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  • Prevent 2 Protect | Safe and Sound Students | United States

    Prevent 2 Protect is a unique partnership that draws upon the expertise of Michigan State University and Safe and Sound Schools, to provide a research-to-practice hub located in MSU’s Department of Psychiatry, in which psychiatrists, criminologists, resident physicians, allied health professionals, educators, and targeted violence prevention experts support community-based intensive support teams, provide consultation, training, technical assistance... THE ADOLESCENT TARGETED VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROJECT Prevent 2 Protect is a unique partnership that draws upon the expertise of Michigan State University and Safe and Sound Schools, to provide a research-to-practice hub located in MSU’s Department of Psychiatry , in which psychiatrists, criminologists, resident physicians, allied health professionals, educators, and targeted violence prevention experts support community-based intensive support teams, provide consultation, training, technical assistance, and conduct research to inform school violence prevention policies and practices in Michigan and nationally. PREVENTING TARGETED VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS Research and evidence-based practices are the foundation of Prevent 2 Protect’s response to the continuing threat of targeted school violence. However, research alone is insufficient to mitigate attacks. We must try new ideas and strategies to prevent violence in our schools and other public spaces. Prevent 2 Protect aims to help support high-risk adolescents and their families who too often fall into the “gaps” between the education, mental health, and criminal justice systems. Our goal is to reduce risk and support local school violence prevention efforts in Michigan communities by connecting high-risk adolescents and their caregivers to Prevent 2 Protect’s intensive support teams and the Project’s subject matter experts. LEARN MORE FOUNDERS & MISSION Our mission is to prevent adolescent targeted violence, increase school safety, and support communities through evidence-based intervention, community consultation, education, and research. Alyse Folino Ley, DO Co-Director, Prevent 2 Protect Frank Straub, PhD Co-Director, Prevent 2 Protect Prevent 2 PROTECT

  • OFFICER MEG SOULTZ | Safe and Sound

    Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Meg Soultz believes in a hands-on approach to school safety. As a dedicated advocate and expert, she brings a unique blend of experience in emergency medical response and law enforcement to help schools prepare for real-world crises. Her approach centers on building confidence through training, fostering strong school-law enforcement partnerships, and ensuring that safety tools are practical, intuitive, and ready when needed most. As co-founder of the Rescue in Color, a color-coded bleeding control system, Meg champions accessible solutions that empower everyone—not just first responders—to save lives. Through her presentations, she helps school communities strengthen their emergency readiness, improve response coordination, and create safer environments for students and staff alike. WHY Book Meg FOR YOUR EVENT? "I love when Meg comes and talks because not only having been a first responder has seen it, she's law enforcement, which means she's walked in the boots. Having that first hand experience teaching you makes all the difference." — Missy Dodds, Survivor of the Red Lake High School Shooting WHO Books Meg ? Meg Soultz connects with audiences through practical training, relatable scenarios, and a focus on building the confidence and skills needed to act in critical moments. Her presentations cover topics such as trauma response in schools, bleeding control preparedness, collaboration between schools and first responders, and creating safety protocols that are accessible and actionable for all school staff. Recent audiences Meg has spoken to include: Northeast School Safety Conference Gangs, Guns, and School Violence Prevention Summit (Vancouver, BC) Midwest School Safety Conference Danville PD, Indiana Indiana School Resource Officer Association Wasatch Peak Academy, Utah Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Meg Soultz - book her today! BOOK TODAY OFFICER MEG SOULTZ Co-Founder Rescue in Color Public Safety and Emergency Medical Expert BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Meg TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Medical (Crisis/Emergency Responder, School Nurse) Health & Wellness Emergency Preparedness & Response Stop the Bleed Keynote Presentation Professional Development Training & Workshops 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. Beyond the Band-Aids: Implementing a Bleeding Control Program in K-12 Space Join Dr. Savahanna Wagner and Officer Meg Soultz, founders of Rescue in Color, for a pragmatic discussion on implementing bleeding control education and equipment in school settings. While CPR and AED training have long been part of school emergency preparedness, districts now face new legislative demands and community expectations regarding traumatic injury response. This course equips school administrators, educators and law enforcement professionals with practical strategies for integrating such a curriculum into the K-12 setting, ensuring effective emergency preparedness in today's evolving landscape. This presentation is most appropriate as a keynote address or breakout session. Before Help Arrives: Response to Traumatic Injuries by Civilian Responders Join Dr. Savahanna Wagner and Officer Meg Soultz for a didactic and psychomotor session on the treatment of patients with life-threatening injuries. Your hands-on experience will help you become familiar with essential bleeding control skills including how to properly assess a patient, stop external blood loss, address chest injuries, and more! This course is tailored to the audience and is an approachable and safe space for learning these potentially life-saving skills. This training is most appropriate as a breakout session or hands-on in person training by request. We can tailor this training to the needs of the organization making the request, but is often given as a 2 hour basic training for the end user (teachers, administrators, bus drivers, etc), an advanced 2 hour course for responders with additional training (first responders, police officers, nurses), or full day train the trainer course for nurses or police officers looking to train their own organizations. We have also done a shortened version of this as a 1-hour breakout session. Class sizes are generally limited to 20 students per instructor. Larger groups require 2 instructors. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 "As a nurse, I've also previously experienced Stop the Bleed training, and these really kind of go hand in hand nicely, but I think what I appreciate the most about Rescue in Color, is it's really simple training that doesn't take hours and hours." -Annie Lumbar Bendson, Director of Health Services Minnetonka Schools "I have found them to both be passionate, really exceptional individuals, who care deeply about ensuring our school systems are safe and that students have what they need in the classroom and teachers have what they need in a classroom if there really is an emergency situation." -Nathan Flansburg, Superintendent PACT Charter Schools Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Meg began her career in public safety as an EMT while completing a bachelor’s degree in biology at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. During that time, she was also competing as a collegiate athlete for DePauw’s softball team and was recently inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame for her accomplishments. She continued her formal education at the IUPUI Purdue School of Science with a master’s degree in biology. Meg has worked as a paramedic at both Putnam County Operation Life and Indianapolis EMS. At present, Meg has 18 years of EMS experience in rural, urban, and suburban environments. Meg also served as a full time EMS Educator for the Eskenazi Hospital/IU School of Medicine associate’s degree program in Paramedic Science. During her time at Indianapolis EMS, she was selected as a tactical medica for Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s SWAT Team and Bomb Squad. After finding a passion for law enforcement while serving as a tactical medic, Meg transitioned to full time law enforcement at the Carmel Police Department in Carmel, IN. During her career at Carmel, Meg was selected as a member of their SWAT team and served on the entry element with a specialization in less lethal and gas munitions. She was a certified instructor through the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy both as a generalist and physical tactics instructor with formal training in the ASP Tactical Weapons program and the Krav Maga Force Training Division. She spent 5 years in the operations division before being promoted to patrol sergeant. She was later assigned to the School Resource Unit where she developed her passion for school safety. Meg made a geographic move to the Minneapolis area where she continued her law enforcement career and expanded her repertoire to include training as a hostage and crisis negotiator. Meg has a unique perspective having served in roles as both a paramedic and police officer and understands the challenges of teaching medical concepts to civilian first responders. Book Meg TODAY! Testimonials

