John McDonald is a recognized expert in school safety and crisis management, with a strong track record of developing and implementing strategies that protect students, staff, and communities. As the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the Council for School Safety Leadership, as well as the COO of the Missouri School Boards’ Association Center for Education Safety, he brings a wealth of experience in creating comprehensive safety plans, improving emergency preparedness, and guiding organizations through real-world crises. John’s approach emphasizes proactive risk management, building resilient safety cultures, and fostering collaboration among school leaders, law enforcement, and community stakeholders. As a speaker, he offers actionable insights on crisis prevention, response, and recovery, making him a valuable resource for schools and organizations committed to strengthening their safety and security measures. WHY Book John FOR YOUR EVENT? “For years, we tried to find a school safety consultant or agency that brought real life experience and expertise to the table rather than just personal opinions. Upon finding John McDonald, it was apparent to me and our nearly fifty public schools that our search was over. Since December of 2012, we have worked closely with John to standardize our school safety programs county wide. From threat assessments to student/staff and first responder response and reunification and recovery, John has been here to guide us through it all .” —Kevin Burd, Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office, Hunterdon County, New Jersey WHO Books John ? John McDonald is a dynamic and respected leader in school safety and crisis management, known for his clear, pragmatic approach and deep operational expertise. A seasoned speaker and advisor, John brings real-world experience to every stage of safety planning—from prevention to response and recovery. His collaborative style and actionable guidance resonate with school leaders, emergency personnel, and community partners alike. John is a top choice for organizations seeking to strengthen their safety culture, enhance preparedness, and build lasting resilience across their systems. Recent audiences and conferences include: Lake County Regional Office of Education Hunterdon County, New Jersey Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by John McDonald – book him today! BOOK TODAY JOHN MCDONALD Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer, Council for School Safety Leadership (CSSL) BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING John TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! Coming Soon: John’s new book, “The Essential 5” will be released in 2025. Stay tuned for more information! SPEAKER Topics Include Safety & Security Leadership, Law & Policy Operations & Emergency Management Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Violence Prevention Strategies Physical Security & Risk Assessment Emergency Preparedness Strategies Active Shooter Preparedness & Response 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. Stop Justifying and Believe the Threat 45-minute to 1.5-hour Keynote 25 years into the modern era of school violence, and we continue to struggle with the prevention, preparation for, response to, and recovery from school shootings. This keynote is a direct, honest conversation about the challenges, failures, and lessons learned, as well as successes and trends occurring around the country. Developed for both educators and first responders, this discussion addresses vital issues these groups are facing, including threat management practices, emergency management, incident command principles, and classroom management struggles. It’s time to stop justifying and believe the threat. “The World Isn’t a Scary Place...But it is Uncertain” 45-minute to 1.5-hour Keynote Nationally recognized school safety leader John McDonald is known for developing the post Columbine security program recognized by the White House following the Sandy Hook tragedy as a model school safety program. His work on the front lines of school safety has included managing ongoing threats to Columbine HS, leading the district through the 2nd Deer Creek Middle School shooting, the kidnapping and homicide of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway while walking to school and the tragic suicide of a student who set himself on fire at school in front of more than 200 classmates. John’s presentation will discuss the challenges of being a responder and the impact of loss, trauma and the challenges of responsibility when even the responders’ assumptions are shattered. No Higher Calling 45-minte to 1.5-hour Keynote Law enforcement and educators alike share a common bond and belief that protecting our most precious resource–our children– is the greatest of responsibilities. Breaking down silos and a willingness to have difficult conversations today is the difference in success or failure of tomorrow's crisis. This presentation shares proven and successful strategies that will create a climate and culture of safety and quality education. