and inspiring two-day event. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore best practices, discover programs, and gain actionable insights for your schools and communities. Don’t miss your opportunity to attend! LEARN MORE THE TALL COP EMERGING DRUGS TRENDS CONFERENCE This event has concluded. Join Tall Cop Says Stop and Safe and Sound Schools for the 4th Annual Emerging Drug Trends Conference—an exclusive drug education, prevention and enforcement conference highlighting an array of superior speakers with expert knowledge. LEARN MORE GANGS, GUNS AND SCHOOL VIOLENCE PREVENTION This event has concluded. After 16 impactful years of the Gangs & Guns Training Symposium, we were proud to help expand the scope of this event to address broader aspects of school violence prevention. It was a deeply impactful event—an invaluable opportunity to lead the international conversation on school violence prevention and strengthen the connections that help keep our students, schools, and communities safe and sound LEARN MORE K-12 SCHOOLS & CAMPUS SAFETY SYMPOSIUM This event has concluded. Join Safe and Sound Schools and the Bureau Consortium for an event event is designed to bring together federal agency leaders and nationally recognized experts to deliver critical updates, actionable insights, and innovative, evidence-based solutions. LEARN MORE EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA This event has concluded. The safety of our schools and communities is a shared responsibility, and we invite you to be part of both the conversation and the solution! This summit is a timely and vital event featuring nationally recognized speakers who will guide us through best practices, innovative programs, and actionable insights. LEARN MORE SOUTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT 2024 This event has concluded. Rethink school safety at the Southeast School Safety Summit. Learn and network with nationally recognized experts and walk away with best practices and programs for comprehensive school safety. LEARN MORE NATIONAL SUMMIT ON SCHOOL SAFETY This event has concluded. Join us for three days of inspiring keynotes, expert panels, and deep-dive breakout sessions led by another incredible line-up of national school safety leaders and practitioners. LEARN MORE MIDWEST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT This event has concluded. Join Safe and Sound Schools and Michigan State University’s Prevent 2 Protect Project for the 2024 Midwest School Safety Summit! LEARN MORE Host an Event Be a Champion in Your Community The Burlington Police Department teamed up with the Safe & Sound Schools to host the Northeast School Safety Summit at the Cafe Escadrille, where professionals from all areas of school safety came together to share information and experience. READ ARTICLE Interested in bringing a school safety event to your community? Safe and Sound Schools is here to support your efforts with expert guidance and resources. Contact us today to learn how we can collaborate to make your school community safer and more prepared. CONTACT US NEED A KEYNOTE SPEAKER? WE CAN HELP. Many of our premier events feature speakers from the Safe and Sound Speakers Bureau. With more than 23 advocates and experts, you are sure to find the right fit for your next event. PAUL TIMM PSP, Physical Security Expert MOLLY BRADLEY HUDGENS School Counselor and Congressional Medal of Honor Citizens Honor Recipient MICHELE GAY Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools Sandy Hook Parent MISSY DODDS Survivor of the Red Lake High School Shooting FRANK DEANGELIS Retired Principal of Columbine High School VIEW ALL SPEAKERS Partner with Safe and Sound Schools TO BRING A SUMMIT TO YOUR COMMUNITY Interested in bringing a Safe and Sound Schools Summit to your area? Please complete the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch soon!

