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Dr. Amanda Nickerson is a leading expert in school safety, crisis prevention, and trauma-informed practices. As the director of the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at the University at Buffalo, she brings a research-driven, student-centered approach to creating safe and supportive school environments. As an extensively published author and speaker, she offers actionable strategies for implementing trauma-informed drills, fostering positive school climates, and advantages of social-emotional strengths. Her research- and experience-based expertise makes her an invaluable resource for schools and organizations committed to comprehensive, compassionate safety solutions. WHY Book Dr. Nickerson FOR YOUR EVENT? “The keynote presentation was truly outstanding! Dr. Nickerson delivered an inspiring message which drew the attention of everyone in the audience. It was motivational, extremely well organized, and an exemplar from an educational-teaching perspective .” WHO Books Dr. Nickerson ? With her focus on psychological safety and prevention, Dr. Nickerson is a valued speaker for K-12 audiences seeking evidence-based comprehensive safety planning and mental health guidance. Her presentations offer actionable insights on addressing bullying, trauma, and crisis recovery through methods that promote healing and community strength. BOOK TODAY DR. AMANDA NICKERSON Professor and Director of the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Nickerson 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 MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) Leader-care/Self-care Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Emergency Preparedness & Response Signature PRESENTATIONS Click on the titles to learn more about each signature presentation and fill out the form below to book for your next event. PREPaRE Workshop #1 – Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Prevention Through Recovery (3rd Edition) 8-Hour Full-Day 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. School Safety: Students First This presentation, offered by several of our speakers and educators, is designed with students in mind. On our website, we offer a complimentary download of our Safe and Sound Youth Council Kit. This guide is designed to help 6th – 12th grade students, their parents, and their advisors take the first steps toward being a proactive part of their school’s safety plan. For those schools and school districts who want to take the extra step, Safe and Sound Schools offers speakers who can assist in guidance and implementation, help launch the program, lead site walk-throughs, and ensure that you have all of the tools you need to institute safe school principles for all students. Each program is customized to the unique needs of that school’s community. Our presenters share their personal stories followed by a powerful call to action directing the youth of our nation to step up for school safety. As leaders and problem-solvers in their own right, our next generation is essential to our mission: safe and sound schools for all. This program is offered by these Safe and Sound speakers: Michele Gay, Alissa Parker, Frank DeAngelis, CJ Huff, Lisa Hamp, and Dr. Amanda Nickerson. PREPaRE Workshop # 2 – Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools (3rd Edition) 13-Hour (2 Full Day) 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. Bullying Prevention and Intervention Dr. Nickerson presents the myriad issues and presentations of bullying in today’s schools and explores their impact upon students’ learning and sense of safety in school today. She shares practical solutions, interventions, and strategies, and resources for identifying and combating these challenges to promote a safe school climate. Promoting Social-Emotional Strengths through Assessment and Intervention 3-hour program As part of a balanced, comprehensive understanding of children’s mental health, it is important to not only examine the problems that interfere with functioning, but also to assess and build upon social-emotional strengths. Social-emotional skills create a sense of accomplishment, contribute to satisfying relationships, enhance the ability to cope with stress, and promote social and academic development. Dr. Nickerson presents advantages of focusing on social-emotional strengths, an overview of strength-based assessment measures, and approaches to developing these strengths at the individual, small group, and school-wide levels. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 “Dr. Nickerson is such a knowledgeable and competent professional. I really admire her teaching philosophy and how ‘real’ she is. I think every student should be required to take this course with her and ONLY HER.” “I learned more than I expected. I enjoyed Dr. Nickerson and the schedule of the day.” Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Amanda Nickerson is a professor and director of the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York. Dr. Nickerson’s research focuses on school crisis prevention and intervention, with a particular focus on bullying and other forms of violence and abuse. She also has expertise on positive school climate, parent and peer relationships, and promoting social-emotional strengths of youth. She has published more than 130 journal articles and book chapters, written/edited 5 books, and conducted over 350 professional presentations. Dr. Nickerson is a licensed psychologist, a nationally certified school psychologist, and a fellow of the American Psychological Association. She is Coordinator of Research for the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) School Safety and Crisis Prevention Committee and an author of the PREPaRE School Crisis Prevention and Intervention training curriculum. Book Dr. Nickerson TODAY! Testimonials

