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!

Featured Antoinette King, CISSP, PSP, SICC, is a leading voice in school safety, bridging the gap between physical and cybersecurity to help schools and organizations navigate today’s complex threat landscape. With a deep understanding of how digital vulnerabilities impact physical safety, she challenges communities to expand their definition of security and take an integrated approach. Antoinette’s work is built on proactive prevention, shared responsibility, and the belief that safety begin with informed, empowered teams. Through her solutions-focused presentations, Antoinette equips educators, administrators, and safety leaders with the tools they need to protect students in both the physical and digital spaces—making her a vital resource for schools striving to stay ahead of evolving risks. WHY Book Antoinette King FOR YOUR EVENT? “We've had the privilege of working with Antoinette in multiple capacities over the last few years. From her contributions to our Safe, Sound, and Healthy Digital Environments toolkit for educators to her highly rated 'The Invisible Threat: Cyber Risks Facing Today's Students' keynote at our Northeast Summit, she brings passion and expertise to a very critical area in school safety. Having her as an exclusive member of our Safe and Sound Speakers Bureau is an incredible benefit to any school, district, or parent organization navigating the complex environment of physical safety, cyber security, and digital citizenship!” – Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director, Safe and Sound Schools WHO Books Antoinette King ? Antoinette’s presentations are founded in decades of expertise in both physical and cybersecurity. She connects with audiences through relatable examples, forward-thinking strategies, and a clear commitment to empowering school communities to take action in the face of evolving threats. Her presentations cover topics such as integrated school security, cybersecurity awareness, digital privacy, and building a culture of safety that spans both physical spaces and online environments. Recent audiences Antoinette has spoken to include: Security Industry Association (SIA) Global Security Exchange (GSX) ISC West Northeast School Safety Summit Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Antoinette - book her today! BOOK TODAY ANTOINETTE KING, CISSP Physical & Cyber Security Expert BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Antoinette King TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! Antoinette’s book The Digital Citizen's Guide to Cybersecurity: How to Be Safe and Empowered Online is available for purchase on Amazon . SPEAKER Topics Include Safety & Security Digital Safety & Online Threats Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention Security Physical Security & Risk Assessment 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. Building a Strong Cybersecurity Culture in your District Building a strong cybersecurity culture in your school district is crucial to protecting sensitive data, ensuring compliance, and fostering a security-first mindset among staff, students, and administrators. This session will explore how governance frameworks can establish clear cybersecurity policies, how executive buy-in can drive meaningful change, and how performing gap assessments can identify vulnerabilities in existing practices. By understanding these key elements, school leaders can create a cybersecurity strategy that is proactive, sustainable, and ingrained in daily operations. Differentiating Between Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, and Incident Response Plans Organizations face a range of disruptions, from cyberattacks to natural disasters, making it crucial to have well-defined response strategies. This session will clarify the distinctions between Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, and Incident Response plans, highlighting how each contributes to organizational resilience. Attendees will explore the significance of conducting a Business Impact Analysis (BIA) to prioritize recovery efforts, understand the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in each plan, and learn how leadership buy-in ensures effective implementation. By the end of the session, participants will gain actionable insights to strengthen preparedness and response frameworks within their organizations. Understanding the Benefits and Risks of Transitioning Your District to Cloud Servies and Solutions Transitioning to cloud services and solutions can offer school districts enhanced flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. However, it also introduces new considerations around data security, privacy, and shared responsibilities between cloud providers and users. This session will explore the benefits and risks of moving your school district to the cloud, clarifying critical concepts such as Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Attendees will gain insights into data security obligations, best practices for protecting sensitive student and administrative information, and strategies for ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. Testing, Training, Exercising Your District-wide Cybersecurity Plans A well-developed cybersecurity plan is only as effective as its testing, training, and exercises. School districts must regularly assess their Disaster Recovery (DR), Incident Response (IR), and Business Continuity (BCP) plans to ensure they are practical, comprehensive, and actionable. This session will provide strategies for selecting the right stakeholders, crafting realistic tabletop exercise scenarios, and conducting thorough after-action reviews to refine district-wide cybersecurity preparedness. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to strengthen their cybersecurity plans through structured testing and continuous improvement. Strengthening Cybersecurity in K-12 Education Through Internal Assessments Ensuring the security of sensitive data and technology in K-12 education is more critical than ever. Join us for an enlightening webinar, "Strengthening Cybersecurity in K-12 Education Through Internal Assessments," where we will explore how conducting thorough internal assessments can bolster cybersecurity efforts in educational institutions. This session will provide participants with actionable insights to identify vulnerabilities, address gaps, and implement effective solutions to create a secure learning environment. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 "Every family that engages online and on social media should have their hands on [Antoinette King's] book. Employers are increasingly tightening their cybersecurity practices and policies, but as more people work and attend classes from home, the home network our families share is now totally interconnected and vulnerable to cyber crimes like phishing, hacking, and ransomware. Why not create the same safe practices we agree to follow at work, for our home? Ms. King writes an approachable, fun, kind, and empathetic way to open conversations with our families on how to protect your most important digital assets." -Susan F. "[Antoinette King's book is] a comprehensive and accessible resource for anyone looking to protect themselves in the digital world. Antoinette does a fantastic job of breaking down complex cybersecurity concepts into easy-to-understand language, making it a perfect read for beginners and experts alike. The practical tips and real-world examples provided throughout the book are incredibly helpful, and the emphasis on personal empowerment in the digital age is truly inspiring. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to stay safe and secure online – it's a must-read!" Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Antoinette King, CISSP, PSP, SICC has more than two decades of experience in the security industry, working in integration, education, manufacturing, and consulting. Antoinette founded Credo Cyber Consulting in 2020 with the goal of providing her clients a holistic perspective on security, bridging the gap between the physical and cybersecurity domains focusing on data privacy and protection. Her book, The Digital Citizen’s Guide to Cybersecurity: How to Stay Safe and Empowered Online hit the Amazon Best Seller’s list for all its categories in the first 48 hours of release. Antoinette is a Board-Certified Physical Security Professional (PSP), as well as a certified Data Privacy Protection Specialist (DPPS). She has an associate degree in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Managing Security Systems, and master’s degree in Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management. Antoinette has presented on data privacy and cybersecurity in several capacities including webinars and in person engagements. She has also published articles on the topics of cybersecurity, data privacy, creating an insider threat programs, and digital citizenship. Additional awards and praise include: Honoree, 2024 SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100 Honoree, 2023 Top 100 Global Women in Cybersecurity Honoree, 2023 SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100 Winner, 2022 Cyber OSPAs Best Cybersecurity Consultant Winner, ASIS 2022 Karen Marquez Award Winner, SIA Chairman’s Award 2022 Honoree, SIA 2022 Women in Security Forum Power 100 Winner, SIA 2020 Women in Security Forum Scholarship Winner, SIA 2018 RISE Scholarship Book Antoinette King TODAY! Testimonials

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These organizations, associations, and businesses have donated time, talents, expertise, and/or financial support toward our shared mission of Safe and Sound Schools®. We are truly grateful for their generosity, dedication, and partnership. Safe and Sound PARTNERSHIPS These organizations, associations, and businesses have donated time, talents, expertise, and/or financial support toward our shared mission of Safe and Sound Schools®. We are truly grateful for their generosity, dedication, and partnership. To learn more about becoming a partner, click the button below. APPLY FOR PARTNERSHIP BECOME A PARTNER Several of these organizations are school safety and security related. It is the responsibility of the consumer to research, vet, and decide whether any of our partners’ services or products may be of benefit to their individual school community. Safe and Sound Schools® makes no product or service recommendations or endorsements. BECOME A PARTNER Your corporation, business, or organization may become a Safe and Sound Schools® corporate partner or supporter. Your contribution will enable us to develop and deliver materials to the nation’s school communities, at no charge, providing education, awareness, and resources for the improvement of school safety and security. BE A PART OF OUR NATIONAL SAFETY COMMUNITY PROVIDE EDUCATION, TOOLS, AND RESOURCES TO SCHOOLS AND LEADERS NATIONWIDE SHARE YOUR ORGANIZATION’S THOUGHT LEADERSHIP BE A PART OF OUR NATIONAL SAFETY COMMUNITYSHARE YOUR BRAND WITH OUR NATIONAL COMMUNITY ENGAGE AND INTERACT WITH SCHOOL COMMUNITIES MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE SAFETY OF OUR NATION’S SCHOOLS PARTNER