  • FRANK DEANGELIS | Safe and Sound

    Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Frank DeAngelis, retired principal of Columbine High School, is an internationally recognized leader in leadership, crisis management, and school safety. As principal during the tragic 1999 shooting, he has remained deeply committed to supporting his Columbine Rebels and school communities nationwide. Offering unwavering support from prevention through recovery, DeAngelis emphasizes the core elements of leadership — building strong relationships, fostering support systems, and cultivating resilient school cultures. His firsthand experiences provide unparalleled insights on overcoming adversity, implementing effective safety protocols, and leading through crisis. A recipient of numerous honors, including Colorado High School Principal of the Year and NASRO’s Archie T. Hodge Lifetime Achievement Award, he is a pillar of the school safety community, a highly sought-after speaker, the one to call for organizations ready to prepare for challenges with compassion and courage. WHY Book Frank FOR YOUR EVENT? “Frank was AMAZING! From start to finish, this whole process has been incredible. He was so easy to work with and so accommodating. Our school was laser focused when he was speaking and I can't explain how much our school staff, administration, and students benefitted from his words of wisdom. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity for him to be here. He is an inspiration to all and I feel so lucky to learn from him. Truly an educator that I look up to and admire. He is a gift and I look forward to having him back at SHP in the future.” —Mark Vitale, Assistant Director of Admissions, Seton Hall Preparatory School WHO Books Frank ? Frank’s powerful story and lifelong dedication to creating safer, more supportive schools for students and educators have made him a highly sought-after speaker for a wide range of organizations, including: National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Indiana Department of Education The Law Enforcement Against Guns & Violence Conference Seaton Hall Preparatory School Texas A&M International University Great Lakes Association for School Safety Idaho Department of Education Education Service Center Region 3 Salem-Keizer Public Schools Montgomery County Intermediate Unit 23 BOOK TODAY FRANK DEANGELIS Retired Principal of Columbine High School BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Frank TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Culture, Climate & Community Leadership, Law & Policy Recovery & Resilience After Tragedy Turning Pain into Purpose 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. Leadership Lessons from Columbine and Beyond (Keynote, 1-3 hours) The tragedy at Columbine redefined the nation. Frank DeAngelis tells his story from the events through the aftermath. This presentation reveals the leadership lessons he learned in the focus of an international firestorm. Frank’s honest, straight-forward account provides invaluable insights into managing the after-crisis with students, staff members, community members and never-ending media attention. He shares how he was able to build a community that worked together for his kids: the students at Columbine High School. Panel Discussions and Q&A Sessions Frank offers Q&A sessions following his keynotes or as a separate session. He is also available for panel discussions. As these formats are more organic and highly individualized, Frank is available to discuss and plan for these types of sessions directly with clients. The Road to Resilience 1-2 Hour Keynote Presented as two braided stories, Frand DeAngelis and Michele Gay, Sandy Hook parent, founder and executive director of Safe and Sound Schools, share their transformative roads out of tragedy and into resiliency. They examine critical aspects of resilience along their respective healing journeys to illustrate the importance of proactive resiliency-building, including protective factors, healthy relationships, mental health supports, faith and spirituality, health and wellness, and discovering post-traumatic growth. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 Frank DeAngelis is a national treasure who has transformed the school safety conversation world-wide. His honesty and unwavering commitment that those lost in our Columbine tragedy will never be forgotten is reflected in a willingness to share the difficult lessons learned and his own very moving and personal journey. I have worked with Frank for almost a decade during unimaginable crisis events in our District including; the Deer Creek Middle School shooting and the kidnapping and murder of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway, as well as several credible threats to Columbine High School. Frank’s genuine compassion and ability to connect with students, parents, educators and first responders is inspirational and a significant reason we have been able to successfully recover and thrive. Frank didn’t just rebuild the climate and culture at Columbine High School, he restored the faith of our entire community. —John McDonald, Executive Director, Security and Emergency Management, Jeffco Public Schools Frank was excellent! Everyone loved the presentation and wanted more. I wish they could have had more time, but the other sessions prevented that. He did stay for the reception and there were several people that talked to him one on one. He is a great presenter dealing with a tough topic such as that. When you have that type of topic but are still able to have the audience laugh, you are very good. We really enjoyed getting to know him even if it was a short time. —Michele Skinner, Coordinator of Education Initiatives, Texas A&M International University Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Frank DeAngelis served as an educator for the Jeffco School District in Littleton Colorado, since 1979, becoming the principal in 1996. A national-level speaker, Frank has addressed numerous professional and school audiences on the topic of recovery after a school-based tragedy. He has visited, consulted, and assisted school communities across the country following incidents of violence and tragedy, including Platte Canyon, Chardon, Virginia Tech, and Sandy Hook. Frank received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his lifetime of service as an educator. He was selected as Colorado High Principal of the Year and was one of the three finalists for National Principal of the Year. He recently received the Jefferson Country Lifetime Achievement Award and the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Builders Award. He retired in June of 2014 after 35 years at Columbine High School. He is presently serving as a consultant for safety and emergency management for the Jeffco School District in Colorado, and continues to travel nationally and internationally, speaking and consulting. Book Frank TODAY! Testimonials

