Safe and Sound Schools Annual Report serves as a testament to the significant milestones we’ve reached together and the invaluable partnerships helping us advance our mission of protecting every school, every student, every day. +160 keynote speeches delivered 26 U.S. states including Canada 100,000+ educators & leaders engaged 5,000,000 students impacted nationwide See how we’re advancing our mission to protect every school, every student, every day. The 2023 Safe and Sound Schools Annual Report serves as a testament to the significant milestones we’ve reached together and the invaluable partnerships helping us advance our mission of protecting every school, every student, every day. The steadfast commitment of our national community has helped us to serve over 16,000 school communities, engage 100,000 professionals and educational leaders, and positively influence the lives of over 5 million students across the nation. These milestones symbolize our collective dedication and unity in creating safe and sound schools. In this report, you will find information on the following: Our Mission The Safe and Sound Schools’ Comprehensive School Safety Framework Major Projects & Partners Violence Prevention & Research Programs Regional & National Events The Sound Off on School Safety Podcast The Safe and Sound Schools Speakers Bureau High Profile Appearances and Media DOWNLOAD REPORT SAFE & SOUND Partners Safe and Sound’s Trusted Partner Network 2023 SAFE AND SOUND SCHOOLS ANNUAL REPORT

Dr. Stephen Brock delivers powerful, research-driven insights that help schools and organizations strengthen safety, crisis preparedness, and student mental health systems. Known for turning complex psychological frameworks into clear, actionable strategies, his presentations equip educators, administrators, and support staff with tools they can implement immediately. With decades of frontline and academic experience, Dr. Brock offers a uniquely credible and practical perspective that resonates with teams seeking to build resilient, trauma-informed learning environments. His approach is both comprehensive and accessible making him a top choice for institutions serious about improving school safety and student well-being. WHY Book Dr. Brock FOR YOUR EVENT? “Dr. Brock is extremely knowledgeable and has an amazing array of experience. His presentation was comprehensive, yet concise with great anecdotes which helped keep the audience engaged. The content was applicable, relevant and useful, and the whole and small group discussions were helpful. Loved his delivery, personal stories and explanation of information.” —Karen Freidhoff, PhD., Lead Psychologist, Long Beach Unified School District WHO Books Dr. Brock ? Dr. Brock's presentations are characterized by a blend of scholarly rigor and practical application. He engages audiences with evidence-based strategies and real-world examples, aiming to equip school professionals with the tools necessary for effective crisis prevention and response. Recent audiences include: Long Beach Unified School District Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Dr. Brock - book him today! BOOK TODAY DR. STEPHEN BROCK Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Licensed Educational Psychologist BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Brock 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 Identifying & Supporting At-Risk Students Intervention Strategies MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) 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 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. Mental Health Matters Available as 3- or 6-hour presentation When it comes to ensuring student success mental health matters. From this session participants will learn about the challenges mental illness presented to our nation's school children. Strategies designed to promote mental wellness are reviewed. Comprehensive School Suicide Prevention Available as 3- or 6-hour presentation Suicide is the second leading cause of death for our nation's teenagers, and rates suicide deaths and suicidal ideation and behavior are increasing. After providing a review of suicide statistics, this session review school suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. School-Based Crisis Prevention and Intervention Available as 3- or 6-hour presentation This advanced-level workshop is designed to enhance the crisis procedures already in place in your school district. Specifically, this session addresses conducting crisis exercises and drills, strategies for using social media, dealing with the press, and planning memorials. The legal ramifications of crisis response and the spiritual dimensions in the aftermath of a crisis are also explored. 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. 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. