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Meet the Team

With over 100 years of combined experience, we work diligently to empower your teams to create a safer tomorrow. Meet the people behind the Safer Schools Together team!

Senior Leadership

SST’s senior leadership team comprises seasoned experts in the fields of education, law enforcement, and digital threat assessment, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization. Their strategic vision and dedication to school safety drive our mission to create secure and supportive educational environments.

Theresa Campbell

Theresa Campbell

Founder and CEO

Meet Theresa
Kelly LePrieur

Kelly LePrieur

Chief Operating Officer

Meet Kelly
John Callery

John Callery

Vice President

Meet John
Bill-Reynolds

Bill Reynolds

Business Development

Meet Bill
Sherri Mohoruk

Sherri Mohoruk

Safety & Wellness / Ministry Liaison

Meet Sherri

Rob Rai

Executive Senior Manager

Meet Rob
ICDTA®-Doug-Strachan

Doug Strachan

Director of Media Relations

Meet Doug

Trainers

SST’s expert trainers are seasoned professionals with a deep understanding of school safety and threat assessment. They deliver dynamic and interactive training sessions that equip participants with practical skills and knowledge to address digital and behavioral threats. Our trainers are dedicated to fostering a proactive approach to school safety, ensuring that educators, administrators, and safety teams are prepared to create secure and supportive educational environments.

ICDTA-Senior-Threat-Analyst-and-Trainer-Steven-MacDonald

Steven MacDonald

Director of Training and Development

Meet Steven
Colton-Easton

Colton Easton

Director of Project Development

Meet Colton

Dr. Greg Gerber

Senior Trainer

Meet Greg
ICDTA®-Ocean-Van-Samang

Ocean Van Samang

Trainer & Senior Advisor for Mental Health

Meet Ocean
Randy Wallis

Randy Wallis

Senior Trainer

Meet Randy
Jen Chambers

Jen Chambers

Senior Trainer

Meet Jen
Dr. Melissa Reeves

Dr. Melissa Reeves

Ph.D., NCSP, LPC

Senior Trainer

Meet Melissa
ICDTA®-Tyler-Lum

Tyler Lum

Threat Analyst Manager & Trainer

Meet Tyler
ICDTA®-Nick-Brown

Nick Brown

Trainer

Meet Nick

Jaclynn Dennis

Trainer

Meet Jaclynn

Jed Roffers

Trainer

Meet Jed
Christopher-Felton

Christopher M. Felton

Trainer

Meet Christopher
Eric-Tamashasky

Eric Tamashasky

Trainer

Meet Eric
Scott Rothermel

Scott Rothermel

Trainer

Meet Scott
Frank Grosspietsch

Frank Grosspietsch

Consultant & Firearms-Related Investigations

Meet Frank

Raj Jaswal

GRIP Trainer

Meet Raj

Dr. Margaret A. Sedor

NCSP

Trainer

Meet Margaret

Norman Miller

Trainer

Meet Norman

Brooke Trujilio

Trainer

Meet Brooke

Operations

SST’s administrators and operational staff are the backbone of our organization, ensuring seamless operations and exceptional customer experiences. Working diligently behind the scenes, they manage logistics, coordinate training sessions, and provide timely support to our clients. Their dedication to excellence and attention to detail guarantee that every interaction with SST is smooth, efficient, and impactful, allowing our customers to focus on creating safe and caring learning environments. Through their commitment and expertise, SST’s team continuously upholds the highest standards of service and reliability.

James Christopher

James Christopher

Director of Marketing

Meet James
Nancy-Hiebert

Nancy Hiebert

Operations Manager

Meet Nancy
Lauren Lajambe

Lauren LaJambe

Client Account Manager

Meet Lauren
Nanette-Sears

Nanette Sears

Accounts Manager

Meet Nanette
Simran Sharma

Simran Sharma

Digital Marketing Coordinator

Meet Simran
Jeanette-Mitchell

Jeanette Mitchell

Administrative Support

Meet Jeanette

Threat Analysts

Our team of highly skilled Threat Analysts is at the forefront of school safety and violence prevention. Available 24/7, these experts provide critical support and consultation during safety incidents, producing comprehensive Digital Baseline Reports (DBRs) and offering insights into digital and behavioral threats. With extensive experience in securing open-source social media information and collaborating on successful community interventions, our Threat Analysts are essential in helping schools and communities respond effectively to potential threats.

ICDTA®-Steve-Corbeil

Steve Corbeil

Threat Analyst Manager

Meet Steve
ICDTA®-Jordan-Granacki

Jordan Granacki, MPH.

Threat Analyst Manager

Meet Jordan
ICDTA®-Tyler-Lum

Tyler Lum

Threat Analyst Manager & Trainer

Meet Tyler
ICDTA-Threat-Analyst-Gurveer-Kalkett

Gurveer Kalkett

Senior Threat Analyst

Meet Gurveer
ICDTA®-Sydnee-Mena

Sydnee Mena

Senior Threat Analyst

Meet Sydnee
ICDTA®-Jackie-Cao

Jackie Cao

Threat Analyst Supervisor

Meet Jackie
ICDTA®-Hakan-Baris-Umut

Hakan UMUT

Senior Threat Analyst

Meet Hakan
ICDTA®-Antonio-Yasi

Antonio Ysasi

Senior Threat Analyst

Meet Antonio
Meghan Holmes-Hannah - Threat Analyst ICDTA®

Meghan Holmes-Hannah

Senior Threat Analyst

Meet Meghan
Liza Lo

Liza Lo

Threat Analyst

Meet Liza

Jillian Fransen

Threat Analyst

Meet Jillian
Eagle Li - Threat Analyst ICDTA®

Eagle Li

Threat Analyst

Meet Eagle

David Wilson

Threat Analyst

Meet David

Brian Kang

Threat Analyst

Meet Brian

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Get in touch with any questions, custom training requests, and more!