  • RAPTOR TECHNOLOGIES | Safe and Sound

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  • Press | Safe and Sound Schools | United States

    Safe and Sound Schools press releases. We work with representatives from all types of media outlets. OUR MISSION: Founded by parents who lost children at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Safe and Sound is a national non-profit school safety advocacy and resource center that provides research based tools and support for crisis prevention, response, and recovery, helping to protect every school, every student, every day. LET'S COLLABORATE: We look forward to working with members of the media interested school safety. For media inquiries, to schedule and interview, or to be directed to a school safety expert, please contact us at media@safeandsoundschools.org . MEDIA ASSETS LATEST PRESS RELEASE MEDIA COVERAGE Safe & Sound PRESS CENTER

  • Staying Safe | Safe and Sound Schools | United States

    Staying Safe is an options-based emergency response framework that equips staff and students with a variety of safety skills that they can use in different situations. 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... Staying SAFE GET TRAINING WHAT IS Staying Safe? Staying Safe is an options-based emergency response framework that equips staff and students with a variety of safety skills that they can use in different situations. 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. We aim to teach safety skills as practical actions that individuals can apply based on their circumstances. Empower Your School with Adaptable Safety Skills Staying Safe provides lifelong tools that align to and support existing procedures and protocols, and it is intentionally designed to dovetail with your current emergency plans and safety drills. Learn more about the program by downloading the Staying Safe Program Guide today! DOWNLOAD NOW PROGRAM Highlights Staying Safe was designed with all ages and abilities in mind. The program focuses on the following: Behaviors and choices that support safe decision-making during an unsafe situation Preparedness tools to utilize in a crisis Simple and familiar actions that students and staff can follow during a crisis to increase their chance of safety Supplemental protocols and procedures to support policies already in place, such as SRP, SRM, and EOPs Active discussion, exploration, learning, and practice designed to build confidence and competence Leveraging the expertise of your multi-disciplinary team Training Details The Staying Safe training program is an 8-hour training that is filled with hands-on activities and discussions to prepare individuals to implement this program with high fidelity. The training covers: The foundation of the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program and their Civilian Response to Active Shooter (CRASE) model. How to educate and teach staff and students in the most age and developmentally appropriate manner. How to implement this program successfully in various grade level bands. We also provide additional resources and hands-on support in this training to assist you in implementing Staying Safe with fidelity . 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!

