Natalie Hammond is a survivor of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and dedicated advocate for school safety. As Lead Teacher in the building on December 14th, 2012, Natalie is known for her deeply personal and insightful perspective on school safety and crisis response. Emphasizing the importance of preparedness, emotional resilience, and fostering a supportive, safety-first school culture, she shares her story and provides practical guidance on how schools can better prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. Natalie’s firsthand experience and continued dedication to K-12 education make her an invaluable resource for schools and organizations committed to creating safer, more supportive environments for students and staff. WHY Book Natalie FOR YOUR EVENT? “It was fantastic. Natalie was very accommodating and is a wonderful educator. She told her story in a way that inspired others and offered suggestions and guidance on how to improve our safety plans. I would love to have her back to speak to our entire school district.” —Michael Lewis, Director of Student Services, Halifax County Public Schools WHO Books Natalie ? Natalie’s compelling presence and authentic voice make her a standout speaker in the field of school safety. Known for her thoughtful delivery and powerful storytelling, she brings a rare blend of lived experience and practical insight to every audience. Frequently invited to keynote conferences and lead professional trainings, Natalie equips educators and leaders with the tools to foster preparedness, resilience, and a culture of care. She is a trusted choice for schools and organizations committed to meaningful, lasting change in school safety and crisis response. Recent audiences and conferences include: Halifax County Public Schools Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Texas State University Texas Region 3 Education Service Center (ESC) Lake County Regional Office of Education Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Jessup University Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Natalie Hammond – book her today! BOOK TODAY NATALIE HAMMOND Elementary Principal and Sandy Hook School Shooting Survivor BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Natalie TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Culture, Climate & Community Leadership, Law & Policy Leader-care/Self-care Violence Prevention Strategies 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. Resiliency in the Aftermath 45-90 Minute Keynote up to Half-Day Workshop Natalie taught third grade at Sandy Hook Elementary for thirteen years before becoming the Lead Teacher in the building. In a morning meeting on December 14, 2012, she heard alarming sounds outside of the main office. She, along with the Principal and School Psychologist, confronted the unknown. Although wounded multiple times during the attack, Natalie survived her injuries. She now serves as Principal in a PreK-4 elementary school in Connecticut. Since the tragedy, she works with groups around the country to discuss resiliency in the face of adversity and the importance of communication and collaboration when developing safety plans. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 "Natalie was beyond wonderful, both to work with and in regard to her presentation. Thank you for your help in facilitating her being there." —Shellie Evers, Center for School & Campus Safety Supervisor, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services “The presentation was extremely well done. I have received very positive feedback from the faculty and staff. Thank you for helping us to coordinate everything. She was outstanding! The content and presentation pacing were excellent.” —Brigette Matson, DuBois Area School District Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Natalie Hammond taught third grade at Sandy Hook Elementary for thirteen years before becoming the Lead Teacher in the building. In a morning meeting on December 14, 2012, she heard alarming sounds outside of the main office. She, along with the Principal and School Psychologist, confronted the unknown. Although wounded multiple times during the attack, Natalie survived her injuries. She now serves as Principal in a K-4 elementary school in Connecticut. Since the tragedy, she works with groups around the country to discuss resiliency in the face of adversity, the importance of communication and collaboration when developing safety plans, and the necessity for social-emotional learning to be embedded into our daily practice as educators. Book Natalie TODAY! Testimonials

Melissa Reeves, Ph.D., NCSP, LPC, is a leader and advocate in school safety, mental health, and crisis prevention and response. With decades of experience as a school psychologist, licensed professional counselor, and educator, and international advisor, she empowers educators and school communities to build systems that are proactive, trauma-informed, and deeply student-centered. A past president of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and co-author of the PREPaRE curriculum, Dr. Reeves brings globally recognized leadership to her work, challenging schools to embrace a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to prevention and crisis response. With a deep commitment to student well-being, Melissa equips her audiences with the knowledge and tools they need to support safer, healthier learning environments. WHY Book Dr. Reeves FOR YOUR EVENT? “Dr. Melissa Reeves has conducted dozens of workshops for both state and national conference that I have organized. She consistently receives the highest feedback from workshop attendees and carefully crafts her presentations to the specific needs of the