The question is, how do you choose to make a difference? What do you feel most passionate about with school safety? What do you feel most inspired and motivated to change? Share your #IChooseTo commitment on social media to start your “SPARK” and make your school community safer, right now.  The question is, how do you choose to make a difference? What do you feel most passionate about with school safety? What do you feel most inspired and motivated to change? Share your #IChooseTo commitment on social media to start your “SPARK” and make your school community safer, right now. Don’t forget to tag @SafeSchoolsOrg on Twitter I Choose to BE A LEADER

Dr. Scott Poland is a respected leader in youth suicide prevention, crisis response and mental health, with decades of experience as a school psychologist, professor, and trusted subject matter expert. Dr. Poland’s internationally recognized work is rooted in the belief that safety and well-being go hand in hand, and he is known for his dynamic and practical presentations, which include many real-life experiences on the front line of crisis prevention, intervention, and postvention. Having authored eight books on the subjects, Dr. Poland has also testified before Congress on several occasions and has led national school crisis teams. With this deep well of practical expertise and an unwavering commitment to youth mental health, he equips audiences with actionable strategies to support students in crisis, foster resilience, and strengthen the systems that keep schools safe and responsive. Dr. Poland's latest piece offers invaluable insight into how schools, parents, and students can navigate the harmful effects of social media on student mental health. Download the e-book to learn more! WHY Book Dr. Poland FOR YOUR EVENT? “Dr. Poland is a master presenter and has provided many trainings for Academica school mental health professionals on a wide range of topics including bullying prevention, youth mental health, school safety, self-care, and suicide prevention. Each training received rave reviews. I was a former student of his and introduced him as my hero! My favorite of the many trainings he did for us included powerful role plays of screening for suicide risk, developing a safety plan for the at-risk student, parent notification and referral for community-based services. My staff talked about the role plays for months.” Liliana Salazar, National Director for Special Education and School Support, Acadmica Schools WHO Books Dr. Poland ? Scott’s speaking style is compassionate, informative, and grounded in decades of frontline experience supporting schools through crisis. His natural ability to connect with educators, school staff, parents, caregivers, students and other key stakeholders comes through meaningful stories, expert insights, and a deep understanding of the emotional and practical challenges school communities face. Recent audiences include: School Safety Advocacy Council Texas School Safety Center Missouri School Safety Center Taipei American School Houston Independent School District West Springfield Public Schools Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 Eastern York School District Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit Lincoln Medical Education Partnership Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Dr. Poland - book him today! BOOK TODAY DR. SCOTT POLAND Professor/Licensed Psychologist and Expert on School Violence BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Poland TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Culture, Climate, & Community Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Support Identifying & Supporting At-Risk Students Intervention Strategies Leader-care/Self-care Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Trauma-Informed Practices Childhood Trauma & Adverse Experiences Inclusive School Safety Practices 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. Responding and Recovering from Crisis in Schools: Lessons learned from the front lines to help students and schools in the aftermath of tragedy 1-3 hours This module will help school personnel, and especially administrators, develop and enhance their ability to respond to critical incidents and provide students and staff with the assistance and support needed. In addition, the complicated issue of memorialization and what is appropriate at school will be outlined. Developmental issues for children and their understanding of death will also be shared. In addition, strategies will be shared to help build student resiliency and supporting the school staff will be emphasized. The Challenge of Parenting and Safeguarding Children in a Challenging and Technological World 1-2 hours Dr. Poland has over 40 years of experiences working with Pre-K through 12 school staff, students, and their parents. The World Health Organization has outlined critical factors for safeguarding children and building resiliency and success. These factors and many helpful tips for raising children in today’s challenging world will be shared with the audience. Participants will learn the importance of staying involved in their children’s’ lives and how to identify at-risk behaviors and how to set limits for technology and recognize that technology is privilege not a right and that excessive screen time has many negative consequences for children. The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the impact of social media for youth will be shared. Emphasis will be placed on the need for parents to model balancing technology in their own lives and to limit heavy social media usage for their child. Parents will be encouraged to collaborate with schools and community agencies if they observe at-risk behaviors in their child. Self-care strategies for children and families will be outlined as well as the keys to success for children. Recognizing and Responding to the Impact of Screen Time on Youth Mental Health The U.S. Surgeon General sent out an advisory on -screen time that cited the damaging effects of excessive screen time on youth mental health. There is considerable national concern about the rising rates of anxiety and depression for youth and considerable research is emphasizing it correlates with the fact that most youth have smart phones. This presentation will provide practical information for personnel in all professional settings as well as in parenting their own children to better recognize at-risk youth and to learn strategies to reduce screen time for youth and improve their mental health. National survey data will be shared to help participants understand the amount of screen time that youth spend daily. The warning signs of anxiety, depression and suicide will be shared to help participants better recognize at-risk youth. Practical suggestions will be provided to conduct discussions with parents and other adults on balancing their own screen time to serve as a model for youth. Participants will learn strategies to discuss screen time with young people to help them to be more mindful of their screen time usage and to set goals for limiting screen time usage. School Safety and Threat Assessment in Schools 3-6 hours School personnel such as administrators and counselors are increasingly faced with complex situations where students have made violent threats towards others or even the entire school. Dr. Scott Poland has been involved in several legal cases where school personnel including counselors were sued over their management of a threat of violence and he will share lessons learned from these cases. This workshop will provide step by step guidelines in a case format to help school personnel classify threats and to take appropriate investigative actions to reduce the likelihood of violence. Dr. Scott Poland has served on national crisis teams such as Red Lake, Minnesota and Littleton, and Colorado and has responded to school shooting as far away as Brazil. He has many practical ideas about how to make schools safer and the important role in prevention for students. The importance of working collaboratively with local authorities will be stressed. Participants will learn practical strategies and tips that they can implement in their school system to manage threats of violence. Youth Suicide: Contemporary Issues in Prevention/Intervention and Postvention for Schools 2-6 hours The incidence of youth suicide requires that schools increase suicide prevention efforts and that they be prepared to respond if a suicide occurs to reduce suicide contagion. This presentation will help administrators and school support personnel increase their understanding of