Dr. Peter Langman is an internationally recognized expert in the field of school safety, particularly known for his deep research on school shooters and the psychology behind their violent behaviors. With extensive experience as a psychologist and researcher, Dr. Langman’s work focuses on identifying warning signs and preventing targeted violence in schools. His research into the profiles of school shooters has made him a trusted authority in the field, helping schools and organizations better understand the complex biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that contribute to violence. As a speaker, Dr. Langman offers practical, evidence-based insights on threat assessment, early intervention strategies, and creating safer school environments. His expertise makes him an invaluable resource for schools and organizations looking to enhance their preventative measures and improve overall safety protocols. WHY Book Dr. Peter FOR YOUR EVENT? “ Dr. Peter Langman has studied and described the psychology of school shooters as deeply as anyone in our country … For any organization that wants its employees and community to more fully understand the psychological conditions of potential school shooters, Dr. Langman’s presentation and perspective will facilitate a more grounded and thorough understanding of this unfortunate phenomenon.” —Dr. Joseph B. Moore, President, Lesley University WHO Books Dr. Peter ? Dr. Peter Langman is a leading voice in school safety, known for his compelling presentations and unmatched expertise in the psychology of school shooters. A highly sought-after speaker, he translates decades of research into clear, actionable strategies for threat assessment and violence prevention. With a calm, authoritative presence, Dr. Langman helps educators, mental health professionals, and safety teams recognize warning signs and strengthen their prevention protocols. His evidence-based approach and deep subject matter knowledge make him a trusted partner for schools and organizations committed to proactive, informed safety practices. Recent audiences and conferences include: FBI Headquarters (Washington, DC) FBI National Academy (Quantico) National Counterterrorism Center Department of Homeland Security National Behavioral Intervention Team Association Michigan State Police Lehigh Carbon School Counselors Association Green River Regional Educational Cooperative Easton Area School District Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Peter Langman – book him today! BOOK TODAY DR. PETER LANGMAN Author and Expert in the Psychology of School Shooters BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Peter TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! Peter’s books, Why Kids Kill: Inside the Minds of School Shooters , Warning Signs: Identifying School Shooters Before They Strike , and School Shooters: Understanding High School, College, and Adult Perpetrators are available on Amazon. SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Leadership, Law & Policy Identifying & Supporting At-Risk Students Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Averted School Violence Case Studies School Shooters: Profiles & Prevention Signature PRESENTATIONS Click on the titles to learn more about each signature presentation and fill out the form below to book for your next event. Preventing School Shootings Available as either half-day or full-day training The presentation will first identify and refute common misconceptions about school shooters, with an emphasis on moving beyond the stereotypes and highlighting the diversity of perpetrators. It also explains the variations among school shootings, including random, targeted, and mixed attacks. We will then explore three psychological types of shooters—psychopathic, psychotic, and traumatized—using case examples to illustrate the types, and highlighting patterns of failures and rejections that contribute to the shooters’ rage and motivations for violence. The second half of the presentation distinguishes threat assessment as a proactive preventive strategy from emergency response procedures, which are reactive. This section highlights the wide range of warning signs of potential violence, including threats, attack-related behavior, and leakage. It also discusses the barriers that both students and adults may experience that keep them from reporting the warning signs they encounter. Lessons Learned from a Threat Assessment that Failed 90-minute Workshop The presentation will first identify and refute common misconceptions about school shooters. In 2013, Karl Pierson threatened to kill the school's librarian. The administration conducted a threat assessment and concluded that Pierson presented a "low level" threat. Three months later, he committed his attack. What went wrong? Where did the threat assessment fall short? What more could have been done? This workshop looks at the records that have been released to highlight key aspects of the threat assessment process, impediments to the flow of information, and the facts that could have been discovered with a more thorough, ongoing investigation. Pathways to Violence: Three Types of School Shooters 90-minute Workshop This presentation dispels common misconceptions about school shooters always being bullied loners by demonstrating the diversity of perpetrators. It then presents a psychological typology of school shooters, dividing them into three categories: psychopathic, psychotic, and traumatized. A case example of each of the three types is presented to demonstrate the range of perpetrators and the contributing factors in their violence. Warning Signs in Student Assignments 90-minute Workshop The presentation will first identify and refute common misconceptions about school shooters. A potential source of information that is often overlooked is the presence of warning signs in student assignments. This presentation examines actual homework assignments of school shooters to highlight how subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) warning signs appear in student work. Utilizing these warning signs as a starting point for a threat assessment investigation, it then demonstrates the amount of information that could have been gathered if an inquiry had been conducted. The Motivations and Justifications of Mass Attackers 90-minute Workshop The presentation will first identify and refute common misconceptions about school shooters. This presentation draws on the writings of perpetrators to gain insight into the dynamics driving them toward violence. Though school shooters often claim that they are retaliating for some injustice they have endured, the sources of their violence are typically found in their flawed sense of self, disturbing personality traits, and the drive to transform themselves from unknown, powerless "nobodies" into figures of power and significance. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 “Dr. Langman’s information was clear and concise, shedding much needed light toward understanding the motivation of today’s youth who contemplate rampage school violence … Few who study school shootings have delved as deep as Langman into the often murky and troubled minds of these predators.” —Samantha Dutill, Associate Executive Director, National Behavioral Intervention Team Association “Dr. Langman’s presentation was one of the best forums we’ve had in our many years of putting on these events. The presentation was so rich in substance and relevant to all five of our concentrations that students are still speaking about how wonderful it was and how we’d love to have him back. It was an amazing presentation.” —Lisa Corbin-Kalinowski, Field Placement Coordinator, Holy Family University Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Dr. Peter Langman is a psychologist whose research on school shooters has received international recognition. His book, Why Kids Kill: Inside the Minds of School Shooters , was translated into German, Dutch, Finnish, Russian, and Serbian. His work has been cited in congressional testimony on Capitol Hill and he has been interviewed over 600 times by media outlets in 35 countries. After the Sandy Hook attack, the CEO of the American Psychological Association presented Dr. Langman’s recommendations on school safety to President Obama. He has presented at both the FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC, and the FBI National Academy in Quantico. He has been an invited speaker at the National Counterterrorism Center and was hired by Homeland Security to train professionals in school safety. He maintains the largest online collection of materials relating to school shooters at schoolshooters.info, including over 600 documents totaling 70,000 pages. His book, School Shooters: Understanding High School, College, and Adult Perpetrators was published in 2015. From 2018 to 2023 , Dr. Langman was a researcher with the National Threat Assessment Center of the United States Secret Service. His latest book is Warning Signs: Identifying School Shooters Before They Strike . In 2025, Dr. Langman became the Senior Advisor on Violence Prevention at ZeroEyes, a company dedicated to preventing firearm violence. Book Dr. Peter TODAY!

