Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU AnneMoss Rogers is a compelling mental health speaker known for her raw authenticity and evidence-informed approach to wellness and suicide prevention. What sets her apart is her ability to connect deeply with audiences through lived experience, turning personal tragedy into a powerful catalyst for change. Her talks equip schools and organizations with practical tools to foster emotional wellness, build resilience, and create cultures of open dialogue around mental health. AnneMoss is uniquely effective at breaking stigma and inspiring action, making her an essential voice for any community serious about supporting mental health. WHY Book AnneMoss FOR YOUR EVENT? “AnneMoss Rogers is probably the most resilient person I know. She has managed to turn grief into action. I had the pleasure of presenting with her at the Pediatric Academic Societies conference and her part was absolutely the best. She received a standing ovation. I have been to this conference for two decades and I have never seen any speaker receive a standing ovation. She was powerful. She was moving.” -Lisa Horowitz, PhD, MPH, Staff Scientist/Clinical Psychologist, National Institute of Mental Health WHO Books AnneMoss ? AnneMoss’s emotionally raw storytelling and practical, stigma-reducing strategies have made her a compelling and in-demand speaker on mental health and suicide prevention. Known for her relatable, inclusive approach, she equips audiences with actionable tools to foster resilience, connection, and early intervention. AnneMoss is an ideal choice for schools, workplaces, and organizations seeking to create emotionally healthy environments where people feel seen, heard, and supported. Recent audiences include: National Institute of Mental Health American Academy of Pediatrics The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) TEDx Speaker Nebraska Department of Education Boston Public Schools Fairfax County Public Schools University of South Dakota North Carolina State University ESI Management Group Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by AnneMoss Rogers - book her today! BOOK TODAY ANNEMOSS ROGERS Mental Health and Suicide Education Expert BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING AnneMoss TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! Check out AnneMoss Rogers’ books Diary of a Broken Mind and Emotionally Naked: A Teacher’s Guide to Preventing Suicide and Recognizing Students at Risk wherever books are sold. SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Culture, Climate & Community Substance Use & Addiction Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Support 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. Turning Pain into Purpose: Surviving a Son’s Depression, Addiction, & Suicide Approximately 60 minutes with optional 30-minute Q&A Mental health and suicide education expert, AnneMoss Rogers has built a following on suicide, and the mental illness and addiction that often trigger it. After trying to find help for her once joyful son and rap artist, including wilderness therapy and therapeutic boarding school, Charles became addicted to heroin and died by suicide on June 5, 2015. This presentation is about her journey to healing by dragging an unpopular topic into the spotlight, how giving back has helped her heal, and how a blog community that came together in their shared pain has saved lives in the most surprising and unconventional of ways. Takeaways: How stigma played a role in Charles’s downward spiral One mom’s unconventional way to save lives Turning grief into action to find a path to healing What to say or do when someone is struggling Forgiving oneself after a loss by suicide Themes include substance misuse, mental health, suicide, parenting, resilience, coping skills, hope and healing. AnneMoss follows safe messaging reporting guidelines on suicide. Spotting Students at Risk: The Educator’s Role in Preventing Suicide and Other Self-Harm Behaviors Audience: University faculty and K-12 educators 45-90 minute training, virtual or in-person How can you spot students who might be at risk for suicide? What do you do if you feel like someone is at risk? How do you have difficult conversations? How do you find support? Whether it’s having a conversation with someone who is stressed or talking to someone who might be suicidal, this presentation will empower educators with the words and tools needed to be the bridge to support. You don’t have to fix this. But you can allow another human to feel seen and heard which is the greatest gift you can offer. Learning outcomes: How to spot students/co-workers at risk and what to say/do How to be a trusted adult and wisdom guide Simple shifts in teaching that promote wellness and enhance learning The art of listening Self-care for you Links to resources and protocols Early Intervention Works: Mental Health Education for Birth to 5 Years Emotionally Naked® Workplace Wellness Audience: Managers, executives, HR and EAP leaders, safety leaders, employees 60 minute training, virtual or in-person Emotionally healthy employees perform better, are absent less, and more likely to stay. This upstream commitment of workplace wellness is the foundation of a prevention culture that emphasizes connection and belonging. Part of this initiative is building resilience, and defining self-care strategies so employees have the tools and resources to manage anxiety, adversity, change, and future leadership positions. Crisis response always costs more and uses up more resources and time. Any effort to avoid that is a plus for any company HR team, DEI, or safety leader. Learning Outcomes: Coping strategies and DBT skills for managing adversity, avoiding conflict and burnout Small, creative, and doable strategies for big changes in workplace wellness How to create a culture of connection so employees don’t want to leave How to allow others to feel heard and therefore feel valued Life events that make people more vulnerable to despair How to be a leader, not just a boss Learn the most important skill for managing your emotional well being Turning Pain into Purpose: The Power of Post-Traumatic Growth After Tragedy Theme: An inspirational keynote speaker topic focused on post-traumatic growth after trauma or tragedy Description: When life shatters, what comes next? In this powerful and inspiring keynote, AnneMoss Rogers explores how the darkest moments can give rise to unexpected strength, clarity, and purpose—and how that growth is never automatic. Drawing from the personal tragedy of losing her son to suicide and grounded in the science of post-traumatic growth, she shares how people can intentionally transform grief, trauma, and adversity into resilience, ultimately weaving it into the tapestry of one’s life. Far from a story of despair, AnneMoss centers her message on the human capacity to grow through what we go through, with vulnerability, intention, and hope. Takeaways: •A deeper understanding of post-traumatic growth—and how to foster it •Why pain is part of processing, and how all of it is essential to healing •How to discover purpose, hope, and meaning after profound loss or trauma •Resources and practical tools to support others through life-shattering events Diary of a Broken Mind: Addiction, Depression and the Tragic Link to Suicide BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 “I had the privilege of attending the hosted event this past week with keynote speaker AnneMoss Rogers. I find I have few words to describe the evening…it was riveting. It gave me pause and has stayed with me. I’ve had several conversations this week with friends who feel the same. I hope Anne Moss Rogers will be back again next year.” -Lori, Parent in a California School District “Good luck dozing off or pseudo listening to AnneMoss Rogers. Even those up all night couldn’t avert their focus to her dynamic ability to connect. We all learned so much from her, and she puts it all on the line. If you want a keynote speaker, or someone to connect with you on a visceral level, Mrs. AnneMoss Rogers is who you want.” -Mike Ross, Patrol Officer, Fairfax County Public Schools Safety and Security Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY AnneMoss Rogers has lived the ultimate tragedy and become an expert on emotional wellness, suicide prevention, and postvention, with a niche focus on youth mental health. She educates through storytelling, and shares hope, coping strategies, and straightforward, practical takeaways. Her youngest son, Charles, was the funniest, most popular kid in school. As a teen, he wore the mask of a clown to hide depression and used drugs and alcohol to numb his pain. He would become addicted to heroin and take his life in 2015 at age 20. The most devastating loss of her life was a turning point. While it took time to accept that purpose with grace, she has never looked back or regretted that decision. Putting her grief into action, she authored the award-winning memoir, Diary of a Broken Mind and the Amazon best seller, Emotionally Naked: A Teacher’s Guide to Preventing Suicide and Recognizing Students at Risk with co-writer Dr. Kimberly O’Brien. A TEDx speaker, AnneMoss has been featured in both the New York Times and Variety. She was the first non-clinician invited to speak on youth suicide at the National Institute of Mental Health. She is a registered safeTALK suicide prevention trainer, and she is both ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and ASK-trained. A UNC - Chapel Hill alumna, she currently lives in Richmond, VA, and her surviving son Richard is a film editor in LA. Book AnneMoss TODAY! Testimonials

Staying Safe is an options-based emergency response framework that equips staff and students with a variety of safety skills that they can use in different situations. Staying Safe Staying Safe is an options-based emergency response framework that equips staff and students with a variety of safety skills that they can use in different situations. Staying Safe is an options-based emergency response framework that equips staff and students with a variety of safety skills that they can use in different situations. Recognizing the unique needs of the school environment, Safe and Sound Schools has tailored this program to address the specific roles and responsibilities of school personnel, ensuring that the training is as relevant and effective as possible in a school context. We aim to teach safety skills as practical actions that individuals can apply based on their circumstances. Next Item Previous Item

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We’ve partnered with Snap Inc. to provide resources that empower parents, caregivers, and educators to help foster safer online environments for students. A Parent’s Guide to Fostering Safer Online Practices on Snapchat & Beyond Fostering Safer Online Practices: It’s a Team Effort! At Safe and Sound Schools, we often describe school safety and student well-being as the ultimate team sport — it truly takes all of us. That’s why we’ve partnered with Snap Inc. to provide resources that empower parents, caregivers, and educators to help foster safer online environments for students. Download this free resource to begin cultivating a safer online experience for your children and teens today. DOWNLOAD NOW Instantly Access The Resources You Need We know that navigating today's digital world can feel overwhelming and this free guide was purpose-built with parents in mind. Inside you’ll find practical tools such as: An overview of Snapchat's main features and functionality, including Community Guidelines and reporting tools Tips and best practices on how to approach sensitive conversations with teens Conversation guides for talking about digital safety, including specific questions to ask Prompts to help teens process their feelings about social media Information on where to report and seek help for digital bullying, unwanted contact, and other concerning behavior GET THE GUIDE

