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REGISTER NOW – February 26 & 27: Join Safe and Sound Schools and the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative (GRREC) for an impactful and inspiring two-day event. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore best practices, discover programs, and gain actionable insights for your schools and communities. Don’t miss your opportunity to attend! 2026 SOUTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT REGISTER NOW Advancing School Safety Through Modern Violence Prevention The K-12 Schools and Campus Safety Symposium stands as the premier gathering for school leaders dedicated to advancing safety and modern violence prevention strategies across campuses nationwide. Attendees will learn from industry-leading voices such as: Michele Gay - Founder and Executive Director, Safe and Sound Schools Paul Timm, PSP - Director of Education Safety at Allegion & Physical Security Professional Dr. Melissa M. Nelson - Forensic Expert, Park Dietz & Associates, Inc. Join us and collaborate among school safety and security specialists, administrative personnel, school-based mental health professionals, school resource officers, teachers, special education staff, prevention specialists, and other key stakeholders. START DATE: February 26, 2026 LOCATION: Bowling Green, KY END DATE: February 27, 2026 BACK 2026 SOUTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT REGISTER NOW – February 26 & 27: Join Safe and Sound Schools and the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative (GRREC) for an impactful and inspiring two-day event. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore best practices, discover programs, and gain actionable insights for your schools and communities. Don’t miss your opportunity to attend! REGISTER NOW

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Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Michele Gay, founder and executive director of Safe and Sound Schools, is an internationally recognized leader in comprehensive school safety. After the tragic loss of her daughter, Josephine, in the Sandy Hook School shooting, Michele turned her grief into action, dedicating her life’s work to protecting and educating school communities. As the primary author of the Safe and Sound Schools Comprehensive Framework for Safety Planning and Development, she provides a practical guidance across six key pillars: emergency management, community engagement, physical safety, mental and behavioral health, school climate, and overall wellness. A trusted subject matter expert, Michele’s voice and inclusive approach foster collaboration among administrators, multidisciplinary teams, school resource officers, parents, and leaders at the local, state, and federal levels. WHY Book Michele FOR YOUR EVENT? "Michele’s presentations to parents, educators, and policy makers provide the perfect balance of emotion and practical guidance. She promotes an approach to school safety that strikes the important balance between physical and psychological safety. Her efforts have helped to ensure schools have comprehensive safety and crisis plans, with special attention being given to reunification and recovery. ” —Stephen E. Brock, Ph.D., NCSP, LEP, Past President National Association of School Psychologists WHO Books Michele ? Michele’s powerful story and purposeful delivery have made her a highly sought-after international speaker. Typically booking 6–12 months in advance, she brings deep subject matter expertise and a practical, inclusive approach to school safety that resonates with diverse audiences. Michele is an ideal choice for schools, agencies, and organizations committed to creating safe and supportive educational environments. Recent audiences and conferences include: National Summit on K12 School Safety and Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) The School Superintendents Organization (AASA) National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) British Columbia Ministry of Education Deaf School Safety Task Force Texas School Safety Center Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Vermont Governor’s School Safety Conference Michigan Office of School Safety Academy (PrepTalks Conference) Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) United States Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (Protecting America’s Schools) Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Michele Gay – book her today! BOOK TODAY MICHELE GAY Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools Sandy Hook Parent BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Michele TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Health & Wellness Safety & Security Culture, Climate & Community Leadership, Law & Policy Operations & Emergency Management MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Prevention - Lessons Learned from Averted School Violence Case Studies School Violence Prevention Strategies Student Safety Training Inclusive School Safety Best Practices for Safety Drills and Training Emergency Preparedness & Response Active Shooter Preparedness & Response Recovery & Resilience After Tragedy Turning Pain into Purpose Lessons Learned from Tragedy Resilience Reunification for the School Community 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. Rethinking