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 “Dr. Brock's presentation style was engaging, and the discussions were helpful in processing the information. The thoroughness of his slides and attention to detail were much appreciated. The content was also practical and relevant to current cases and challenges we face in our schools. The resources were great as well, and I am excited to participate in additional trainings with Dr. Brock.” —Karen Freidhoff, PhD., Lead Psychologist, Long Beach Unified School District Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Dr. Stephen E. Brock is a Professor Emeritus of School Psychology in the College of Education at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). His professional preparation includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology and a Ph.D. in Education (with an emphasis on psychological studies) from the University of California, Davis, where he researched Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). With an extensive background in school psychology, Dr. Brock brings a wealth of experience to his role as a professor. He spent 18 years as a school psychologist with the Lodi (CA) Unified School District, including a 6-year tenure as Lead Psychologist. His responsibilities included serving multiple elementary and middle schools, contributing to developing the district's school crisis response protocol, and specializing in functional behavioral assessment. Dr. Brock’s influential leadership activities at the state level have included serving as President of the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP). He continues to contribute to CASP as an Executive Advisory Committee member for CASP's peer-reviewed journal, Contemporary School Psychology. His past roles at CASP, including the Region 10 Representative, the Employment Relations Specialist, the Convention Chairperson, and the Spring Conference Chairperson, demonstrate his significant impact on the field. He has also made notable contributions as an editorial board member of CASP Today (the CASP newsletter) and Associate Editor of The California School Psychologist (now known as Contemporary School Psychology). His guest editorship of special issues on "School-Based Threat Assessment" and "Addressing Aggression and Violence in Diverse School Settings" further showcases his leadership and expertise. In recognition of his contributions, he received a CASP Outstanding School Psychologist award in 1997, and in 2012, he was honored with CASP's highest recognition, the Sandra Goff Memorial Award. Dr. Brock has been heavily involved in national-level leadership activities. He served as the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) president and currently holds the position of Associate Editor of the Communiqué (the NASP newspaper). He is also a member of the School Psychology Review Editorial Advisory Board. Dr. Brock was a founding member of NASP’s School Safety and Crisis Response Committee and chaired the Elections & Nominations Committee. Additionally, he previously held roles such as Coordinator of the Crisis Management Interest Group, California representative to the Delegate Assembly (now known as the Leadership Assembly), Western Region Representative to the Executive Council (now known as the Board of Directors), and Secretary. Dr. Brock has received several awards and recognitions, including NASP's Presidential Award in 2004, 2006, and 2016, the Crisis Management Interest Group's Award of Excellence in 2006 and 2007, and a Government and Professional Relations Committee Certificate of Appreciation in 2016. In 2024, he was honored with one of NASP’s highest awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award, for his exceptional services to children and school psychology, particularly in education and mental health services. Dr. Brock's contributions to the field of school psychology extend beyond his professional roles and association leadership. He has authored dozens of peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. Notably, he was the lead editor of the NASP publication Best Practices in School Crisis Prevention and Intervention (2nd ed.), the lead author of School Crisis Prevention and Intervention: The PREPaRE Model (2nd ed.), and the lead author of the PREPaRE Mental Health Crisis Intervention (3rd ed) workshop, further solidifying his position as a thought leader in the field, Dr. Brock lectures extensively (both nationally and internationally) on a diverse range of topics, including school safety, traumatic stress, emotional disability, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, professional burnout, ADHD, and special education eligibility. Book Dr. Brock TODAY!

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 Katey McPherson is a trusted voice in digital wellness and youth risk prevention, known for her ability to connect the complex realities of students’ online lives with real-world safety and mental health outcomes. With more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, counselor, school administrator, and consultant, she brings both depth and practicality to every conversation. What sets Katey apart is her focus on the intersection of digital behavior, emotional wellbeing, and emerging safety risks—helping schools and communities recognize early warning signs and respond effectively. Her work equips educators, parents, and safety professionals with actionable strategies to support students in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, making her an essential partner in building safer, more informed communities. WHY Book Katey FOR YOUR EVENT? “Katey inspired my faculty to be more creative and innovative in their approach to students. As technology becomes ever-present in children’s lives, her wisdom helps educators and parents better understand the developing brain and how to support students effectively.”