The Averted School Violence (ASV) Project provides foundational evidence-based research to support efforts to stop targeted school attacks by building sustainable, community-based prevention and intervention services, education, and consultation services The AVERTED SCHOOL VIOLENCE PROJECT The Averted School Violence Program creates a data-driven approach to stopping targeted school attacks by building sustainable, community-based prevention and intervention strategies. GET TRAINING Frank Straub, PhD Senior Director of Violence Prevention Research and Programs WHAT IS The Averted School Violence Project? Following the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing (COPS) convened a national school safety advisory group to provide recommendations on how to prevent future school shootings and other acts of violence on school campuses. One key recommendation stood out among the others: Build a national repository of cases where school violence was stopped before it occurred. Based on these recommendations, the DOJ’s COPS Office allocated funding for the National Policing Institute (formerly the Police Foundation) to establish and maintain the Averted School Violence (ASV) database. From 2015 to 2023, the National Policing Institute built a strong foundation of research and reports that shaped school safety practices nationwide. In 2023, Dr. Frank Straub, who previously served as the founder and director of the National Policing Institute’s Center for Targeted Violence Prevention, as well as ASV’s project lead, secured a new home for the database right here with Safe and Sound Schools. The transfer, improvement in functionality, and expansion of the Averted School Violence Database was made possible through Prevent 2 Protect, a Michigan Department of Education Pilot Project. ASV and Safe and Sound, founded out of the same tragedy and on the same mission to protect every school, every student, every day, are now united to create a more powerful, data-driven tool that empowers school safety leaders to prevent tragedy before it occurs. EXPLORE THE DATABASE The Enhanced ASV Database and New Website With ASV’s move to Safe and Sound Schools, and the expanded support of partners like the Motorola Foundation and National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), we’ve enhanced the platform’s value by making it more accessible, more actionable, and more useful in the day-to-day work of preventing violence in our schools. With a new website and streamlined submission process, it’s now easier for SROs, school officials, and safety professionals to securely share cases of averted or completed violence. Additionally, we’ve added new filters and features to help users sort through cases by variables like school type, intervention type, threat source, and more. Most importantly, we’ve focused on ensuring the database isn’t just a storage tool—it’s a living resource that fuels evidence-based training and community conversations. CHECK IT OUT Take Action Join our mission to improve school safety and prevent future violence by anonymously and securely submitting an averted incident for review. SUBMIT A CASE PROGRAM PROGRAM Highlights The Averted School Violence Project helps safety leaders keep their communities safe by: Establishing a place where school personnel, law enforcement officers, mental health professionals, and others involved in school safety can share their averted school violence stories and lessons learned, in order to improve school safety and help prevent future tragedies. Providing real-life scenarios that can help guide the development of sustainable, community-based prevention and intervention strategies. Providing evidence-based research to support efforts to stop targeted school attacks by building sustainable, community-based prevention and intervention services, education, and consultation services. Keeping submissions anonymous, secure, non-punitive, and confidential. Bring Safe and Sound Training TO YOUR SCHOOL, DISTRICT OR ORGANIZATION! Our expert team is dedicated to empowering school safety stakeholders across the U.S. and beyond with training and tailored consulting. If none of our existing programs are the perfect fit, we also offer customized consulting to help you strengthen your school safety efforts. Please complete the form below to get started, and a member of our team will be in touch soon! Lessons in Prevention: A Free Webinar Every day, students, parents, educators, and school-based law enforcement officers take actions — big and small — that prevent tragedies in K-12 communities. These moments of awareness, courage, and coordination often go unseen, yet they hold powerful lessons for those seeking best practices to prevent future violence. This webinar explores the Averted School Violence (ASV) Project and recognizes these meaningful acts. The discussion features real-world cases analyzed for key takeaways to help attendees recognize warning signs, strengthen safety systems, and build more resilient schools.