Comprehensive school safety refers to preparedness strategies which address all hazards. Schools must consider... Comprehensive School Safety Framework Comprehensive school safety refers to preparedness strategies which address all hazards. Schools must consider... 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. In order for you to be an effective safety leader in your school community, you must understand all the areas encompassing school safety. Rethink school safety by using the comprehensive school safety model to help you assess, plan and develop, and audit safety solutions. Next Item Previous Item

The ASV Project provides foundational evidence-based research to support efforts to stop targeted school attacks by... Averted School Violence The ASV Project provides foundational evidence-based research to support efforts to stop targeted school attacks by... Welcome to The Averted School Violence (ASV) Project. The ASV Project was originally developed at the National Policing Institute under the direction of Dr. Frank Straub, who now serves as the Senior Director of Violence Prevention Research and Programs at Safe and Sound Schools. ASV was established in 2016, with support from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) , and provides a database of averted and completed school attacks in an access-controlled environment for authorized users – typically school officials, school safety team members, and law enforcement personnel. The database houses hundreds of cases of violence averted, lives saved, and lessons learned in prevention. The ASV Project provides foundational evidence-based research to support efforts to stop targeted school attacks by building sustainable, community-based prevention and intervention services, education, and consultation services. The ASV database is major component of the research pillar of Prevent 2 Protect: The Adolescent Targeted Violence Prevention Project . With funding and support from the Michigan Department of Education, Prevent 2 Protect, a collaboration between Safe and Sound Schools and the Michigan State University Department of Psychiatry is poised to expand, add in-depth case studies, comprehensive analysis, resources, trainings, and annual reports to support Michigan and national school safety efforts in the prevention of school violence. Motorola Solutions Foundation provides financial support to the Averted School Violence Project. Next Item Previous Item

After 16 impactful years of the Gangs & Guns Training Symposium, we were proud to help expand the scope of this event to address broader aspects of school violence prevention. GANGS, GUNS AND SCHOOL VIOLENCE PREVENTION See What You Missed This past February, Safe and Sound Schools had the privilege of partnering with Safer Schools Together on the Gangs, Guns, and School Violence Prevention Summit (#GGSVP25) in Vancouver, BC. It was a deeply impactful event—an invaluable opportunity to lead the international conversation on school violence prevention and strengthen the connections that help keep our students, schools, and communities safe and sound. This event has concluded. START DATE: February 13, 2025 LOCATION: Vancouver, BC END DATE: February 14, 2025 BACK GANGS, GUNS AND SCHOOL VIOLENCE PREVENTION After 16 impactful years of the Gangs & Guns Training Symposium, we were proud to help expand the scope of this event to address broader aspects of school violence prevention. See What You Missed

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Madalena DeAndrea is a compelling voice in the conversation around school safety, resilience, and trauma-informed leadership. Her dynamic presentations empower students, educators, and administrators to proactively navigate crisis, recovery, and mental wellness with confidence and clarity. By blending real-world experience with practical strategies, Madalena helps organizations move beyond fear toward a culture of preparedness and emotional strength. Her message resonates deeply with audiences seeking not just awareness, but meaningful, actionable change. WHY Book Madalena FOR YOUR EVENT? “ One of the most unique and inspiring voices in school safety today, Madalena DeAndrea shares her personal and lived experiences with a kind of bravery and pure intention few people can come close to demonstrating in their lifetime. From growing up as the daughter of a police officer to surviving a deadly mass shooting, DeAndrea reflects thoughtfully on her own heroic journey forward, finding purpose in pain and healing through helping. Nowa lauded public speaker, Madalena delivers powerful inspiration and practical takeaways to all who hear her message.” —Michele Gay, Founder & Executive Director , Safe and Sound Schools WHO Books Madalena ? Madalena’s expertise makes her a valuable speaker for schools and organizations seeking to foster resilience, emotional preparedness, and a culture of safety. Her unique approach equips communities to respond to trauma with strength and purpose while promoting proactive strategies for mental wellness and crisis recovery. Recent audiences include: Jeffco Public Schools FBI National Academy at Quantico Safe and Sound Schools Virtual National Summit on School Safety National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Madalena - book her today! BOOK TODAY MADALENA DEANDREA Borderline Bar and Grill Shooting Survivor & Resiliency Advocate BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Madalena TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Safety & Security Culture, Climate, & Community Operations & Emergency Management Violence prevention Strategies Emergency Preparedness & Response Active Shooter Preparedness & Response 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. A Hero's Daughter: A Survivor's Journey 1 to 2-hour Presentation Audience: Civilians & Law Enforcement, High School Aged Students In this keynote, Madalena DeAndrea deep dives her experience of surviving the Borderline Bar and Grill shooting in Thousand Oaks, CA in November of 2018 where 12 people were tragically killed, including a responding police