 — Veronica Leiper, Principal, Sequoya Elementary WHO Books Katey ? Katey’s ability to translate the complexities of students’ digital lives into clear, actionable insight has made her a highly sought-after speaker on digital wellness, youth mental health, and safety. Known for her practical, relatable approach, she helps audiences understand how online behavior can signal deeper emotional needs and potential risks. Katey equips educators, parents, and safety professionals with tangible strategies to recognize warning signs, strengthen communication, and support early intervention. She is an ideal choice for schools, communities, and organizations committed to navigating today’s digital landscape while creating safer, more responsive environments for young people. Recent audiences include: Rotary Club of Queen Creek Sequoya Elementary Valley Christian Schools Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Katey McPherson - book her today! BOOK TODAY KATEY MCPHERSON Digital Wellness Coach BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Katey TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention Digital Safety & Online Threats Sexual Abuse Prevention School Shooters: Profiles & Prevention Violence Prevention Strategies 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. The Digital Landscape of Student Safety and Digital environments are shaping how young people think, feel, and behave in ways that are deeply connected to their well-being and safety. From social media and online communities to gaming and group chats, today’s students are navigating a constant flow of influence—both positive and harmful. This session explores how these digital spaces impact student mental health, decision-making, and school safety, while equipping adults with practical, prevention-focused strategies to respond with awareness, connection, and care. Grounded in real-world insights and current trends, this presentation offers a clear lens into the online experiences students are having every day—and what educators, families, and communities can do to better support them before concerns escalate. Fitting In Is Not Belonging: The Missing Layer in School Safety In nearly every case of school violence, there were warning signs — subtle shifts in behavior, concerning digital activity, or comments dismissed as jokes. Yet despite increased security measures, many of these signals are still missed. This session reframes school safety through a critical but often overlooked lens: belonging as a prevention strategy. Designed specifically for School Resource Officers (SROs) and safety professionals, this keynote explores the difference between students who are merely “fitting in” and those who truly feel connected. Participants will examine how behavioral compliance can mask distress, while authentic connection increases early disclosure, improves intelligence flow, and enables earlier intervention. Grounded in real-world safety patterns and informed by the work of Dr. Steve Webb and Brené Brown, this session provides practical, actionable strategies to identify concerning behaviors, interpret digital signals, and strengthen relationships that interrupt escalation. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how connection, communication, and consistency serve as critical tools in preventing violence — and how SROs are uniquely positioned to build the relationships that make early intervention possible. Learning Objectives Participants will be able to: Identify the difference between behavioral compliance (“fitting in”) and relational connection (“belonging”) and its impact on threat detection Recognize early warning signs and behavioral patterns associated with escalation toward violence Analyze how social media and digital behavior function as early indicators of risk Apply practical strategies to increase student disclosure and improve intelligence gathering through relationship-building Implement tactical approaches to strengthen collaboration between SROs, school staff, and families Growing Up Online: Why Student Risk Has Changed Today’s youth are growing up in a world of constant connectivity, where social media, gaming, and digital communication shape not only how they interact—but how they experience stress, relationships, and risk. This session explores how these platforms can amplify peer conflict, increase pressure, and influence decision-making, often in ways that extend far beyond the screen. Through a practical and prevention-focused lens, participants will gain insight into the digital dynamics impacting young people every day—and learn how to better support, guide, and connect with youth as they navigate an increasingly complex online world. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 “Katey McPherson is a dynamic and knowledgeable speaker whose deep understanding of today’s youth and the need for mental wellness advocacy made her an invaluable partner for our Rotary Club of Queen Creek's Raising Resilient Kids event. Her tremendous insight, community connections, and engaging presence helped us deliver meaningful programs that truly resonated with parents and students alike.”
 — Brenda Brandhorst, Rotary Club of Queen Creek “Katey brings exceptional knowledge about building resilience in children and raises crucial awareness for parents about the digital challenges our kids face today. Her insights are both eye-opening and practical, helping families navigate the complex online world our children are growing up in.”