TESTIMONIALS STATUS SOLUTIONS “Status Solutions recognizes the need to cultivate relationships with those who desire the same outcome. Our sponsorship with Safe and Sound Schools® educates Status Solutions with an honest perspective, allowing us to see the full picture. This relationship is the beginning of an empowerment initiative, uniting our communities to achieve one common goal—safer schools.” Mike MacLeod, President RAPTOR TECHNOLOGIES “Our partnership with Safe and Sound Schools® is an element of our commitment to helping local communities ensure the safety of their children and improving school security by utilizing tools and resources that stop potential threats the moment they walk through the door. Together we’re making our schools safer and creating a community that recognizes student safety as a top priority.” Jim Vesterman, CEO NAVIGATE360 “Safe and Sound Schools® is a remarkable organization with an incredible mission to inform, educate, and deliver critical school safety knowledge to school communities.” Jim Hummel, COO

Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Benjamin Fernandez, MS. Ed, is a trusted voice in school mental and behavioral health, crisis response, and student well-being. With an extensive, highly decorated and decades-long career in school psychology in large school districts, he brings a deep understanding of how to support students and staff before, during, and after emergencies. At Safe and Sound Schools, he helps lead national conversations on integrating mental and behavioral health into school safety frameworks. Ben’s presentations are grounded in real-world experience and provide actionable strategies for building trauma-informed, psychologically safe school environments. His ability to connect with educators, administrators, and mental health professionals makes him a powerful advocate and speaker for any school or organization committed to comprehensive school safety. WHY Book Ben FOR YOUR EVENT? “Benjamin Fernandez has been an asset to the Virginia Department of Education. He has presented for the past several years at two of our annual conferences for 300+ school personal, which are attended by school psychologists, school counselors, school social workers, school nurses, and school administrators. He tailors his presentations to meet the needs of the audience, and his sessions are always well attended and well received. Participants come away with practical strategies that they can immediately implement when they return to their schools and/or policies that they can advocate for in their school divisions. Ben is engaging in his presentations, has a wealth of knowledge to share, and is pleasant to work with. He has been a partner with the VDOE to promote comprehensive suicide prevention. He is a member of the Governor’s Children’s Safety Cabinet and was a contributor to our recently adopted Suicide Prevention Guidelines for Virginia Public Schools. I would wholeheartedly recommend Ben Fernandez as a presenter.” -Martha Montgomery, Ed.S., School Psychology Specialist, Virginia Department of Education WHO Books Ben ? Benjamin Fernandez’s expertise in school mental health and crisis response makes him a highly sought-after speaker for schools and organizations across the US and Canada. He is especially recognized for his work in helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from traumatic events with a focus on psychological safety and resilience. Recent audiences include: National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Virginia Department of Education Northwestern Georgia School Psychologists Consortium Deaf School Safety Task Force Gangs, Guns and School Violence Prevention Summit (Vancouver, BC) Midwest School Safety Summit Texas Education Service Centers Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Benjamin - book him today! BOOK TODAY BEN FERNANDEZ Lead School Psychologist Northern Virginia School System BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Ben TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! Perspectives on School Crisis Response: Reflections from the Field , co-authored by Ben Fernandez, is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon . SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Health & Wellness Culture, Climate, & Community Crisis Leadership Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Support Identifying & Supporting At-risk Students Intervention Strategies MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Leader-care/Self-care Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Violence Prevention Strategies Staying Safe Best Practices for Drills Emergency Preparedness & Response Trauma-Informed Practices Childhood Trauma & Adverse Experiences Inclusive School Safety Practices Signature PRESENTATIONS Click on the titles to learn more about each signature presentation and fill out the form below to book for your next event. PREPaRE Workshop 1, Third Edition, Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Prevention Through Recovery In this 1-day workshop participants will learn how to establish and sustain comprehensive school safety efforts that attend to both physical and psychological safety. The workshop addresses critical components needed to develop, exercise, and evaluate safety and crisis teams and plans and conduct building vulnerability assessments. The model also integrates school personnel and community provider roles in providing school-based crisis preparedness and response activities. Additional topics addressed also include media/social media, communication, reunification, students with special