From prevention through recovery, Safe and Sound Schools’® national network of experts can help your school or district plan and prepare for safety. Consulting From prevention through recovery, Safe and Sound Schools’® national network of experts can help your school or district plan and prepare for safety. From prevention through recovery, Safe and Sound Schools’® national network of experts can help your school or district plan and prepare for safety. With extensive backgrounds and experience in School Psychology, Emergency Planning and Management, School-based Policing, Weather & Disaster Preparedness, Physical Safety, School Culture, Special Education, and more, our subject matter experts combine best practice guidance and real-world application to help you build, customize, and continually refine school safety in your community. Next Item Previous Item

Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Lisa Hamp is dedicated to sharing her survival story as a powerful reminder of the ripple effects of school violence, including untreated PTSD. She inspires audiences with powerful lessons learned since surviving the Virginia Tech shooting on April 16, 2007. Through her survivor’s perspective on response, recovery, and resilience, her message is clear: no one survives a school shooting or act of mass tragic violence without scars. By sharing her story with others who have experienced trauma and the first responders who always answer these calls, she seeks to let them know: you are not alone. WHY Book Lisa FOR YOUR EVENT? “Lisa Hamp provides a moving and personal perspective on surviving a mass casualty incident. Her story is a candid, poignant, and honest reflection on trauma, survival, and resiliency. Her experience emphasizes the importance of recognizing trauma and victimization in all its forms, as well as honoring the experiences of ALL victims and survivors, including those whose wounds may not be the most obvious.” -Gene Deisinger, Ph.D., Managing Partner, SIGMA Threat Management Associate, Deputy Chief of Police & Director, Threat Management Services (Retired), Virginia Tech WHO Books Lisa ? Lisa Hamp’s lived experience and survivor advocacy make her a trusted voice in school safety conversations nationwide. She is dedicated to helping first responders, counselors, teachers, students, and many others to improve school safety and best practices for tragedy recovery, including the importance of supporting students and staff long-term. Recent audiences include: Koshka Foundation for Safer Schools Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office Lane Fire Authority Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Lisa - book her today! BOOK TODAY LISA HAMP Survivor of the Virginia Tech Shooting BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Lisa TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Safety & Security Culture, Climate, & Community Emergency Preparedness & Response Active Shooter Preparedness & Response Recovery & Resilience After Tragedy Turning Pain into Purpose Lessons Learned from Tragedy Signature PRESENTATIONS Click on the titles to learn more about each signature presentation and fill out the form below to book for your next event. Lessons from a Virginia Tech Survivor (Keynote, 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on requests) Lisa Hamp shares her personal story during the April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech shooting, as well as her recovery afterwards. She describes how her class built a barricade to prevent the shooter from entering their classroom, as well as her struggle to return to a “normal’ life during the weeks, months, and years that followed. She explains what made her eventually seek counseling after eight years and a variety of hard, but powerful lessons she has learned since that tragic day. Through her raw and emotional presentation, she provides a survivor’s perspective on experiencing and recovering from a school shooting. Panel Discussions and Q & A Sessions Lisa offers Q and A sessions following her presentation or as a separate session. She is also available for panel discussions. As these formats are more organic and highly individualized, Lisa prefers to discuss and plan for these types of sessions directly with clients. School Safety: Students First This presentation, offered by several of our speakers and educators, is designed with students in mind. On our website, we offer a complimentary download of our Safe and Sound Youth Council Kit. This guide is designed to help 6th – 12th grade students, their parents, and their advisors take the first steps toward being a proactive part of the their school’s safety plan. For those schools and school districts who want to take the extra step, Safe and Sound Schools offers speakers who can assist in guidance and implementation, help launch the program, lead site walk-throughs, and ensure that you have all of the tools you need to institute safe school principles for all students. Each program is customized to the unique needs of that school’s community. Our presenters share their personal stories followed by a powerful call to action directing the youth of our nation to step up for school safety. As leaders and problem-solvers in their own right, our next generation is essential to our mission: safe and sound schools for all. This program is offered by these Safe and Sound speakers: Michele Gay, Alissa Parker, Frank DeAngelis, CJ Huff, Lisa Hamp, and Dr. Amanda Nickerson. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 “Typically, after a tragic event the focus of recovery efforts begins with the injured or deceased. Lisa, through her experiences from the Virginia Tech incident, brought forward the impact these tragic events have on the non-injured survivors. As a community leader, her presentation helped me understand the importance of assistance for all survivors of tragic incidents.” - Chris Heppel, Assistant Chief, Lane Fire Authority “Lisa was well-prepared and well-received by the attendees. She gave us a personal and insightful look into her life after an extremely terrible event. Lisa’s life-changing experiences—not only in the days immediately following the shooting, but in the years to follow—drove home very important indicators on physical and mental wellness. As I watched, the audience all seemed intently focused on Lisa. We thank Lisa for educating us should we have an incident in our community.” -Mike Taylor, Sheriff, Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Lisa Hamp is a survivor of the Virginia Tech shooting in Norris Hall that took place on April 16, 2007. With her classmates, she built a barricade to prevent the shooter from entering their classroom. Lisa suffered from untreated PTSD for many years after the Virginia Tech incident. In 2015, she sought counseling for an eating disorder. She had suffocated her feelings that were caused by the trauma and developed an eating disorder to cope. Since 2015, she continues to heal. She has begun sharing her story with law enforcement, EMS, school counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals. She believes that you don’t have to be shot to be injured and is passionate about helping those who have experienced trauma, as well as first responders. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Virginia Tech, a Master’s degree in Operations Research from George Mason University, and a Master’s degree in Economics from John Hopkins University. Book Lisa TODAY!

Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Benjamin Fernandez, MS. Ed, is a trusted voice in school mental and behavioral health, crisis response, and student well-being. With an extensive, highly decorated and decades-long career in school psychology in large school districts, he brings a deep understanding of how to support students and staff before, during, and after emergencies. At Safe and Sound Schools, he helps lead national conversations on integrating mental and behavioral health into school safety frameworks. Ben’s presentations are grounded in real-world experience and provide actionable strategies for building trauma-informed, psychologically safe school environments. His ability to connect with educators, administrators, and mental health professionals makes him a powerful advocate and speaker for any school or organization committed to comprehensive school safety. WHY Book Ben FOR YOUR EVENT? “Benjamin Fernandez has been an asset to the Virginia Department of Education. He has presented for the past several years at two of our annual conferences for 300+ school personal, which are attended by school psychologists, school counselors, school social workers, school nurses, and school administrators. He tailors his presentations to meet the needs of the audience, and his sessions are always well attended and well received. Participants come away with practical strategies that they can immediately implement when they return to their schools and/or policies that they can advocate for in their school divisions. Ben is engaging in his presentations, has a wealth of knowledge to share, and is pleasant to work with. He has been a partner with the VDOE to promote comprehensive suicide prevention. He is a member of the Governor’s Children’s Safety Cabinet and was a contributor to our recently adopted Suicide Prevention Guidelines for Virginia Public Schools. I would wholeheartedly recommend Ben Fernandez as a presenter.” -Martha Montgomery, Ed.S., School Psychology Specialist, Virginia Department of Education WHO Books Ben ? Benjamin Fernandez’s expertise in school mental health and crisis response makes him a highly sought-after speaker for schools and organizations across the US and Canada. He is especially recognized for his work in helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from traumatic events with a focus on psychological safety and resilience. Recent audiences include: National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Virginia Department of Education Northwestern Georgia School Psychologists Consortium Deaf School Safety Task Force Gangs, Guns and School Violence Prevention Summit (Vancouver, BC) Midwest School Safety Summit Texas Education Service Centers Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Benjamin - book him today! BOOK TODAY BEN FERNANDEZ Lead School Psychologist Northern Virginia School System BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Ben TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! Perspectives on School Crisis Response: Reflections from the Field , co-authored by Ben Fernandez, is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon . SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Health & Wellness Culture, Climate, & Community Crisis Leadership Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Support Identifying & Supporting At-risk Students Intervention Strategies MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Leader-care/Self-care Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Violence Prevention Strategies Staying Safe Best Practices for Drills Emergency Preparedness & Response Trauma-Informed Practices Childhood Trauma & Adverse Experiences Inclusive School Safety Practices Signature PRESENTATIONS Click on the titles to learn more about each signature presentation and fill out the form below to book for your next event. PREPaRE Workshop 1, Third Edition, Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Prevention Through Recovery In this 1-day workshop participants will learn how to establish and sustain comprehensive school safety efforts that attend to both physical and psychological safety. The workshop addresses critical components needed to develop, exercise, and evaluate safety and crisis teams and plans and conduct building vulnerability assessments. The model also integrates school personnel and community provider roles in providing school-based crisis preparedness and response activities. Additional topics addressed also include media/social media, communication, reunification, students with special needs, culture, and memorials. After this workshop, participants will be better prepared to improve their school’s climate, student resilience, and crisis response capabilities of school personnel. With updated research and strategies, this workshop makes a clear connection between ongoing crisis prevention, mitigation, protection, response, and recovery. PREPaRE Workshop 