  • Our Team | Safe and Sound Schools | United States

    The Safe and Sound Schools team of speakers, trainers, and experts. Our mission is to support school crisis prevention, response, and recovery, and to protect every school and every student, every day. EXECUTIVE TEAM Michele Gay Founder & Executive Director Mother, educator, and co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools®, Michele Gay chose to take action after losing her daughter Josephine Grace on December 14, 2012 in the Sandy Hook School tragedy. Since that time, Michele has channeled her work as an advocate, improving safety and security in schools and communities across our country. With a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson State University, Michele earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College. Prior to the Sandy Hook tragedy, she taught at the elementary level in the Maryland and Virginia public schools. Now a nationally and internationally recognized public speaker and school safety advocate, Michele speaks to audiences and consults with all levels of community institutions — schools; municipalities; houses of worship; educational and public safety leadership; state and federal governments; law enforcement agencies; and top news media sources. Through her work, and always with a goal of helping others increase the safety within their own communities, Michele shares her personal experiences and the lessons she has learned. The recipient of numerous national awards, Michele is a regular contributor for print, radio, and television outlets. Visionary, author, and co-author of Safe and Sound’s programs and materials, Michele has served as a stakeholder voice in national legislative discussions. Through these works, Michele continues to build Safe and Sound Schools® as a national hub of school safety education, technical assistance, expert content, and best practices. Michele’s impassioned position on school safety hinges on every community taking a comprehensive and sustainable approach to safety. She works diligently to unite stakeholders of all disciplines and perspectives. As an educator, mother, and survivor of tragedy, Michele is uniquely positioned to help others prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from tragedies of their own. Michele remains inspired by Josephine, every day. She dedicates herself to honoring Josephine’s memory through this work to ensure that every school, every child, and every community is truly safe and sound. Kim Vann Kim joined Safe and Sound Schools in 2019 and currently serves as the Deputy Director where she works collaboratively with the executive director, the board of directors, the staff, and Safe and Sound partners to advocate for and provide research-based education, tools, and resources to ensure the safest possible learning environment for our students. Kim ensures Safe and Sound Schools operates effectively by providing strategic and operational leadership in their mission to reach every community, to utilize resources that support school crisis prevention, response and recovery, and to protect each and every student in each and every school. Her transition to Safe and Sound Schools was natural, because she had already served as Executive Director and Co-Founder of Bright Futures USA Network, where she continues working closely with communities across the country, bringing together businesses, faith-based organizations, parent groups, and human resources to meet the needs of each student so they can succeed in school and beyond. Kim also served with the Joplin R-8 school district as the Executive Director of Communication and Community Development, where she was responsible for overseeing district communication, district development efforts, and community engagement efforts. She is a past president of Soroptimist International of Joplin. Kim has been honored with many awards over the years, including one of Joplin Tri-State Business Journal’s 2007 “10 Most Influential Women,” Joplin Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and Joplin’s 15 People to Watch. Kim is married to Joel, and they have two children. Prior to her work in education, she served as the Business Development Director for the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, where she was responsible for advocating for small business, and acted as the liaison between the Chamber’s small business members and Chamber leadership. Kim was responsible for many programs and services that served the Chamber membership. Kim sat on the US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council for four years and also served on the American Chamber of Commerce Small Business Advisory Council. Deputy Director OUR STAFF Kate Reynolds Senior Director, Marketing & Communications Dr. Frank Straub Senior Director of Violence Prevention Research and Programs Brittani Keel Director of Administration Ben Fernandez Director of Programs & Curriculum Development Dr. Kate Rahi Associate Director of Projects & Training Jessica Vann Associate Director of Development Doug Hunt Associate Director of Bright Futures Mission Advancement Megan Erdmann Communications Manager Sarah Richardson Bright Futures Manager Lindsay Durham Program Marketing Manager Madi Koenig Special Events Manager Missy Dodds Speaker and Trainer Martha Gonzalez-Corona Visual Communications Specialist Nancy Mango Research Specialist Jennifer Honeycutt Bookkeeper Ashley Shead Event Support Specialist Brian JK Regan Booking Agent Marie Gay Research and Special Projects Assistant Alyssa Hollingshead Systems Administrator BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIRECTORS Bob Gay | Bob Martin | Adam Safir, Esq. | Susan Sawyer, Esq. CO-CHAIRS Tina Cantu JD, MBA, RN | Jim Murtha, Ph.D. TREASURER Mark Santamaria ADVISORS & PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTORS Stephen E. Brock, Ph. D Licensed Educational Psychologist Nationally Certified School Psychologist Author PREPaRE: Crisis Intervention and Recovery Lead Editor Best Practices in School Crisis Prevention and Intervention Professor and School Psychology Program Coordinator Graduate and Processional Studies in Education California State University, Sacramento Sacramento, CA C.J. Huff Ed. D. Retired superintendent, Joplin, Missouri Special Advisor for Education and Community Leadership to Safe and Sound Schools Founder, Bright Futures USA Expert: U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Healthy Students Expert: Missouri Center for Education Safety Senior Advisor for Education to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Hurricane Harvey Recovery Joplin, MO Mo Canady Executive Director National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Hoover, AL Jin Kim FBI (ret) Active Shooter Subject Matter Expert & Practitioner FBI/ALERRT & CRASE Tactical Instructor Law Enforcement Tactical Resolution Trainer FBI (ret) SWAT Operator and Observer/Sniper Founder & Principal of the PerSec Academy, LLC Julia Cook, M.S. Award-Winning Children’s Author Former Teacher and School Counselor International Speaker Parenting Expert Melissa Reeves, Ph. D. Senior Advisor School-based Mental Health and Behavioral Threat Assessment Nationally Certified School Psychologist Licensed Professional Counselor Licensed Special Education Teacher Co-Author: PREPaRE: Crisis Prevention and Preparedness Co-Author: Identifying, Assessing, and Treating PTSD at School Co-Author: Comprehensive Planning for Safe Learning Environments Lecturer, Winthrop University Rock Hill, SC Frank DeAngelis Retired Principal Columbine High SchoolSpecial Advisor for Education Leadership to Safe and Sound Schools Consultant for Safety and Emergency Management for the Jefferson County Schools Colorado High School Principal of the Year Finalist, National Principal of the Year Denver, CO Jeff Allison Senior Advisor Law Enforcement Coordinator Jim L. Accomando James L. Accomando is an Advisor to Safe and Sound Schools and an Advocate for Parents for Safer Schools Program. Jim believes that the Mission to support crisis prevention, response and recovery and to protect every school and every student, every day is not only relevant but a must for all parent groups. Jim was elected as the 55th President of the National PTA Board of Directors at the June 2017 National PTA Convention. Jim has been engaged in fulfilling the Mission of PTA since his oldest child began Kindergarten. For over 20 years, he has volunteered at every level and has had the pleasure of being President of his child’s High School PTA, the District’s PTA Council and the State of Connecticut Parent Teacher Association. Jim believes that family and community engagement is one of the key strengths of PTA in providing equity and quality in our educational system today. He advocates to look beyond the school community to develop partnerships with other educational stakeholders in order to further the Mission of the Association. William Modzeleski Former Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools U.S. Department of Education Co-Author: The Safe School Initiative Co-Author: Threat Assessment In Schools Co-Author: School Associated Violent Deaths in the U.S. National School Safety Expert, Author, Lecturer Shari Nacson, LISW-S Child Development Consultant Clinical Social Worker Adult Educator, Editor Cleveland Heights, OH Susan Payne Special Advisor to Safe and Sound Schools Founder, Safe2Tell 28-year Law Enforcement Veteran Former Detective, Colorado Springs Police Department Former Special Agent Colorado Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security Subject-matter expert: school safety, prevention, response, and recovery Author, Consultant, Trainer Colorado Springs, Colorado Scott Poland, Ed. D. Licensed Psychologist Nationally Certified School Psychologist Author: Coping with Crisis Professor, The Center for Psychological Studies Nova Southeastern University Hollywood, FL Paul Timm, PSP Allegion Author: School Security: How to Build and Strengthen a School Safety Program Chicago, IL Amanda Nickerson, Ph.D. Professor and Director of the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York Licensed psychologist in New York state and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist Lead author of Assessing, Identifying, and Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder at School Co-author of School Crisis Prevention and Intervention: The PREPaRE Model Co-editor of Handbook of School Violence and School Safety: International Research and Practice, 2nd Edition Co-author of Lockdown Drills: Connecting Research and Best Practices (2022, MIT Press) Chief Jeffrey Yarborough Chief of Police, Hutto Police Department, TX School safety expert with 28 years of law enforcement experience Author of The Four Pillars of School Safety and Policing: A Transformative Four Pillar Model Sharon Newport, CAE Organizational and Leadership Consultant, Diversity, Equity Inclusivity Subject Matter Expert General Inquiries: info@safeandsoundschools.org Media Inquiries: media@safeandsoundschools.org Meet OUR TEAM