audience. Dr. Reeves delivers her presentations with much enthusiasm and incorporates activities that target adult learning styles. She is a repeat workshop presenter due to high demand, participant request, and a proven track record.” - Anthony M. Adamowksi, M.Ed., Senior Manager - School Psychology, Chicago Public Schools WHO Books Dr. Reeves ? Dr. Reeves’ presentations are firmly grounded in decades of research and front-line experience. She engages international audiences with practical strategies, relatable case examples, and a calm, confident presence that fosters learning and reflection. Her presentations focus on topics such as school-based crisis prevention and response, trauma-informed practices, behavioral threat assessment, and building mental health supports that strengthen school safety and student resilience. Recent audiences Melissa has spoken to include: Michigan State Police Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Chicago Public Schools Rock Hill School District Houston Independent School District Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association for Special Education Gangs, Guns, and School Violence Prevention Summit (Vancouver, BC) Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Dr. Reeves - book her today! BOOK TODAY DR. MELISSA REEVES Former President of the National Association of School Psychologists BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Reeves TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Culture, Climate, & Policy Leadership, Law, & Policy Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Support Identifying & Supporting At-Risk Students Intervention Strategies MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Leader-care/Self-care Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Violence Prevention Strategies Best Practices for Drills 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. Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM): Best Practices for K-12 Schools 6 - 6.5 hours This workshop will focus on the process and procedures needed to establish a consistent school/district-wide approach to behavioral threat assessment and management. The roles and responsibilities of a multidisciplinary team following best practices established by the United States Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (USSS/NTAC) and United States Department of Education will be taught. In addition, current statistics, legal cases, post-incident reviews, early identification of warning signs, primary prevention strategies to "break the code of silence”; screening and assessment procedures; and strategies for interventions, postventions, and working with difficult parents will be integrated. Case study examples and forms will also be shared to illustrate the process. This workshop accompanies the book authored by Dr. Reeves titled Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management. Participants will learn: how to establish a consistent school/district-wide approach to BTAM using the 8-steps identified by USSS/NTAC the critical risk factors and warning signs contributing to risk best practice guidelines and lessons learned from prior legal cases reports primary prevention strategies to break the code of silence how to assess risk using best practice guidelines and procedures established by the US Secret Service and US Dept of Education strategies for interventions and postvention strategies for working with difficult parents how to conduct a BTAM screening and full assessment utilizing case study examples It is highly recommended that school/district BTAM teams attend the training together. Critical team members include administrators (principals/assistant principals/deans), school psychologists, counselors, social workers, school resource officers, and law enforcement. Other important professionals also include behavioral interventionists, special education professionals/case managers, nurses, and community mental health professionals and law enforcement officers providing services in the schools and/or those who may help work threat assessment cases. Advanced Threat Assessment Training 3 – 3.5-hour training Can be combined with Best Practices for a Defensible Process and/or Special Education Considerations, see below, to make a 4.5 – 6.5 hour/full day workshop This workshop will examine the most current research and recommendations to ensure your school’s threat assessment process incorporates the most recent best practice guidelines. Participants will learn current best practices, the importance of investigating social media posts, and how our own biases can cloud judgment. In addition, post incident reports will be reviewed that provide an analysis of lessons learned from prior threat assessment cases and school shootings. Dr. Reeves will also share lessons learned from her experience in serving as an expert witness in court cases involving threat assessment and targeted school violence. Important findings will be discussed with an emphasis on the role of the school mental health professionals and SRO’s, the critical importance of establishing a multi-disciplinary threat assessment team, and the systemic barriers that complicated information sharing, documentation, and follow-up planning and supports. Participants will also analyze the reports to identify risk factors, warning signs, and missed opportunities for intervention. Specific recommendations for improving the fidelity of implementation of best practice threat assessment protocols will be provided. This workshop accompanies the book authored by Dr. Reeves titled Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management: K-12 Schools. Participants will: identify current best practices to improve their school’s