1, Training of Trainers, Third Edition, Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Prevention Through Recovery This 1.5-day workshop provides participants with the information and practice needed to become a trainer of PREPaRE Workshop 1: Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Prevention Through Recovery. Included in this workshop a one-hour online module addressing logistics of workshop delivery and a 10-hour in-person workshop (1.5 days) addressing how to present the workshop content (with a special emphasis on a standardized delivery). This ToT workshop includes a mandatory pre-test (requiring a 100% pass score), preworkshop activities, interactive online access during the workshop, and a post-test (requiring a 100% pass score). From this session, participants will be provided with the information and practice needed to independently offer the core workshop. All participants receive workshop presentation materials and a certificate of completion. PREPaRE Workshop 2, Third Edition, Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools This 2-day workshop develops the knowledge and skill required to provide immediate mental health crisis interventions to the students, staff, and school community members who have been simultaneously exposed to an acute traumatic stressor. The knowledge and skill developed within this session also help to build a bridge to the psychotherapeutic and trauma-informed mental health response sometimes required to address challenges associated with trauma exposure. This workshop is an excellent course for all mental health professionals in your district who provide mental health crisis intervention services. PREPaRE Workshop 2, Training of Trainers, Third Edition, Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools This 2-day workshop provides participants with the information and practice needed to become a trainer of PREPaRE Workshop 2: Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools. Included in this workshop is a one-hour online module addressing the logistics of workshop delivery and a 13-hour in-person workshop (2 days) addressing how to present the workshop content (with a special emphasis on a standardized delivery). This ToT workshop includes a mandatory pre-test (requiring a 100% pass score), preworkshop activities, interactive online access during the workshop, and a post-test (requiring a 100% pass score). From this session, participants will be provided with the information and practice needed to independently offer the core workshop. All participants receive workshop presentation materials and a certificate of completion. Pathways for Violence Prevention This session equips educators and school staff with actionable strategies to prevent school violence. Participants will explore a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, learning to implement universal, targeted, and intensive interventions. Through practical application, attendees will: Establish a culture of care within their school community. Learn effective methods for assessing and managing active threats. Gain insights into modules covering crucial topics such as suicide prevention, grief support, emotional awareness, positive behavior supports, threat assessment, bullying intervention, and trauma-informed practices. This program provides a comprehensive approach to fostering student growth, wellness, and safety, ultimately creating a more secure and supportive school environment. Suicide Prevention and Intervention Postvention Responding to Suicide This workshop provides evidence an informed approach for responding to and managing a suicide death within a school community. Participants will gain an understanding of key terms, statistics, and the unique factors surrounding suicide, including contagion, bereavement, stigma, and developmental and cultural differences. The session will then delve into practical strategies for school-based suicide postvention encompassing: Triage, crisis team readiness and experience, effective communication with staff, students, community, and families, and implementing appropriate interventions using the PREPaRE model. Ongoing triage, monitoring students of concern, and supporting school-based teams in the weeks following the incident. Addressing long-term considerations, including anniversaries and other potentially triggering events. Developing self-care plans for individuals, teams, and school staff to mitigate the impact of trauma. This workshop will equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively support their school community through the challenging process of suicide postvention. Student Mental Health and School Safety This presentation explores the link between student mental health and school safety. The discussion begins with examining the national landscape of child and adolescent mental health, highlighting pre-pandemic trends and the evolving challenges post-pandemic. Then we discuss common mental health challenges seen in schools, including youth suicide, substance use, and the impact of trauma/ACEs, and analyze how untreated mental health issues affect academic performance, social interactions, and long-term student success. The presentation emphasizes the World Health Organization's definition of mental health and its alignment with educational goals, positioning schools as vital access points for youth mental health support. Next, we explore the essential components of a safe and supportive school environment, including integrated learning and student supports (MTSS), access to mental health services, balanced physical and psychological safety, and positive discipline practices. Finally, we'll delve into practical strategies for promoting mental wellness within schools. This includes identifying key teams, establishing clear goals, utilizing relevant data sources, and implementing MTSS frameworks across Tier 1, 2, and 3 interventions. Through reflection and discussion, participants will gain insights into their school's specific needs and develop actionable steps to foster a mentally healthy and safe learning environment. Crisis Leadership: Integration of the What and the How Effective school crisis leadership requires both a clear understanding