  • Our Partners | Safe and Sound Schools | United States

    These organizations, associations, and businesses have donated time, talents, expertise, and/or financial support toward our shared mission of Safe and Sound Schools®. We are truly grateful for their generosity, dedication, and partnership. Safe and Sound PARTNERSHIPS These organizations, associations, and businesses have donated time, talents, expertise, and/or financial support toward our shared mission of Safe and Sound Schools®. We are truly grateful for their generosity, dedication, and partnership. To learn more about becoming a partner, click the button below. APPLY FOR PARTNERSHIP BECOME A PARTNER Several of these organizations are school safety and security related. It is the responsibility of the consumer to research, vet, and decide whether any of our partners’ services or products may be of benefit to their individual school community. Safe and Sound Schools® makes no product or service recommendations or endorsements. BECOME A PARTNER Your corporation, business, or organization may become a Safe and Sound Schools® corporate partner or supporter. Your contribution will enable us to develop and deliver materials to the nation’s school communities, at no charge, providing education, awareness, and resources for the improvement of school safety and security. BE A PART OF OUR NATIONAL SAFETY COMMUNITY PROVIDE EDUCATION, TOOLS, AND RESOURCES TO SCHOOLS AND LEADERS NATIONWIDE SHARE YOUR ORGANIZATION’S THOUGHT LEADERSHIP BE A PART OF OUR NATIONAL SAFETY COMMUNITYSHARE YOUR BRAND WITH OUR NATIONAL COMMUNITY ENGAGE AND INTERACT WITH SCHOOL COMMUNITIES MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE SAFETY OF OUR NATION’S SCHOOLS PARTNER TESTIMONIALS STATUS SOLUTIONS “Status Solutions recognizes the need to cultivate relationships with those who desire the same outcome. Our sponsorship with Safe and Sound Schools® educates Status Solutions with an honest perspective, allowing us to see the full picture. This relationship is the beginning of an empowerment initiative, uniting our communities to achieve one common goal—safer schools.” Mike MacLeod, President RAPTOR TECHNOLOGIES “Our partnership with Safe and Sound Schools® is an element of our commitment to helping local communities ensure the safety of their children and improving school security by utilizing tools and resources that stop potential threats the moment they walk through the door. Together we’re making our schools safer and creating a community that recognizes student safety as a top priority.” Jim Vesterman, CEO NAVIGATE360 “Safe and Sound Schools® is a remarkable organization with an incredible mission to inform, educate, and deliver critical school safety knowledge to school communities.” Jim Hummel, COO

  • Take Action | Safe and Sound Schools | United States

    Take action today! Safe and Sound Schools® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving school safety across the United States through crisis prevention, response, and recovery. Donations are tax deductible (tax ID number 46-2723169). 32,000 schools reached through education, training, and resources 16,600,000 students impacted by Safe and Sound Schools® worldwide 31,269 Straight-A Safety Toolkits downloaded 163 163 countries and all 50 states equipped with the knowledge in our toolkits TAKING ACTION IS IMPORTANT...AND EASY! There are four ways to take action at Safe and Sound Schools. You can donate to our 501C3 Non Profit organization, focused on building programs for schools across the country. You can subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date with all of the events and industry news. You can fundraise an event of your own with Safe and Sound's support. Finally, you can contact us directly with any questions. CONTACT US DONATE SUBSCRIBE FUNDRAISE PARTNER WITH US Take ACTION