the incidence of suicide and the most common factors in youth suicide. Participants will learn effective strategies to prevent youth suicide and lessons from the aftermath of numerous suicides. The presentation will highlight key components from the suicide prevention toolkits that Dr. Poland developed for Texas, Maryland, Montana and Florida that emphasized best practices and provides many tools for schools to utilize. Key components are training all staff in the warning signs of suicide and developing referral procedures to school mental health professionals. How to access suicide risk at school, the importance of notifying parents, obtaining community services and developing re-entry procedures for a suicidal student returning from hospitalization will be shared. Role plays of screening a student for suicide risk and parent notification will be included in this training. Dr. Poland has served as an expert witness in many lawsuits against schools after a student suicide and will highlight the lessons for prevention from those cases. Bullying and Schools: Keys to prevention and intervention Non-Suicidal Self Injury: Critical Issues 2 hours School personnel and community agencies are increasingly faced with referrals of students who are engaging in self-injury, most referred to as NSSI. This module will provide practical guidelines about how to detect this behavior and intervene to support young people and will answer the question of whether students engaging in self-injury are suicidal. Dr. Poland will outline the many factors involved in this complex behavior and provide sample guidelines for schools, parents, and community. School roles in intervention, legal issues, and strategies to help students reduce their self-injurious behavior will be included in training. Educators Making the Difference for Students 1-3 hours The mental health needs of students because of the pandemic, the incidence of bullying, school violence, suicide, social media and trauma in general present a challenge for all educators. The U.S. Surgeon General released a recent report, Protecting th Mental Health of Our Youth. The recommendations for schools, parents, communities, and students from that report will be shared. Self-care has never been mor important for school staff and students and a model of self-care will be shared. Research has emphasized the need for all students to feel a connection to school and it is very important for each student to have a significant relationship with one or more adults at school. The warning signs of suicide and homicide will be outlined. Dr. Poland has focused on school violence prevention and youth suicide prevention for over 40 years and will share practical prevention information and lessons learned from interventions he led and from legal cases. Participants will learn the protective factors for youth outlined by the World Health Organization and the factors that were identified by the Carnegie Foundation that are essential for student success and resiliency. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 “We have had an amazing few days with Dr. Poland virtually. It has been so beneficial to have our community members hear from him. He helped us talk about a very important and sensitive topic with our students, parents, and faculty, and brought newfound awareness to the role of parents and school staff in caring for each other and for our students.” - Dr. Grace C. DODGE, 程上, Interim Head of School, Taipei American School “Scott’s presentation was exactly what our counselor group was seeking. He took his time answering all their questions and quickly followed the presentation with sending the resources he promised. We very much look forward to hosting him again in June with our administrator group.” - Lisa Menges, Director of Nonpublic School Services, Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Dr. Scott Poland is a Professor at the College of Psychology and is Director of the Suicide and Violence Prevention Office at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Poland is a licensed psychologist internationally recognized as an expert on youth suicide, self-injury, school violence, school safety, threat assessment and school crisis. He has authored or co-authored six books—including Suicide in Schools, published in 2015, and Lessons Learned from School Shootings, published in 2021—along with many chapters and articles on these subjects. He co-authored the Suicide Safer Schools Plan for the state of Texas, Montana, and Florida and directed psychological services for a large Texas school system for 24 years. The Florida STEPS (School Toolkit for Educators to Prevent Suicide) guide was shared with every school district in Florida in 2021. Dr. Poland is a past President of the National Association of School Psychologists, and past Prevention Division Director of the American Association of Suicidology. He has been an expert witness in numerous legal cases concerning suicide in schools and their communities. Dr. Poland is dedicated to prevention and has testified about the mental health needs of children before the U.S. Congress on four occasions. He is a founding member of the National Emergency Assistance Team and has personally assisted school communities following school shootings, acts of terrorism, natural disasters and numerous suicide clusters. Dr. Poland is known for his dynamic and practical presentations, which include many reallife experiences on the front line of crisis prevention, intervention, and postvention. While Dr. Poland is usually brought in to speak to administrators, faculty, staff, and parents, he also offers programs geared toward students on the following topics: School Safety, School Violence, Suicide Prevention, Bullying, Depression, Responsibility, and Decision Making & Future Success Factors. Dr. Poland has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Houston Wage Peace Award and the Parkland Helping the Community Heal Award. Book Dr. Poland TODAY!

Dr. Todd Savage is a nationally recognized authority on school safety, culturally responsive practices, and inclusion, dedicated to equipping educators with actionable strategies to foster safe, supportive learning environments. With a deep commitment to equity and student well-being, his programs empower school communities to proactively support all students. He brings practical insight from years of experience training school teams through PREPaRE crisis response workshops and delivering high-impact, inclusive education initiatives. Known for his collaborative and research-based approach, Dr. Savage stands out by blending expertise with empathy to create lasting change. His presentations are not only informative but transformative, making him a trusted voice for schools striving to meet the needs of every student. WHY Book Dr. Savage FOR YOUR EVENT? “Todd was a great presenter and our audience gained knowledge from the 2-day workshop. I had positive feedback from all of our attendees. I am happy to say that we learned many things and it brought up driving questions for me to take back to our administrators about how we handle crisis response. We would definitely have Todd back again.” —Becky Wiginton, Director of College and Career Readiness, Midlothian ISD WHO Books Dr. Savage ? Dr. Todd Savage’s compelling expertise and thoughtful presentation style have established him as a respected and in-demand speaker. Todd offers deep knowledge in school psychology and a strong, research-based commitment to inclusion and student well-being. Todd is a trusted choice for schools, districts, and organizations focused on creating safe, affirming, and trauma-informed educational environments. Recent audiences include: Katy Independent School District Midlothian Independent School District St. Paul Academy and Summit School Art and Science Academy Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Todd - book him today! BOOK TODAY DR. TODD SAVAGE Professor of School Psychology BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Savage TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Culture, Climate, & Community Leadership, Law, & Policy Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Support Identifying & Supporting At-Risk Students Intervention Strategies MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Trauma-Informed Practices Childhood Trauma & Adverse Experiences Inclusive School Safety Practices Special Education Considerations LGBTQ+ Safety 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 and Supporting Transgender and Gender Diverse Students in School (Standard 3-4 hour workshop, Minimum 1 ½ hour session, Up to an 8-hour workshop) The purpose of this session is to provide the participant with increased awareness and knowledge about gender diversity and schools; family matters about raising a transgender child and navigating the education system in this regard will also be presented. Finally, specific strategies participants can employ to support transgender and gender diverse students will be highlighted. Learning will be supported through direct instruction, large- and small-group work, and resources that can be employed to facilitate these processes. Session Objectives: To enhance participants’ awareness of gender identity and gender diversity matters in schools from multiple perspectives; To introduce tools participants can use not only to assess a system’s readiness to accommodate transgender and gender diverse students but to determine the support and transition needs of individual gender diverse youth; To highlight strategies participants can employ to support transgender and gender diverse students and to improve school climates as they pertain to gender diversity. PREPaRE Workshop #2 - Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools (3rd Edition) (Two Day 13-hour Workshop) This two-day workshop provides school-based mental health professionals and other school crisis intervention team members with the knowledge necessary to meet the mental health needs of students and staff following a school-associated crisis event. With updated research and crisis intervention strategies, this workshop teaches participants how to prevent and prepare for psychological trauma, reaffirm both the physical health of members of the school community and students’ perceptions that they are safe and secure, evaluate the degree of psychological trauma, respond to the psychological needs of members of the school community, and examine the effectiveness of school crisis intervention and recovery efforts. This workshop is an excellent course for all mental health professionals in your district who provide mental health crisis intervention services. This educator is also available to present the PREPaRE ToT (Training of Trainers) Workshops that correspond to the PREPaRE workshops described above. NOTE: The maximum number of participants is 45. There are additional fees of $55 per participant for materials that will be ordered directly from NASP. All materials are electronic, so there are no shipping fees. PREPaRE Workshop #1 - Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Prevention Through Recovery (3rd Edition) (One Day, 6.5-hour Workshop) In this newly updated workshop, participants will learn how to establish and sustain comprehensive school safety and crisis prevention and preparedness efforts. With updated research and strategies, this workshop makes a clearer connection between ongoing school safety and crisis preparedness. It also emphasizes the unique needs and functions of school teams and the steps involved in developing these teams, including a model that integrates school personnel and community provider roles. The PREPaRE model builds on existing personnel, resources and programs, and can be adapted to individual school needs and size. Finally, the workshop explores how to prepare for school crises by developing, exercising, and evaluating safety and crisis plans. This workshop is an excellent course for mental health and educational professionals working at all grade levels in your district that help establish a safe school climate and respond to crises. NOTE: The maximum number of participants is 100. There are additional fees of $45 per participant for materials that will be ordered directly from NASP. All materials are electronic, so there are no shipping fees. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 “Dr. Todd Savage was invaluable to our school in helping to broaden our understanding of gender diversity, to shape our school policies in support of gender diversity, and to educate our full community — parents, faculty/staff, students — with regard to this important topic. He led with sensitivity, openness, and compassion, both for his work and for the vast differences in opinion and understanding among his audience. As a consultant and partner in the work, his professionalism and deep understanding of the social, psychological, and political landscape, combined with a rich and nuanced understanding of child and adolescent development, continues to be a vital source of ongoing support and guidance for our community.” —S. Jill Romans, Ph.D., LP, Assistant Head of School: Student Development and Community Engagement, St. Paul Academy and Summit School “Todd did an excellent job. He connected with teachers in the audience and, as board chair, provided me with better understanding of the direction we need to take for training teachers and staff to achieve optimal student achievement. He also worked well with other speakers — the local Police Chief and the Mayor. A key measure of his effectiveness that I witnessed was his demeanor — he reached all, regardless of their beliefs, level of education, and socio-economic status.” —Suesan Mackert, Board Chair, Art and Science Academy Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Todd A. Savage, Ph.D., NCSP is a professor of school psychology, Department of Counseling and School Psychology, College of Education & Professional Studies, University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF). A first-generation college student, Todd earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and went on to earn master, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees in school psychology from the University of Kentucky, after having completed a pre-doctoral internship in the Omaha (NE) Public Schools. Todd taught at the University of Kentucky for two years before securing his first faculty position in school psychology at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico; he has been in his current position at UWRF since 2008. Todd has held several leadership positions in the National Association of Schools Psychologists (NASP), a 25,000-member strong professional organization, eventually serving as its 47th president during 2015-2016. Throughout his career, Todd has engaged in scholarly and service activities in the areas of culturally-responsive practice; school safety and crisis prevention, preparedness, and intervention; and LGBTQ+ matters they pertain to education. In fact, throughout the past five years, he has focused his energies on providing professional development for teachers, administrators, school-based mental health professionals, and other school personnel on understanding and supporting transgender and gender diverse students in schools. Book Dr. Savage TODAY!

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

Thank you for your interest in supporting Safe and Sound Schools®! There are so many ways to give back. Fundraisers are a fun way to increase community awareness and participation in school safety. All money received by Safe and Sound Schools® from third-party fundraisers goes directly toward the creation of free school safety tools and resources for schools. Host a FUNDRAISER Thank you for standing with us in our mission to protect every student, every school, every day ! Fundraisers help increase community awareness and cultivate community-wide participation in school safety. All money received by Safe and Sound Schools from third-party fundraisers goes directly toward the creation of free school safety tools and resources for schools. Bake sales Pancake breakfasts Donut Days Hat Days—Purchase a ticket to wear your favorite or crazy hat in school for a day! Fun runs Coin drives/Dollar drives Homework Pass raffles Raffle for Lunch with the Principal (favorite teacher or coach) at a local restaurant 5K’s Craft fairs Carnivals Paper Crane Drive Restaurant nights Silent Auctions To help make your fundraising efforts simple and impactful, we’ve put together a list of easy, fun ideas to get you started. Explore the suggestions below and then contact us to take the first step toward making a difference. Host a Fundraiser CONTACT US Used Book Sale Raffles Bingo nights—Maybe at the fire station? Invite the first responders! Car Washes Lollipop sales Novelty Pencils—Add a Safe School message! Snack Stands Raffle for a Ride-Along with the School Safety Officer or on the Fire Engine “Take a Step” for Safe and Sound Schools—purchase a footprint card for posting around the building or office—add a safety message! “Leading the Way” A Hike for Safer Schools to benefit Safe and Sound Giving Tuesday Each year during the season of giving—including Giving Tuesday—supporters across the country join us in advancing our mission of creating safe and sound schools. Share the donation link below or connect with us to explore more ways to give back, get involved, or bring safety programs to your community. Together, we can make a lasting impact where it matters most. GET INVOLVED DONATE NOW Facebook Fundraiser You can help create safer schools by starting your own Facebook Fundraiser in support of Safe and Sound Schools. It’s a simple but powerful way to raise awareness, rally your community, and make a meaningful impact—one share at a time. Click the link below to get started and turn your passion into action. GET STARTED