of crisis response frameworks and the ability to lead with confidence in complex, high-stakes situations. This session explores the integration of the PREPaRE model with National Preparedness Leadership Initiative’s Metaleadership concept, providing school crisis leaders with a structured approach to what they need to do and how they can lead effectively during a crisis. Participants will examine key components of the PREPaRE model, focusing on evidence-based strategies for crisis prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. These will be aligned with Metaleadership’s principles, which emphasize leading down (within teams), up (to leadership), and across (to community partners) to build coordination, trust, and adaptive decision-making in crisis situations. A Practitioner's Approach to Evaluating Effectiveness of Crisis Response This presentation focuses on the critical yet often overlooked practice of examining the effectiveness of crisis response, emphasizing its role in data collection and analysis for performance improvement, efficiency, and better service to students and staff. Utilizing the PREPaRE model as a guide, participants will delve into the importance of After Action Reviews (AARs) as a powerful tool for organizational change. AARs, when conducted effectively, provide valuable learning opportunities by comparing expected outcomes with actual results, allowing for adjustments to organizational structures, practices and procedures. This presentation explores the key elements of an AAR, highlighting its purpose as a fact-finding exercise to assess response, intervention, and effectiveness. Despite the infrequent nature of crisis events, AARs are essential for maintaining and improving crisis team performance, informing training, and creating a repository of lessons learned for broader sharing through regular reports and staff communications. By embracing AARs as a constructive feedback mechanism, participants will be able to enhance their crisis response capabilities and continuously improve procedures and strategies. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 "I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ben Fernandez since 2008. With more than 20 years of clinical experience as a school psychologist, Mr. Fernandez has particular interest and expertise in the areas of school crisis prevention and intervention as well as suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. His work has been instrumental to Loudoun County Public Schools—with individual students and families, school buildings and administrators, as well as systems wide—particularly through his leadership and coordination of division wide crisis response teams. Having a national perspective on these and other topics that are urgent to school psychologists and other educators, Mr. Fernandez has been called on to testify on Capitol Hill and train school systems in NASP’s PREPaRE curriculum. I highly recommend and endorse Mr. Fernandez for what he can offer you and your professional organizations." - Charles Barrett, Ph.D., Loudoun County Public Schools "Ben Fernandez delivered an outstanding presentation to school psychologists on crisis intervention, mental health, and school safety, drawing from his extensive professional experience in emergency response and student counseling. His engaging and knowledgeable approach kept the audience captivated as he shared real-world strategies for handling crises effectively. Mr. Fernandez also facilitated insightful small-group discussions, encouraging participation and practical problem-solving among attendees. His expertise and ability to communicate complex issues in a clear, actionable manner made his session both informative and impactful, leaving school psychologists better equipped to support students in challenging situations." - Amy Diprima, Ph.D. Floyd County Schools Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Benjamin S. Fernandez, MS. Ed, completed his graduate studies in School Psychology at Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA) and has worked as a school psychologist in Pennsylvania and Virginia with over 28 years of experience as a practitioner. Currently, he serves as the Director of Mental and Behavioral Health Programs for Safe and Sounds Schools. He previously held the position of crisis intervention specialist in Fairfax County Public Schools, providing leadership and the coordination of crisis intervention services, and response consultation after acute traumatic events. As a lead school psychologist and coordinator in Loudoun County Public Schools, he provided a broad array of psychological and school-based mental health services including assessment, suicide screenings, threat assessments of students and nonstudents, consultation, counseling, prevention, and intervention as well as serving as a crisis team leader. Further, he has conducted presentations on suicide prevention for families as well as helping to establish the collection and review of suicide screening data to enhance processes and identify areas of further prevention and intervention. Additionally, he is a Lead PREPaRE Trainer and has contributed to presentations, articles, books, and webinars related to youth suicide, PREPaRE, school mental health, school safety and crisis intervention on the local, state, and national levels. He has testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, the Federal Commission on School Safety, the Congressional School Safety Caucus, and served as a member of the Governor of Virginia’s Children’s Cabinet on Student Safety.  Mr. Fernandez contributed to the Virginia Department of Education’s Suicide Prevention Guidelines.  In 2010, he was named School Psychologist of the Year by the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists and in 2012, he was named School Psychologist of the Year by the National Association of School Psychologists. In 2015 and 2018, Benjamin received the NASP Presidential Award and in 2021 received the National Association of School Psychologists Crisis Management and Grief Support in Schools Interest Group Award for Excellence for significant contributions to the field of school safety and crisis intervention. Book Ben TODAY!