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 “John is wonderful to work with and an outstanding presenter. I really enjoyed meeting him and the knowledge he brings to school safety is amazing.” —Shay McCorkle, Director of Educational Services, Lake County Regional Office of Education “John’s presentation went over very well. I know of one attendee that left with a commitment to go back and work on a ‘disaster’ emergency plan that would involve his fleet of vehicles. So, I would say his presentation was thought provoking and action promoting. John was a delight to work with. I’m sure we will be working together again.” —Gloria Showalter, Executive Assistant & Events Coordinator at Synovia Solutions Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY John McDonald co-founded The Council for School Safety Leadership (CSSL) in 2022, and today serves as the organization's chief operating officer. This new national school safety organization provides crisis management services for executive leaders. Within CSSL's first two months, John assembled a network of national experts and hit the ground running by supporting executive school district leaders after a school shooting in St. Louis, which was the 7th school shooting John has responded to or provided support to during the past 14 years. John's work protecting kids has been featured on the front page of the Washington Post and in the Showtime documentary "Active Shooter: America Under Fire," as well as in the FBI documentaries "Echoes of Columbine" and "In the Aftermath." John is recognized internationally as the architect of the post-Columbine tragedy safety, security, and emergency management plan, now considered a gold standard in the industry. For 14 years, John was responsible for protecting 86,000 students and 14,000 employees as executive director of school safety for Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado. Along the way, he made a difference by leading school safety preparedness, response, and recovery efforts not just in Colorado, but also in districts around the country following various school-related tragedies. In 2016, John created the Frank DeAngelis Center for Community Safety, located in Colorado. This first-of-its-kind, school-owned active shooter training center has provided no-cost training to more than 12,000 first responders and educators. Following the Sandy Hook tragedy, the White House asked John to speak about the importance of active shooter preparedness in America's schools and the imperative of building positive relationships between schools, students, and law enforcement. In 2022, John was awarded the prestigious Homeland Security ASTORS award for "his dedication to safeguarding our nation's children." John's work helping school districts make sense of the unimaginable so kids and teachers can get back to the business of learning goes far beyond school shootings. He led Jeffco Public Schools' recovery efforts following kidnapping and homicide of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway in Westminster, Colorado and after the public suicide of a student who set himself on fire in front of 200 students. Often sought out as a national presenter and by media both for us insight and his willingness to share the uncomfortable truths impacting school communities, John provides support for K-12 and higher ed institutions because he believes that every student deserves a safe learning environment free from threat, intimidation, and harassment. John earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Metro State University in Colorado. His experience as a former police officer, proud Army National Guard veteran, and senior manager of U.S. investigations for a worldwide corporation have provided the foundation for a life's work protecting the most innocent. Book John TODAY!

Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Paul Timm is a decorated expert and recognized voice in the field of school safety and physical security. A Board-Certified Physical Security Professional (PSP), author of School Security: How to Build and Strengthen a School Safety Program , and host of “The Changing Face of School Security podcast, Timm is has spent decades conducting security assessments and advising educational institutions on actionable strategies to enhance their safety programs. Named one of Security Magazine’s Most Influential People in Security in 2020, he combines proven expertise with a practical approach and a deep understanding of school security to equip educators and administrators with the knowledge and tools needed to create safer learning environments. WHY Book Paul FOR YOUR EVENT? “Paul was FABULOUS!!! We would love to continue to work with him in the future. Thank you so much for your quick communication and responsiveness. He was super engaging and entertaining. His practical recommendations were feasible for others to wrap their mind around. We will certainly stay in touch and recommend him to our contacts and networks!” —Jenny Brockway, Coordinator: Counseling Services, Strategic Initiatives Division, Region 13 Education Service Center WHO Books Paul ? As a trusted expert, author, and speaker, Paul Timm equips organizations with practical strategies to strengthen school safety and security. He continually helps to build safer, more resilient learning environments by sharing insights and subject matter expertise with conference audiences and organizations of all sizes. Recent appearances include: National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Global Security Exchange (GSX) ASIS International Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) Campus Safety Conference Indiana Department of Education Michigan State Police New York State Association of Independent Schools La Grange Area Department of Special Education Region 13 Education Service Center Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative Jessup University Lubbock ISD Raptor Technologies SchoolSAFE Conference Lightspeed Technologies BOOK TODAY PAUL TIMM PSP, Physical Security Expert BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Paul TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Safety & Security Leadership, Law & Policy Operations & Emergency Management Security Physical Security & Risk Assessment Emergency Preparedness & Response 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. Three Keys to Effective School Security 1-2 Hour Keynote An effective school security program depends on more than just the state-mandated crisis management plan. How can you make sure your school is effectively addressing