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!

Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Jonathan Cristall is a leading expert in youth safety, digital citizenship, and violence prevention. As a prosecutor and author of What They Don’t Teach Teens , Cristall is dedicated to equipping young people with the tools they need to navigate today’s challenges, offering practical insights on critical topics such as online safety, sexual consent, and building healthy relationships. His engaging presentations provide students, parents, educators, as well as law enforcement, with actionable strategies to address issues like social media use, peer pressure, and personal boundaries. WHY Book Jonathan FOR YOUR EVENT? “Jonathan's well-honed presentation was truly an enriching experience. His delivery was engaging, savvy and well-informed. His material expanded our awareness about online safety. It brought our Parent Teacher Student Association to a new level.” —Amy Mueller, PTSA Coordinator, Palisades High School WHO Books Jonathan ? Cristall’s expertise makes him a valuable speaker for schools and organizations looking to empower teens to make informed, responsible decisions while promoting safer, more supportive communities. These organizations include: Michigan State Police Common Sense Media Nebraska Community Aid and Juvenile Justice Conference Arkansas Department of Education LA Unified School District Palisades High School Parent Teacher Student Association Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences National League of Young Men Jack and Jill of America Village School Alumni Parent Group Beverly Hills High School BOOK TODAY JONATHAN CRISTALL Prosecutor Certified Sexual Violence Prevention Instructor, Digital Safety Advocate, Author BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Jonathan TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Health & Wellness Culture, Climate & Community Leadership, Law & Policy Grooming & Exploitation Sexual Abuse Prevention Digital Safety & Online Threats Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention Suicide & Mental Health Support 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. What They Don’t Teach Teens 60-minute Workshop This workshop provides an overview of the three parts of What They Don't Teach Teens: Street Safety and Safer Police Interactions Sexual Violence and Misconduct Digital Pitfalls & Best Practices An excellent choice for parents and educators, it is highly recommended that participants are provided with a copy of the book in advance or at the time of the workshop. Workshop includes discussion of prospective lesson plans for educators regarding the above topics. Healthy Intimate Relationships & Connections 60-minute Workshop Topics covered in this workshop include: Sexual consent (what it is, what it is not, how to ask for it, circumstances in which consent cannot be obtained) Dating violence (what it is, how to identify it, how to safely seek help for yourself or a loved one) Sextortion, AKA online sexual blackmail (what it is and how to best protect yourself) Sexual harassment in a school environment (what it is, how to identify it, how to combat it, how to safely seek help) The importance of finding a trusted person when support is needed Digital Pitfalls & Best Practices 60-minute Workshop Topics covered in this workshop include: Potential pitfalls of smartphone cameras (focus on laws/consequences of underage sexting, sextortion, and revenge porn) How to protect one's digital footprint (focusing on what employers and college administrators want to see/not see in a candidate's footprint) Digital citizenship Cyberbullying Protecting one's digital privacy The importance of finding a trusted person when support is needed Safer Police Interactions 60-minute Workshop Topics covered in this workshop include: Your rights under the 4th Amendment (police searches) and how to exercise them most safely Your rights under the 5th Amendment (police questioning) and how to exercise them most safely What to do and what not to do when stopped by police while in a vehicle or on foot Racial injustice in policing and how it may impact invocation of your rights How to differentiate between detentions, consensual encounters, and arrests The game changer if you break the law: you've turned 18 Safer Get-Togethers 60-minute Workshop Topics covered in this workshop include: Sexual consent and the consumption of alcohol (or other drugs) Situational awareness at parties Bystander intervention techniques and 911 immunity (Good Samaritan) laws Social host liability laws (when adults can be held liable for underage drinking that occurs in their homes) Potential consequences of using a fake ID Your rights when police show up at the party and want to search or question you Streat Safety: Where Your Life Travels Take You BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 We bring Jonathan to Beverly High to help our students (and their parents) develop 21st century life skills. Each time Jonathan presents, the response was phenomenal. Our students are engaged and the parents are thrilled. — Ali Norman-Franks, Beverly Hills High Intervention Counselor Jonathan’s presentations for our congregation are very enlightening. Parents are grateful for the opening to talk with their teens about crucial subjects. Teens appreciate Jonathan’s relatability and directness. We can’t wait to bring him back! — Rabbi Zoe Klein, Temple Isaiah Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Jonathan