AJ DeAndrea is a nationally recognized expert in tactical response and school safety, known for his leadership in some of the most high-profile critical incidents in U.S. history. With decades of SWAT and law enforcement experience, he brings insight into what it takes to respond effectively when seconds count. AJ’s approach emphasizes preparation, communication, and strong partnerships between schools and first responders. Through engaging, real-world training and presentations, he equips school communities with the tools, mindset, and confidence needed to act decisively under pressure—making him a trusted voice for those committed to saving lives and strengthening emergency response. WHY Book AJ FOR YOUR EVENT? "At the FBI National Academy, we had the honor of hearing from A.J. DeAndrea and Madalena DeAndrea, who shared powerful stories that deeply resonated with all of us. A.J., a seasoned expert in active shooter response, provided insights from his experiences, including his response to the Columbine tragedy and other critical incidents. His daughter, Madalena, courageously recounted her survival during the Borderline Bar & Grill shooting in California. Her story of resilience and the life-saving lessons she learned from her father are nothing short of inspirational." -Scott Hughes, Chief of Police, Hamilton Township, Warren County, OH (via LinkedIn ) WHO Books AJ ? AJ DeAndrea connects with audiences by sharing decades of experience, mission-critical insights, and a powerful emphasis on preparation, accountability, and teamwork. His presentations cover topics such as active shooter response, law enforcement and school collaboration, crisis leadership, and building effective emergency plans that save lives when it matters most. Recent audiences AJ has spoken to include: FBINA Quantico FBINAA Baltimore IACP Boston IACP Denver Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by AJ - book him today! BOOK TODAY AJ DEANDREA Retired Police Chief & Tactical Lead Trainer BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING AJ TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Safety & Security Leadership, Law, & Policy Operations & Emergency Management Violence Prevention Strategies Physical Security & Risk Assessment Emergency Preparedness & Response Active Shooter Preparedness & Response Recovery & Resilience After Tragedy Turning Pain into Purpose Lessons Learned from Tragedy Signature PRESENTATIONS Click on the titles to learn more about each signature presentation and fill out the form below to book for your next event. Dark Nights of the Soul: When Terror Hits Home Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (Ret.) held leadership roles during three school shootings that forever changed the fabric of American society and transformed law enforcement’s response to active shooter incidents worldwide. These pivotal events—Columbine High School, Platte Canyon High School, and the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) shootings—form the foundation of this powerful presentation. AJ provides a candid, in-depth analysis of these tragedies, focusing not only on the challenges faced but also on the critical lessons learned. He explores the evolution of decision-making practices, the development of improved tactical responses, and the growing importance of mental health in prevention and recovery. From these experiences emerged the Eight Pillars of Awareness and Preparation, a framework designed to help communities reduce the likelihood of active shooter events and to respond more effectively should one occur. AJ brings multiple perspectives to this topic: Firsthand experience, having been inside the buildings during the Columbine, Platte Canyon, and YWAM shootings. Global tactical leadership, developing and teaching strategies to prevent and stop active shooter events worldwide. Personal perspective as a father, whose oldest daughter survived the 2018 Borderline Bar & Grill mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, which claimed 12 lives including that of Ventura County Sheriff’s Sergeant Ron Helus. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this presentation, attendees will be able to: Apply the Tactical Decision-Making Matrix (P.I.E.)—Priorities, Intelligence, and Environment—to real-world scenarios. Understand and implement the Eight Pillars of Awareness and Preparation to prevent, mitigate, and effectively manage active shooter events. Foster a resilient and supportive mental health culture within their agencies. Apply protective factors in their personal and professional lives to strengthen resilience in the aftermath of trauma. Platte Canyon High School Hostage and Shooting Incident This presentation offers an in-depth examination of the Platte Canyon High School hostage and shooting incident, a tragedy that significantly influenced both American society and the way law enforcement and schools approach active shooter preparedness worldwide. Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (Ret.) brings a unique perspective, having served in leadership roles during three school shootings: Columbine High School, Platte Canyon High School, and the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) shooting. His insights merge tactical expertise with personal experience, providing a rare and powerful account of these defining events. As one of the team leaders during the Platte Canyon incident, Deputy Chief DeAndrea entered third during the rescue operation. What began as an active shooter event evolved into a hostage crisis. After negotiations failed, the team executed a multiple-point explosive breach entry, successfully rescuing one student while tragically losing Emily Keyes. The suspect was neutralized in the operation. DeAndrea concludes with reflections not only as a law enforcement leader but also as a father. His oldest daughter survived the 2018 Borderline Bar & Grill mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, which claimed 12 lives, including Ventura County Sheriff’s Sergeant Ron Helus. This personal connection gives him a profound understanding of the enduring impact these events leave on survivors, families, and communities. These experiences have shaped the development of the Eight Pillars of Awareness and Preparation, a framework designed to help communities and agencies prevent, respond to, and manage active shooter incidents more effectively Youth With A Mission (YWAM) School Shooting This presentation provides an in-depth examination of the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) school shooting, a tragedy that shaped how law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services approach active shooter preparedness across the nation and beyond. Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (Ret.) brings a unique perspective, having served in leadership roles during three school shootings: Columbine High School, Platte Canyon High School, and YWAM. His insights combine tactical expertise with lived experience, offering a rare and powerful account of these defining moments in modern law enforcement. While serving as a patrol sergeant, Deputy Chief DeAndrea responded to the YWAM shooting, where four individuals were shot—two fatally. He coordinated the entry, oversaw the evacuation of victims, and directed SWAT’s subsequent search for the suspect. The gunman later reemerged in Colorado Springs, killing two more victims at New Life Church before taking his own life. DeAndrea concludes by reflecting not only as a law enforcement leader but also as a father. His oldest daughter survived the 2018 Borderline Bar & Grill mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, which claimed 12 lives, including Ventura County Sheriff’s Sergeant Ron Helus. This deeply personal experience gives him a profound understanding of the lasting impact such tragedies have on survivors, families, and entire communities. These lessons and experiences informed the development of the Eight Pillars of Awareness and Preparation, a framework designed to help communities and agencies prevent, respond to, and manage active shooter incidents more effectively. Columbine High School Shooting Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (Ret.) provides a powerful account of his role as one of the SWAT entry team leaders during the first and second interior sweeps of Columbine High School. He delivers a tactical debrief coupled with a first-hand perspective from one of the most significant active shooter events in history—an event that profoundly reshaped American society and transformed law enforcement responses worldwide. With experience in three school shootings—Columbine High School, Platte Canyon High School, and Youth With A Mission (YWAM)—Deputy Chief DeAndrea brings unmatched insight, blending tactical expertise with deeply personal experiences. His presentation offers a rare, candid look at the challenges of leadership in moments of crisis. The session begins with an introduction to the P.I.E. Tactical Decision-Making Matrix (Priorities, Intelligence, Environment), a framework DeAndrea created for SWAT team leaders and later adopted as an operational philosophy by his agency. He then transitions into a tactical debrief of Columbine, examining the realities of the incident, the decisions made, and the lessons learned. Deputy Chief DeAndrea concludes with reflections not only as a law enforcement leader but also as a father. His oldest daughter survived the 2018 Borderline Bar & Grill mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, which claimed 12 lives, including Ventura County Sheriff’s Sergeant Ron Helus. This personal experience gives him a profound understanding of the enduring impact these tragedies leave on survivors, families, and communities. These hard-earned lessons helped shape the creation of the Eight Pillars of Awareness and Preparation—a framework designed to equip communities and agencies to prevent, respond to, and manage active shooter incidents more effectively. When Terror Hits Home: The Colorado School Massacres This presentation provides an in-depth examination of the Columbine High School, Platte Canyon High School, and Youth With a Mission (YWAM) shootings—tragic events that profoundly altered both American society and global law enforcement responses to active shooter incidents. Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (Retired) brings a unique perspective, having served in key leadership roles during all three events. His insights combine tactical expertise with deeply personal experiences, offering a rare and powerful account of these defining moments. The day begins with an introduction to the PIE Tactical Decision-Making Matrix, a framework developed by Deputy Chief DeAndrea for SWAT team leaders and later adopted as the operational philosophy of his agency. Columbine High School: Deputy Chief DeAndrea recounts his role as the SWAT entry team leader during the first interior sweep of the school, providing a tactical debrief and f irst-hand perspective from one of the most significant active shooter events in history. Platte Canyon High School: Serving as one of the team leaders, Deputy Chief DeAndrea entered third during the rescue operation. Initially an active shooter event, it evolved into a hostage crisis. After negotiations broke down, the team executed a multiple-point explosive breach, rescuing one student while tragically losing Emily Keyes. The suspect was also neutralized during the operation. Youth With a Mission (YWAM): While serving as a patrol sergeant, Deputy Chief DeAndrea responded to this shooting, which left four victims shot—two fatally. He coordinated the entry, evacuation of victims, and SWAT’s subsequent search for the suspect. The gunman later resurfaced in Colorado Springs, killing two more victims at New Life Church before taking his own life. Deputy Chief DeAndrea concludes by reflecting not only as a law enforcement leader but also as a father. His daughter survived the 2018 Borderline Bar & Grill mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, giving him a deeply personal understanding of the lasting impact of these tragedies. These experiences have shaped the development of the Eight Pillars of Awareness and Preparation, a framework designed to help communities and agencies prevent, respond to, and manage active shooter incidents more effectively. Mindset and Tactical Decision-Making This presentation provides a powerful exploration of the mindset required to effectively respond to active school violence and other critical incidents. Drawing from first-hand experiences in three of the most defining active shooter tragedies in modern history—Columbine High School, Platte Canyon High School, and Youth With A Mission (YWAM)—Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (Ret.) delivers an authentic, boots-on-the-ground perspective that few can offer. AJ shares the hard-learned lessons of operating in life-or-death environments where decisions must be made in seconds, often with incomplete information and under extreme stress. Central to this discussion is the P.I.E. Tactical Decision-Making Matrix—Priorities, Intelligence, and Environment—a framework he created for SWAT team leaders and later adopted as the operational philosophy for his agency. This decision-making tool provides responders with clarity and structure in the midst of chaos, ensuring that actions remain focused, adaptable, and effective. Beyond tactical decision-making, AJ emphasizes the mindset of resilience and leadership that today’s law enforcement professionals must adopt. He examines the psychological toll of these events on responders, survivors, and communities, underscoring the critical need for cultivating mental toughness and fostering a positive mental health culture within agencies. This presentation equips participants with insights that transcend tactics—lessons on leadership, adaptability, and recovery that can be taken back to their own agencies and applied in daily operations. AJ also shares his personal journey, including his perspective as a father whose oldest daughter survived the 2018 Borderline Bar & Grill mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California. This lived experience reinforces the importance of preparedness not only as professionals, but as parents, community members, and leaders. Learning Outcomes Participants will leave this presentation able to: Apply the P.I.E. Tactical Decision-Making Matrix to real-world situations. Understand how mindset influences performance and decision-making under stress. Incorporate lessons learned from Columbine, Platte Canyon, and YWAM into their own agency training and culture. Foster resilience and strengthen mental health practices within their organizations. Lead with clarity and conviction during times of crisis. Reintegration: Supporting Law Enforcement Through Critical Incident Recovery This presentation provides an in-depth exploration of reintegration and recovery for law enforcement professionals following critical incidents. Drawing from decades of experience responding to high-profile active shooter events—including Columbine High School, Platte Canyon High School, and Youth With A Mission (YWAM)—Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (Ret.) shares firsthand insights into the mental health challenges faced by officers and first responders in the aftermath of trauma. Deputy Chief DeAndrea emphasizes the three obligations of leadership to their personnel: Preparation: Ensuring employees are mentally, tactically, and emotionally ready before a critical incident occurs. This includes instilling the right mindset, providing realistic training, equipping personnel with appropriate tactics and tools, and fostering confidence in their ability to perform under pressure. Presence: Being fully engaged and supportive during and immediately after the incident. Leaders must provide guidance, insight, and reassurance, advocating for their team while ensuring facts and circumstances are carefully assessed. Sustained Support: Helping personnel navigate the long-term effects of critical incidents and supporting their continued growth throughout their careers. Leaders play a vital role in ensuring employees feel valued, understood, and capable of reintegration into their teams and communities. The presentation introduces a three-pronged reintegration program designed to facilitate recovery and organizational resilience: Administrative Oversight: Structured processes and policies to guide individual’s post incident management