officer. Madalena is a current Senior Manager of Strategic Projects, Recovery, and Resiliency for Jeffco Public Schools Department of School Safety and the daughter of Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (Retired), who was in a leadership role in three school shootings that changed the fabric of American society and police response to active shootings around the world. Madalena shares how the protective factors she learned growing up ultimately saved her life and the unfiltered reality of what it takes to experience post-traumatic growth after a profound experience of evil. Madalena also empowers attendees with real-world takeaways, mindsets, and tools they can put into place today to make themselves, their loved ones, and their communities more resilient prior to crisis occurring. This keynote culminates in an opportunity for audience questions if time allows. Active Shooting Survivor Panel 1 to 2-hour Presentation Audience: Civilians & Law Enforcement In this panel, Madalena DeAndrea and other active shooting survivors each break down their experiences surviving and healing from an active shooting. Each panelist will give a high-level overview of the event they survived, their experience, and their healing journey. This panel culminates in an opportunity for audience questions facilitated by a member of your organization. Specific additional panelists will be coordinated on a case-by-case basis for each request. Dark Nights of the Soul: When Terror Hits Home 3 to 4-hour Presentation with Madalena DeAndrea and her father, AJ DeAndrea, also a Safe and Sound Schools speaker Audience: Civilians & Law Enforcement Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (Retired) was in a leadership role in three school shootings that changed the fabric of American society and police response to active shootings around the world. He takes a deep dive into these tragic events and more importantly analyzes the positive things that came from them in decision making, improved tactics, and mental health practices. He is accompanied by his oldest daughter, Madalena DeAndrea, who survived the Borderline active shooting incident in Thousand Oaks, CA in 2018. Madalena, a current Senior Manager of Strategic Projects, Recovery, and Resiliency with Jeffco Public Schools Department of School Safety in Colorado shares how the protective factors she learned growing up the daughter of a lifelong law enforcement officer ultimately saved her life. She shares her insights as a survivor of an active shooter, and her choice to experience post-traumatic growth following an experience of evil. This keynote culminates in an opportunity for audience questions if time allows. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 “[Madalena DeAndrea’s keynote] was my favorite part of the conference. It truly was one of the most impactful things I have ever heard.” —Student, Jeffco Public Schools “Madalena was fantastic. Her presentation has left a resounding impact on me and although she doesn't claim to be an expert, she is truly a blessing. We use the protocols in place and I'm hoping my schools are on board to bringing her in to do a countywide training with her as the presenter.” —Attendee, 2023 Iowa Homeland Security Conference Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Madalena DeAndrea is an active shooting survivor, resiliency advocate, and the oldest daughter of Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (retired). The backdrop of Madalena’s childhood was her father’s historic law enforcement career which included serving in a leadership role in three school shootings that changed the fabric of American society and police response to active shootings around the world. A Colorado Native, Madalena received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Strategy from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2018. During her time at CU, she served as Student Body President for her 30,000 classmates which gave her the unique opportunity to directly manage a $24 million budget, lead a 500-person organization, speak to crowds of 8,000+ people, and work with world leaders like His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Vice President Joe Biden. Following her undergraduate studies, Madalena worked for a non-profit in Los Angeles, CA. While serving in this role she went out for a night of dancing with her friends at Borderline Bar and Grill and the unthinkable happened - a gunman came in and started shooting. Using the skillsets and mindsets she learned growing up, Madalena was able to find safety in the attic above the bar where she stayed for the remainder of the tragedy as 12 people, including responding Police Officer Sgt. Ron Helus, were killed. After surviving the Borderline tragedy, Madalena made a choice to not let evil win and to be a force for good in the world. After serving for four years as an Emergency Management Specialist for Jeffco Public Schools, the School District she grew up in, Madalena now proudly serves as the Senior Manager of Strategic Projects, Recovery, & Resiliency for Jeffco. In this first-of-its-kind position, Madalena supports the proactive implementation of strategic safety initiatives and recovery planning prior to crisis occurring. She is a certified Threat Liaison Officer for the state of Colorado and is trained in CPTED, CIT, FEMA’s Incident Command Series and Professional Development Series, and Single Officer Response to an Active Shooter. In her spare time, Madalena travels the country telling her story and sharing her message of hope, resiliency, and post-traumatic growth with law enforcement agencies, school districts, businesses, and community organizations. Madalena is passionate about empowering individuals and communities with the mindsets and tools needed to build resiliency even in the face of life’s uncertainties! Book Madalena 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 Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Book Dave TODAY!