Cristall, Esq., is a veteran prosecutor for the City of Los Angeles. He is the author of the multiple award-winning book, What They Don't Teach Teens. Cristall's book—written for both teen and adult readers—and his related speaking events teach young people (and the adults who care for them) physical, digital, emotional, and legal life safety skills to better navigate the pitfalls of modern adolescence. Being a teenager has never been easy. And, in fact, it was downright difficult for Cristall as he spent his own teen years in Los Angeles, taking unnecessary risks and getting into avoidable trouble. Decades later, long after turning his life around, he recognized that his teenage children and their peers were facing new risks, expectations, and laws that simply didn't exist for previous generations of teenagers—things like understanding the ways a damaged digital footprint can alter your life; the statements or actions that may amount to sexual harassment; the potentially severe consequences of underage sexting; the point a sexual interaction "goes too far"; the safest way to handle oneself when stopped by the police; navigating the complexities of cyberbullying; and so much more. Cristall began searching for a book that would help his children better understand the "how-tos" and "how-not-tos" of coming of age today. Finding nothing, Cristall utilized his experience as a prosecutor, sexual violence prevention instructor, and a troubled teen to write the book he was seeking: What They Don't Teach Teens. His regular speaking presentations about the topics in the book provide practical guidance, thoughtful insight, and simple-to-use tips and tactics that empower tweens, teens, and young adults to make good choices now and into the future. In addition to many awards and formal recognitions for his public safety work as a prosecutor, Cristall is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal from the Los Angeles Police Commission—the highest honor bestowed on non-sworn law enforcement personnel. Other organizations from which Cristall has received distinctions include the Police Officers Association of LA County and the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California. What They Don't Teach Teens is similarly laureled as a recipient of the Gold Winner award from both the IPBA Ben Franklin Awards for Best Parenting & Family Book and the NIEA Awards for Best Parenting & Family Book of 2020. Additionally, What They Don't Teach Teens won a Silver medal from Forward INDIES Awards in the Family & Relationships category. Cristall works and lives with his family in Los Angeles. Book Jonathan TODAY! Testimonials

Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Jonathan Cristall is a leading expert in youth safety, digital citizenship, and violence prevention. As a prosecutor and author of What They Don’t Teach Teens , Cristall is dedicated to equipping young people with the tools they need to navigate today’s challenges, offering practical insights on critical topics such as online safety, sexual consent, and building healthy relationships. His engaging presentations provide students, parents, educators, as well as law enforcement, with actionable strategies to address issues like social media use, peer pressure, and personal boundaries. WHY Book Jonathan FOR YOUR EVENT? “Jonathan's well-honed presentation was truly an enriching experience. His delivery was engaging, savvy and well-informed. His material expanded our awareness about online safety. It brought our Parent Teacher Student Association to a new level.” —Amy Mueller, PTSA Coordinator, Palisades High School WHO Books Jonathan ? Cristall’s expertise makes him a valuable speaker for schools and organizations looking to empower teens to make informed, responsible decisions while promoting safer, more supportive communities. These organizations include: Michigan State Police Common Sense Media Nebraska Community Aid and Juvenile Justice Conference Arkansas Department of Education LA Unified School District Palisades High School Parent Teacher Student Association Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences National League of Young Men Jack and Jill of America Village School Alumni Parent Group Beverly Hills High School BOOK TODAY JONATHAN CRISTALL Prosecutor Certified Sexual Violence Prevention Instructor, Digital Safety Advocate, Author BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Jonathan TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Health & Wellness Culture, Climate & Community Leadership, Law & Policy Grooming & Exploitation Sexual Abuse Prevention Digital Safety & Online Threats Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention Suicide & Mental Health Support 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. What They Don’t Teach Teens 60-minute Workshop This workshop provides an overview of the three parts of What They Don't Teach Teens: Street Safety and Safer Police Interactions Sexual Violence and Misconduct Digital Pitfalls & Best Practices An excellent choice for parents and educators, it is highly recommended that participants are provided with a copy of the book in advance or at the time of the workshop. Workshop includes discussion of prospective lesson plans for educators regarding the above topics. Healthy Intimate Relationships & Connections 60-minute Workshop Topics covered in this workshop include: Sexual consent (what it is, what it is not, how to ask for it, circumstances in which consent