threat assessment process learn the importance of searching for online threatening social media posts identify the impact biases can have on the interpretation of warning signs analyze case study data to identify opportunities missed when determining severity of a threat discuss specific strategies that need to be implemented to improve a school/district threat assessment process Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management: Legal and Best Practice Updates 1 - 2 hours This workshop will discuss how to make your school/district’s BTAM process more legally defensible. Dr. Reeves will share lessons learned from her experience in serving as an expert witness in a threat assessment case for a large school district. Important findings will be discussed with an emphasis on the critical importance of establishing multi-disciplinary threat assessment teams, the factors to consider when conducting a threat assessment on a student receiving special education services, and the systemic barriers that complicate information sharing, documentation, and follow-up planning and supports. Specific recommendations for improving the fidelity of implementation of best practice threat assessment protocols will be provided. [Note: This workshop is more of an overview whereas the workshops below cover information more in-depth.] Participants will: identify current best practices to improve their school’s threat assessment process understand how special education protocols and procedures are separate, yet can be complimentary to, threat assessment protocols and procedures identify the impact biases can have on the interpretation of warning signs learn how to increase effective communication to ensure the fidelity of the BTAM process and outcomes Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM): Best Practices for a Defensible Process 1.5 - 3 hours Can be combined with Special Education Considerations, see below This workshop will discuss how to make your school/district’s BTAM process more legally defensible. The most current research and recommendations will be discussed with an emphasis on the critical importance of establishing multi-disciplinary threat assessment teams and how to address the systemic barriers that complicate information sharing, documentation, and follow-up planning and supports. The importance of addressing bias, equity, and disproportionality within the BTAM process will also be explained. Knowledge gained in serving as an expert witness in court cases involving threat assessment, targeted violence and suicidal ideation will be highlighted. Specific recommendations for improving the fidelity of implementation of best practice threat assessment protocols will also be provided. Participants will: learn how to build a high-quality behavioral threat assessment and management program utilizing best practice strategies to build a legally defensible process understand how to conduct a threat assessment using strategies that increase equity while decreasing bias and disproportionality learn the clear distinction, yet complementary aspects, between threat assessment and suicide risk assessment be provided with best practice guidance regarding parent permission vs notification, information sharing, discipline, and change in programming and/or placement decisions be provided recommendations for improving the fidelity of implementation of the BTAM process Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM): Special Education Considerations 1 – 1.5 hours Can be combined with Best Practices for a Defensible Process, see below This workshop will discuss the special consideration necessary to ensure your threat assessment processes do not violate special education protocols and procedures. How IDEA, 504, and ADA Title II “Direct Threat Standard” intersect with threat assessment and the considerations needed to ensure districts are complying with federal law will be presented. Best practice guidance regarding parent permission vs notification, information sharing, discipline, and change in programming and/or placement decisions will be discussed. In addition, knowledge gained in serving as an expert witness in court cases involving threat assessment, targeted violence and suicidal ideation will be highlighted. Workshop participants will: discuss special considerations to be considered when conducting threat assessments with students with disabilities or suspected of having a disability understand the clear distinction, yet complementary aspects, between threat assessment and special education policies and procedures learn how IDEA, 504 and ADA Title II “Direct Threat Standard” intersect with threat assessment and the considerations needed to ensure districts are complying with federal law be provided with best practice guidance regarding parent permission vs notification, information sharing, and discipline identify the critical actions that need to be taken in the threat assessment process if a change of placement or programming is to be recommended identify data points to be collected to identify and mitigate disproportionality School-Based Crisis Prevention and Intervention 1.5 – 4 hours This advanced-level workshop will assist you in enhancing the crisis procedures already in place in your school district. Specifically, learn cutting edge tips on conducting crisis exercises and drills in the school setting. In addition, strategies for using social media, dealing with the press, and planning memorials will be offered. The legal ramifications of crisis response and how to meet the needs of your school community the recovery process will be highlighted. Lessons learned from previous school crisis, to include natural disasters and school shootings, will be