areas of vulnerability? This presentation will provide you with the tools you need to proactively and holistically approach school safety and security. Special focus will be placed on Collaboration, Awareness and Student Involvement. From train-the-trainer style quizzes to photographic vulnerability identification, attendees will benefit from an interactive environment. Attendees will learn how to address common security issues, implement site-specific strategies and access helpful resources. Trends in School Security School administrators are bombarded with potential solutions to make schools safer. How effective are these products and systems? In an interactive environment, attendees will learn the pros and cons of today’s offerings. Attendees will also gain an understanding of guidance, trends, and emerging threats critical to effective security planning. Raising Awareness: Moving From a Mayberry Mentality to a “See Something, Say Something” Culture 1-2 Hour Keynote or Workshop The “it can’t happen here” mindset is both incorrect and potentially debilitating from a loss prevention and emergency preparedness standpoint. How can schools effectively change the culture without scaring teachers and staff into submission? This highly interactive and practical presentation will equip attendees with a variety of ways to heighten safety awareness. Attendees will also benefit from the latest reporting methods. From engaging photo identification and video exercises to positive reinforcement and appropriate student involvement, don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to lead individuals to personally invest in making the learning environment safer! School Security Vulnerabilities & Solutions Where are your biggest security gaps and how can you address them? This highly engaging presentation will identify typical issues encountered during a 25-year career of conducting more than 2,000 security assessments. Attendees will benefit from photo identification exercises that demonstrate both security problems and potential solutions. Emergency Preparedness Tabletop Exercise 1-hour to Half Day Workshop During any emergency, it is important to be able to draw from all available resources. The special skills, training and capabilities of staff will play a vital role in coping with the effects of any disaster, and they will be of paramount importance during and after a major event. Participants in this train-the-trainer session will be placed in tabletop teams and be assigned specific roles (e.g. spokesperson, scribe, stakeholder). Once the rules are explained and the emergency scenario is introduced, participants will have facilitated and timed discussions with Q&A time among their teams. Each team will then share specific responses as the scenario unfolds. Lessons learned from K-12 incidents and other resources will be shared. Preventing & Preparing for the Active Shooter School Safety Before and After School Hours 1-2 Hour Workshop Providing a safe learning environment during the school day is challenging enough. How can safety and security be improved before and after class time? Join us as we address the difficulties that schools face in early-morning programs and after-school events. Learn how to effectively implement security measures and strengthen emergency preparedness. Benefit from helpful resources. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 The presentation was terrific. I think everyone appreciated the information and guidance Paul had to share. I think it was probably just the right amount of information for the right amount of time. Raised everyone's anxiety a little given that our building is far from perfect but he helped in terms of prioritizing safety concerns and I think everyone was glad for that. —Ellie Ambuehl, Executive Director, La Grange Area Department of Special Education The presentation was terrific. I think everyone appreciated the information and guidance Paul had to share. I think it was probably just the right amount of information for the right amount of time. Raised everyone's anxiety a little given that our building is far from perfect but he helped in terms of prioritizing safety concerns and I think everyone was glad for that. —Ellie Ambuehl, Executive Director, La Grange Area Department of Special Education Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Paul Timm, Director of Education Safety at Allegion, is a board-certified Physical Security Professional (PSP). He is the author of School Security: How to Build and Strengthen a School Safety Program , and the host of "The Changing Face of School Security" podcast. Paul was named one of the Most Influential People in Security in 2020 by Security Magazine. In addition to having conducted more than 2,000 vulnerability assessments and his frequent keynote addresses, Paul is an experienced School Crisis Assistance Team volunteer through the National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA). He serves on the Campus Safety Conferences Advisory Board, the Advisory Council for the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools, the ASIS International School Safety and Security Community, and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials Risk Management Committee. Paul is certified in Vulnerability Assessment Methodology (VAM) through Sandia National Laboratories and the ALPHA vulnerability assessment methodology. Paul holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary. Book Paul TODAY! Testimonials

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 Review 1 Review 2 "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! Testimonials

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 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 Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 "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!