cannot be obtained) Dating violence (what it is, how to identify it, how to safely seek help for yourself or a loved one) Sextortion, AKA online sexual blackmail (what it is and how to best protect yourself) Sexual harassment in a school environment (what it is, how to identify it, how to combat it, how to safely seek help) The importance of finding a trusted person when support is needed Digital Pitfalls & Best Practices 60-minute Workshop Topics covered in this workshop include: Potential pitfalls of smartphone cameras (focus on laws/consequences of underage sexting, sextortion, and revenge porn) How to protect one's digital footprint (focusing on what employers and college administrators want to see/not see in a candidate's footprint) Digital citizenship Cyberbullying Protecting one's digital privacy The importance of finding a trusted person when support is needed Safer Police Interactions 60-minute Workshop Topics covered in this workshop include: Your rights under the 4th Amendment (police searches) and how to exercise them most safely Your rights under the 5th Amendment (police questioning) and how to exercise them most safely What to do and what not to do when stopped by police while in a vehicle or on foot Racial injustice in policing and how it may impact invocation of your rights How to differentiate between detentions, consensual encounters, and arrests The game changer if you break the law: you've turned 18 Safer Get-Togethers 60-minute Workshop Topics covered in this workshop include: Sexual consent and the consumption of alcohol (or other drugs) Situational awareness at parties Bystander intervention techniques and 911 immunity (Good Samaritan) laws Social host liability laws (when adults can be held liable for underage drinking that occurs in their homes) Potential consequences of using a fake ID Your rights when police show up at the party and want to search or question you Streat Safety: Where Your Life Travels Take You BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 We bring Jonathan to Beverly High to help our students (and their parents) develop 21st century life skills. Each time Jonathan presents, the response was phenomenal. Our students are engaged and the parents are thrilled. — Ali Norman-Franks, Beverly Hills High Intervention Counselor Jonathan’s presentations for our congregation are very enlightening. Parents are grateful for the opening to talk with their teens about crucial subjects. Teens appreciate Jonathan’s relatability and directness. We can’t wait to bring him back! — Rabbi Zoe Klein, Temple Isaiah Jonathan takes complicated topics and simplifies them. His workshops provide our students and parents with actionable and accessible information that will greatly benefit them now and in the future. — Anthony Locke, Head of Upper School, Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Jonathan Cristall, Esq., is a veteran prosecutor for the City of Los Angeles. He is the author of the multiple award-winning book, What They Don't Teach Teens. Cristall's book—written for both teen and adult readers—and his related speaking events teach young people (and the adults who care for them) physical, digital, emotional, and legal life safety skills to better navigate the pitfalls of modern adolescence. Being a teenager has never been easy. And, in fact, it was downright difficult for Cristall as he spent his own teen years in Los Angeles, taking unnecessary risks and getting into avoidable trouble. Decades later, long after turning his life around, he recognized that his teenage children and their peers were facing new risks, expectations, and laws that simply didn't exist for previous generations of teenagers—things like understanding the ways a damaged digital footprint can alter your life; the statements or actions that may amount to sexual harassment; the potentially severe consequences of underage sexting; the point a sexual interaction "goes too far"; the safest way to handle oneself when stopped by the police; navigating the complexities of cyberbullying; and so much more. Cristall began searching for a book that would help his children better understand the "how-tos" and "how-not-tos" of coming of age today. Finding nothing, Cristall utilized his experience as a prosecutor, sexual violence prevention instructor, and a troubled teen to write the book he was seeking: What They Don't Teach Teens. His regular speaking presentations about the topics in the book provide practical guidance, thoughtful insight, and simple-to-use tips and tactics that empower tweens, teens, and young adults to make good choices now and into the future. In addition to many awards and formal recognitions for his public safety work as a prosecutor, Cristall is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal from the Los Angeles Police Commission—the highest honor bestowed on non-sworn law enforcement personnel. Other organizations from which Cristall has received distinctions include the Police Officers Association of LA County and the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California. What They Don't Teach Teens is similarly laureled as a recipient of the Gold Winner award from both the IPBA Ben Franklin Awards for Best Parenting & Family Book and the NIEA Awards for Best Parenting & Family Book of 2020. Additionally, What They Don't Teach Teens won a Silver medal from Forward INDIES Awards in the Family & Relationships category. Cristall works and lives with his family in Los Angeles. Book Jonathan TODAY!

Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Paul Timm is a decorated expert and recognized voice in the field of school safety and physical security. A Board-Certified Physical Security Professional (PSP), author of School Security: How to Build and Strengthen a School Safety Program , and host of “The Changing Face of School Security podcast, Timm is has spent decades conducting security assessments and advising educational institutions on actionable strategies to enhance their safety programs. Named one of Security Magazine’s Most Influential People in Security in 2020, he combines proven expertise with a practical approach and a deep understanding of school security to equip educators and administrators with the knowledge and tools needed to create safer learning environments. WHY Book Paul FOR YOUR EVENT? “Paul was FABULOUS!!! We would love to continue to work with him in the future. Thank you so much for your quick communication and responsiveness. He was super engaging and entertaining. His practical recommendations were feasible for others to wrap their mind around. We will certainly stay in touch and recommend him to our contacts and networks!” —Jenny Brockway, Coordinator: Counseling Services, Strategic Initiatives Division, Region 13 Education Service Center WHO Books Paul ? As a trusted expert, author, and speaker, Paul Timm equips organizations with practical strategies to strengthen school safety and security. He continually helps to build safer, more resilient learning environments by sharing insights and subject matter expertise with conference audiences and organizations of all sizes. Recent appearances include: National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Global Security Exchange (GSX) ASIS International Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) Campus Safety Conference Indiana Department of Education Michigan State Police New York State Association of Independent Schools La Grange Area Department of Special Education Region 13 Education Service Center Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative Jessup University Lubbock ISD Raptor Technologies SchoolSAFE Conference Lightspeed Technologies BOOK TODAY PAUL TIMM PSP, Physical Security Expert BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Paul TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Safety & Security Leadership, Law & Policy Operations & Emergency Management Security Physical Security & Risk Assessment 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. Three Keys to Effective School Security 1-2 Hour Keynote An effective school security program depends on more than just the state-mandated crisis management plan. How can you make sure your school is effectively addressing areas of vulnerability? This presentation will provide you with the tools you need to proactively and holistically approach school safety and security. Special focus will be placed on Collaboration, Awareness and Student Involvement. From train-the-trainer style quizzes to photographic vulnerability identification, attendees will benefit from an interactive environment. Attendees will learn how to address common security issues, implement site-specific strategies and access helpful resources. Trends in School Security School administrators are bombarded with potential solutions to make schools safer. How effective are these products and systems? In an interactive environment, attendees will learn the pros and cons of today’s offerings. Attendees will also gain an understanding of guidance, trends, and emerging threats critical to effective security planning. Raising Awareness: Moving From a Mayberry Mentality to a “See Something, Say Something” Culture 1-2 Hour Keynote or Workshop The “it can’t happen here” mindset is both incorrect and potentially debilitating from a loss prevention and emergency preparedness standpoint. How can schools effectively change the culture without scaring teachers and staff into submission? This highly interactive and practical presentation will equip attendees with a variety of ways to heighten safety awareness. Attendees will also benefit from the latest reporting methods. From engaging photo identification and video exercises to positive reinforcement and appropriate student involvement, don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to lead individuals to personally invest in making the learning environment safer! School Security Vulnerabilities & Solutions Where are your biggest security gaps and how can you address them? This highly engaging presentation will identify typical issues encountered during a 25-year career of conducting more than 2,000 security assessments. Attendees will benefit from photo identification exercises that demonstrate both security problems and potential solutions. Emergency Preparedness Tabletop Exercise 1-hour to Half Day Workshop During any emergency, it is important to be able to draw from all available resources. The special skills, training and capabilities of staff will play a vital role in coping with the effects of any disaster, and they will be of