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The Averted School Violence (ASV) Project provides foundational evidence-based research to support efforts to stop targeted school attacks by building sustainable, community-based prevention and intervention services, education, and consultation services The AVERTED SCHOOL VIOLENCE PROJECT The Averted School Violence Program creates a data-driven approach to stopping targeted school attacks by building sustainable, community-based prevention and intervention strategies. GET TRAINING Frank Straub, PhD Senior Director of Violence Prevention Research and Programs WHAT IS The Averted School Violence Project? Following the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing (COPS) convened a national school safety advisory group to provide recommendations on how to prevent future school shootings and other acts of violence on school campuses. One key recommendation stood out among the others: Build a national repository of cases where school violence was stopped before it occurred. Based on these recommendations, the DOJ’s COPS Office allocated funding for the National Policing Institute (formerly the Police Foundation) to establish and maintain the Averted School Violence (ASV) database. From 2015 to 2023, the National Policing Institute built a strong foundation of research and reports that shaped school safety practices nationwide. In 2023, Dr. Frank Straub, who previously served as the founder and director of the National Policing Institute’s Center for Targeted Violence Prevention, as well as ASV’s project lead, secured a new home for the database right here with Safe and Sound Schools. The transfer, improvement in functionality, and expansion of the Averted School Violence Database was made possible through Prevent 2 Protect, a Michigan Department of Education Pilot Project. ASV and Safe and Sound, founded out of the same tragedy and on the same mission to protect every school, every student, every day, are now united to create a more powerful, data-driven tool that empowers school safety leaders to prevent tragedy before it occurs. EXPLORE THE DATABASE The Enhanced ASV Database and New Website With ASV’s move to Safe and Sound Schools, and the expanded support of partners like the Motorola Foundation and National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), we’ve enhanced the platform’s value by making it more accessible, more actionable, and more useful in the day-to-day work of preventing violence in our schools. With a new website and streamlined submission process, it’s now easier for SROs, school officials, and safety professionals to securely share cases of averted or completed violence. Additionally, we’ve added new filters and features to help users sort through cases by variables like school type, intervention type, threat source, and more. Most importantly, we’ve focused on ensuring the database isn’t just a storage tool—it’s a living resource that fuels evidence-based training and community conversations. CHECK IT OUT Take Action Join our mission to improve school safety and prevent future violence by anonymously and securely submitting an averted incident for review. SUBMIT A CASE PROGRAM PROGRAM Highlights The Averted School Violence Project helps safety leaders keep their communities safe by: Establishing a place where school personnel, law enforcement officers, mental health professionals, and others involved in school safety can share their averted school violence stories and lessons learned, in order to improve school safety and help prevent future tragedies. Providing real-life scenarios that can help guide the development of sustainable, community-based prevention and intervention strategies. Providing evidence-based research to support efforts to stop targeted school attacks by building sustainable, community-based prevention and intervention services, education, and consultation services. Keeping submissions anonymous, secure, non-punitive, and confidential. Bring Safe and Sound Training TO YOUR SCHOOL, DISTRICT OR ORGANIZATION! Our expert team is dedicated to empowering school safety stakeholders across the U.S. and beyond with training and tailored consulting. If none of our existing programs are the perfect fit, we also offer customized consulting to help you strengthen your school safety efforts. Please complete the form below to get started, and a member of our team will be in touch soon!