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Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU In 2016, Molly B. Hudgens made national headlines for her courageous intervention in preventing a mass shooting at Sycamore Middle School, where she successfully talked a student with a loaded handgun out of committing the act. Her bravery, faith, and deep understanding of the student’s needs during the 90-minute encounter, earned her the Congressional Medal of Honor Citizens Award for a single act of heroism. With two decades of experience in education and extensive studies on school shootings and those who commit these acts, Hudgens offers schools and organizations practical, evidence-based strategies for navigating crisis situations. Her powerful story and expert insights resonate deeply with audiences, empowering them to foster strong support systems, resilience, and safe environments for both staff and students. In addition to inspiring audiences through her presentations, Hudgens continues to serve as a school counselor at Sycamore Middle School. WHY Book Molly FOR YOUR EVENT? “Molly Hudgens' presentation was truly one of the most impactful experiences our staff has had. Her storytelling ability and her powerful, first-hand insights into school safety kept everyone engaged from start to finish. Her compelling message resonated deeply with our team, shedding light on the vital role of building positive relationships with students. As one staff member put it, ' This was possibly the most impactful professional learning activity I have had in 27 years .' Molly’s story of resilience and her dedication to working with our unique student population not only inspired but empowered us to continue reaching out to our students. We are grateful for her insight, her authenticity, and her timely and relevant message on a topic that affects us all.” —Taylor Stowe, Director of Professional Learning, Mountain Education Charter High School WHO Books Molly ? Molly’s lived experience inspires every audience she speaks to, driving them to prepare for a moment where they might be called to “step into the gap” and intervene with a student in crisis. She is popular with a ride range of organizations, including: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Knoxville Edmonton Police Service, Alberta, Canada National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) California Association for School Counselors Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Secuity Agency Indiana Department of Education Iowa Dare Association Michigan State Police Kentucky Center for School Safety North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, Center for School and Campus Safety Tennessee Child Care Resource & Referral Network Virginia School Counselor Association Coastal Plains Regional Educational Service Agency Region 9 Education Service Center Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES Buena Park Mayor’s Office BOOK TODAY MOLLY BRADLEY HUDGENS School Counselor and Congressional Medal of Honor Citizens Honor Recipient BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Molly TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Culture, Climate & Community Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Support Identifying & Supporting At-Risk Students Intervention Strategies MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) Averted School Violence Case Studies School Shooters: Profiles & Prevention Trauma-Informed Practices Childhood Trauma & Adverse Experiences Recovery & Resilience After Tragedy Lessons Learned from Tragedy Special Education Considerations 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. Saving Sycamore: The School Shooting That Never Happened 45-minute to 1-hour keynote and Q&A/Meet & Greet Molly shares the story of how she prevented a school shooting on September 28, 2016. Hudgens’ retelling of the event walks the audience through the specifics of the incident that took place in her office and highlights previous training that affected her decision-making process during the event. Hudgens speaks boldly of her faith throughout and challenges those in attendance to remember that every human interaction matters and that one life can make a difference. Perspectives In Prevention: From Sandy Hook to Sycamore 1-2 Hour Keynote Presented in braided format with Sany Hook parent. Founder and executive director, Michele Gay, this moving presentation contrasts two pathways to violence. Exploring numerous opportunities, practical strategies, and best practices for intervention, Michele and Molly the power of each of us collectively to change the trajectory of an individual on the pathway to violence. The Dissection & Intervention of an “Almost” School Shooter: How Recognizing Red Flags Can Prevent Tragedy 90-minute to 3-hour Keynote and Q&A/Meet & Greet In this workshop, Hudgens, a 21-year veteran of education, guides the audience through the entire ninety minutes of the day she stopped a school shooting using pictures and her first-person account. Designed to teach professionals how to recognize and respond to young people in crisis, Hudgens’ dissection of “The School Shooting that Never Happened” parallels an in-depth psychological study of school shooters with the behaviors and actions of the young man at her school for the year leading up to and the day of his incident. Hudgens’ explanation will demonstrate how 18 years of research into the psychological mindset of violent teenage offenders on campus prepared her to “Recognize the Red Flags” she used to save her life and that of others at her school that day…including the young man involved. Participants will leave prepared to make changes to their crisis plans in order to include not only recognition of potential offenders and threat assessment tools, but also how to incorporate interventions through mental health counseling, student connectedness, and staff preparedness. Saving Sycamore: How Faith & Prayer Averted a Mass Shooting 45-minute to 1-hour Keynote and Q&A/Meet & Greet On September 28, 2016, Molly Hudgens, a school counselor at Sycamore Middle School in Pleasant View, Tennessee, averted a mass shooting when a fourteen-year-old eighth grader armed with a fully-loaded, semi-automatic handgun and additional ammunition came to her with a plan to harm people on campus. It would take ninety minutes, and praying with the