paramount importance during and after a major event. Participants in this train-the-trainer session will be placed in tabletop teams and be assigned specific roles (e.g. spokesperson, scribe, stakeholder). Once the rules are explained and the emergency scenario is introduced, participants will have facilitated and timed discussions with Q&A time among their teams. Each team will then share specific responses as the scenario unfolds. Lessons learned from K-12 incidents and other resources will be shared. Preventing & Preparing for the Active Shooter School Safety Before and After School Hours 1-2 Hour Workshop Providing a safe learning environment during the school day is challenging enough. How can safety and security be improved before and after class time? Join us as we address the difficulties that schools face in early-morning programs and after-school events. Learn how to effectively implement security measures and strengthen emergency preparedness. Benefit from helpful resources. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 The presentation was terrific. I think everyone appreciated the information and guidance Paul had to share. I think it was probably just the right amount of information for the right amount of time. Raised everyone's anxiety a little given that our building is far from perfect but he helped in terms of prioritizing safety concerns and I think everyone was glad for that. —Ellie Ambuehl, Executive Director, La Grange Area Department of Special Education The presentation was terrific. I think everyone appreciated the information and guidance Paul had to share. I think it was probably just the right amount of information for the right amount of time. Raised everyone's anxiety a little given that our building is far from perfect but he helped in terms of prioritizing safety concerns and I think everyone was glad for that. —Ellie Ambuehl, Executive Director, La Grange Area Department of Special Education Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Paul Timm, Director of Education Safety at Allegion, is a board-certified Physical Security Professional (PSP). He is the author of School Security: How to Build and Strengthen a School Safety Program , and the host of "The Changing Face of School Security" podcast. Paul was named one of the Most Influential People in Security in 2020 by Security Magazine. In addition to having conducted more than 2,000 vulnerability assessments and his frequent keynote addresses, Paul is an experienced School Crisis Assistance Team volunteer through the National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA). He serves on the Campus Safety Conferences Advisory Board, the Advisory Council for the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools, the ASIS International School Safety and Security Community, and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials Risk Management Committee. Paul is certified in Vulnerability Assessment Methodology (VAM) through Sandia National Laboratories and the ALPHA vulnerability assessment methodology. Paul holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary. Book Paul TODAY! Testimonials

From prevention through recovery, Safe and Sound Schools’ national network of experts can help your school or district plan and prepare for safety. 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. From prevention through recovery, Safe and Sound Schools’® national network of experts can help your school or district plan and prepare for safety. With extensive backgrounds and experience in School Psychology, Emergency Planning and Management, School-based Policing, Weather & Disaster Preparedness, Physical Safety, School Culture, Special Education, and more, our subject matter experts combine best practice guidance and real-world application to help you build, customize, and continually refine school safety in your community. Next Item Previous Item

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 Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 "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!

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

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. From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Addressing the Increase in School Violence (Webinar) BACK 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. Safe and Sound Schools in partnership with Door Security & Safety Foundation Join us in a round table discussion where experts, parents, and school leaders share perspectives on school security and safety issues in our schools. Between fears of active shooters and bullying, budget concerns, building codes and local politics, these issues impact all of us. Though emotional and challenging, it’s important to learn the facts and work with experts towards immediate and long term solutions for securing school doors. Hear the perspective of a parent, school administrator, school psychologist, door security and safety professional, and a code official who will share insights, best practices and key resources to help us all successfully work together.