What do we mean when we say comprehensive school safety? Comprehensive school safety refers to preparedness strategies which address all hazards. Schools must consider all areas of school safety relevant to their site and community and remember to include representatives from each stakeholder group when creating a fully developed safety plan. CULTURE, CLIMATE & COMMUNITY Creating a safe and welcoming environment is essential to the safety and success of a school community. CULTURE, CLIMATE & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP, LAW & POLICY Maintaining school safety includes adhering to federal, state and local laws and regulations. LEADERSHIP, LAW & POLICY OPERATIONS & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT The policies, protocols, and practices that support safety in day-to-day activity through times of crisis OPERATIONS & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SAFETY & SECURITY Ensuring physical safety and security requires knowledge of building use, infrastructure & design, safety & security. SAFETY & SECURITY HEALTH & WELLNESS Promoting the health and wellness of our school community can help us build healthier, safer, and more successful learning environments. HEALTH & WELLNESS MENTAL & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Strong mental and behavioral health resources and programs are critical to a safe school environment. MENTAL & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Rethinking SCHOOL SAFETY TOGETHER Explore the Safe and Sound Schools comprehensive framework today. DOWNLOAD THE FRAMEWORK LEARN MORE ©2025 Safe and Sound Schools, All rights reserved. For usage permission, submit a request. Strong mental and behavioral health resources and programs are critical to a safe school environment. Learn more about how community and school-based mental health providers, multi-disciplinary threat assessment teams, and mental & behavioral health resources can help ensure and enhance your school’s safety. Featured Resources: National Association of School Psychologists | Suicide Prevention Resource Center | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration | StopBullying.gov Mental & Behavioral Health Back to Top Health & Wellness From allergy care to trauma care, to spotting signs of abuse or neglect, to promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity, to stress management and self care, promoting the health and wellness of our school community can help us build healthier, safer, and more successful learning environments. Featured Resources: Kids Health | National Association of School Nurses | CDC Healthy Schools | World Health Organization Back to Top Safety & Security Ensuring physical safety and security requires knowledge of building use, infrastructure & design, safety & security, impacts of weather & natural disaster, and the tools & technology available to help us. Learn more about creating naturally protective buildings and campuses to ensure the safety of your school community. Featured Resources: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design | National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments | Partner Alliance for Safer Schools Back to Top Culture, Climate & Community Creating a safe and welcoming environment is essential to the safety and success of a school community. Explore resources and programs that foster understanding, build relationships, and strengthen your school’s culture, climate & community engagement. Featured Resources: Jesse Lewis Choose Love | Final Report of the Federal Commission on School Safety | National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments Back to Top Leadership, Law & Policy Maintaining school safety includes adhering to federal, state and local laws and regulations. In this section, explore resources to help your school community stay current and compliant with codes and laws such as FERPA, ADA, fire, and IDEA, and plan for the continual costs associated with keeping current for safety. Featured Resources: School Safety Law Blog | Lock Don’t Block | Americans with Disabilities Act | National Fire Protection Association Back to Top Operations & Emergency Management The policies, protocols, and practices that support safety in day-to-day activity through times of crisis are the cornerstones of school safety. From bus safety to reunification, and prevention through recovery, learn more about how strong operations and emergency management build a safer school community. Featured Resource: NFPA 3000™ | FEMA PrepTalks: Rethinking School Safety | National Association of School Resource Officers | The Standard Response Protocol & The Standard Reunification Method Back to Top Bring a Safe and Sound Training TO YOUR SCHOOL, DISTRICT, OR ORGANIZATION! Our expert team is dedicated to empowering school safety stakeholders across the U.S. and beyond with training and tailored consulting. If none of our existing programs are the perfect fit, we also offer customized consulting to help you strengthen your school safety efforts. Please complete the form below to get started, and a member of our team will be in touch soon! Comprehensive SCHOOL SAFETY True school safety goes beyond policies or drills — it’s about preparing for every hazard that could impact students, staff, and the wider school community. That’s why we believe every school’s plan should reflect its unique community and include every voice at the table. Contact us today to learn about how our comprehensive training can help you create safer, more supportive learning environments for all. GET TRAINING

Expert insights and resources to enhance digital citizenship and promote safe online practices for students. Truly comprehensive school safety must extend to the digital spaces where our students spend so much time today. Safe, Sound and Healthy Digital Environments: A Practical Toolkit for Educators Expert insights and resources to enhance digital citizenship and promote safe online practices for students. Truly comprehensive school safety must extend to the digital spaces where our students spend so much time today. Building on insights from roundtable discussions with district and school administrators, mental health professionals, educators, and law enforcement officials, Safe and Sound Schools, Snapchat, and leading school safety experts joined forces to develop this comprehensive toolkit. It provides educators with the knowledge needed to support the safety and well-being of their students online, including specific information about Snapchat. We hope you find this toolkit to be an invaluable resource for your school community. Together, we can create a safer and more supportive digital environment for students, better protecting every school, every student, every day. DOWNLOAD NOW Healthy Digital ENVIRONMENTS