young man on her knees beside him before he would relinquish the weapon. In her testimony presentation, Hudgens shares how her faith was paramount in preventing a massacre at her school and explains in detail how God prepared her for a spiritual battle that would take place on holy ground in a public school. Saving Sycamore: How to Avert a Mass Shooting on Your Campus 90-minute Keynote and Q&A/Meet & Greet On September 28, 2016, Molly Hudgens, a school counselor at Sycamore Middle School in Pleasant View, Tennessee, averted a mass shooting when a fourteen-year-old eighth grader armed with a fully-loaded, semi-automatic handgun and additional ammunition came to her with a plan to harm people on campus. He told her that she was the only person who could talk it him out of it. After ninety minutes and praying with the young man, he relinquished the weapon with no shots fired and no lives lost. In this presentation Hudgens shares the impact of relationships and school culture on preventing school violence while offering steps to strengthen the safety of students on your own school campuses. The Best Plan You Hope to Never Use: Building a Crisis Plan Recognizing Red Flags: An Educator’s Role in Preventing Teen Violence 6-hour Session This session is designed to teach professionals how to recognize and respond to young people in crisis, Hudgens’ dissection of “The School Shooting that Never Happened” parallels an in-depth psychological study of school shooters with the behaviors and actions of the young man at her school for the year leading up to and the day of his incident. Hudgens’ explanation will demonstrate how 18 years of research into the psychological mindset of violent teenage offenders on campus prepared her to “Recognize the Red Flags” she used to save her life and that of others at her school that day…including the young man involved. Participants will leave prepared to make changes to their crisis plans in order to include not only recognition of potential offenders and threat assessment tools, but also how to incorporate interventions through mental health counseling, student connectedness, and staff preparedness. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 Our time with Molly yesterday was phenomenal. I had several people tell me that yesterday was the BEST training we have hosted at CPRESA. Nothing but positives from CPRESA. —Tammy Sellers, Coastal Plains Regional Educational Service Agency Molly was wonderful! Her keynote was engaging, motivating and moving. Our participants loved her message and were so happy to receive a copy of her book. Many superintendents were inquiring about booking her for staff development or superintendent retreats. We would love to have her back to Region 9 in the future! — Melissa Burnheimer, Mental Health Specialist, Region 9 Education Service Center Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY On September 28, 2016, Molly Hudgens, a school counselor in Pleasant View, Tennessee, averted a school shooting when a fourteen-year-old eighth grader, armed with a semi-automatic handgun and an additional magazine of ammunition, came to her in the counseling department at Sycamore Middle School with a plan to harm people on their campus. He told her, “I think you’re the only person who can talk me out of this.” After ninety minutes of talking and ultimately praying with the young man on her knees beside him, Hudgens was able to convince the student to relinquish the weapon to her with no shots fired and no lives lost. As a result of her intervention, Hudgens became a 2017 recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Citizens Honor for a single act of heroism. After a personal experience in college, her interest in violence prevention and safety sparked a desire to educate others who work with intervening in the lives of potentially violent teenagers. Her in-depth study on school shootings and the teenagers who commit these acts, “Recognizing Red Flags,” written prior to the averted school shooting incident at her school, has been utilized nationally to train professionals in the fields of education, law enforcement, juvenile probation, and juvenile court. The training focuses on understanding the three types of school shooters and how to use threat assessment tools as an intervention to prevent violent acts in a school and community setting. Hudgens, the 2004-2005 and 2016-2017 Sycamore Middle School and Cheatham County Middle School Teacher of the Year, is also the 2017 recipient of the Tennessee School Counseling Association’s Phoebe White Award for Excellence in School Counseling and the 2019 Mental Health of the Midsouth's I.C. Hope Award for bringing mental health awareness to schools. Hudgens has been the recipient of three state recognitions for heroic actions on September 28, 2016—a Proclamation from the Tennessee House of Representatives in October of 2016, House Resolution No. 66 from the Tennessee House of Representatives in March of 2017, and Senate Resolution No. 40 from the Tennessee State Senate in April of 2017. Mrs. Hudgens has also been a nominee for the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission as well as the American Hero Channel’s Red Bandanna Hero Award in 2017. Book Molly TODAY! Testimonials

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. THE TALL COP EMERGING DRUGS TRENDS CONFERENCE This event has concluded. An Event for Schools and Communities The conference will highlight several national experts that cover up-to-date drug trends, including: Emerging Drugs in Schools and Communities Specialty Court Drug Trends Cannabis (including Delta 8 and 10) Vapes and Vaping Trends Narcotics and Opioids “To-Go” Alcohol Trends Heroin to Methamphetamines Social Media and the Connection to Drug Use Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse Underage Drinking / Alcohol Trends Cannabis Legalization Stash Compartments New Emerging Drugs of Abuse Drug Accessibility / Legal Drugs Cannabis Vapes Substance Abuse Prevention & Recovery Support Addressing the Root Cause This conference is qualified for Texas law enforcement credit, in addition to other accreditations. The conference is also NAADAC (The National Association for Addiction Professionals) approved. START DATE: November 6, 2025 LOCATION: Dallas, TX END DATE: November 7, 2025 BACK 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. This event has concluded.