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Contact Us

Theresa Campbell

President & Chief Executive Officer
Theresa Campbell is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of Safer Schools Together (SST), an organization focused on promoting a climate and culture of safety in schools. Theresa established SST in 2008 to provide law enforcement agencies, school districts, and community partners with comprehensive violence prevention/intervention training. In 2018, she expanded her role to include CEO and founder of the International Center for Digital Threat Assessment® (ICDTA). Previously, Theresa served as the Executive Director of the International Center for Threat Assessment (ICTA). As a Subject Matter Expert in School-Based Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment, violence prevention, and trauma response, Theresa regularly consults on high-profile cases throughout North America. She has worked extensively…  Learn More About Theresa

Kelly LePrieur

Chief Operating Officer

Kelly is the Chief Operating Officer for Safer Schools Together, an organization that is focused on violence prevention and promoting a climate and culture of safety in schools.

Kelly was in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 10 years, supporting families and staff with child development and growth. She owned and operated her own center before becoming a Regional Director at a large Canadian based childcare company. Kelly was responsible for overseeing and managing 13 facilities across British Columbia. While in this role, she developed an initiative that streamlined the daily reporting process for all center’s company-wide throughout North America, winning her an Award of Achievement.

Kelly has provided training and workshops for students, parents, and teachers. Through years of experience, she has developed a unique skillset in guiding professionals to help support children with challenging behaviors.

John Callery

Vice President

Mr. John Callery is a professional public speaker and has conducted hundreds of lectures around the world on a myriad law enforcement and counter-terrorism topics. Mr. Callery is the former Special Agent in Charge (SAC/SES) of DEA’s San Diego Division and held leadership positions for DEA in Los Angeles, DEA International Training, DEA/HQS and Hawaii. Mr. Callery has been a consultant to Safer Schools Together (SST) CEO Theresa Campbell since 2018 and is presently the Vice President of SST. He has dedicated his law enforcement experiences and efforts to school safety in his new role with SST.

Bill Reynolds

Business Development

Bill Reynolds is an accomplished Senior Executive with more than 20 years of success across the education, retail, insurance, financial services, healthcare, and nonprofit fields. Leveraging extensive experience improving cultural alignment and creating strategic channel partnerships for a B2B company, he is a valuable advisor to Safer Schools Together. His broad areas of expertise include entrepreneurship, product development, sales management, growth, analytics, business analysis, enterprise software, global operations (China), investments, and customer service.

Sherri Mohoruk

Consultant, Safety & Wellness / Ministry Liaison

Sherri Mohoruk is a dedicated safety and wellness consultant with Safer Schools Together (SST), where she acts as a liaison with the Ministry of Education. In this role, Sherri provides strategic advice on school safety and supports public school districts and independent schools in managing safety, critical incidents, and trauma-related matters. Her expertise stems from her extensive experience with the BC Ministry of Education, where she held leadership positions such as Superintendent of Integrated Services – Safe Schools and Superintendent of Liaison.

At the Ministry, Sherri was instrumental in implementing the provincial Expect Respect and a Safe Education (ERASE) strategy, addressing issues like bullying, violence threat risk assessment, critical incidents, and trauma response. She also coordinated efforts on student health and safety, emergency preparedness, and addressing issues like substance misuse and mental health.

With a background in public education in both Canada and the U.S., Sherri has served as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent, among other roles. She has a longstanding interest in educational leadership, student health and safety, literacy, and early childhood education, and has presented her work nationally and internationally.

Rob Rai

Executive Senior Consultant

Rob Rai is an Executive Senior Consultant with Safer Schools Together. An innovative thinker with more than 25 years of experience working with vulnerable youth in school systems, Rob has been at the forefront of developing culturally responsive gang intervention programming for diverse youth. Rob has been recognized for his contributions to redirecting criminally involved adolescents by municipal, provincial and national governments including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pin and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Canadian schools. Rob continues to advance the movement of supporting all youth realize their full life potential.

Doug Strachan

Director of Media Relations

Prior to joining Safer Schools Together, Doug had been the communications manager for the Surrey School District—the largest school district in B.C.—for 16 years. He was also the district’s privacy officer.
Doug was a member of the school district’s Critical Incident Response team, as well as the Communications Officer for the district Emergency Operations Centre. He worked closely with the Safe Schools department as well as the Media Relations Unit of the Surrey RCMP, Canada’s largest RCMP detachment. Doug had also established solid working relationships with the regional homicide and sexual crimes police investigation units that assisted him with crisis communications on a number of occasions.
Doug started his communications career working as a reporter at BCTV, then CKNW Radio. He later became the national director of external relations for Telus with responsibilities for crisis communications and emergency operations. He left Telus for a media consulting career, providing media planning and management services for the Air India and Robert Pickton trials for the B.C. Ministry of Attorney General, before joining the school district.
Doug has been a member of the Canadian Public Relations Society since 1998 and has served on the executive of the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education for nine years, including as president.

Steven MacDonald

Director of Training and Development

Steven joined Safer Schools Together (SST) as Director of Training and Development in 2019 after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He collaborates closely with SST’s CEO, Theresa Campbell, to design and implement training programs such as Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) and Digital Threat Assessment® (DTA). 