discussed. Advanced Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management (BTAM): Case Management & Reintegration 3 - 3.5 hours This advanced workshop will increase participants skill sets regarding identifying protective factors and risk factors to enhance safety and management planning as part of the threat assessment process. An MTSS framework will be presented and then participants will work an advanced case study utilizing the 6 social development domains: individual, family, peer, school, community, and digital. A management planning toolkit will be provided to help guide teams in developing the safety plan and facilitating reintegration. Strategies for supporting staff will also be shared. It is highly recommended that participants have received prior training in behavioral threat assessment and management. Participants will: review the foundations of BTAM learn strengths-based supports, intervention, and management strategies to effectively manage challenging behaviors while also supporting staff learn strategies to support reintegration apply skills learned utilizing case studies Suicide Prevention through Postvention: Developing a Proactive and Consistent Approach to Evaluating Risk 6 – 6.5 hours This workshop will discuss the essential processes and procedures needed to establish quality programs that address suicide prevention through postvention. Critical factors discussed include current statistics and legal cases, early identification of warning signs, primary prevention strategies, how to screen for suicide risk and conduct a more in-depth school suicide safety assessment suicide risk assessment, and strategies for intervention and postvention activities. Case study examples and forms will be shared with the school mental health professional taking a leadership role. Participants will learn: how to establish a consistent school- or district-wide approach to suicide risk assessment the critical risk factors and warning signs contributing to risk best practice guidelines as established by prior legal cases and lessons learned reports primary prevention strategies to break the code of silence how to conduct screenings and school-based suicide safety assessments strategies for interventions and postvention strategies for working with difficult parents from case study examples and shared forms that illustrate the suicide risk assessment process Suicide and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention 2 - 3 hours This workshop will discuss the similarities and differences between suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. Critical factors discussed include etiology, early identification of risk factors and warning signs, and primary prevention strategies to break the code of silence. School-based intervention strategies will include cognitive, affective, behavioral, biological, environmental, and psychological interventions and postvention activities that address contagion and “rites of togetherness.” Participants will also better understand how to talk to teachers and parents about suicide and NSSI. Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention 1.5 - 2 hours This workshop will discuss critical factors related to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Practical universal suggestions will be provided for addressing contagion and “rites of togetherness.” Participants will also better understand individual interventions for students engaging in episodic and repetitive NSSI; assessment instruments for assessing the functions and severity of NSSI; etiology of NSSI and developing intervention plans to include practical cognitive, affective, behavioral, biological, environmental, and psychological interventions. Strategies for talking to teachers and parents about NSSI will also be highlighted. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 “Dr. Melissa Reeves is an outstanding presenter, facilitator and instructor. I have been in a national conference and two local trainings in the past year where Dr. Reeves has provided content. Her confidence and enthusiasm are evident in her sharing of materials, ideas and practical use theory. At a recent national conference for the National Association of Pupil Service Administrators, Dr. Reeves was the highest rated presenter from the four-day conference with an approval rating of 4.80 out of 5. The feedback responses she received was complementary of both her presentation skills and the informative content she provided. Plans are being made to invite Dr. Reeves to present again at a future conference.” - V. Keith Wilks, M.Ed., Executive Director of Student Service, Rock Hill School District “Dr. Reeves' PREPaRE training was absolutely fantastic. Her trainings have increased our crisis team's professional capacity exponentially. Her wit, humor, and just ebullient personality fused within the scope of presenting the PREPaRe content yielded an overall great training and experience.” - Sean P. Ricks, LSSP, Sr. Manager - Crisis and Behavioral Intervention, Houston Independent School District Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Dr. Melissa Reeves, Ph.D., NCSP, LPC is a nationally certified school psychologist, licensed special education teacher, licensed professional counselor, and former district coordinator of social/emotional/behavioral services. She is past president of the National Association of School Psychologists (2016-17) and has over 20 years’ experience working in public schools and a private school, in addition to providing mental health services in day and residential treatment settings. She was an Associate Professor at Winthrop University and taught both undergraduate and graduate psychology courses, in addition to supervising graduate school