needs, culture, and memorials. After this workshop, participants will be better prepared to improve their school’s climate, student resilience, and crisis response capabilities of school personnel. With updated research and strategies, this workshop makes a clear connection between ongoing crisis prevention, mitigation, protection, response, and recovery. PREPaRE Workshop 1, Training of Trainers, Third Edition, Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Prevention Through Recovery This 1.5-day workshop provides participants with the information and practice needed to become a trainer of PREPaRE Workshop 1: Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Prevention Through Recovery. Included in this workshop a one-hour online module addressing logistics of workshop delivery and a 10-hour in-person workshop (1.5 days) addressing how to present the workshop content (with a special emphasis on a standardized delivery). This ToT workshop includes a mandatory pre-test (requiring a 100% pass score), preworkshop activities, interactive online access during the workshop, and a post-test (requiring a 100% pass score). From this session, participants will be provided with the information and practice needed to independently offer the core workshop. All participants receive workshop presentation materials and a certificate of completion. PREPaRE Workshop 2, Third Edition, Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools This 2-day workshop develops the knowledge and skill required to provide immediate mental health crisis interventions to the students, staff, and school community members who have been simultaneously exposed to an acute traumatic stressor. The knowledge and skill developed within this session also help to build a bridge to the psychotherapeutic and trauma-informed mental health response sometimes required to address challenges associated with trauma exposure. This workshop is an excellent course for all mental health professionals in your district who provide mental health crisis intervention services. PREPaRE Workshop 2, Training of Trainers, Third Edition, Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools This 2-day workshop provides participants with the information and practice needed to become a trainer of PREPaRE Workshop 2: Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools. Included in this workshop is a one-hour online module addressing the logistics of workshop delivery and a 13-hour in-person workshop (2 days) addressing how to present the workshop content (with a special emphasis on a standardized delivery). This ToT workshop includes a mandatory pre-test (requiring a 100% pass score), preworkshop activities, interactive online access during the workshop, and a post-test (requiring a 100% pass score). From this session, participants will be provided with the information and practice needed to independently offer the core workshop. All participants receive workshop presentation materials and a certificate of completion. Pathways for Violence Prevention This session equips educators and school staff with actionable strategies to prevent school violence. Participants will explore a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, learning to implement universal, targeted, and intensive interventions. Through practical application, attendees will: Establish a culture of care within their school community. Learn effective methods for assessing and managing active threats. Gain insights into modules covering crucial topics such as suicide prevention, grief support, emotional awareness, positive behavior supports, threat assessment, bullying intervention, and trauma-informed practices. This program provides a comprehensive approach to fostering student growth, wellness, and safety, ultimately creating a more secure and supportive school environment. Suicide Prevention and Intervention Postvention Responding to Suicide This workshop provides evidence an informed approach for responding to and managing a suicide death within a school community. Participants will gain an understanding of key terms, statistics, and the unique factors surrounding suicide, including contagion, bereavement, stigma, and developmental and cultural differences. The session will then delve into practical strategies for school-based suicide postvention encompassing: Triage, crisis team readiness and experience, effective communication with staff, students, community, and families, and implementing appropriate interventions using the PREPaRE model. Ongoing triage, monitoring students of concern, and supporting school-based teams in the weeks following the incident. Addressing long-term considerations, including anniversaries and other potentially triggering events. Developing self-care plans for individuals, teams, and school staff to mitigate the impact of trauma. This workshop will equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively support their school community through the challenging process of suicide postvention. Student Mental Health and School Safety This presentation explores the link between student mental health and school safety. The discussion begins with examining the national landscape of child and adolescent mental health, highlighting pre-pandemic trends and the evolving challenges post-pandemic. Then we discuss common mental health challenges seen in schools, including youth suicide, substance use, and the impact of trauma/ACEs, and analyze how untreated mental health issues affect academic performance, social interactions, and long-term student success. The presentation emphasizes the World Health Organization's