Steven has trained professionals across North America, including those from DHS, FBI, law enforcement agencies, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions. His expertise lies in creating safer school environments by equipping teams with the knowledge and tools to conduct accurate threat assessments. 

He previously worked as a Senior Threat Analyst specializing in social media data analysis for Safety/Threat Assessment teams, contributing significantly to school safety cases in Canada and the USA. Steven’s background in language analytics, artificial intelligence, and social media trends allows him to effectively collect data and evaluate threats. He presents workshops on social media awareness, online safety, and strategies for managing threat-related behaviors in today’s digital age, making him a valuable asset in promoting safety in North American communities.

Colton Easton

Director of Project Development

Colton joined Safer Schools Together (SST) in 2016 after receiving his Diploma in Law Enforcement Studies at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. In his current role as the Director of Project Development, Colton works closely with SST CEO/Founder Theresa Campbell in the development and implementation of trainings such as Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) which is based on the USSS/NTAC model, Digital Threat Assessment® (DTA), and many more.

Colton is an accomplished trainer, having presented to thousands of individuals from organizations across North America including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and numerous other law enforcement agencies and both K to 12 school districts and higher education campuses.

Colton began his time at SST as a Threat Analyst where he gained invaluable experience and knowledge collecting social media data that is used to assist Safety/Threat Assessment teams in conducting accurate threat assessments. He has been involved in several high- profile cases relating to school safety in Canada and the US.

Dr. Greg Gerber

Senior Consultant / Trainer

With a Doctorate of Education (EdD), Dr. Gerber holds the position of Assistant Professor at the New York Institute of Technology, where he serves as the Associate Dean of the Master of Instructional Technology program and as the Director of the Vancouver Centre for Teaching and Learning, and is deeply engaged in the practice and scholarship of teaching.

Greg brings his extensive experience in conducting and facilitating threat assessments in K to 12 schools to his role as a Senior Consultant and Trainer for Safer Schools Together where he leads Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) training based on the USSS/NTAC model, Digital Threat Assessment® (DTA), and Advanced Digital Threat Assessment® (ADTA) trainings.

Dr. Gerber’s previous professional experience includes working as Director of Learning for the Society of Christian Schools in BC (SCSBC) independent schools, Adjunct Professor in Education at Simon Fraser University (SFU) and TWU (Trinity Western University), and a Senior Technical Consultant.

Greg has extensive experience in technology infrastructure and securities, curriculum and pedagogy, leadership, and instruction and finds joy in solving complex problems and helping educators resolve tensions between practice and theoretical understanding.

Ocean Van Samang

Trainer / Senior Advisor for Mental Health

Ocean Van Samang is a specialized trainer and the mental health advisor for Safer Schools Together and has worked for over 20 years in the field of mental health and disabilities.

She is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Inclusion PR and has worked as a therapist and educator in the areas of communication, anxiety, depression, resiliency, and trauma. Ocean has assessed youth for suicidal and self-harming behaviors in schools, community agencies, and hospitals. She has developed a curriculum for both K-12 and post-secondary.

Ocean provides training and support throughout North America in the areas of threat risk assessments, mental health literacy and trauma-informed classrooms.

Randy Wallis

Senior Consultant / Trainer

Randy Wallis, a Trainer and Case Consultant for Safer Schools Together (SST), boasts over 30 years of experience supporting at-risk youth and their families. His extensive background as an International School Counselor and Inner-City Youth Worker has equipped him with a unique skill set for developing social-emotional curricula and child safety protocols. Randy’s collaborative work with law enforcement, embassies, mental health clinicians, and hospitals highlights his dedication to ensuring safe and caring school environments. He is finalizing a manual to help educators support children through traumatic transitions in international school communities.

Jen Chambers

Senior Consultant / Trainer

Jen Chambers has been an Educator and Counsellor in British Columbia schools for almost thirty years. Her career began with teaching English and Philosophy to high school students in the District Gifted Program in Greater Victoria, BC. After earning a Master’s Degree in Counselling, Jen broadened her professional practice to supporting struggling youth in schools.

Jen has held the role of District Counsellor, Safe Schools Coordinator, and District Critical Incident Response Lead for the past eight years. She is also a trainer for Safer Schools Together (SST), where she presents the US Secret Service/NTAC model-based “Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA)”, “Trauma-Informed Safe and Caring School Communities”, and “Anxiety, the Brain, and the Classroom: The ABCs of a Trauma-Informed Approach” sessions.

Jen’s work focuses on supporting the most vulnerable youth in her community and providing professional development for staff focusing on mental health initiatives, trauma informed practices, harm reduction, BDTA and critical incident response.

Dr. Melissa Reeves

Dr. Melissa Reeves

Ph.D., NCSP, LPC

Trainer

Dr. Melissa Reeves is a nationally certified school psychologist, licensed special education teacher, and professional counselor with over 20 years of experience in public and private schools. She has taught psychology courses and served on the university’s Critical Incident Management Team and the College of Arts and Science COVID-19 Recovery committee. Dr. Reeves is a threat assessment and mental health specialist and senior advisor for Safe and Sound Schools, an organization founded by parents who lost their children in the Sandy Hook tragedy. She is also a consultant and trainer for SIGMA Threat Management Associates, and delivers the USSS/NTAC model-based Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) training for SST. Dr. Reeves is the lead author of the South Carolina Department of Education School-Based Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Best Practice Guidelines for South Carolina K-12 Schools and has conducted over 350 workshops and presentations. She has authored six books and has testified in front of the U.S. Senate Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Disaster and Recovery.