  • DR. STEPHANIE GRANT | Safe and Sound

    Dr. Stephanie Grant is a dedicated advocate for trauma-informed school communities, helping educators and professionals understand how early adversity shapes behavior, learning, and development. With expertise in neurodevelopment, attachment, and the effects of trauma—alongside personal experience as a foster and adoptive parent—she brings both professional and lived insight to every audience she serves. Dr. Grant challenges schools to move beyond surface-level supports and embrace practices rooted in compassion, connection, and brain science. Through her engaging presentations, she equips teams to better support students with complex needs, making her an essential resource for any school, district, or conference seeking professional development in these areas. WHY Book Stephanie Grant FOR YOUR EVENT? “Dr. Stephanie Grant is one of a kind. Her ability to break down complex topics like childhood trauma and neurodevelopment into approachable, easy-to-understand concepts — then translate them into actionable strategies —is a true gift. Paired with her personal experience and deep insights into mental health and trauma-informed care, she’s a powerful resource for any school, district, or conference seeking professional development in these areas.” - Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director, Safe and Sound Schools WHO Books Stephanie Grant ? strategies, and a clear commitment to helping adults better understand and support children impacted by trauma. Her presentations cover topics such as trauma-informed education, neurodevelopment and behavior, attachment and regulation, and creating supportive environments for students from foster care and adoption backgrounds. Recent audiences Stephanie has spoken to include: Michigan School Safety Academy Up North Child Abuse Council Clarkston Community Schools Ottawa Area ISD Social Workers Imlay City Schools Warren Woods Christian School Add your school or organization to the list of those educated by Stephanie - book her today! BOOK TODAY DR. STEPHANIE GRANT Developmental Psychologist, Neurodevelopment and Trauma Expert BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Stephanie Grant TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Grant's full offering of trainings , ranging from Neurodevelopmental Trauma to Strategies to Support Regulation in a Classroom Setting, Supporting the Child-Parent Relationship Impacted by Substance Abuse, and so much more. SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Culture, Climate, & Community Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Support Identifying & Supporting At-Risk Students Intervention Strategies Trauma-Informed Practices Childhood Trauma & Adverse Experiences 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. Understanding Neurodevelopmental Trauma 2-6 hours This session introduces participants to the concept of neurodevelopmental trauma, explaining what it is, how it develops, and the ways it can shape a child’s or adult’s behavior and overall functioning. Through this training, participants will gain foundational knowledge to recognize the effects of trauma on development and better understand the underlying causes of challenging behaviors. Strategies to Support Neurodevelopmental Trauma 2-4 hours In this session, participants will explore practical strategies for both preventing and responding to the effects of neurodevelopmental trauma. Emphasis is placed on addressing difficult behaviors that may arise unexpectedly—whether during calm periods or in more clearly distressing moments—offering tools to support children in a variety of real-world situations. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 "It's all so valuable, no matter how you are involved with children, either in your personal or professional career. Dr. Grant offers so much insight and help for working with children affected by trauma and how those traumatic pieces of their life can impact how they react to everything around them." "One of my favorite things was the authenticity of the training. It didn't feel like it was just words from best practice books, it was sincere and so genuine." Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Stephanie Grant is a Developmental Psychologist and is licensed as a Professional Counselor. She has separate Master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Psychology and a PhD in Lifespan Development Psychology. She is also encored as an Infant Mental Health Specialist. Her clinical and research interests focus on working with infants and children with attachment concerns and trauma histories, specifically those who have adoption or foster care backgrounds. Dr. Grant has worked as a clinician, professor, and researcher and has provided professional development and support services for community organizations and schools around the world. Stephanie brings an extensive and varied background to her work. Not only has the topic of trauma and neurodevelopment been a significant part of her career, as a foster and adoptive parent, she also understands how the research translates into day-to-day experiences for the adults that work with children with these histories. Dr. Grant has a passion for her work. It is not just what she does, it’s a part of who she is. Whether it’s working with kids and their families, or teaching college students, providing trainings to adults, or advocating for changes to systems, she looks forward to the task. Book Stephanie Grant TODAY!