definition of mental health and its alignment with educational goals, positioning schools as vital access points for youth mental health support. Next, we explore the essential components of a safe and supportive school environment, including integrated learning and student supports (MTSS), access to mental health services, balanced physical and psychological safety, and positive discipline practices. Finally, we'll delve into practical strategies for promoting mental wellness within schools. This includes identifying key teams, establishing clear goals, utilizing relevant data sources, and implementing MTSS frameworks across Tier 1, 2, and 3 interventions. Through reflection and discussion, participants will gain insights into their school's specific needs and develop actionable steps to foster a mentally healthy and safe learning environment. Crisis Leadership: Integration of the What and the How Effective school crisis leadership requires both a clear understanding of crisis response frameworks and the ability to lead with confidence in complex, high-stakes situations. This session explores the integration of the PREPaRE model with National Preparedness Leadership Initiative’s Metaleadership concept, providing school crisis leaders with a structured approach to what they need to do and how they can lead effectively during a crisis. Participants will examine key components of the PREPaRE model, focusing on evidence-based strategies for crisis prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. These will be aligned with Metaleadership’s principles, which emphasize leading down (within teams), up (to leadership), and across (to community partners) to build coordination, trust, and adaptive decision-making in crisis situations. A Practitioner's Approach to Evaluating Effectiveness of Crisis Response This presentation focuses on the critical yet often overlooked practice of examining the effectiveness of crisis response, emphasizing its role in data collection and analysis for performance improvement, efficiency, and better service to students and staff. Utilizing the PREPaRE model as a guide, participants will delve into the importance of After Action Reviews (AARs) as a powerful tool for organizational change. AARs, when conducted effectively, provide valuable learning opportunities by comparing expected outcomes with actual results, allowing for adjustments to organizational structures, practices and procedures. This presentation explores the key elements of an AAR, highlighting its purpose as a fact-finding exercise to assess response, intervention, and effectiveness. Despite the infrequent nature of crisis events, AARs are essential for maintaining and improving crisis team performance, informing training, and creating a repository of lessons learned for broader sharing through regular reports and staff communications. By embracing AARs as a constructive feedback mechanism, participants will be able to enhance their crisis response capabilities and continuously improve procedures and strategies. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 "I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ben Fernandez since 2008. With more than 20 years of clinical experience as a school psychologist, Mr. Fernandez has particular interest and expertise in the areas of school crisis prevention and intervention as well as suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. His work has been instrumental to Loudoun County Public Schools—with individual students and families, school buildings and administrators, as well as systems wide—particularly through his leadership and coordination of division wide crisis response teams. Having a national perspective on these and other topics that are urgent to school psychologists and other educators, Mr. Fernandez has been called on to testify on Capitol Hill and train school systems in NASP’s PREPaRE curriculum. I highly recommend and endorse Mr. Fernandez for what he can offer you and your professional organizations." - Charles Barrett, Ph.D., Loudoun County Public Schools "Ben Fernandez delivered an outstanding presentation to school psychologists on crisis intervention, mental health, and school safety, drawing from his extensive professional experience in emergency response and student counseling. His engaging and knowledgeable approach kept the audience captivated as he shared real-world strategies for handling crises effectively. Mr. Fernandez also facilitated insightful small-group discussions, encouraging participation and practical problem-solving among attendees. His expertise and ability to communicate complex issues in a clear, actionable manner made his session both informative and impactful, leaving school psychologists better equipped to support students in challenging situations." - Amy Diprima, Ph.D. Floyd County Schools Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Benjamin S. Fernandez, MS. Ed, completed his graduate studies in School Psychology at Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA) and has worked as a school psychologist in Pennsylvania and Virginia with over 28 years of experience as a practitioner. Currently, he serves as the Director of Mental and Behavioral Health Programs for Safe and Sounds Schools. He previously held the position of crisis intervention specialist in Fairfax County Public Schools, providing leadership and the coordination of crisis intervention services, and response consultation after acute traumatic events. As a lead school psychologist and coordinator in Loudoun County Public Schools, he provided a broad array of psychological and school-based