psychology students in their field-based traineeship and internship placements. She also served on the university’s Critical Incident Management Team and the College of Arts and Science COVID-19 Recovery committee. Currently, Dr. Reeves is a threat assessment & mental health specialist and senior advisor and speaker for Safe and Sound Schools, an organization founded by two parents who lost their children in the Sandy Hook tragedy. She is also a consultant and trainer for SIGMA Threat Management Associates (a Raptor affiliate), Safer Schools Together (SST), and Public Consulting Group (PCG). Dr. Reeves actively works and consults with K-12 schools regarding threat assessment cases and is engaged in helping state departments of education and school districts establish threat and suicide risk assessment procedures and emergency response protocols. Dr. Reeves is the lead author of the South Carolina Department of Education School-Based Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Best Practice Guidelines for South Carolina K-12 Schools and has also recently served as an expert witness in court cases involving targeted school attacks and threat and suicide risk assessments, particularly involving students receiving special education services. Dr. Reeves was recently appointed by the Department of Homeland Security as an inaugural member of the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board, which will advise on school safety practices to better support K-12 communities. In addition, Dr. Reeves is co-author of the nationally and internationally recognized National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) PREPaRE School Safety and Crisis Preparedness curriculum, the first comprehensive K-12 school crisis prevention and intervention curriculum. She is also a current member and former Chair of the NASP National School Safety and Crisis Response Committee which provides consultation and support to school districts across the country after large scale crisis events including school shootings and natural disasters. She was a founding member of the Colorado Society of School Psychologists State-Wide Crisis Response Team, which trained school districts across Colorado in crisis response and was also a crisis responder to support students after Columbine. In addition to responding to various crises over the years, she travels both nationally and internationally training professionals in the areas of crisis prevention and intervention, threat and suicide assessment, the impact of trauma and PTSD on academic achievement, and cognitive behavior interventions in the school setting. She has conducted more than 350 workshops and presentations and consults with schools on establishing a positive and safe school climate that focuses on prevention programs and positive discipline measures to decrease behavioral incidences while increasing academic achievement. She has also provided consultation and staff development training to United States Department of Defense Educational Activity Schools located on military installations. Dr. Reeves has authored six books: School Crisis Prevention and Intervention: The PREPaRE Model (original and 2nd Edition); Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences; Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management for K-12 Schools; Identifying, Assessing, and Treating PTSD at School; and Comprehensive Planning for Safe Learning Environments: A School Professional’s Guide to Integrating Physical and Psychological Safety: Prevention through Recovery. She has contributed multiple articles to the Communiqué, the nationally disseminated publication for the National Association of School Psychologists and has co-authored numerous book chapters and journal articles. In addition, she has testified in front of the U.S. Senate Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Disaster and Recovery regarding "Children and Disasters: A Progress Report on Addressing Needs." As NASP President, Dr. Reeves appointed the NASP Social Justice Task Force, and two additional task forces to study distance education and virtual delivery of school psychology services. Dr. Reeves has been awarded the National Association of School Psychologists Presidential Award in 2006, 2012, and 2018 and the NASP Crisis Interest Group Award for Excellence in 2007 and 2011. She was a 2007 national finalist for the Joseph E. Zins "Purpose" Award for Early Career Practitioners in Social Emotional Learning; in 2006 awarded Golden Heart Award, presented by Cherry Creek School District Parent Special Education Advisory Council; and received the University of Denver, College of Education Leadership in Learning Alumni Award in 2006. She has received numerous other awards throughout her career in addition to serving elected terms on the NASP Board of Directors as a NASP Delegate, Regional Representative, and NASP President. She is also member of the American Psychological Association, Colorado Society of School Psychologists, and Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). Book Dr. Reeves TODAY! Testimonials

Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU On Monday, March 21, 2005, Missy’s life was forever changed when a former student shot his way into her classroom at Red Lake High School, where he killed a co-worker and five of her students before taking his own life. Since that day more than 20 years ago, Missy has been on a meaningful journey from victim to survivor, finding her voice and purpose as an advocate and speaker. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of school violence on her students and community, she now dedicates her work to helping schools build safer, more supportive educational environments. In her presentations, Dodds emphasizes the importance of comprehensive safety strategies, including mental health resources, emergency preparedness, and community engagement. Her unique perspective as both a survivor and a champion for change makes her an impactful speaker, offering valuable insights on how to create proactive, resilient school cultures that prioritize student safety and foster bright futures. WHY Book Missy FOR YOUR EVENT? “Thankful for Missy Dodds’ willingness to share her traumatic experience at the hands of a targeted mass shooter and her journey of healing in its aftermath. Her message was well received by the audience and her personal experience clearly had an impact on the attendees on the importance of behavioral threat assessment in the prevention of future mass attacks.” —Nicole Tuomi Jones, Ph.D., LP, CTM, Psychologist, Behavioral Threat Assessment Unit, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation WHO Books Missy ? Missy Dodds’ unique blend of raw honesty and deep compassion make her a popular speaker among a wide range of audiences and organizations, including: National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Indiana Department of Education North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Texas State University - Texas School Safety Center Texas Department of Public Safety Arkansas Safe Schools Association Delta Kappa Gamma West40 Intermediate Service Center (ISC) Vivent Health BOOK TODAY MISSY DODDS Survivor of the Red Lake High School Shooting BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Missy TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Safety & Security Culture, Climate & Community Recovery & Resilience After Trauma 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. Choosing to Survive: Lessons from Red Lake 1-2 Hour Keynote In this session, Missy shares both her personal journey of navigating life after a school shooting and her quest to understand how a school shooting can even happen. Through the pain, guilt and hard decisions, she is open and honest about her struggles, successes and how she now defines acceptance. Missy also shares how she found her “missing piece”—the answer to what she believes could have prevented the events on March 21, 2005. Missy’s presentation is suited for all educators, school-based law enforcement, school-based mental health providers, and community stakeholders. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 Ms. Dodds was engaging, entertaining, and well-received by the audience. She made valid points that were useful for the threat assessment training, and shared her own story to highlight that targeted mass attacks have impacts on survivors as well. She also did a good job of stressing the value of threat assessment as a tool to prevent violence. —Earl Sam, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Missy provides a heart-wrenching and heart-warming presentation regarding her experience with a school shooting. She reminds us that safer schools are the responsibility of the entire community - the entire community, not just educators and parents. We are challenged to do something and build those safe and healthy connections between our students, educators, and community at large. —Nicole Lentz, Manager of Pharmacy Academics, Vivent Health Thank you again for the opportunity, as Missy shared with us such an impactful story. Her resilience, courage and willingness to forgive inspires me. As I help navigate myself, my children, and family through our life journeys, Missy reminded me: when someone is dealing with a mental health crisis that ‘no one is at fault.’ Thank you, Missy, for being an advocate for safer school, and I wish you joy each and every day! — Ruth Rivera Crawford, Executive Administrative Assistant, Vivent Health Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY On Monday, March 21, 2005, Missy Dodds’ life was forever changed. A former student shot his way into her classroom at Red Lake High School in Northwest Minnesota. He killed a teacher and five of her students before taking his own life. Since that day, Missy has worked hard on her healing journey. This journey has taken her down many roads: learning to live with PTSD, the difference between being a victim and being a survivor and learning to allow her own children to experience and love school as much as she did. These paths have led Missy to becoming a school safety and mental health advocate. While Missy no longer teaches high school math, she is passionate about sharing what she has learned to help schools, parents and communities understand the importance of a comprehensive approach to school safety and recovery. Missy’s court case, Dodds vs Red Lake School District Workman’s Comp, helped to change the law in Minnesota to include PTSD as a viable workman’s comp claim. In 2015, Missy shared her story of recovery in the award-winning documentary, Red Lake, produced by Billy Luther. In 2018, Missy joined Safe and Sound Schools as a National Parent Ambassador and now serves as a regular speaker and outreach and training specialist for the national school safety non-profit. In 2022, Missy received the Outstanding Service Award from the Mu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma for her work in school safety. She also serves as a parent representative for her local school district’s Emergency Operation Planning Committee and on her local Boys and Girls Club’s Program and Safety Committee. Born and raised in Arkansas, she lives in Northwest Minnesota with her husband and three children. Missy holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Central Arkansas and a Master of Science in Mathematics Education from Bemidji State University. Book Missy TODAY!