 — Jason Herbert, Community Member Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Katey McPherson is a digital wellness advocate and educator specializing in the intersection of student behavior, digital environments, and school safety. With more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, guidance counselor, school administrator, and educational consultant, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to youth risk identification, digital behavior analysis, and school-based intervention strategies. Recognizing gaps in traditional approaches to student wellness and safety, Katey developed a framework that integrates digital behavior patterns, mental health indicators, and school threat assessment practices. She currently serves as Director of Community Outreach for a leading school safety app and has led community and statewide initiatives focused on youth suicide prevention, teen violence prevention, and mental health advocacy throughout Arizona. Katey is the proud mother of four teenage daughters, a role she considers her most important. Book Katey TODAY!

Safe and Sound Schools is a national nonprofit dedicated to improving school safety through research-based programs, crisis preparedness, and community engagement. Explore expert resources, training, and advocacy to create safer learning environments. Safe and Sound Students is a program designed to help students learn and get involved in school safety. The program equips students with resources to help them become advocates, leaders, agents of change, and tools to help them navigate and address school safety issues. GET INVOLVED Simple ways to get started SEE SOMETHING Speak up for school safety LEARN MORE TEAM UP Recruit others to join you LEARN MORE GET PREPARED Learn how to lead the conversation LEARN MORE LEARN Feel more prepared and confident. RESOURCE LIBRARY Check out school safety topics LEARN MORE NEWS HEADLINES Make sense of headlines and news LEARN MORE MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD START A SAFE AND SOUND STUDENT CLUB Become a school safety leader GET STARTED Safe & Sound STUDENTS

Dr. Peter Langman is an internationally recognized expert in the field of school safety, particularly known for his deep research on school shooters and the psychology behind their violent behaviors. With extensive experience as a psychologist and researcher, Dr. Langman’s work focuses on identifying warning signs and preventing targeted violence in schools. His research into the profiles of school shooters has made him a trusted authority in the field, helping schools and organizations better understand the complex biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that contribute to violence. As a speaker, Dr. Langman offers practical, evidence-based insights on threat assessment, early intervention strategies, and creating safer school environments. His expertise makes him an invaluable resource for schools and organizations looking to enhance their preventative measures and improve overall safety protocols. WHY Book Dr. Peter FOR YOUR EVENT? “ Dr. Peter Langman has studied and described the psychology of school shooters as deeply as anyone in our country … For any organization that wants its employees and community to more fully understand the psychological conditions of potential school shooters, Dr. Langman’s presentation and perspective will facilitate a more grounded and thorough understanding of this unfortunate phenomenon.” —Dr. Joseph B. Moore, President, Lesley University WHO Books Dr. Peter ? Dr. Peter Langman is a leading voice in school safety, known for his compelling presentations and unmatched expertise in the psychology of school shooters. A highly sought-after speaker, he translates decades of research into clear, actionable strategies for threat assessment and violence prevention. With a calm, authoritative presence, Dr. Langman helps educators, mental health professionals, and safety teams recognize warning signs and strengthen their prevention protocols. His evidence-based approach and deep subject matter knowledge make him a trusted partner for schools and organizations committed to proactive, informed safety practices. Recent audiences and conferences include: FBI Headquarters (Washington, DC) FBI National Academy (Quantico) National Counterterrorism Center Department of Homeland Security National Behavioral Intervention Team Association Michigan State Police Lehigh Carbon School Counselors Association Green River Regional Educational Cooperative Easton Area School District Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Peter Langman – book him today! BOOK TODAY DR. PETER LANGMAN Author and Expert in the Psychology of School Shooters BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Peter TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! Peter’s books, Why Kids Kill: Inside the Minds of School Shooters , Warning Signs: Identifying School Shooters Before They Strike , and School Shooters: Understanding High School, College, and Adult Perpetrators are available on Amazon. SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Leadership, Law & Policy Identifying & Supporting At-Risk Students Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Averted School Violence Case Studies School Shooters: Profiles & Prevention 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. Preventing School Shootings Available as either half-day or full-day training The presentation will first identify and refute common misconceptions about school shooters, with an