Tyler Lum

Threat Analyst Manager & Trainer

Prior to joining Safer Schools Together in 2022, Tyler worked in the tech industry completing security audits and overseeing operations.

After completing his bachelor’s degree at Simon Fraser University, Tyler joined a non-partisan security think tank originally based out of Ottawa. The goal was to educate the public on both national and transnational security issues. Starting off his career by writing briefing notes, Tyler eventually joined the think tank in helping write two different books on Structured Analytical Techniques. Tyler has also published five double blind peer reviewed journals.

Tyler was born in the Lower Mainland of BC and continues to serve his local community in varying ways. In his free time, Tyler volunteers with the Red Cross, working as a virtual respondent helping those who have been affected by disaster.

Nick Brown

Consultant & Trainer

Upon completion of the Human Services Foundation program in 2003, Nick began his career at Lutherwood, a mental health treatment center and youth custody program. Throughout the next 16 years, he worked alongside a multi-disciplinary team, providing strength based, client centered treatment to vulnerable youth and their families. As time progressed, he moved into a Family Counsellor role, offering direct support to at-risk and high-risk families in the creation of goal setting and providing professional recommendations upon completion.

For 12 years, he worked for John Howard Society in the YARD Program – a community-based gang-exit program serving youth involved with/or at risk of joining a gang. Through this program, behaviour change support was provided to youth through the development of pro-social, leadership and employability skills.

Nick is a trainer and consultant for Safer Schools Together and works for the District of Surrey where he is an active member of the WRAP team. His dedication and commitment for this work comes from his training and experience in attachment and restorative justice.

Jaclynn Dennis

Trainer

Jaclynn Dennis completed her undergraduate degree in political science and public administration from the University of Victoria, writing her thesis on the effectiveness of the International Criminal Court in spreading the norm of protection against human rights abuses for citizens. Following this, Jaclynn subsequently completed her Masters degree at Dalhousie University, focusing her publication on the opportunities and challenges for implementing substance-related harm reduction techniques within Canadian federal prisons.

Prior to her employment at Safer Schools Together, Jaclynn worked in Corrections, liaising with prisons on prison needle exchange programs and through her employment at two different community residential facilities (halfway houses) in Canada. She also assisted with teaching courses at Dalhousie University and worked on a research team for a crime-based knowledge synthesis project. 

Jed Roffers

Trainer

Jed Roffers, a Special Agent with the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), has been a law enforcement officer for 16 years. He began his career in 2008 as a Trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol. From 2013 – 2022, Jed served as a member of Wisconsin’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, where he became a subject matter expert on how perpetrators utilize mobile applications to facilitate child exploitation crimes. Jed is currently assigned to DCI’s Cyber Crimes Unit. 

In 2022, he joined the team at Safer Schools Together as a Professional Trainer, where he provides training on Digital Threat Assessment® as well as social media dangers and digital communications related to online/social media threats.

Jed enjoys Wisconsin’s two most significant influences, Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the Green Bay Packers.

Christopher M. Felton

PhD

Trainer

Dr. Christopher M. Felton, a Detective Sergeant with over 17 years of law enforcement experience, is dedicated to gang and violent crimes. He serves as an Adjunct Professor and Subject Matter Expert for a local university as well as a Trainer for SST, providing insights into criminal justice, forensic psychology, and first responder mental health. Christopher founded a Police Officer Peer Support Team and has presented at national conferences on criminological and first responder mental health research. His academic achievements include a BS in Criminal Justice, an MS in Forensic Psychology, a Masters in Philosophy, and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice – Law and Public Policy. He is also a U.S. Army veteran.

Eric Tamashasky

Trainer

Eric Tamashasky, a magistrate judge in Indiana, has an extensive law enforcement background, including roles as a prosecutor, professor, and cybercrimes investigator. He led the St. Joseph County Cybercrimes Unit and has trained over 30,000 individuals on digital safety. Eric teaches “Cybercrime and the Law” at the University of Notre Dame and has contributed significantly to the field of online investigations and digital threat assessment. His education includes degrees from Hillsdale College, Ohio State, and Notre Dame Law School.

Scott Rothermel

Trainer

R/Cst. Scott Rothermel is currently the Safe School Coordinator for the Kootenay Lake School District #8 and is a trainer for Safer Schools Together. Previously, he was the Safe School Coordinator for the Sooke School District #62.

As a police officer for the past 12 years, his last 10 years have been spent working with youth and in specific youth-related programs. The role of the Safe School Coordinator provides VTRA, CIRT, crime prevention, education, investigation, and mediation between school staff, students and parents within the school environment. It is also a role that engages with outside agencies like RCMP, MCFD and Interior Health.

Scott completed an MA in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University.

Scott supports the belief that while youth make up only 20% of our population, they are 100% our future.

Frank Grosspietsch

Consultant / Firearms Related Investigations

Frank Grosspietsch, a retired RCMP officer, offers expert consultation services for SST, specializing in firearms investigations and enforcement. With 14 years as a firearms investigative and enforcement support specialist, Frank has supported SST’s Annual Gangs and Guns Conference. His qualifications include firearm identification, criminal use of firearms, and international firearms trafficking. Frank is also a UN-recognized expert in small arms and light weapons, contributing his vast expertise to enhancing public safety.