Several of these organizations are school safety and security related. It is the responsibility of the consumer to research, vet, and decide whether any of our partners’ services or products may be of benefit to their individual school community. Safe and Sound Schools® makes no product or service recommendations or endorsements. Additionally, as a matter of policy, we do not accept partnership inquiries from organizations related to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and firearms defense products. PARTNER TESTIMONIALS STATUS SOLUTIONS “Status Solutions recognizes the need to cultivate relationships with those who desire the same outcome. Our sponsorship with Safe and Sound Schools® educates Status Solutions with an honest perspective, allowing us to see the full picture. This relationship is the beginning of an empowerment initiative, uniting our communities to achieve one common goal—safer schools.” Mike MacLeod, President RAPTOR TECHNOLOGIES “Our partnership with Safe and Sound Schools® is an element of our commitment to helping local communities ensure the safety of their children and improving school security by utilizing tools and resources that stop potential threats the moment they walk through the door. Together we’re making our schools safer and creating a community that recognizes student safety as a top priority.” Jim Vesterman, CEO NAVIGATE360 “Safe and Sound Schools® is a remarkable organization with an incredible mission to inform, educate, and deliver critical school safety knowledge to school communities.” Jim Hummel, COO BECOME A PARTNER Your corporation, business, or organization may become a Safe and Sound Schools® corporate partner or supporter. Your contribution will enable us to develop and deliver materials to the nation’s school communities, at no charge, providing education, awareness, and resources for the improvement of school safety and security. BE A PART OF OUR NATIONAL SAFETY COMMUNITY PROVIDE EDUCATION, TOOLS, AND RESOURCES TO SCHOOLS AND LEADERS NATIONWIDE SHARE YOUR ORGANIZATION’S THOUGHT LEADERSHIP ENGAGE AND INTERACT WITH SCHOOL COMMUNITIES MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE SAFETY OF OUR NATION’S SCHOOLS Safe and Sound Schools PARTNERSHIP REQUEST FORM We greatly appreciate your interest in partnering with Safe and Sound Schools. Due to the high volume of inquiries we receive and the limited number of partnerships we can support each year, we ask that you complete the application form below. This information helps our Partnership Committee thoughtfully evaluate opportunities and ensure alignment with our mission and organizational capacity. Partnership Application Criteria All potential partners are evaluated using the following foundational considerations: Alignment with Our Mission Demonstrated commitment to advancing school safety, prevention, and student wellness in ways that complement Safe and Sound Schools’ mission and work. Values Alignment Commitment to collaboration, integrity, transparency, and student-centered safety practices. Organizational Stability and Experience Organizations must be established and operational for a minimum of three years. Professional Reputation and Collaboration History Applicants must provide four professional references, preferably including organizations or individuals familiar with Safe and Sound Schools’ work or with experience collaborating within the school safety field. Mutual Respect and Credibility Demonstrated history of ethical engagement, professional conduct, and positive standing within the education and safety communities. Additional Partnership Guidelines Business Development Requests Safe and Sound Schools is unable to enter partnerships primarily intended to advise or help startups or emerging organizations build, launch, or market new products, services, or businesses. Product and Industry Restrictions As a matter of organizational policy, we do not partner with organizations involved in the sale, distribution, or promotion of certain products or services, including but not limited to: Alcohol or tobacco products Firearms or firearm-related sales and distribution Commercial safety equipment intended for students as protective gear (such as ballistic backpacks or similar products) Non-Exclusivity and Nonprofit Neutrality Safe and Sound Schools maintains a position of nonprofit neutrality and does not enter exclusive partnerships. Collaboration with one organization does not constitute endorsement, exclusivity, or limitation of our ability to collaborate with other aligned partners. Organizational Capacity Partnership opportunities are limited by staff bandwidth, program priorities, and organizational capacity. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance or partnership placement. Safe and Sound PARTNERSHIPS These organizations, associations, and businesses have donated time, talents, expertise, and/or financial support toward our shared mission of Safe and Sound Schools®. We are truly grateful for their generosity, dedication, and partnership. To learn more about becoming a partner, click the button below. BECOME A PARTNER

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!

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!