emphasis on moving beyond the stereotypes and highlighting the diversity of perpetrators. It also explains the variations among school shootings, including random, targeted, and mixed attacks. We will then explore three psychological types of shooters—psychopathic, psychotic, and traumatized—using case examples to illustrate the types, and highlighting patterns of failures and rejections that contribute to the shooters’ rage and motivations for violence. The second half of the presentation distinguishes threat assessment as a proactive preventive strategy from emergency response procedures, which are reactive. This section highlights the wide range of warning signs of potential violence, including threats, attack-related behavior, and leakage. It also discusses the barriers that both students and adults may experience that keep them from reporting the warning signs they encounter. Lessons Learned from a Threat Assessment that Failed 90-minute Workshop The presentation will first identify and refute common misconceptions about school shooters. In 2013, Karl Pierson threatened to kill the school's librarian. The administration conducted a threat assessment and concluded that Pierson presented a "low level" threat. Three months later, he committed his attack. What went wrong? Where did the threat assessment fall short? What more could have been done? This workshop looks at the records that have been released to highlight key aspects of the threat assessment process, impediments to the flow of information, and the facts that could have been discovered with a more thorough, ongoing investigation. Pathways to Violence: Three Types of School Shooters 90-minute Workshop This presentation dispels common misconceptions about school shooters always being bullied loners by demonstrating the diversity of perpetrators. It then presents a psychological typology of school shooters, dividing them into three categories: psychopathic, psychotic, and traumatized. A case example of each of the three types is presented to demonstrate the range of perpetrators and the contributing factors in their violence. Warning Signs in Student Assignments 90-minute Workshop The presentation will first identify and refute common misconceptions about school shooters. A potential source of information that is often overlooked is the presence of warning signs in student assignments. This presentation examines actual homework assignments of school shooters to highlight how subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) warning signs appear in student work. Utilizing these warning signs as a starting point for a threat assessment investigation, it then demonstrates the amount of information that could have been gathered if an inquiry had been conducted. The Motivations and Justifications of Mass Attackers 90-minute Workshop The presentation will first identify and refute common misconceptions about school shooters. This presentation draws on the writings of perpetrators to gain insight into the dynamics driving them toward violence. Though school shooters often claim that they are retaliating for some injustice they have endured, the sources of their violence are typically found in their flawed sense of self, disturbing personality traits, and the drive to transform themselves from unknown, powerless "nobodies" into figures of power and significance. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 “Dr. Langman’s information was clear and concise, shedding much needed light toward understanding the motivation of today’s youth who contemplate rampage school violence … Few who study school shootings have delved as deep as Langman into the often murky and troubled minds of these predators.” —Samantha Dutill, Associate Executive Director, National Behavioral Intervention Team Association “Dr. Langman’s presentation was one of the best forums we’ve had in our many years of putting on these events. The presentation was so rich in substance and relevant to all five of our concentrations that students are still speaking about how wonderful it was and how we’d love to have him back. It was an amazing presentation.” —Lisa Corbin-Kalinowski, Field Placement Coordinator, Holy Family University Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Dr. Peter Langman is a psychologist whose research on school shooters has received international recognition. His book, Why Kids Kill: Inside the Minds of School Shooters , was translated into German, Dutch, Finnish, Russian, and Serbian. His work has been cited in congressional testimony on Capitol Hill and he has been interviewed over 600 times by media outlets in 35 countries. After the Sandy Hook attack, the CEO of the American Psychological Association presented Dr. Langman’s recommendations on school safety to President Obama. He has presented at both the FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC, and the FBI National Academy in Quantico. He has been an invited speaker at the National Counterterrorism Center and was hired by Homeland Security to train professionals in school safety. He maintains the largest online collection of materials relating to school shooters at schoolshooters.info, including over 600 documents totaling 70,000 pages. His book, School Shooters: Understanding High School, College, and Adult Perpetrators was published in 2015. From 2018 to 2023 , Dr. Langman was a researcher with the National Threat Assessment Center of the United States Secret Service. His latest book is Warning Signs: Identifying School Shooters Before They Strike . In 2025, Dr. Langman became the Senior Advisor on Violence Prevention at ZeroEyes, a company dedicated to preventing firearm violence. Book Dr. Peter TODAY! Testimonials