and accountability. Departmental Support: Peer and leadership engagement to provide emotional support, mentorship, and team cohesion. Personal Growth: Individual-focused strategies for mental health, resiliency, and professional development, ensuring that affected personnel can reintegrate successfully and continue to thrive in their careers. Through this framework, participants will learn practical strategies to re-onboard and socialize personnel impacted by critical incidents, build organizational resilience, and foster a culture that prioritizes mental health, tactical readiness, and long-term success. Deputy Chief DeAndrea combines tactical expertise with a profound understanding of the psychological impact of trauma, offering leaders actionable tools to guide their teams safely through crisis and beyond. Learning Outcomes Participants will be able to: Understand the three obligations of leadership in preparing, supporting, and sustaining personnel through critical incidents. Implement the three-pronged reintegration program at an administrative, departmental, and personal level. Apply lessons learned from high-profile incidents to strengthen mental health support, resilience, and team cohesion. Develop strategies to support personnel in navigating trauma, maintaining operational readiness, and continuing professional growth. The Tenets of P.I.E.: A Tactical Decision-Making Matrix Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (Ret.) held leadership roles during three school shootings that forever changed the fabric of American society and transformed law enforcement’s response to active shooter incidents worldwide: Columbine High School, Platte Canyon High School, and the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) shootings. These pivotal events, along with extensive realworld experience, form the foundation of the P.I.E. Tactical Decision-Making Matrix—a framework now utilized by law enforcement agencies, school districts, and corporations worldwide to guide decision-making under pressure. The P.I.E. Matrix—Priorities, Intelligence, and Environment—was originally developed by Deputy Chief DeAndrea to help officers make solid, life-saving decisions in high-stress situations. It was then introduced to SWAT team leaders and later adopted as an operational philosophy across multiple agencies. The framework emphasizes: Priorities – identifying and focusing on the most critical objectives during an incident. Intelligence – gathering, assessing, and applying actionable information to make informed tactical decisions. Environment – adapting to the dynamic circumstances, terrain, and situational factors in real time. This decision-making tool provides responders with clarity, structure, and adaptability in the midst of chaos, ensuring actions remain focused, coordinated, and effective. Beyond tactical applications, P.I.E. serves as a universal framework for leadership, crisis management, and organizational preparedness, empowering individuals and teams to navigate uncertainty with confidence and precision. Through examples from Columbine, Platte Canyon, YWAM, and other real world incidents participants gain rare insight into how this framework has been applied in life-or-death situations, offering practical lessons that can be implemented across agencies, organizations, and communities to strengthen decision-making, leadership, and resilience. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 "At the FBI National Academy, we had the honor of hearing from A.J. DeAndrea and Madalena DeAndrea, who shared powerful stories that deeply resonated with all of us. A.J., a seasoned expert in active shooter response, provided insights from his experiences, including his response to the Columbine tragedy and other critical incidents. His daughter, Madalena, courageously recounted her survival during the Borderline Bar & Grill shooting in California. Her story of resilience and the life-saving lessons she learned from her father are nothing short of inspirational." -Scott Hughes, Chief of Police, Hamilton Township, Warren County, OH (via LinkedIn ) Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY AJ DeAndrea is a nationally recognized law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience in tactical operations, school safety, and crisis response. As a SWAT Team leader and first responder to multiple high-profile active shooter events—including Columbine High School, Platte Canyon High School, and the Youth With a Mission/New Life Church shootings—AJ brings unmatched firsthand insight into critical incident management. He is the founder and CEO of Centurio Training and Consulting, where he provides specialized training for schools, law enforcement, and organizations across the country. AJ is known for bridging the gap between tactical response and school-based preparedness, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and decisive action under pressure. His signature keynote, Dark Nights of the Soul: When Terror Hits Home, delivers powerful lessons from real-world experiences and equips audiences with practical tools for crisis planning and response. AJ’s work has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and other national agencies, and he continues to serve as a trusted advisor on school safety and emergency readiness. His training style is clear, compelling, and rooted in lived experience—making him one of the most sought-after voices in school safety today. Book AJ TODAY! Testimonials

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

Introducing our newest program Especially Safe®! We created this program to help safety planning teams address the safety and security needs of all members of the community. Learn more about the program and how you can plan and prepare, and teach and train to meet the special needs of students, staff, and visitors in your school community – from developmental disabilities to communication challenges, medical needs to mobility challenges, and more. Especially SAFE A Safe and Sound Schools signature program developed in honor of founder Michele Gay's daughter Josephine Grace, Staying Safe empowers schools to support all student populations, no matter their developmental abilities and needs. Contact us today to learn how you can bring this inclusive training to your school. GET TRAINING Take Action These free resources will help you explore and implement our Especially Safe program. If you need assistance on implementing Especially Safe in your school, district or community, contact us to inquire about hosting a training. DOWNLOAD PREP GUIDE DOWNLOAD TRAINING GUIDE Especially SAFE Especially Safe equips multidisciplinary teams to meet the safety and security needs of every individual in the school community. At Safe and Sound, we are dedicated to ensuring that all students feel safe, supported, and included. Contact us today to bring this inclusive training to your campus. GET TRAINING You Asked, We Delivered! The Especially Safe Planning and Preparation Guide now features a fillable PDF for the Individual Safety Plan (ISP). No more printing or handwriting — it's free, easy to use, and ready for your computer! DOWNLOAD PREP GUIDE WHAT IS Especially Safe? On December 14, 2012, Safe and Sound Schools' founder Michele Gay's youngest daughter, Josephine Grace, died in the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary. Joey was an extraordinary child in so many ways. Her amazing energy, beautiful smile and kind spirit made her loved by all who knew her. She also had many “special needs” as a student with autism, apraxia of speech, gross motor impairment, and other developmental disorders. We like to say that she was “especially special.” Since Joey’s death, Michele has worked to build a legacy in her honor – a mission to improve the safety of our school communities, filling in the gaps in existing safety planning strategies and ensuring that children like Joey are able to grow up to be the amazing people they were meant to be. A cornerstone of that work is Especially Safe. Through the Especially Safe Program, we detail how teams can plan and prepare, as well as teach and train, to meet the special needs of students, staff, and visitors in your school community – from developmental disabilities to communication challenges, medical needs to mobility challenges, and more. With inclusive planning, we can create a culture of safety and security for all children, students, parents, and staff to depend on in emergencies of all kinds. DOWNLOAD PREP GUIDE DOWNLOAD TRAINING GUIDE PROGRAM Highlights Designed with multidisciplinary school safety teams and emergency