FEATURED SPEAKERS Close SPEAKER PERSPECTIVE Filter items with SpeakerPerspective Educator (Teacher, School Counselor, Special Educator) Law Enforcement/Public Safety Medical (Crisis/Emergency Responder, School Nurse) Parent/Guardian Practitioner (Mental Health Professional, Social Worker, Crisis Responder) School Leadership (Principal, Administrator, District Leader) School-based Mental Health (Psychologist, Social Worker, Counselor) Survivor RESET FILTER COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL SAFETY DISCIPLINE Filter items with Comprehensive School Safety Discipline Culture, Climate & Community Health & Wellness Leadership, Law & Privacy Mental & Behavioral Health Operations & Emergency Management Safety & Security PREVENTION & INTERVENTION Filter items with Prevention & Intervention Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention Digital Safety & Online Threats Grooming & Exploitation, Intervention Strategies Identifying & Supporting At-Risk Students Leader-care/Self-care MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Security Sexual Abuse Prevention Substance Use & Addiction Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Support FILTER BY TOPIC Total Results: 30 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE Filter items with Emergency Preparedness & Response Active Shooter Prevention & Response Best Practices for Drills Emergency Preparedness & Response Staying Safe Stop the Bleed RESILENCE & RECOVERY Filter items with Resilience & Recovery Childhood Trauma & Adverse Experiences Lessons Learned from Tragedy Recovery & Resilience After Tragedy Trauma-Informed Practices Turning Pain Into Purpose THREAT ASSESSMENT Filter by Threat Assessment Averted School Violence Case Studies Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Digital Threat Assessment Physical Security & Risk Assessment School Shooters: Profiles & Prevention Violence Prevention Strategies SAFETY OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS Filter by Safety of Special Populations Inclusive School Safety Practices LGTBQ+ & Safety Special Education Considerations TYPE OF PRESENTATION Filter by Type of Presentation Breakout Sessions Keynote Presentation Professional Development Training & Workshops FEATURED SPEAKER Filter items with FlagText FEATURED SPEAKER DR. STEPHANIE GRANT Developmental Psychologist, Neurodevelopment and Trauma Expert Learn More ANTOINETTE KING, CISSP Physical & Cyber Security Expert Learn More DOUG HUNT Childhood Trauma Survivor, Associate Director of Bright Futures Mission Advancement Learn More ANNEMOSS ROGERS Mental Health and Suicide Education Expert Learn More KATEY MCPHERSON Digital Wellness Coach Learn More BEN FERNANDEZ Lead School Psychologist Northern Virginia School System Learn More DR. CJ HUFF Educator and Child Advocate Learn More DR. SAVAHANNA WAGNER Co-Founder Rescue in Color Emergency Medical Expert Learn More FRANK DEANGELIS Retired Principal of Columbine High School Learn More JONATHAN CRISTALL Prosecutor Certified Sexual Violence Prevention Instructor, Digital Safety Advocate, Author Learn More LISA HAMP Survivor of the Virginia Tech Shooting Learn More MICHELE GAY Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools Sandy Hook Parent Learn More MICHELLE DENAULT Survivor of Educator Sexual Abuse Learn More MISSY DODDS Survivor of the Red Lake High School Shooting Learn More MOLLY BRADLEY HUDGENS School Counselor and Congressional Medal of Honor Citizens Honor Recipient Learn More OFFICER MEG SOULTZ Co-Founder Rescue in Color Public Safety and Emergency Medical Expert Learn More PAUL TIMM PSP, Physical Security Expert Learn More AJ DEANDREA Retired Police Chief & Tactical Lead Trainer Learn More DANIEL JEWISS Lead Investigator for the Sandy Hook School Shooting Learn More DAVE OKADA President, Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) Learn More DR. AMANDA NICKERSON Professor and Director of the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention Learn More DR. MELISSA REEVES Former President of the National Association of School Psychologists Learn More DR. PETER LANGMAN Author and Expert in the Psychology of School Shooters Learn More DR. SCOTT POLAND Professor/Licensed Psychologist and Expert on School Violence Learn More DR. STEPHEN BROCK Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Licensed Educational Psychologist Learn More DR. TODD SAVAGE Professor of School Psychology Learn More JIN KIM FBI Veteran/Expert on Active Shooter & Workplace Violence Preparedness Learn More JOHN MCDONALD Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer, Council for School Safety Leadership (CSSL) Learn More MADALENA DEANDREA Borderline Bar and Grill Shooting Survivor & Resiliency Advocate Learn More NATALIE HAMMOND Elementary Principal and Sandy Hook School Shooting Survivor Learn More All speaking engagements are coordinated through Brian at Kirkland Productions. To coordinate an event, please contact Brian at brian@kirklandproductions.com or 866-769-9037 Book A Safe and Sound SPEAKER TODAY Our nationally recognized team of speakers are available for your event! Please complete the form below to get started, and a member of our team will be in touch soon! Empowering School Communities From keynotes to hands-on workshops and community-wide forums, our speakers can adapt their delivery approach to meet the unique needs of your event. Our speaking team can deliver content on a variety of topics related to safety, crisis prevention, response, recovery, and mental health. Our Speakers Safe and Sound Schools'® panel of school safety experts combine deep practical knowledge with engaging delivery to inspire and educate your school community. BOOK A SPEAKER