School Safety: A Parent’s Perspective 1-2 Hour Keynote Michele tells her personal story and recounts the lessons she learned on December 14, 2012 and in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook School tragedy. She shares the inspiring way she has chosen to help school communities improve school safety in honor of her daughter, Josephine, and memory of the other 19 children and six teachers lost on December 14, 2012. Michele’s perspective, as the mother of a special-needs child and former elementary school teacher, provides unique insight and inspiration for parents, administrators, school staff, emergency responders and community members who strive to make their schools safer. Michele Gay and the Safe and Sound foundation bring an important message to our communities and represent a powerful presence in our national school safety community. Reunification for the School Community Keynote, Half, or Full Day Workshop Michele draws on her personal experiences and offers valuable insights from the Sandy Hook School tragedy to guide school communities in preparing for safe, successful, and supportive reunification processes. Alongside Dr. Melissa Reeves, another recognized leader in the field of school safety, Michele shares both personal and professional perspectives on school-based reunification. Together, they explore best practices, current reunification models, and lead scenario-based tabletop exercises to equip participants with the tools and strategies necessary for effective reunification planning and preparation. Beyond Tragedy: Response and Recovery in a School-Based Crisis 1-2 Hour Keynote Michele shares her personal perspective on the Sandy Hook School response and recovery efforts. Based on her own experiences, those of victims, survivors, first responders, community leaders, educators, families, and children in the Sandy Hook and Newtown community, Michele outlines the challenges, successes, and lessons learned in the aftermath of tragedy and loss to better prepare others to respond and recover from emergencies, crisis, and disaster. She shares insights on emergency notification, communication, death notification, protection of victims and victims’ families, mental health needs and services, media management, and financial considerations, as well as other issues surrounding the response and recovery efforts within Sandy Hook and Newtown. Engaging the Community in School Safety: Tools and Ideas for Safer Schools 1-Hour Seminar or Workshop Michele offers presentation and discussion of the Safe and Sound model, toolkits, and tools according to the needs of the attendees. Michele’s sessions can be tailored to specific and various school safety stakeholders or delivered to a mixed group, shared in a seminar format, hands-on workshop, or breakout style. As an active member of the school safety community, Michele is prepared to share expert resources and discuss many of the programs and interventions available to communities striving to improve school safety. Students First: Developmentally Appropriate & Trauma-Informed Safety Education 1-2 Hour Workshop Michele addresses one of the most pressing and timely concerns school communities face today: developing and delivering safety curricula and training with respect to the unique needs of students and staff of all ages, abilities, and educational levels. Using Safe and Sound’s models for teaching and training, Michele empowers staff to determine objectives and activities for developmentally appropriate and psychologically safe education and training in the K-12 school setting. Especially Safe: Ensuring the Safety of EVERYbody The Road to Resilience 1-2 Hour Keynote Presented individually or as two braided stories, Michele shares her transformative journey from out of tragedy and into resiliency alongside several Safe and Sound presenters such as Frank DeAngelis, retired Columbine principal, Natalie Hammond, former Sandy Hook School administrator, Missy Dodds, former teacher at Red Lake High School, and Dr. CJ Huff former superintendent of the Joplin, Missouri Schools. She examines critical aspects of resilience along her own healing journey 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. Perspectives In Prevention: From Sandy Hook to Sycamore 1-2 Hour Keynote Presented in braided format with Safe and Sound presenter Molly Hudgens, school counselor at Sycamore Middle School Michele, 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. Hindsight to Foresight: From Red Lake to Sandy Hook 1-2 Hour Keynote Presented with former teacher and survivor, Missy Dodds, two powerful voices share lessons learned through their tragic experiences at Sandy Hook School and Red Lake High School. Michele and Missy provide their valuable hindsight as foresight for school communities who seek to ensure safe and sound schools and bright futures for every child. Panel Discussions and Q&A Sessions Michele offers Q&A sessions following her keynotes or as a separate session. She is also available for panel discussions. As these formats are more organic and highly individualized, Michele prefers to discuss and plan for these types of sessions directly with clients. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 Michele Gay was a keynote for our annual safety summit. She was so inspiring and her expertise was invaluable. Some of the comments from our districts included ‘the lessons that were learned on that day resonated with me. I’m meeting with my committee this week,’ and ‘we cannot ever prepare for every scenario but we need to plan, plan and plan some more. I see Sandy Hook as our district… This won’t happen here. I appreciated her testimony and work for safe schools.’ I have met with many attendees since the summit, and they have said they are revisiting their EOPs to ensure they are prepared the best they can be for their students, teachers, parents, and communities. That was the goal of our summit and I am glad we had Michele to energize that effort. —Bilinda K. McCutcheon, Education Specialist, Region 17 Education Service Center, Texas Michele’s presentation, ‘Rethinking School Safety: A Parent’s Perspective’ was eye-opening on many levels. We believe that hearing her story on how events truly unfolded really puts a different perspective on school safety. It shows how important it is for all levels of administration, from principals down to the teachers… [to] be ready to jump into any role that is needed at the time of an emergency. —Jamia McDonald, Executive Director, Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency We had the honor of having Michele Gay speak at our School Safety Summit to an audience of our district and school leadership. Her presentation … was both inspirational and educational in providing our schools with great ideas that they could take back to their school and implement immediately. I cannot think of a more meaningful presentation that truly hits home with everyone in the audience. —Paul Hildreth, Emergency Operations Safety & Security, Fulton County Schools Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY 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. Since that time, Gay 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, Gay earned her 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 expert, Gay reaches 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, Gay 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. The primary visionary and author of Safe and Sound’s programs and materials, Michele has served as a stakeholder voice in national legislative discussions. Through these works she 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 herself, Michele is uniquely positioned to help others. She has dedicated her life to honoring Josephine’s memory by ensuring that every school, every child, and every community is truly safe and sound. Book Michele TODAY!

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Episode Guide: Episode guides provide descriptions, links to resources and references for The Sound Off podcast The Sound Off EPISODE GUIDES

Jin Kim is a nationally recognized expert in active shooter response, workplace violence prevention, and organizational resilience. As a former FBI Tactical Instructor and Active Shooter Coordinator, he brings unmatched real-world insight into managing high-stakes threats with precision and purpose. Jin’s approach to safety emphasizes preparedness, proactive risk mitigation, and empowering individuals with the confidence to act under pressure. Through his work with The PerSec Academy and The Bureau Consortium, he delivers practical, customized training that goes beyond theory to build a culture of vigilance and resilience. His expertise makes him a compelling speaker for schools and organizations seeking to elevate their safety standards and foster secure, responsive environments. WHY Book Jin FOR YOUR EVENT? “Jin Kim is a once-in-a-generation training professional. With equal measures of eloquence and sensitivity, his life-saving words of survival are nothing short of transformative. I have witnessed his tour de force captivate audiences and prompt critical consideration of situational awareness across a broad spectrum of attendees. As a keen observer of law enforcement training, I am familiar with the leading figures in the field of crisis response and active assailant threat assessment. Jin richly deserves his reputation as the FBI’s subject matter expert par excellence. Quite literally, he is without peer. He’ll sell you the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge.” —Prof. David White, Director, Conflict Management Program, Seton Hall University of Law WHO Books Jin ? Jin Kim’s presentations are direct, engaging, and grounded in real-world experience, blending tactical insight with relatable guidance for diverse audiences. His goal is to unpack complex threat scenarios and equip individuals with practical tools and confidence to respond effectively. Whether speaking to educators, executives, or first responders, Jin fosters a sense of empowerment and urgency that drives lasting preparedness and resilience. Some of Jin’s recent audiences include: Great Lakes Association for School Safety Lubbock ISD Global Research University Seton Hall University Add your school or organization to the list of those educated by Jin Kim - book him today! BOOK TODAY JIN KIM FBI Veteran/Expert on Active Shooter & Workplace Violence Preparedness BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Jin TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Safety & Security Leadership, Law, & Policy Operations & Emergency Management Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Violence Prevention Strategies Physical Security & Risk Assessment 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. Active Safety in Schools and Beyond 75 – 90-minute presentation Jin Kim guides school administrators, faculty, and staff through developing a comprehensive awareness of active shooter incidents and targeted violence in schools and focuses on providing best practices and guidance for providing a safe and secure educational environment. Realistic and tangible solutions in mitigating the effects of acute and dynamic violence in a school will be discussed and offered. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 “Jin Kim is one of the most exciting, engaging speakers I’ve ever seen. His Active Shooter Survival Strategies training is one that was regaled by the University community as a must see to be ready for an active threat incident. He leaves audiences with actionable information and an enhanced feeling of personal preparedness.” —Emergency Manager, Global Research University “Jin Kim is extremely knowledgeable in active shooter training and survival techniques. He is passionate about helping people learn how to think strategically when potentially confronted with an active shooter situation. In addition to providing important information about pre-attack indicators and behavior, Special Agent Kim offers practical, realistic survival options for one to consider in the event of a shooting. After listening to his Active Shooter Survival Strategies Presentation, I think differently and feel I am better equipped to survive if ever faced with an active shooter incident.” —Principal, CT Middle School Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Jin Kim is widely known as a subject matter expert and material practitioner in active shooter and targeted violence attacks. Mr. Kim retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2018 and is a twenty-three-year veteran of the FBI’S New York Division. He served as the Active Shooter Coordinator on the Crisis Management Unit and was the leading authority directing active shooter & workplace violence preparedness, resiliency, and training, for the FBI and its corporate and private sector partnerships. Mr. Kim regularly presents and speaks at international association conferences and seminars, and provides guidance and substantive training to leading corporations and businesses, financial and banking institutions, K- 12 schools and higher education universities, hospitals/healthcare facilities, professional sports teams & sporting venues, hotels, non-profit organizations, and public safety departments. Mr. Kim also served as the FBI’s New York Tactical Training Program Manager in conjunction with his assignment as a primary Firearms and Tactical Instructor and was responsible for providing tactical readiness training for both domestic duties and international deployments. In addition, Mr. Kim is a certified ALERRT/FBI Active Shooter Tactical Instructor and has trained a countless number of law enforcement officers in response training. As part of the FBI’S Police Training and Liaison Program, Mr. Kim was the Director and Principle Instructor of three specialized programs; The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) School, The Executive Protection/PSD Counter Assault Team (CAT) School, and The Observer/Sniper School, respectively. In addition to his early investigative assignments in Violent Crimes/Major Offenses (Fugitive Apprehension), International Drug Trafficking & Money Laundering, Criminal Intelligence, and Special Operations, Mr. Kim proudly served as both a certified tactical Operator and Observer/Sniper on the Special Weapons & Tactics Enhanced Team. Mr. Kim’s career also included numerous international deployments in support of the FBI’s global investigative mission and war on terror. Mr. Kim is the Founder & Principal of The PerSec Academy, LLC, specializing in Active Shooter and Workplace Violence Resiliency Management. Mr. Kim earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Villanova University, completed Post Baccalaureate Management Studies at Wagner College, and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Management at St. Joseph’s University. In early 2023, Mr. Kim launched The Bureau Consortium . As a collaborative effort of former FBI agents, the group specializes in mass shooting prevention, active shooter crisis planning, and workplace violence risk management. Drawing upon its unparalleled collective field experience, The Bureau Consortium caters to client needs by providing services such as advisory thought leadership, training and prevention strategies, employee safety training, and behavioral threat assessments, all in the aim of mitigating catastrophic risks. Book Jin TODAY!

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News releases from Safe and Sound Schools. 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. Safe & Sound NEWS RELEASE MEDIA INQUIRIES: We look forward to working with representatives from all types of media outlets. For media inquiries, multimedia content, or to be directed to a school safety expert, please contact Kim Vann at kim@safeandsoundschools.org . 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 Kim Vann at kim@safeandsoundschools.org . MEDIA ASSETS LATEST PRESS RELEASE MEDIA COVERAGE