managers in mind, Especially Safe: Ensures that teams develop strategies to meet the diverse safety needs of all stakeholders within the educational community Considers federal regulations that apply to all members of a community equally, including vulnerable populations within the community Leverages the TEAMS Framework for inclusive safety to help teams consider and plan for the safety of all community members Allows multidisciplinary teams to consider individuals who have access and functional needs and are serviced through programs, but also to look beyond these programs to identify other safety needs that may exist Utilizes a collaborative planning process that allows specific needs to be identified by those who know and work with the individual so that required accommodations for the individual can be planned for Provides for a formal plan to be developed, shared, and allows for regular review and changes to the plan as needed TRAINING Details The Especially Safe training program is filled with hands-on activities and discussions to prepare individuals to implement this program with high fidelity. The training covers: Understanding and using the TEAMS Framework to organize and prepare for the needs of community members such as students, staff, volunteers, parents, delivery personnel, substitutes, and guests How to gather information about the specific needs of community members and develop accommodations utilizing an Individual Safety Planning Team A collaborative planning process which equips Individual Safety Planning Teams to develop Individualized Safety Plans based on a set of identified criteria Instruction on best practices in terms of sharing, reviewing and updating the Individual Safety Plans REQUEST TRAINING Not ready for training yet? We invite you to dive deeper into Especially Safe with the Program Guide and Implementation Resources below! PROGRAM Guide Here, you will find all the details related to our Especially Safe Program. This resource includes: How the program is mapped to our Comprehensive Approach to School Safety How planning teams can engage in the development of emergency operations plans that cover all hazards (fire, active assailant, weather, etc.) and all phases (prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery) of emergency management, while also ensuring that plans serve all members of the community. DOWNLOAD PREP GUIDE TOOLS TO Get Started Resources and Supports to Facilitate Implementation of Especially Safe Planning Templates & Tools Essential Questions for Inclusive Planning Checklist This comprehensive checklist highlights important questions in various areas that must be considered when planning for all individuals. Inclusive Safety Planning Survey Provides multidisciplinary teams a standardized way to identify and gather information on who may need an Individualized Safety Plan. Individual Safety Plan Template Planning teams can use this template to get started on building comprehensive Individualized Safety Plans. Individual Safety Plan (Hazard/Protocol-Specific Template) Planning teams can use this template to build hazard- and protocol-specific Individual Safety Plans. Individual Go-Kit Checklist This checklist allows teams to develop go-kits with specific individualized supplies that individuals may need to carry out their safety plan. Classroom Activities & Discussion Guides Introduction: Safe to be Me Safe to be Me: Demonstrate to learners what it means to be safe, feel safe, and how being safe helps us learn and grow. Help is All Around Me Show learners how to identify helpers in our community and how they have the tools to keep us safe. I Can Speak Up for Safety Equip learners to identify safety concerns and how to tell a helper about those concerns. Telling Not Tattling Help learners understand the importance of reporting safety concerns to a trusted adult. Fire Safety Teach learners the importance of fire safety and evacuation protocols. Wind and Weather Safety Highlight various types of severe weather and safety protocols to stay safe. People and Animal Safety Prepare learners to identify their “Stay Safe Choices” or actions in the event that an unsafe person/people or animal is inside or outside. Earthquake Safety Enable learners to recognize that an earthquake can be a safety situation and how “drop, cover, and hold” can be used as a safety strategy. MEET THE AUTHORS & LEAD TRAINERS Ben Fernandez Contributing Author Lorem Ipsum Michele Gay Contributing Author Lorem Ipsum Joseph McKenna Contributing Author Lorem Ipsum Dive Deeper Learn more about Especially Safe and how it can help your meet the special needs of students, staff, and visitors in your school community. LEARN MORE 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!

Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Dr. Savahanna Wagner has dedicated the last 15 years of her career to emergency preparedness and school safety, combining her medical expertise with a commitment to improving trauma response in educational settings. As co-founder of Rescue in Color, she co-developed an intuitive, color-coded bleeding control system designed to empower anyone within a school environment to act swiftly and effectively during life-threatening emergencies. Dr. Wagner's work emphasizes the importance of proactive, hands-on training and equipping school communities with the tools and confidence to respond to critical incidents. Her approach fosters a culture of preparedness and shared responsibility, ensuring that safety measures are accessible and actionable for everyone. WHY Book Savahanna FOR YOUR EVENT? "Savahanna brings an entirely different perspective as the doctor, and having [Rescue in Color] train and talk to you, you truly have experts in the field. They have the whole gamut covered from first responder to law enforcement to medical staff. Their wealth of knowledge is absolutely amazing." —Missy Dodds, Survivor of the Red Lake High School Shooting WHO Books Savahanna ? Savahanna’s speaking style is energetic, approachable, and deeply rooted in real-world emergency response experience. She connects with audiences through clear, practical instruction, relatable scenarios, and a strong focus on empowering everyday people to take lifesaving action in moments of crisis. Her presentations cover topics such as trauma-informed emergency preparedness, bleeding control, school-based crisis response, and building a culture of confident, capable responders across the school community. Recent audiences Savahanna has spoken to include: Northeast School Safety Summit Gangs, Guns, and School Violence Prevention Summit (Vancouver, BC) Midwest School Safety Summit Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Dr. Wagner - book her today! BOOK TODAY DR. SAVAHANNA WAGNER Co-Founder Rescue in Color Emergency Medical Expert BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Savahanna TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Health & Wellness Operations & Emergency Management Safety & Security Physical Security & Risk Assessment School Shooters: Profiles & Prevention Emergency Preparedness & Response Stop the Bleed Trauma-Informed Practices 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. 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 "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 "Dr. Wagner actually sat on the district crisis committee and we were implementing Rescue in Color into a number of our schools trying to be able to make sure that they were easily accessible for emergency situations should a tragic event ever happen." -Nathan Flansburg, Superintendent PACT Charter Schools Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Dr. Savahanna Wagner is an Internal Medicine physician, international speaker, and co-founder of Rescue in Color, a pioneering women-owned company focused on school safety through intuitive, color-coded bleeding control kits and innovative training programs. With nearly 20 years of experience in emergency medical services, disaster medicine, and healthcare preparedness, Dr. Wagner brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, public health insight, and heartfelt advocacy to her work. She began her career at age 18 as an EMT in rural Indiana and went on to serve in leadership roles in EMS training, trauma and injury prevention, and hospital emergency preparedness. She has coordinated crisis planning efforts among hospital systems, public health departments, and regional emergency management partners, and helped lead mass casualty and disaster response trainings across the Midwest. Dr. Wagner holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she