Raj Jaswal

GRIP Trainer

Staff Sergeant Raj Jaswal is a distinguished law enforcement professional with 17 years of experience in the criminal justice system. As a member of a municipal police department, Raj has excelled in frontline, investigative, and administrative roles, earning recognition for his exceptional leadership and commitment to community service.

Raj’s expertise in proactive intelligence gathering, gang enforcement, intervention, and suppression has been acknowledged through numerous awards and commendations. Notably, he was recognized as one of the top 40-under-40 police officers internationally by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 2023.

Raj’s dedication to combating organized crime has been consistently demonstrated through his work. He received the Deputy Chief Constables commendation in 2014 for developing strategies to curb gang violence. In 2021, he was awarded the Frederick Milton Thrasher Award by the National Gang Crime Research Center in Chicago, Illinois, for his superior accomplishments in gang investigations. The Organization for National Gang Information and Awareness (ONGIA) honored him with the Jim Aspiotis Memorial Award in 2022 for his outstanding professionalism and dedication to community safety.

As a passionate advocate for combining practical experience with educational training, Raj serves as a board member for ONGIA and provides education on gang prevention and intervention across North America.

Dr. Margaret A. Sedor

NCSP

Trainer

Dr. Sedor is a School Psychologist and serves as the District Suicide Prevention and Wellbeing Coordinator within the Sweetwater Union High School District in California. She is also an Adjunct Professor Faculty in the Department of Counseling and School Psychology at San Diego State University and has a private practice.  

Over the past 30 years, Dr. Sedor has provided leadership in the areas of mental health, well-being, suicide prevention, USSS/NTAC behavioral threat assessment, and crisis management at the county, state, and national levels.

Currently, Dr. Sedor serves on the NASP School Safety and Crisis Response Committee, the CASP Legislation Committee, the CASP Mental Health Committee, and recently the California Department of Education Social Emotional Learning Task Force.  

She also leads Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) training for Safer Schools Together (SST), which is based on the US Secret Service/NTAC model.

Norman Miller

Trainer

Norman Miller, a law enforcement veteran with 28 years of experience, specializes in gang prosecution and digital threat assessment. He serves as Director of Training for the Florida Gang Investigators Association and Vice-Chairman of the Tampa Bay Multi Agency Gang Task Force. Norman’s extensive background includes investigating major crimes and gang activities. As part of the SST team, he provides Digital Threat Assessment training across North America, leveraging his deep knowledge and practical experience to educate and protect communities.

James Christopher

Director of Marketing

James Christopher is a strategic marketing leader recognized for his expertise in product marketing, demand engineering, and B2B strategy. He excelled as the Director of Go-To-Market Programs at Blackline Inc., where he was instrumental in developing and implementing robust marketing and sales motion strategies that fueled company revenue in new markets. His achievements include leading transformative initiatives at Deckard Technologies Inc. as VP of Product Marketing, where he spearheaded the launch of innovative AI solutions for real estate market data and leading engagement and partnerships for Azion’s flagship computing platform. James has also led growth and technical marketing teams for clients across the life sciences, enterprise software, and cybersecurity sectors.

He holds an MSc in Marketing and Information Technologies from the University of Liverpool and Kingston University London respectively, in addition to postgraduate work in Data Analytics from Northwestern University and Behavioral Economics at the London School of Economics, integrating analytical acumen with market insights to fuel growth.

Nancy Hiebert

Operations Manager

Nancy joined the Safer Schools Together team in the spring of 2019. Her role as the Operations Manager includes the delivery of the provincial-wide ERASE strategy.

Nancy was born and raised in Vancouver and worked as an administrative assistant for a structural engineering firm for more than 10 years. She took a hiatus from the workforce to raise her 3 children in South Surrey. With her children now teenagers, she is passionate about working to promote safety for all children.

Lauren LaJambe

Client Account Manager

In her role as Client Account Manager for Safer Schools Together, Lauren is responsible for scheduling and planning Digital Threat Assessment®, Mental Health, and Student / Staff / Parent sessions for law enforcement agencies, school districts, and community partners. She also manages PSSTWorld, Case Consultation, and Worrisome Online Behaviour (WOB) contracts.

With a degree in Business Administration, Lauren brings over 15 years of experience with her to SST and is passionate about working to promote school safety and resources.

Nanette Sears

Accounts Manager

Nanette was born in Vancouver and is proud to now call South Surrey home. Prior to joining Safer Schools Together, she was a manager at an international shipping company before taking a hiatus to raise her young family. With her children now in school, she looks forward to transferring her 25+ years of experience in customer service to her position with Safer Schools Together.

Simran Sharma

Digital Marketing Coordinator

Simran works on various Marketing and Website-related projects, including SST and ICDTA® website maintenance, enhancing our Learning Management Systems (LMS), and curating marketing content for SST.

Simran has a Bachelors in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University (SFU), concentrating in Marketing and Management Information Systems (MIS), with a certificate in Business Analytics & Decision Making (BADM). She has previous experience and a passion for marketing, web development, and data analysis. 

Jeanette Mitchell

Administration

Jeanette handles all things Administration-related at Safer Schools Together and also leads on organizing the company’s annual Gangs and Guns Training Symposium.

Steve Corbeil

Threat Analyst Manager

Steve completed a Master of Arts in intelligence studies with a focus on criminal intelligence from the American Military University. Prior to this, he completed a Bachelor of Technology in forensic investigations with a focus on crime and intelligence analysis at BCIT in Vancouver. His studies included courses in open-source intelligence, street gangs, organized crime, drug cartels and the narcotics threat, and criminal intelligence analysis. Steve further developed his investigative skill set in the workforce during his time as a Private Investigator before joining Safer Schools Together where he is currently a Threat Analyst Manager.