Dr. Todd Savage is a nationally recognized authority on school safety, culturally responsive practices, and inclusion, dedicated to equipping educators with actionable strategies to foster safe, supportive learning environments. With a deep commitment to equity and student well-being, his programs empower school communities to proactively support all students. He brings practical insight from years of experience training school teams through PREPaRE crisis response workshops and delivering high-impact, inclusive education initiatives. Known for his collaborative and research-based approach, Dr. Savage stands out by blending expertise with empathy to create lasting change. His presentations are not only informative but transformative, making him a trusted voice for schools striving to meet the needs of every student. WHY Book Dr. Savage FOR YOUR EVENT? “Todd was a great presenter and our audience gained knowledge from the 2-day workshop. I had positive feedback from all of our attendees. I am happy to say that we learned many things and it brought up driving questions for me to take back to our administrators about how we handle crisis response. We would definitely have Todd back again.” —Becky Wiginton, Director of College and Career Readiness, Midlothian ISD WHO Books Dr. Savage ? Dr. Todd Savage’s compelling expertise and thoughtful presentation style have established him as a respected and in-demand speaker. Todd offers deep knowledge in school psychology and a strong, research-based commitment to inclusion and student well-being. Todd is a trusted choice for schools, districts, and organizations focused on creating safe, affirming, and trauma-informed educational environments. Recent audiences include: Katy Independent School District Midlothian Independent School District St. Paul Academy and Summit School Art and Science Academy Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Todd - book him today! BOOK TODAY DR. TODD SAVAGE Professor of School Psychology BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Savage TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Culture, Climate, & Community Leadership, Law, & Policy Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Support Identifying & Supporting At-Risk Students Intervention Strategies MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Trauma-Informed Practices Childhood Trauma & Adverse Experiences Inclusive School Safety Practices Special Education Considerations LGBTQ+ Safety Signature PRESENTATIONS Click on the titles to learn more about each signature presentation and fill out the form below to book for your next event. Understanding and Supporting Transgender and Gender Diverse Students in School (Standard 3-4 hour workshop, Minimum 1 ½ hour session, Up to an 8-hour workshop) The purpose of this session is to provide the participant with increased awareness and knowledge about gender diversity and schools; family matters about raising a transgender child and navigating the education system in this regard will also be presented. Finally, specific strategies participants can employ to support transgender and gender diverse students will be highlighted. Learning will be supported through direct instruction, large- and small-group work, and resources that can be employed to facilitate these processes. Session Objectives: To enhance participants’ awareness of gender identity and gender diversity matters in schools from multiple perspectives; To introduce tools participants can use not only to assess a system’s readiness to accommodate transgender and gender diverse students but to determine the support and transition needs of individual gender diverse youth; To highlight strategies participants can employ to support transgender and gender diverse students and to improve school climates as they pertain to gender diversity. PREPaRE Workshop #2 - Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools (3rd Edition) (Two Day 13-hour Workshop) This two-day workshop provides school-based mental health professionals and other school crisis intervention team members with the knowledge necessary to meet the mental health needs of students and staff following a school-associated crisis event. With updated research and crisis intervention strategies, this workshop teaches participants how to prevent and prepare for psychological trauma, reaffirm both the physical health of members of the school community and students’ perceptions that they are safe and secure, evaluate the degree of psychological trauma, respond to the psychological needs of members of the school community, and examine the effectiveness of school crisis intervention and recovery efforts. This workshop is an excellent course for all mental health professionals in your district who provide mental health crisis intervention services. This educator is also available to present the PREPaRE ToT (Training of Trainers) Workshops that correspond to the PREPaRE workshops described above. NOTE: The maximum number of participants is 45. There are additional fees of $55 per participant for materials that will be ordered directly from NASP. All materials are electronic, so there are no shipping fees. PREPaRE Workshop #1 - Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Prevention Through Recovery (3rd Edition) (One Day, 6.5-hour Workshop) In this newly updated workshop, participants will learn how to establish and sustain comprehensive school safety and crisis prevention and preparedness efforts. With updated research and strategies, this workshop makes a clearer connection between ongoing school safety and crisis preparedness. It also emphasizes the unique needs and functions of school teams and the steps involved in developing these teams, including a model that integrates school personnel and community provider roles. The PREPaRE model builds on existing personnel, resources and programs, and can be adapted to individual school needs and size. Finally, the workshop explores how to prepare for school crises by developing, exercising, and evaluating safety and crisis plans. This workshop is an excellent course for mental health and educational professionals working at all grade levels in your district that help establish a safe school climate and respond to crises. NOTE: The maximum number of participants is 100. There are additional fees of $45 per participant for materials that will be ordered directly from NASP. All materials are electronic, so there are no shipping fees. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 “Dr. Todd Savage was invaluable to our school in helping to broaden our understanding of gender diversity, to shape our school policies in support of gender diversity, and to educate our full community — parents, faculty/staff, students — with regard to this important topic. He led with sensitivity, openness, and compassion, both for his work and for the vast differences in opinion and understanding among his audience. As a consultant and partner in the work, his professionalism and deep understanding of the social, psychological, and political landscape, combined with a rich and nuanced understanding of child and adolescent development, continues to be a vital source of ongoing support and guidance for our community.” —S. Jill Romans, Ph.D., LP, Assistant Head of School: Student Development and Community Engagement, St. Paul Academy and Summit School “Todd did an excellent job. He connected with teachers in the audience and, as board chair, provided me with better understanding of the direction we need to take for training teachers and staff to achieve optimal student achievement. He also worked well with other speakers — the local Police Chief and the Mayor. A key measure of his effectiveness that I witnessed was his demeanor — he reached all, regardless of their beliefs, level of education, and socio-economic status.” —Suesan Mackert, Board Chair, Art and Science Academy Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Todd A. Savage, Ph.D., NCSP is a professor of school psychology, Department of Counseling and School Psychology, College of Education & Professional Studies, University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF). A first-generation college student, Todd earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and went on to earn master, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees in school psychology from the University of Kentucky, after having completed a pre-doctoral internship in the Omaha (NE) Public Schools. Todd taught at the University of Kentucky for two years before securing his first faculty position in school psychology at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico; he has been in his current position at UWRF since 2008. Todd has held several leadership positions in the National Association of Schools Psychologists (NASP), a 25,000-member strong professional organization, eventually serving as its 47th president during 2015-2016. Throughout his career, Todd has engaged in scholarly and service activities in the areas of culturally-responsive practice; school safety and crisis prevention, preparedness, and intervention; and LGBTQ+ matters they pertain to education. In fact, throughout the past five years, he has focused his energies on providing professional development for teachers, administrators, school-based mental health professionals, and other school personnel on understanding and supporting transgender and gender diverse students in schools. Book Dr. Savage TODAY!

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Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Dr. C.J. Huff is a recognized leader in school safety, crisis management, and community resilience. With extensive experience as a superintendent, he guided the Joplin, Missouri, school district through the aftermath of the devastating 2011 tornado, demonstrating exceptional leadership in recovery and rebuilding. Dr. Huff’s approach to school safety emphasizes the importance of strong community partnerships, proactive preparedness, and fostering a culture of resilience. As a speaker, he offers practical insights into disaster response, recovery strategies, and creating supportive environments that prioritize the well-being of students. His expertise makes him an invaluable resource for schools and organizations seeking to strengthen their safety protocols and community engagement efforts. WHY Book Dr. Huff FOR YOUR EVENT? “ The clear and concise articulation of real-world leadership in a time of terrible crisis . Dr. Huff pulled off some tremendous successes with his team, but there was a personal and professional cost at times. I appreciated his willingness to not only share those successes (and articulate the need to briefly acknowledge them regularly), but to also acknowledge the price he paid to achieve them. He also carved out a path to avoid many of those personal costs, or at least address them moving forward in a crisis.” —Brett Garland, Director, South Dakota State School Safety Program WHO Books Dr. Huff ? Dr. Huff’s expertise and compassion make him a sought-after speaker for a wide range of organizations. He is especially recognized for his leadership in response and recovery following natural disasters, guiding communities through challenges with resilience and strength. Organizations he has worked with include: Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative Missouri State Teachers Association, Southwest Region South Dakota State School Safety Program Pierce County Emergency Management Region 18 ESC BOOK TODAY DR. CJ HUFF Educator and Child Advocate BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Huff TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Culture, Climate & Community Leadership, Law & Policy Operations & Emergency Management Leader-care/Self-care 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. Leading in Crisis: The Joplin Story In this keynote, Dr. C.J. Huff provides a boots-on-the-ground CEO perspective on the challenges of leading a large organization through the hours, days, weeks, months, and years following an unthinkable tragedy. With a “people-first” approach, C.J. provides leaders with a practical approach to engage internal and external stakeholders, communicate vision, and chart a path forward that inspires and encourages others to follow. Attendees frequently comment on his humility and the common-sense actions leaders can take to stabilize an organization during incredibly challenging times. If I Had a Dime If I had a dime for every time I said, ‘You gotta take care of yourself before you can take care of others!’ I would have been able to rebuild our entire community after our disaster.” A central part of the presentation highlights the importance of "Career Sustaining Behaviors" (Self-Care) and the critical role educators play in the long-term recovery of students and their peers by becoming a model of self-care for others to follow. His "people first" message offers opportunities for self-reflection, practical strategies to improve staff morale and retention, tips on communication strategies, and thoughtful lessons learned the hard way balanced with empathy, humor, and inspiration to provide educators the clarity needed to overcome adversity. Relationships Matter In this session, Dr. Huff provides participants with a clear-eyed understanding of the importance of pre-need relationships to “carry the day” when crisis strikes. The relationships with internal and external stakeholders can make or break the ability of an organization to respond decisively to unexpected events that distract an organization from its noble purpose. Dr. Huff provides communication and leadership strategies to keep your organization moving forward...no matter what. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 After all, a lot of you could've spent your senior year scattered throughout different schools, far from home. But Dr. Huff asked everyone to pitch in so that school started on time, right here in Joplin. He understood the power of this community and the power of place. —President Barack Obama With unwavering courage and unshakable resolve, C.J. has led the Joplin Schools forward. He has been an inspiration to us all. I’m proud to have worked closely in partnership with C.J., and I’m even more proud to call him my friend. —Former Missouri Governor Jay Nixon Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Dr. C.J Huff is an educator with over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, building principal, and superintendent of schools. Originally a farmer from McCune, KS, Dr. Huff earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University, his Master's and Specialist degree in Education from Missouri State University, and his Doctorate in Education with a focus in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas in 2003. On May 22, 2011, at 5:41 PM, the costliest tornado in US history hit Joplin, Missouri. This EF-5 tornado with winds in excess of 200 mph devastated the community, killing 161 community members, including 7 students and a staff member, in just 32 minutes. As a school system, 10 of the 19 schools in his district were damaged or destroyed. Dr. Huff was responsible for successfully leading his district of 1,100 employees and 7,700 students through the community response and recovery effort that followed. His declaration that "We will start school on time" is credited with being a key factor that drew the community of Joplin together just days after the tornado and provided a positive light for the country to rally around in the midst of such tragedy and destruction. As a result of his leadership, Dr. Huff's resolve was recognized by leaders across the nation. Retiring from Joplin Schools in 2015, Dr. Huff serves as a subject matter expert to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education, supporting response and recovery efforts following some of the nation's most devastating natural disasters in recent history. This includes extensive response and recovery support following Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Michael, California wildfires (Paradise, CA), and the 2023 tornadoes in both Arkansas and Mississippi. Book Dr. Huff TODAY! Testimonials

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 Review 1 Review 2 "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! Testimonials

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

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Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Dr. C.J. Huff is a recognized leader in school safety, crisis management, and community resilience. With extensive experience as a superintendent, he guided the Joplin, Missouri, school district through the aftermath of the devastating 2011 tornado, demonstrating exceptional leadership in recovery and rebuilding. Dr. Huff’s approach to school safety emphasizes the importance of strong community partnerships, proactive preparedness, and fostering a culture of resilience. As a speaker, he offers practical insights into disaster response, recovery strategies, and creating supportive environments that prioritize the well-being of students. His expertise makes him an invaluable resource for schools and organizations seeking to strengthen their safety protocols and community engagement efforts. WHY Book Dr. Huff FOR YOUR EVENT? “ The clear and concise articulation of real-world leadership in a time of terrible crisis . Dr. Huff pulled off some tremendous successes with his team, but there was a personal and professional cost at times. I appreciated his