mental health services including assessment, suicide screenings, threat assessments of students and nonstudents, consultation, counseling, prevention, and intervention as well as serving as a crisis team leader. Further, he has conducted presentations on suicide prevention for families as well as helping to establish the collection and review of suicide screening data to enhance processes and identify areas of further prevention and intervention. Additionally, he is a Lead PREPaRE Trainer and has contributed to presentations, articles, books, and webinars related to youth suicide, PREPaRE, school mental health, school safety and crisis intervention on the local, state, and national levels. He has testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, the Federal Commission on School Safety, the Congressional School Safety Caucus, and served as a member of the Governor of Virginia’s Children’s Cabinet on Student Safety.  Mr. Fernandez contributed to the Virginia Department of Education’s Suicide Prevention Guidelines.  In 2010, he was named School Psychologist of the Year by the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists and in 2012, he was named School Psychologist of the Year by the National Association of School Psychologists. In 2015 and 2018, Benjamin received the NASP Presidential Award and in 2021 received the National Association of School Psychologists Crisis Management and Grief Support in Schools Interest Group Award for Excellence for significant contributions to the field of school safety and crisis intervention. Book Ben TODAY!

Expert insights and resources to enhance digital citizenship and promote safe online practices for students. Truly comprehensive school safety must extend to the digital spaces where our students spend so much time today. Safe, Sound and Healthy Digital Environments: A Practical Toolkit for Educators Expert insights and resources to enhance digital citizenship and promote safe online practices for students. Truly comprehensive school safety must extend to the digital spaces where our students spend so much time today. Building on insights from roundtable discussions with district and school administrators, mental health professionals, educators, and law enforcement officials, Safe and Sound Schools, Snapchat, and leading school safety experts joined forces to develop this comprehensive toolkit. It provides educators with the knowledge needed to support the safety and well-being of their students online, including specific information about Snapchat. We hope you find this toolkit to be an invaluable resource for your school community. Together, we can create a safer and more supportive digital environment for students, better protecting every school, every student, every day. DOWNLOAD NOW Healthy Digital ENVIRONMENTS

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. Bright FUTURES GET TRAINING WHAT IS BRIGHT FUTURES? The Bright Futures Program at Safe and Sound Schools 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 in communities across the nation. The Bright Futures program now serves more than 70 communities in 8 states, supporting the health, wellness, and safety of over 250,000 students nationwide. The Bright Futures Community Resiliency Framework takes a whole community approach to raising our next generation of citizens and is grounded in three foundational principles to support the growth of our kids and strengthen the resolve of our communities: Create communication and resource structures to meet any child’s basic needs within 24 hours. Strengthening community resiliency by building the local leadership and resource capacity to improve problem solving capabilities to address the greater challenges faced by today’s youth. Providing opportunities for children and youth to serve the community through curriculum-based, hands-on service experiences to grow generations of service-minded citizens. WHO CREATES BRIGHT FUTURES? 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. EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHAMPION 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. Inspiring community partnerships that open a way for all children to learn to lead and serve to their full potential. HOW IT WORKS The Bright Futures Community Resiliency Framework© takes a whole-community approach to raising the next generation of citizens and is grounded in three foundational principles that support the growth of our kids and strengthen the resolve of our communities: Create communication and resource structures to meet any child’s basic needs within 24 hours. Strengthen community resiliency by building the local leadership and resource capacity to improve problem solving capabilities to address the greater challenges faced by today’s youth. Provide opportunities for children and youth to serve the community through curriculum-based, hands-on service experiences to grow generations of service-minded citizens. Bright Futures Website MEET THE FOUNDERS Dr. C.J. Huff Co-Founder Bright Futures USA Kim Vann Co-Founder Bright Futures USA Start a Bright Futures Community IN YOUR AREA! Want to help meet the basic needs of children and families in your community? Complete the form below to learn more, and a member of our team will be in touch soon!

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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 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! Testimonials

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 Review 3 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 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