Jordan Granacki, MPH.

Senior Threat Analyst

Jordan Granacki recently completed a Master’s of Public Health in Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. During this program, Jordan was a founding member of USC’s Maternal Cannabis Lab and contributed as a graduate research assistant on several qualitative research studies regarding maternal health inequality. In 2023, Jordan co-authored a peer-reviewed article published in Women’s Health Reports.

Jordan is a Senior Threat Analyst at Safer Schools Together. She began her career with SST in 2019. She collects social media data that assists schools in Canada and the United States in addressing worrisome and threat-related online behaviors.

Prior to her employment at Safer Schools Together Jordan earned a Bachelor’s in Science from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. While enrolled, Jordan worked in student services as a Lead Peer for Student Academic Support Services and served on multiple committees discussing the accessibility of student services. Her role focused on academic advising and connecting students with supports ranging from tutoring to mental health services.

Gurveer Kalkett

Senior Threat Analyst

Gurveer completed a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Criminology from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. He is currently completing a Bachelor in Technology in Forensic Investigations focusing on Crime and Intelligence Analysis at BCIT. His studies include courses in project management for investigation, tactical analysis, strategic analysis, and cybercrime. Gurveer worked as a surveillance operator for Great Canadian Gaming before joining Safer Schools Together where he is currently a Senior Threat Analyst.

Sydnee Mena

Senior Threat Analyst

Sydnee earned a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from California State University Maritime Academy and is currently a Senior Threat Analyst for Safer Schools Together.

While attending Cal Maritime, Sydnee completed an internship with Central California Intelligence Center and continued employment with them through her graduation. The position focused on conducting site security assessments for houses of worship and schools, providing risk factors, and providing recommendations on how to mitigate those risks. Sydnee also created pamphlets and posters for local law enforcement regarding hoax threats. She worked closely with retired law enforcement, FBI agents, and TSA agents.

Jackie Cao

Threat Analyst Supervisor

Jackie completed a Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences with a major in Criminology and a Certificate in Police Studies from Simon Fraser University. Specialized courses Jackie completed during his post-secondary studies include computers and cybercrime, criminal procedure and evidence, organized crime, and criminal profiling. His interests include open source intelligence and crime analytics.

Prior to joining Safer Schools Together (SST) as a Threat Analyst, Jackie worked as a Project Coordinator conducting research in the health sector. In his free time, he volunteered at a local YMCA as a youth mentor working with at-risk youth. Jackie also spent time teaching technology-based courses to seniors and the elderly at senior and retirement homes.

Hakan UMUT

Senior Threat Analyst

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Bilkent University, Hakan developed an interest in open-source intelligence. He began an internship as an analyst for a company in Belgium where his work focused on transnational crime, political risk, and security concerning various geopolitical locations like the Americas, Middle East, and Caucasia.

Following his internship, he volunteered for a research center in Switzerland, where he monitored and reported illicit drug trafficking-related activities in Turkey.

Hakan now works as a Senior Threat Analyst at Safer Schools Together.

Antonio Ysasi

Senior Threat Analyst

Since his youth, Antonio has been a computer enthusiast, building and modifying his own computers along with his families and peers. In high school, he collaborated with a teacher and helped petition to offer a computer programming class as an elective, as well as founded the school’s first-ever computer club as an elective.

Before working at Safer Schools Together, Antonio worked for a local business as a web developer to expand their products and services to the vastness of the internet. Once understanding the fundamentals of E-Commerce, he sought a larger challenge. He led a team of graphic designers, sales specialists & customer support agents, to create and expand multiple E-Commerce websites simultaneously, which are still flourishing today.

David Wilson

Threat Analyst

David Wilson attended Ball State University where he studied Criminal Justice and Criminology with a minor in Digital Forensics. Shortly after graduating, David accepted a role with the Indiana Department of Correction as an Investigator. In this role, David identified and monitored Security Threat Groups, investigated crimes within the correctional system, and provided training to staff on threat awareness, including gang activity and extremism.

Following his time with the IDOC, David worked as an Intelligence Analyst for Allied Universal’s Operational Intelligence Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. In this role, he monitored over 270 physical locations and provided real-time intelligence updates to key stakeholders. David also served as the subject matter expert (SME) on open-source intelligence (OSINT), leading numerous projects, including the identification and procurement of monitoring software.

David joined Secure Community Network as an Intelligence Analyst in 2020. During this tenure, David was promoted to Director of Intelligence and Information Sharing. As Director, he expanded the intelligence team from three analysts to a 15-person operation, forged key information-sharing relationships with government and non-governmental organizations, and authored several and reviewed all intelligence products over a three-year period. His work directly contributed to identifying and mitigating multiple threats before they could materialize.

Liza Lo

Threat Analyst

Liza completed her Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Social Sciences, specializing in Sociology with a minor in Psychology, focusing on family and childhood development. She gained practical experience as an activity leader and childcare worker, fostering behavioral and conflict management skills with school-aged children.

Prior to joining Safer Schools Together, Liza was a volunteer coordinator at a community policing center, documenting community crimes and providing recommendations to crime victims. Additionally, she has worked in conveyancing and privacy & information fields.

Currently, Liza is completing her Bachelor’s in Crime and Intelligence Analysis at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new baking recipes.