Our mission is to support school crisis prevention, response, and recovery, and to protect every school and every student, every day. We have always — and only — focused on school safety. We are firm in our mission and firm in our resolve, and we will continue to advocate for and provide research-based education, tools, and resources to ensure the safest possible learning environment for the youth of our nation. OUR MISSION Our mission is to support school crisis prevention, response, and recovery, and to protect every school and every student, every day. We have always — and only — focused on school safety. We are firm in our mission and firm in our resolve, and we will continue to advocate for and provide research-based education, tools, and resources to ensure the safest possible learning environment for the youth of our nation.

Contact Safe and Sound Schools here. We generally respond within 24 business hours. CONTACT US Whether you're looking for expert-led training, proven resources, or powerful speakers, we're here to help. Reach out today—together, we can create safer, more prepared schools for every student, every day. First name* Last name* Company name Email* Phone* In regards to:* Message* Submit

Parents for Safer Schools is a program designed to help parents and caregivers become school safety advocates and leaders of positive change in their community. The program provides supplemental resources designed to help educate and inspire parents and caregivers to advocate with authority and credibility, and lead school safety initiatives in their communities. Parents for Safer Schools is a program designed to help parents and caregivers become school safety advocates and leaders of positive change in their community. The program provides supplemental resources designed to help educate and inspire parents and caregivers to advocate with authority and credibility, and lead school safety initiatives in their communities. Parents for Safer Schools Program Guide: A step-by-step guide for actionable and organized school safety activities. Learn how to become a local school safety volunteer and advocate. DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE Parents for SAFER SCHOOLS

Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Dr. C.J. Huff is a recognized leader in school safety, crisis management, and community resilience. With extensive experience as a superintendent, he guided the Joplin, Missouri, school district through the aftermath of the devastating 2011 tornado, demonstrating exceptional leadership in recovery and rebuilding. Dr. Huff’s approach to school safety emphasizes the importance of strong community partnerships, proactive preparedness, and fostering a culture of resilience. As a speaker, he offers practical insights into disaster response, recovery strategies, and creating supportive environments that prioritize the well-being of students. His expertise makes him an invaluable resource for schools and organizations seeking to strengthen their safety protocols and community engagement efforts. WHY Book Dr. Huff FOR YOUR EVENT? “ The clear and concise articulation of real-world leadership in a time of terrible crisis . Dr. Huff pulled off some tremendous successes with his team, but there was a personal and professional cost at times. I appreciated his willingness to not only share those successes (and articulate the need to briefly acknowledge them regularly), but to also acknowledge the price he paid to achieve them. He also carved out a path to avoid many of those personal costs, or at least address them moving forward in a crisis.” —Brett Garland, Director, South Dakota State School Safety Program WHO Books Dr. Huff ? Dr. Huff’s expertise and compassion make him a sought-after speaker for a wide range of organizations. He is especially recognized for his leadership in response and recovery following natural disasters, guiding communities through challenges with resilience and strength. Organizations he has worked with include: Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative Missouri State Teachers Association, Southwest Region South Dakota State School Safety Program Pierce County Emergency Management Region 18 ESC BOOK TODAY DR. CJ HUFF Educator and Child Advocate BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Huff TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Culture, Climate & Community Leadership, Law & Policy Operations & Emergency Management Leader-care/Self-care 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. Community Engagement 2.0: A Whole-Community Approach to Educating Our Children 1-hour Keynote In this session, Dr. Huff will share an inspirational message of hope and provide proven strategies to engage your school community's "time, talent and treasure" to: Create integrated systems of community support to meet any child's needs within 24 hours Grow circles of influence to build community leadership and resource capacity Give kids a chance to give back to their community in an intentional effort to grow a generation of children