also developed and implemented a disaster triage curriculum that remains part of the core medical education program. She also earned a Master of Public Health from University College Dublin, where she served as the university’s Ambassador to the Irish Forum on Global Health, and a Master of Science in Biology from Purdue University. Today, Dr. Wagner works as a hospital-based Internist in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She leads overnight rapid response teams, trains medical students and residents, and serves on her hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Committee. Her research has been published in JACC, Transplantation Proceedings, and Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery. She has presented nationally on disaster resilience, transplant equity, and innovations in care delivery. Inspired by her role as a mother, Dr. Wagner co-founded Rescue in Color to bring evidence-based, approachable emergency response tools into schools and community settings. The company’s intuitive, color-coded bleeding control kits are designed to empower everyday bystanders—including teachers and students—to act confidently in life-threatening emergencies. Rescue in Color has earned recognition from state-level boards of education, national school safety organizations, and education leaders across the country. The company was also awarded the prestigious EmpowHer Grant by the Boundless Futures Foundation in recognition of its mission-driven impact. Dr. Wagner’s mission is rooted in the belief that preparedness is not about instilling fear, but about empowering people to act. Through her clinical work, public speaking, and advocacy, she continues to inspire communities to turn knowledge into life-saving action. Book Savahanna TODAY! Testimonials

Bright Futures brings together communities to meet basic needs and create new opportunities for children to thrive. Bright Futures Bright Futures brings together communities to meet basic needs and create new opportunities for children to thrive. Now one of Safe and Sound’s signature programs, Bright Futures brings together faith-based organizations, human services agencies, and businesses in partnership with families and schools for a shared purpose: to quickly meet basic needs and create new opportunities for children and youth so they can succeed in school and beyond. What started as a locally led initiative in Joplin, MO, has now become a national effort that serves more than 70 communities in 8 states, supporting the health, wellness, and safety of over 250,000 students nationwide. Next Item Previous Item

Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Dr. Savahanna Wagner has dedicated the last 15 years of her career to emergency preparedness and school safety, combining her medical expertise with a commitment to improving trauma response in educational settings. As co-founder of Rescue in Color, she co-developed an intuitive, color-coded bleeding control system designed to empower anyone within a school environment to act swiftly and effectively during life-threatening emergencies. Dr. Wagner's work emphasizes the importance of proactive, hands-on training and equipping school communities with the tools and confidence to respond to critical incidents. Her approach fosters a culture of preparedness and shared responsibility, ensuring that safety measures are accessible and actionable for everyone. WHY Book Savahanna FOR YOUR EVENT? "Savahanna brings an entirely different perspective as the doctor, and having [Rescue in Color] train and talk to you, you truly have experts in the field. They have the whole gamut covered from first responder to law enforcement to medical staff. Their wealth of knowledge is absolutely amazing." —Missy Dodds, Survivor of the Red Lake High School Shooting WHO Books Savahanna ? Savahanna’s speaking style is energetic, approachable, and deeply rooted in real-world emergency response experience. She connects with audiences through clear, practical instruction, relatable scenarios, and a strong focus on empowering everyday people to take lifesaving action in moments of crisis. Her presentations cover topics such as trauma-informed emergency preparedness, bleeding control, school-based crisis response, and building a culture of confident, capable responders across the school community. Recent audiences Savahanna has spoken to include: Northeast School Safety Summit Gangs, Guns, and School Violence Prevention Summit (Vancouver, BC) Midwest School Safety Summit Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Dr. Wagner - book her today! BOOK TODAY DR. SAVAHANNA WAGNER Co-Founder Rescue in Color Emergency Medical Expert BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Savahanna TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Health & Wellness Operations & Emergency Management Safety & Security Physical Security & Risk Assessment School Shooters: Profiles & Prevention Emergency Preparedness & Response Stop the Bleed Trauma-Informed Practices 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. 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 "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 "Dr. Wagner actually sat on the district crisis committee and we were implementing Rescue in Color into a number of our schools trying to be able to make sure that they were easily accessible for emergency situations should a tragic event ever happen." -Nathan Flansburg, Superintendent PACT Charter Schools Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Dr. Savahanna Wagner is an Internal Medicine physician, international speaker, and co-founder of Rescue in Color, a pioneering women-owned company focused on school safety through intuitive, color-coded bleeding control kits and innovative training programs. With nearly 20 years of experience in emergency medical services, disaster medicine, and healthcare preparedness, Dr. Wagner brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, public health insight, and heartfelt advocacy to her work. She began her career at age 18 as an EMT in rural Indiana and went on to serve in leadership roles in EMS training, trauma and injury prevention, and hospital emergency preparedness. She has coordinated crisis planning efforts among hospital systems, public health departments, and regional emergency management partners, and helped lead mass casualty and disaster response trainings across the Midwest. Dr. Wagner holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she also developed and implemented a disaster triage curriculum that remains part of the core medical education program. She also earned a Master of Public Health from University College Dublin, where she served as the university’s Ambassador to the Irish Forum on Global Health, and a Master of Science in Biology from Purdue University. Today, Dr. Wagner works as a hospital-based Internist in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She leads overnight rapid response teams, trains medical students and residents, and serves on her hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Committee. Her research has been published in JACC, Transplantation Proceedings, and Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery. She has presented nationally on disaster resilience, transplant equity, and innovations in care delivery. Inspired by her role as a mother, Dr. Wagner co-founded Rescue in Color to bring evidence-based, approachable emergency response tools into schools and community settings. The company’s intuitive, color-coded bleeding control kits are designed to empower everyday bystanders—including teachers and students—to act confidently in life-threatening emergencies. Rescue in Color has earned recognition from state-level boards of education, national school safety organizations, and education leaders across the country. The company was also awarded the prestigious EmpowHer Grant by the Boundless Futures Foundation in recognition of its mission-driven impact. Dr. Wagner’s mission is rooted in the belief that preparedness is not about instilling fear, but about empowering people to act. Through her clinical work, public speaking, and advocacy, she continues to inspire communities to turn knowledge into life-saving action. Book Savahanna TODAY!

WHY Book Dave FOR YOUR EVENT? WHO Books Dave ? BOOK TODAY DAVE OKADA President, Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dave TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include 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. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Book Dave TODAY! Testimonials