This event has concluded – Join us for three days of inspiring keynotes, expert panels, and deep-dive breakout sessions led by another incredible line-up of national school safety leaders and practitioners... NATIONAL SUMMIT ON SCHOOL SAFETY See What You Missed This event has concluded START DATE: LOCATION: END DATE: BACK NATIONAL SUMMIT ON SCHOOL SAFETY This event has concluded – Join us for three days of inspiring keynotes, expert panels, and deep-dive breakout sessions led by another incredible line-up of national school safety leaders and practitioners... See What You Missed

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

SAFE HAVEN DEFENSE VISIT SAFE HAVEN DEFENSE Next Partner Previous Partner

This event had concluded – Join Safe and Sound Schools and Michigan State University’s Prevent 2 Protect Project for the 2024 Midwest School Safety Summit!... MIDWEST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT See What You Missed This event has concluded START DATE: LOCATION: END DATE: BACK MIDWEST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT This event had concluded – Join Safe and Sound Schools and Michigan State University’s Prevent 2 Protect Project for the 2024 Midwest School Safety Summit!... See What You Missed

A program designed to help safety planning teams address the safety and security needs of all members of the community... Especially Safe A program designed to help safety planning teams address the safety and security needs of all members of the community... 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. Through inclusive planning, we can create a culture of safety and security for our children, students, parents, and staff to depend on in emergencies of all kinds. Especially Safe: Planning and Preparation Guide Especially Safe: Teaching and Training Guide Next Item Previous Item

Join Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools, and Tom McDermott, K-12 Safety & Security Coach for CEIA USA, for an engaging and informative session designed for parents, educators, and community stakeholders committed to school safety. School Safety: How to Start Productive Conversations in Your Community BACK Join Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools, and Tom McDermott, K-12 Safety & Security Coach for CEIA USA, for an engaging and informative session designed for parents, educators, and community stakeholders committed to school safety. This webinar explores how to foster productive conversations and collaboration between schools and community members, including key questions to ask, how to apply lessons learned, and strategies for building effective, layered safety solutions in your local schools. What This Session Covers: Addressing Modern Challenges: Gain insights into the current school safety landscape, understanding both recurring issues and new threats, and learn the key questions you should be asking. Engaging the Community: Discover effective strategies for parents and community members to initiate and participate in meaningful conversations with schools about safety protocols and concerns. Building Strategic Solutions: How to apply lessons learned from past incidents of school violence, as well as successful averted cases and current best practices, to help develop and support strategic, layered safety plans in your local schools. To learn more about how to have successful, respectful, and productive conversations around school safety, download our free Conversation Guide for Parents .

Created to provide a practical approach to school violence prevention with universal violence prevention strategies, as well... Pathways for Prevention Created to provide a practical approach to school violence prevention with universal violence prevention strategies, as well... Safe and Sound Schools is proud to introduce our newest program, Pathways for Prevention! This program was created to provide a practical approach to school violence prevention. Participants will explore universal violence prevention strategies, as well as targeted and intensive interventions for preventing and responding to violent behaviors to support safe and sound learning environments. Next Item Previous Item

JEFFCO/DEANGELIS FOUNDATION VISIT JEFFCO/DEANGELIS FOUNDATION Next Partner Previous Partner

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 Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 "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!