Jillian Fransen

Threat Analyst

Jillian recently graduated with a degree in Psychology and Criminology from Simon Fraser University, where she developed a strong interest in behavioral psychology, cybercrime, and radicalization in the digital age. She is currently pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Crime and Intelligence Analysis at BCIT, gaining hands-on experience in open-source investigative techniques, threat detection, and risk assessment, with a focus on transnational crime and national security. Outside of work, Jillian enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and exploring topics related to geopolitical security.
 
Jillian now works as a Threat Analyst at Safer Schools Together.

Eagle Li

Threat Analyst

Eagle completed a Computer Information and Technology certificate at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. He is currently completing a bachelor’s in technology in Forensic Investigations focusing on Crime and Intelligence Analysis at BCIT. Prior to joining Safer Schools Together in March of 2023, Eagle worked in the customer service industry for 6 years.

In his spare time, Eagle enjoys playing video games and at one point, he even live-streamed on Twitch. He also enjoys watching true crime documentaries, studying geography, and learning more about random facts and stories.

Brian Kang

Threat Analyst

Brian studied in Berlin, Seoul, and Shanghai before enrolling in BCIT. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Technology in Forensic Investigations, specializing in Crime Intelligence Analysis at BCIT. His studies include crime mapping, open-source investigation, and cybercrime.
 
Prior to joining Safer Schools Together as a Threat Analyst in 2024, Brian worked as a Pharmacy Assistant for Shoppers Drug Mart and as a Supervisor at Access Family Services. Since studying at BCIT, he gained an interest in open-source research, which has led him to partake in events like Trace Labs, where teams gather to help find missing people.
 
Brian has volunteered at an animal shelter, where he looked after abandoned cats and prepped meals for the food bank. He has also volunteered in Ecuador, where he helped build a school for a village and dug trenches to install water pipes, providing the villagers with easier access to potable water.

Holly Ryan

Trainer

Holly Ryan is a qualified and professional behavior threat assessment and management specialist. As a 24-year veteran psychologist she is well versed in assessment and human behavior. Currently serving on the FBI’s Minneapolis Behavior Threat Assessment and Management team, she is also a Threat Liaison Officer with the Minnesota Fusion Center.

Holly has presented at numerous institutions and conferences across the United States, including a panel presentation at the Safe and Sound Schools Midwest Safe Schools Conference, and a case study on the management of a high-profile threat using behavioral threat assessment to Minneapolis FBI threat managers. In 2023, Holly started School Threat Solutions, a consulting company providing training and consultation in behavior threat assessment and management. She also delivers Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) training for SST.

Holly is an active member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP), trained in Basic and Advanced Digital Threat Assessment® through Safer Schools Together and received Train the Trainer certification from I Love You Guys.

Dr. Joe Holifield

Trainer

Dr. Holifield is a clinical psychologist and school psychologist who has an independent practice in San Luis Obispo and Ventura, CA. He received his master’s degree in clinical psychology in 1995 from Xavier University-Cincinnati and doctoral degree in School Psychology from Loyola University-Chicago in 1999.

 

With over 20 years of experience, has conducted behavioral threat assessments for many school districts, being the lead psychologist for threat assessment for several districts. He was originally trained in the U.S. Secret Service Model/NTAC model and presents Safer Schools Together (SST)’s Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA), which is based on that model.

 

From 2019-2023, Dr. Holifield designed, implemented, and evaluated a 4-year community-based threat assessment project (B-HARP) in San Luis Obispo County, CA. He is presently the Project Director for a 3-year federal school violence grant for two counties in CA.

Dr. Stephen E. Brock

Trainer

Dr. Stephen E. Bro is a Professor Emeritus of School Psychology in the College of Education at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). His professional preparation includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology and a Ph.D. in Education (with an emphasis on psychological studies) from the University of California, Davis, where he researched Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

With an extensive background in school psychology, Dr. Brock brings a wealth of experience to his role as a professor. He spent 18 years as a school psychologist with the Lodi (CA) Unified School District, including a 6-year tenure as Lead Psychologist.

Dr. Brock lectures extensively (both nationally and internationally) on a diverse range of topics, including school safety, traumatic stress, emotional disturbance, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, professional burnout, ADHD, and special education eligibility. He has authored dozens of peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.

Benjamin S. Fernandez

MS.Ed

Trainer
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 27 years of experience as a practitioner. Currently, he serves as a crisis intervention specialist in Northern Virginia, providing leadership and the coordination of crisis intervention services, and response consultation after acute traumatic events. He has worked as a lead school psychologist and coordinator providing 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. 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. He is also a Trainer for Safer Schools Together (SST), where he delivers the USSS/NTAC model-based Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) training.

Heilit Biehl

Trainer

Heilit Biehl is the Director of Judicial Services for Jeffco Public Schools in Jefferson County, Colorado. She is a member of the district’s Department of School Safety Management Team. In this role, Heilit is responsible for a department of five who manage court monitoring of juvenile cases, oversight of records, processes, training, and consulting on school-based and district-level threat assessment & safety plans. She has worked in education for over 15 years including in PreK-12, colleges, and universities in Colorado, Florida, and Utah.

She serves on the Board of Directors for the “I Love U Guys” Foundation as Vice-Chair, is the President of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and is a board delegate and the Scholarship Chair for the Colorado Association of Latino/Latina Administrators & Superintendents (CO-ALAS).