  • MICHELLE DENAULT | Safe and Sound

    Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Michelle Denault is an advocate and educator who brings a survivor’s strength and a teacher’s heart to the critical conversation on child safety and sexual abuse prevention. As the founder of Voices Carry, she developed “Grooming 101 – A Predator’s Playbook,” a training that empowers both adults and students to recognize and respond to the subtle signs of grooming behavior. Michelle’s work is grounded in the belief that awareness is the first step toward protection—and that every member of a school community plays a role in keeping children safe. She challenges schools to move beyond awareness campaigns and toward a culture of vigilance, empathy, and shared responsibility. With a blend of personal experience and professional insight, Michelle equips audiences with the knowledge and confidence to act before harm can occur. WHY Book Michelle FOR YOUR EVENT? “Michelle Denault has a story to share that can empower students and equip leaders. Her presentations strike the right balance of personal details and more generalized information to illustrate the process and impact of grooming and sexual abuse. I highly recommend her program to those who want to keep students safe and empower them to speak out if harm has already occurred.” -Faith Colson, Survivor, Advocate, and Namesake of Faith’s Law WHO Books Michelle ? Michelle connects with audiences through personal storytelling, eye-opening insights, and a passionate call to action that empowers and inspires. Her presentations focus on topics such as child sexual abuse prevention, grooming awareness, creating safe school environments, and equipping both students and adults with the tools to recognize and interrupt predatory behavior. Recent audiences Michelle has spoken to include: National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Gangs, Guns, and School Violence Prevention Summit (Vancouver, BC) Michigan State Police Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Education Hoogland Center for the Arts Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Michelle - book her today! BOOK TODAY MICHELLE DENAULT Survivor of Educator Sexual Abuse BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Michelle TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Culture, Climate, & Community Leadership, Law, & Policy Grooming & Exploitation Sexual Abuse Prevention Identifying & Supporting At-Risk Students Trauma-Informed Practices Childhood Trauma & Adverse Experiences 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. Grooming 101 1 Hour In this powerful presentation, Michelle sheds light on the insidious grooming process. Michelle shares her journey while dissecting each step of grooming. Through her dual lens as both a survivor and an administrator’s wife, she reveals how predators exploit a child’s natural desire for love, manipulating them into unwittingly consenting to their violation. Michelle also addresses the tendency to blame victims rather than hold perpetrators accountable. Her insights highlight the critical need for training and dispelling societal misconceptions so we can better protect our children. These failures have far-reaching consequences, affecting individuals, entire communities, and institutions. It Is Your Business 3-hour (½ day PD) with “Grooming 101” included The "It Is Your Business" program builds upon the foundational "Grooming 101 - A Predator's Playbook," offering a deeper exploration into the complexities of grooming and sexual abuse. This expanded session covers key risk factors, signs to watch for, and how societal misconceptions and generalizations often distort our understanding of these behaviors. The program also highlights the long-term impacts on victims, aiming to educate adults on the nuances of grooming and equip them with the knowledge needed for prevention and intervention. This initiative empowers participants to better protect the well-being of children and young adults by providing a comprehensive understanding of predatory behaviors and the grooming process. The session also includes a brief overview of mandated reporter laws and, for institutions in Illinois, details on Faith’s Law. Grooming 101 (Extended) 2 Hours This session includes all the aspects of the Basic 1 hour with the addition of an overview of societal misconceptions about sexual violence, supported by real-life cases and court documents. The extended 2-hour session goes further into exploring the long-term emotional and psychological impact on survivors and what it’s like to live with the effects of sexual violence for a lifetime. It Is Your Business (Extended) Full day (9:00 to 3:30 with 1-hour lunch and breaks built into each hour) This program is identical to the three hours with the exception that it includes extended training on Mandated Reporting, Faith’s Law, and Title IX regulations in K-12 schools Grooming 101 (Student) The student program does not include the same statistics as the adult program. The student program also speaks to students on their level and where they are in their age group. For example: “How many of you have heard your parents say: ‘Just wait till you grow up! You think you have it bad now.’” I try to show them that we, as adults in society, often forget how hard it is to be a kid. In that forgetfulness, we neglect to share with them or understand how vulnerable they are to “grooming” behaviors and abuse. Healthy Relationships and Internet Safety BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 “Michelle’s presentation was a highlight of our conference. Her energy, passion, and strength kept the audience on the edge of their seats, and when it was over they wanted more. Michelle speaks up for all the survivors, but especially those who cannot speak out themselves.” -Jeremy Flood, Board President, Illinois School Resource Officers Administration “I am still having staff approach me about how wonderful Michelle’s presentation was. I have never, in my 12 years of education, experienced such a moving presentation.” -Principal Kashia Cook, Christopher School Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Michelle Denault, owner and founder of “Voices Carry, LLC”, is a survivor of Educator Sexual Abuse and the creator of the training “Grooming 101 - A Predator’s Playbook”. In 2015, after decades of believing she had been in a “love relationship” with a trusted teacher, a moment in time shifted her perspective and opened her eyes to the truth that she hadn't been loved but instead preyed on and abused. Since that time, Michelle has been speaking her truth, advocating for change, and in a fight in the justice system to bring accountability to her abuser and his enablers. Michelle teaches “Grooming 101” in schools and at conferences to train adults on how to recognize the signs a child is being groomed and to teach students how to recognize they or their peers may be being groomed. Michelle is married to Mike Denault, Superintendent of the Waltonville School District, and has two boys, Jonny and Jacob Forbes, and two stepdaughters, Emersyn and Addysen. Book Michelle TODAY!