who clearly understand the ideal of service above self. Our noble purpose as educators is not about test scores and should not be impacted by the politics of our time. Our noble purpose begins with good people coming together, finding common ground in our children, and working together to create new opportunities for children today that didn't exist yesterday. (Audience: All) *This presentation can also be a 3-hour interactive workshop. Crisis Happens: Lessons Learned the Hard Way 1-hour Keynote In this session, Dr. Huff highlights lessons learned that are applicable to not just natural disasters, but also day-to-day crisis that often have devastating impacts on organizations. His key points highlight leadership examples and provide clear strategies around lessons learned regarding internal/external communications, development of pre-need relationships as well as effective leadership behaviors and leader self-care that are applicable to any challenge. This keynote is designed for today’s modern leader interested in creating a better prepared and more resilient leadership team and organization. From Tragedy to Triumph: The Joplin Schools Story May 22, 2011—it was graduation day for over 400 seniors at Joplin High School. A day of great celebration. But Mother Nature had other plans. At 5:41pm a deadly EF-5 tornado touched down on the west side of Joplin destroying everything in its path. In times of crisis, real leaders step up. In this keynote Dr. Huff will provide a detailed accounting of the response and recovery of Joplin Schools following the costliest tornado in US History. His emotional and inspirational message highlights the importance of community-wide leadership, teamwork and a consistent focus on what’s best for children - no matter what. If I Had a Dime: Hindsight to Foresight for Today’s Educators If I had a dime for every time I said, ‘You gotta take care of yourself before you can take care of others!’ I would have been able to rebuild our entire community after our disaster.” A central part of the presentation highlights the importance of "Career Sustaining Behaviors" (Self-Care) and the critical role educators play in the long-term recovery of students and their peers by becoming a model of self-care for others to follow. His "people first" message offers opportunities for self-reflection, practical strategies to improve staff morale and retention, tips on communication strategies, and thoughtful lessons learned the hard way balanced with empathy, humor, and inspiration to provide educators the clarity needed to overcome adversity. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 After all, a lot of you could've spent your senior year scattered throughout different schools, far from home. But Dr. Huff asked everyone to pitch in so that school started on time, right here in Joplin. He understood the power of this community and the power of place. —President Barack Obama With unwavering courage and unshakable resolve, C.J. has led the Joplin Schools forward. He has been an inspiration to us all. I’m proud to have worked closely in partnership with C.J., and I’m even more proud to call him my friend. —Former Missouri Governor Jay Nixon Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Dr. C.J Huff is an educator with over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, building principal, and superintendent of schools. Originally a farmer from McCune, KS, Dr. Huff earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University, his Master's and Specialist degree in Education from Missouri State University, and his Doctorate in Education with a focus in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas in 2003. On May 22, 2011, at 5:41 PM, the costliest tornado in US history hit Joplin, Missouri. This EF-5 tornado with winds in excess of 200 mph devastated the community, killing 161 community members, including 7 students and a staff member, in just 32 minutes. As a school system, 10 of the 19 schools in his district were damaged or destroyed. Dr. Huff was responsible for successfully leading his district of 1,100 employees and 7,700 students through the community response and recovery effort that followed. His declaration that "We will start school on time" is credited with being a key factor that drew the community of Joplin together just days after the tornado and provided a positive light for the country to rally around in the midst of such tragedy and destruction. As a result of his leadership, Dr. Huff's resolve was recognized by leaders across the nation. Retiring from Joplin Schools in 2015, Dr. Huff serves as a subject matter expert to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education, supporting response and recovery efforts following some of the nation's most devastating natural disasters in recent history. This includes extensive response and recovery support following Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Michael, California wildfires (Paradise, CA), and the 2023 tornadoes in both Arkansas and Mississippi. Book Dr. Huff TODAY! Testimonials