willingness to not only share those successes (and articulate the need to briefly acknowledge them regularly), but to also acknowledge the price he paid to achieve them. He also carved out a path to avoid many of those personal costs, or at least address them moving forward in a crisis.” —Brett Garland, Director, South Dakota State School Safety Program WHO Books Dr. Huff ? Dr. Huff’s expertise and compassion make him a sought-after speaker for a wide range of organizations. He is especially recognized for his leadership in response and recovery following natural disasters, guiding communities through challenges with resilience and strength. Organizations he has worked with include: Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative Missouri State Teachers Association, Southwest Region South Dakota State School Safety Program Pierce County Emergency Management Region 18 ESC BOOK TODAY DR. CJ HUFF Educator and Child Advocate BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Huff TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Culture, Climate & Community Leadership, Law & Policy Operations & Emergency Management Leader-care/Self-care 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. Leading in Crisis: The Joplin Story In this keynote, Dr. C.J. Huff provides a boots-on-the-ground CEO perspective on the challenges of leading a large organization through the hours, days, weeks, months, and years following an unthinkable tragedy. With a “people-first” approach, C.J. provides leaders with a practical approach to engage internal and external stakeholders, communicate vision, and chart a path forward that inspires and encourages others to follow. Attendees frequently comment on his humility and the common-sense actions leaders can take to stabilize an organization during incredibly challenging times. If I Had a Dime If I had a dime for every time I said, ‘You gotta take care of yourself before you can take care of others!’ I would have been able to rebuild our entire community after our disaster.” A central part of the presentation highlights the importance of "Career Sustaining Behaviors" (Self-Care) and the critical role educators play in the long-term recovery of students and their peers by becoming a model of self-care for others to follow. His "people first" message offers opportunities for self-reflection, practical strategies to improve staff morale and retention, tips on communication strategies, and thoughtful lessons learned the hard way balanced with empathy, humor, and inspiration to provide educators the clarity needed to overcome adversity. Relationships Matter In this session, Dr. Huff provides participants with a clear-eyed understanding of the importance of pre-need relationships to “carry the day” when crisis strikes. The relationships with internal and external stakeholders can make or break the ability of an organization to respond decisively to unexpected events that distract an organization from its noble purpose. Dr. Huff provides communication and leadership strategies to keep your organization moving forward...no matter what. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 After all, a lot of you could've spent your senior year scattered throughout different schools, far from home. But Dr. Huff asked everyone to pitch in so that school started on time, right here in Joplin. He understood the power of this community and the power of place. —President Barack Obama With unwavering courage and unshakable resolve, C.J. has led the Joplin Schools forward. He has been an inspiration to us all. I’m proud to have worked closely in partnership with C.J., and I’m even more proud to call him my friend. —Former Missouri Governor Jay Nixon After all, a lot of you could've spent your senior year scattered throughout different schools, far from home. But Dr. Huff asked everyone to pitch in so that school started on time, right here in Joplin. He understood the power of this community and the power of place. —President Barack Obama Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Dr. C.J Huff is an educator with over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, building principal, and superintendent of schools. Originally a farmer from McCune, KS, Dr. Huff earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University, his Master's and Specialist degree in Education from Missouri State University, and his Doctorate in Education with a focus in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas in 2003. On May 22, 2011, at 5:41 PM, the costliest tornado in US history hit Joplin, Missouri. This EF-5 tornado with winds in excess of 200 mph devastated the community, killing 161 community members, including 7 students and a staff member, in just 32 minutes. As a school system, 10 of the 19 schools in his district were damaged or destroyed. Dr. Huff was responsible for successfully leading his district of 1,100 employees and 7,700 students through the community response and recovery effort that followed. His declaration that "We will start school on time" is credited with being a key factor that drew the community of Joplin together just days after the tornado and provided a positive light for the country to rally around in the midst of such tragedy and destruction. As a result of his leadership, Dr. Huff's resolve was recognized by leaders across the nation. Retiring from Joplin Schools in 2015, Dr. Huff serves as a subject matter expert to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education, supporting response and recovery efforts following some of the nation's most devastating natural disasters in recent history. This includes extensive response and recovery support following Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Michael, California wildfires (Paradise, CA), and the 2023 tornadoes in both Arkansas and Mississippi. Book Dr. Huff TODAY!