  • DANIEL JEWISS | Safe and Sound

    Daniel Jewiss is a leading voice in comprehensive school safety. Having served as the lead investigator of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, he brings a rare depth of insight into the realities of school violence and the urgent need for preparedness. Daniel challenges schools to move beyond surface-level drills and embrace a mindset of continuous improvement, coordination, and accountability. He equips audiences with concrete strategies to strengthen law enforcement collaboration, reduce response time, and build trust within school communities. With his firsthand experience and practical approach, Daniel is an essential speaker for organizations committed to building safer, smarter, and more responsive school environments. WHY Book Daniel FOR YOUR EVENT? “Dan’s presentation was awesome. From our perspective everything went well and the initial feedback that we received was very positive. Thank you so much for your help with getting Dan to our training. We look forward to working with you again as well.” -Ryan Stewart, Senior School Safety Specialist, Indiana Department of Education WHO Books Daniel ? Daniel’s ability to translate hard lessons into actionable solutions makes him an invaluable resource for schools and organizations aiming to strengthen crisis response and safety protocols. He is widely respected for his work guiding communities through the complexities of high-impact school crises with a focus on prevention, response, and healing. Recent audiences include: Indiana Department of Education SPIAA Conference Halias Symposium IMPD Leadership Academy BOOK TODAY DANIEL JEWISS Lead Investigator for the Sandy Hook School Shooting BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Daniel TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Safety & Security Leadership, Law, & Policy Operations & Emergency Management Violence Prevention Strategies Emergency Preparedness & Response Active Shooter Preparedness & Response 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. Tragedy at Sandy Hook: A Law Enforcement Perspective & Lessons Learned 90-minute keynote up to 8-hour training On December 14th, 2012, twenty 1st graders and six staff members at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT were tragically killed during an Active Shooter event. Since then, the number of Active Shooter events continues to rise, and the number of victims also gets higher and higher as the shooters learn from each event. Although tactical training for 1st Responders has also increased and numerous states now require annual practice of school emergency response plans, there often remains a significant gap of time before law enforcement arrives and the threat is located and stopped. Therefore, it is critical that these valuable seconds be minimized, so we must figure out how to Shave Seconds to Save Lives!© In addition to those critical life saving measures, there are numerous other invaluable Lessons Learned, both short term and long term, from the Sandy Hook School Shooting. It is imperative that law enforcement squeezes every ounce of experience out of this tragic event in an effort to continuously improve our response concerning managing the scene, managing our people, conducting the investigation and supporting the victims and their families. For this reason, Team Training Associates’ Dan Jewiss, who was the Lead Investigator for the Sandy Hook School Shooting, travels the country to share his personal law enforcement perspective and Lessons Learned. Due to the vast number of Lessons Learned, Dan tailors much of his presentation to the make-up of the audience. Active Shooter Training for Dispatch 16-hour, two-day course Team Training Associates’ Daniel Jewiss, who was the Lead Investigator for the Sandy Hook School Shooting, developed this 2-day course to enlighten Dispatchers on the Lessons Learned from recent Active Shooter events and the critical roles that Dispatch played in them, most notably the 2012 Sandy Hook School Shooting. In addition, weapons other than guns are being effectively used, which is why the term Active Aggressor has also been adopted and will be discussed and used synonymously with Active Shooter throughout this training. Day #1 of this 2-day course consists of an in-depth analysis of the response procedures and timelines taken to report, dispatch and respond to the Sandy Hook School Shooting and other recent Active Shooter/Aggressor events. It is designed to teach Dispatchers the benefit of Scriptwriting, a critical skill necessary for Shaving Seconds to Save Lives© during an Active Shooter/Aggressor event. It includes a workshop portion that challenges Dispatchers to utilize the Lessons Learned from those recent Active Shooter/Aggressor events, along with their own training and experience, to develop Active Shooter/Aggressor Dispatch Scripts for their own scenarios. Day #2 will build on the foundational teaching points established on Day #1. Dispatchers will perform scenario-based training repetitions, monitored, coached and evaluated using a progressive “Crawl-Walk-Run” blended-learning performance development model. In addition, Dispatchers will be made familiar with the first priorities of 1st Responders on the scene of an Active Shooter/Aggressor event. This will assist Dispatchers to provide more effective support to stop the threat and save lives. Dispatchers will be reminded to use this course information in conjunction with their existing training and department policies. Lastly, Dispatchers are presented with some of the personnel wellness challenges they may encounter in the wake of an Active Shooter/Aggressor event. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 “Extremely valuable. Motivational to act on the information. Hoping to get more training from you. Sharing the students names, the moment of silence, very impactful. Keep doing it. Thank you for sharing the story so others can learn from it.” —2025 TX Public Safety Conference “Very informative and I definitely got some good things to think about and challenging questions to ask my agency but also myself about how I would handle this as a line level and a supervisor.” —2025 TX Public Safety Conference Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Dan Jewiss retired in 2021 after serving 23 years with the Connecticut State Police. He began his career as a road Trooper, patrolling the northwest corner of CT. He then spent 12 years as a Detective in the elite Western District Major Crime Squad, where he investigated numerous felony cases such as homicides, bank robberies, sexual assaults, financial crimes and most notably, the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting. As the Lead Investigator of that tragedy, Dan still remains committed to supporting the victims and their families. Dan also spent 7 years as an Instructor at the CT State Police Training Academy, where his primary roles as a P.O.S.T. certified instructor were teaching Leadership & Team-Building, Search & Seizure Case Law, as well as Active Shooter Response. Dan also served 20 years in the CT Army National Guard. During his military career, Dan served full-time for 3 years in Counterdrug Operations, where he helped establish military based training for local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. As a Sergeant First Class he was selected to be a TAC for Officer Candidate School (OCS), where he became a certified Army Instructor and Platoon Trainer. He helped develop, coordinate and conduct Leadership training to mentor soldiers to become commissioned officers in the United States Army. Dan eventually became the Chief Instructor at OCS and then the Battalion Operations Non-Commissioned Officer at the Leadership Regiment at Camp Niantic in CT, before he retired in 2011 at the rank of Master Sergeant. In the private arena, Dan has been conducting training since 2008. He is the Founder and President of The RAK Academy, where Dan and his co-instructors teach audiences easy to understand and affordable strategies to SAVE LIVES in Active Killer incidents. The RAK Academy’s primary audiences are 1st Responders, School Personnel, Houses of Worship Communities and Businesses. Dan is also a Senior Associate at Team Training Associates, a Certified Everything DiSC Workplace Instructor and a co-creator of the Performance Leadership Model. In all his capacities, Dan strives to inspire his audiences to become positive influences in their families, workplaces and communities. He is also the proud father of two beautiful daughters. Book Daniel TODAY!

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