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! Averted School Violence The ASV Project provides foundational evidence-based research to support efforts to stop targeted school attacks. LEARN MORE Bright Futures Bright Futures brings together communities to meet basic needs and create new opportunities for children to thrive. LEARN MORE Comprehensive School Safety Framework The Comprehensive School Safety Framework equips schools with preparedness strategies which address all hazards. LEARN MORE Consulting & Technical Assistance From prevention through recovery, Safe and Sound Schools’ national network of experts can help your school or district plan and prepare for safety. LEARN MORE Especially Safe Especially Safe equips safety planning teams to address the safety and security needs of all members of their community. LEARN MORE PREPaRE Training PREPaRE is the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), School Crisis prevention and response training curriculum. LEARN MORE Pathways for Prevention Pathways for Prevention provides a practical approach to school violence prevention with universal violence prevention strategies. LEARN MORE Safe and Sound Institute® The Safe and Sound Institute® presents regional summits, workshops, and trainings that to engage and connect all stakeholders to improve school safety. LEARN MORE Staying Safe Staying Safe is an options-based emergency response framework that equips staff and students with a variety of safety skills that they can use in different situations. LEARN MORE Filter Program By Safe & Sound PROGRAMS GET TRAINING

Tell us your communication preferences so we can send you tailored updates, timely resources, training opportunities, event notifications, and more! We look forward to staying in touch and working together to keep our school communities safe and sound Join the Safe and Sound Community Stay Informed, Stay Connected Tell us your communication preferences so we can send you the most relevant tools, event information, and updates—tailored to your role and priorities. Once you're part of our community, you'll get access to the resources, training, and support you need to help protect your school community and strengthen your safety efforts. We’re proud to stand with you in creating safe and sound schools!

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 What if the skills that help us survive life's darkest moments can be learned long before crisis ever occurs? In this unforgettable keynote, resiliency advocate, active shooting survivor, Director of School Safety, and nationally recognized speaker Madalena DeAndrea shares the extraordinary journey that shaped her understanding of resilience. From growing up as the daughter of a law enforcement leader who helped redefine America's response to school shootings to surviving the 2018 mass shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, her story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. Rather than focusing solely on tragedy, Madalena reveals the protective factors, practical skillsets, and powerful mindsets that prepared her to respond under unimaginable circumstances and ultimately fueled her journey of post traumatic growth. Blending deeply personal storytelling with evidence-informed resilience strategies and lessons learned from years of leading school safety and preparedness initiatives, she demonstrates that resilience is not something we are born with. It is something we intentionally build. Audience members will leave inspired and equipped with practical tools to strengthen themselves, support the people they love, and cultivate more resilient families, workplaces, and communities before crisis ever occurs. Through hope, authenticity, and actionable insights, Madalena reminds us that while we cannot always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we prepare, how we respond, and who we become in the aftermath. Resilience Readiness: Preparing for Post-Traumatic Growth In this interactive and practical session, resiliency advocate, active shooting survivor, Director of School Safety, and nationally recognized speaker Madalena DeAndrea explores how individuals and communities can intentionally build protective factors before crisis occurs. Madalena breaks down what protective factors are, how they function in everyday life, and why they are essential in shaping outcomes during moments of extreme stress and in supporting healing in the aftermath. Drawing from both her lived experience as a survivor of the 2018 Borderline Bar & Grill active shooting and her professional expertise in school safety, she translates the often overwhelming work of preparing for crisis into clear, actionable steps that can be applied immediately in personal, professional, and community settings. At the center of this session are Madalena’s five guiding questions, designed to help individuals, teams, and organizations identify, strengthen, and actively build protective factors in advance of crisis. These questions create a practical framework for reflection and action, focused on readiness, connection, and resilience long before adversity occurs. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how protective factors are developed, how they can be strengthened over time, and how intentional choices today can significantly influence safety, stability, and resilience in the future, strengthening the potential for post-traumatic growth in the aftermath. Dark Nights of the Soul: When Terror Hits Home 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. Most importantly, 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 Director of School Safety with Jeffco Public Schools Department of School Safety in Colorado shares how the protective factors she learned growing up the daughter of a law enforcement officer, ultimately saved her life. She shares her insights as a survivor of an active shooting, and her choice to experience post-traumatic growth following an experience of evil. AJ and Madalena passionately speak from the perspective of having been inside the building during the aforementioned active shootings. These events have led to the creation of their Eight Pillars of Preparedness that can help prevent active shootings from occurring or help stop and manage them more effectively if one is to kick off in your jurisdiction. Through the Eyes of a Survivor: A Retrospective Threat Assessment of the Borderline Shooter In this powerful and deeply reflective session, resiliency advocate, active shooting survivor, Director of School Safety, and nationally recognized speaker Madalena DeAndrea examines the 2018 Borderline Bar & Grill shooting through the lens of modern behavioral threat assessment. Madalena reviews the shooter’s background, known risk factors, and behavioral indicators leading up to the attack, as well as key actions during the incident. She then places this analysis alongside her own lived experience, highlighting the protective factors that shaped her response and ultimately contributed to her survival. By comparing these two parallel paths, Madalena helps audiences understand how risk factors can escalate without intervention, and how protective factors can change outcomes. This session provides practical insight into early warning signs, prevention strategies, and the importance of building stronger protective environments in schools, workplaces, and communities. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 “[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! Testimonials

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

Safe & Sound WEBINARS A Comprehensive Approach: Understanding the Layers of Effective School Safety True school safety is about preparing for every hazard that could impact students, staff, and the wider school community. This webinar explores the six pillars of comprehensive school safety and how a holistic, layered, and inclusive approach can strengthen and transform your campus culture. Watch Now Digital Dangers & Student Behavior: When Low-Level Concerns Become Safety Risks This session is designed to support educators, student services teams, school mental health professionals, safety personnel, and administrators working to build sustainable, student-centered approaches to prevention, intervention, and support. Watch Now What's Working in School Safety: Trends, Tools, and Success Stories for the School Year Michele Gay is joined by Alana O’Grady, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at Verkada, for an in-depth conversation on current safety trends and actionable steps to make your school safer. Watch Now Protecting Students from Inappropriate Adult-Student Relationships: What Every School Leader & Educator Needs to Know Dr. Lori Mueller is joined by educator sexual abuse survivor and Safe and Sound Speakers Bureau member Michelle Denault to discuss what every school superintendent and K-12 leader needs to know to proactively protect students. Watch Now Lessons in Prevention: Real Cases and Insights from the Averted School Violence Database Join Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools, Mo Canady, Executive Director of NASRO, for a 60-minute session designed to help school safety stakeholders learn from averted acts of violence. Watch Now School Safety: How to Start Productive Conversations in Your Community 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. Watch Now From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Addressing the Increase in School Violence (Webinar) Join our expert panel with Michele Gay in discussion about this dangerous trend. We’ll cover how communities can restore safety and return to learning, and share best practices, insights, and key resources. Watch Now Especially Safe®: An Inclusive Approach to Safety Preparedness in Educational Settings (Webinar) Join Safe and Sound Schools for a webinar focused on how safety teams can address the safety and security needs of school community members with access and functional needs (special needs). Watch Now

We are proud to partner with federal, state, and local school safety leaders to support comprehensive safety initiatives. Our collaborative projects bring together multidisciplinary teams of educators, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and other key stakeholders to design tailored trainings, host summits and conferences, develop curricula and implementation resources, and secure grant funding. We are proud to partner with federal, state, and local school safety leaders to support comprehensive safety initiatives. Our collaborative projects bring together multidisciplinary teams of educators, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and other key stakeholders to design tailored trainings, host summits and conferences , develop curricula and implementation resources, and secure grant funding. Take a look at some of our ongoing projects below. Have questions or want to learn more? Reach out to us —we’d love to hear from you! STAYING SAFE SCHOOL SAFETY RESPONSE TRAINING (TEXAS) In partnership with the Texas School Safety Center and Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT), Safe and Sound Schools developed Staying Safe, an age- and developmentally-appropriate response curriculum. Staying Safe aims to prepare students for potentially dangerous situations, instilling confidence and a sense of preparedness. Rooted in the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) approach developed by ALERRT, Staying Safe leverages the expertise of the ALERRT Center at Texas State University, which offers the nation’s leading research-based active attack response training. CRASE was originally developed to train civilians to survive active attacks, with a primary focus on adults. The Staying Safe program adapts this expert knowledge to the needs of young people, using age-appropriate and developmentally suitable techniques. Staying Safe equips students with essential, practical, and lifelong tools that enable them to confidently handle emergencies in various settings, including schools, public places, or at home. This comprehensive, all-hazards approach to personal safety empowers young people to navigate unsafe situations effectively. This curriculum is being offered as a six-hour train-the-trainer session for all regional Education Service Centers (ESC) across Texas. STAY SAFE KIDS In partnership with Drexel University School of Education, Safe and Sound Schools is developing a curriculum to guide schools in their safety planning efforts. Utilizing developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed practices, the curriculum is designed for delivery by school staff to teach all students how to respond to situations at school and maintain their safety. The curriculum will undergo a rigorous development process through collaboration with participating schools, pilot testing, and continuous improvement over the course of three years. The project will culminate in a fully developed curriculum suitable for replication and sustainable implementation across schools. This project is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. TENNESSEE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL SAFETY PROGRAM Safe and Sound Schools is grateful for longstanding partnerships with various organizations across the state of Tennessee. With the goal of implementing a comprehensive school safety framework , our collaborations with these stakeholder groups include hosting in-person and virtual school safety summits, providing training on a wide variety of topics, and working with Tennessee-based school safety experts. Recently, we were awarded a BJA grant to deliver advanced Behavioral Threat Assessment training for schools that have already completed previous training. Many of these initiatives are supported by state and federal grants. PROJECT UNITE Safe and Sound Schools partnered with the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado Boulder, the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), and the I Love U Guys Foundation, among other organizations and subject matter experts, to develop a comprehensive approach to violence prevention. The key components, or systems, of Project Unite are: Positive school culture and climate Bystander reporting and response Information sharing Behavioral threat and suicide assessment and management Project Unite provides step-by-step guidance for implementing each component using a comprehensive approach informed by federal recommendations, research, and community policing principles. Schools can adapt the implementation of these components to address their unique needs, resources, and students’ age and developmental levels. UTAH SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT In collaboration with the Utah School Safety Center, as well as other state and national organizations, Safe and Sound Schools designed and delivered the 2024 Utah School Safety Conference in Riverton, UT. This two-day event brought together school safety staff from across the state to hear from powerful keynote speakers and engage in practical and informative breakout sessions. Focusing on a comprehensive approach to school safety, these sessions covered topics including drug/alcohol awareness, bleeding control, threat assessment, digital threat assessment, crisis communication, inclusive safety preparedness, and a debrief of national school safety incidents. Overall, the 2024 Utah School Safety Conference provided a valuable opportunity for K-12 leaders to learn from nationally recognized speakers and acquire best practices supporting comprehensive school safety. 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! MICHIGAN SCHOOL SAFETY ACADEMIES Utilizing Safe and Sound Schools’ Framework for Comprehensive School Safety Planning and Development , the Michigan State Police hosted six two-day School Safety Academy events across the state. Developed to equip districts and school leaders with an understanding of key principles and the ability to assess their own safety needs and next steps, Safe and Sound Schools collaborated on content and speakers to support the goals of the State of Michigan. Topics for these six in-person events included threat assessment, mental health first aid, incident command, and bleeding control, among others. Attendees included K-12 school administrators, school safety liaisons, mental health professionals, and school resource officers. Recent Safe & Sound PROJECTS GET TRAINING