Shawna Rader Kelly

Trainer
Shawna Rader Kelly is a nationally certified school psychologist in Bozeman, Montana, where she serves as the school psychologist at Bozeman High School and leads the school district’s crisis response team. In her daily work, she is actively involved in providing direct and indirect services to students, implementing multi-tiered systems of support, responding to crisis events, conducting evaluations, leading threat assessment teams, and supporting program evaluation. Shawna is a frequent presenter at the state and national levels on topics including mental and behavioral health services, school-based threat assessment, school safety and crisis response, MTSS implementation, and professional supervision. She is also a member of Safer Schools Together (SST)’s training team, where she presents the US Secret Service/NTAC model-based Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) training.

Nate Thompson

MSW, LCSW

Trainer
Nate Thompson is the Director of Social, Emotional, & Behavior Services for Littleton Public Schools in Littleton, Colorado. He has spent his entire career supporting people in crisis. Trained as a clinical social worker, he has served as a crisis outreach specialist, child and family therapist, clinical director, nonprofit executive, and school administrator. He has led or supported the response and recovery process for multiple school gun violence incidents and other community tragedies and has consulted with school districts across the country regarding school mental health, trauma recovery, and psychological safety protocols. He is also a trainer for Safer Schools Together (SST) where he presents the USSS/NTAC model-based Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) training.

Meghan Holmes-Hannah

Senior Threat Analyst

Meghan completed a Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences with a major in Criminology and Certificate in Police Studies from Simon Fraser University. After graduation, Meghan decided to pursue her dream of becoming an analyst and enrolled in the Crime Analysis and Intelligence Advanced Certificate at BCIT.

Currently, Meghan is finishing the BCIT CIA Advanced Certificate, while working as a Senior Threat Analyst with Safer Schools Together. In her free time, she also volunteers with the Coquitlam RCMP.

Chelsea Payne, MSE

Senior Threat Analyst / Resource Coordinator

Chelsea Payne is a Senior Threat Analyst and Resource Coordinator at Safer Schools Together. She began her career with SST in 2019 after receiving her Masters in Higher Education Student Affairs and her Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations at Fort Hays State University. During that time, Chelsea was an academic advisor and assisted students in the career exploration process. As an academic advisor and career counselor, she began teaching and presenting to classes on specifically self-awareness which included goal setting, personality traits, and assessing one’s strengths. Throughout her experience, Chelsea found her passion for working with students and is determined to create a positive climate and culture.

Coming from a family background of law enforcement and school safety, her passion for helping students is continued through collecting worrisome online data for school districts in the United States and Canada to ensure early intervention and prevention.

Ilya Antyukhov

Independent Contractor / Software Engineer
Ilya provides a range of services to Safer Schools Together, including website setup and support, assistance with our Learning Management Systems (LMS), and supports enhancing the Data Toolkit Architecture. These services encompass various technical aspects essential for the smooth operation and security of SST’s digital infrastructure. Ilya is a Software Engineering and Data Privacy professional with experience in various programming languages and technologies. He has a passion for sharing his knowledge and helping others learn. He studied Computer Science and Software Engineering. He was a visiting lecturer at MSU and worked with students for several years. He is proud to be an active Kaggle Mentor, leveraging his expertise and experience to support and guide the next generation of data scientists and machine learning engineers.

Giovanna Coronese

Accounts Manager

Giovanna has been an Accountant and Bookkeeper for many years in financial administration. After moving to Canada, she has worked hard to apply her skills in this new environment, ensuring financial accuracy and efficiency.

She brings a multicultural perspective to her work and is passionate about human rights and equality. Giovanna is dedicated to supporting initiatives that create safer and inclusive environments.

Giovanna is excited to bring her expertise to SST and help create safer, inclusive, and supportive school communities.

Jessy Johal

Gang Reduction Lead / GRIP Trainer

Jessy Johal started his career as a Safe School Liaison with the Surrey School district. He then moved to a specialized role of Outreach Worker with Surrey School’s award-winning Wraparound program where he built relationships with at-risk youth and supported RCMP Youth Section staff with daily high risk situations (altercations, substance use, school misconduct). In this role, Jessy also worked on gang prevention and intervention strategies in partnership with the Surrey RCMP Gang Enforcement team. Shortly after, Jessy moved on to a supervisory role with the City of Surrey where he developed unique programs tailored to the needs and interests of vulnerable youth.

In his current role, Jessy helps to deliver the Gang Reduction Through Informed Practice (GRIP) strategy implemented by Safer Schools Together in partnership with the B.C. Ministry of Education. The GRIP strategy is comprehensive training designed to deliver proven prevention and intervention strategies to communities throughout B.C. in response to youth gangs. Jessy is responsible for conducting social media / GRIP presentations to students, parents, and school professionals. As GRIP consultant, Jessy assists police agencies and school district professionals with safety plans and community consultations.

John Wilson

Constable

RCMP

John Wilson is recently retired Police Officer having served 20 years with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police primarily in Surrey BC. During his time with the RCMP, John worked the typical gamut including General Duty, dismantling marijuana grow operations, and Investigative work; notably however, John worked extensively with high-risk youth in the gang environment where he honed his skills in non-enforcement policing and conflict management. John was a founding and long-term member of the multi award winning Surrey WRAP Program – a community focused, police and school partnership which attempted to identify the most high-risk youth in the community and reroute their trajectory away from gangsterism. John spent his final 5 years with the RCMP working within National Security and Community Outreach. Regardless of career path, John’s focus has always been fostering safer communities by addressing challenging situations with empathy and expertise. John is the recipient of both the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal and the King Charles III Coronation medal.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 13, 2025 • 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Interrupting the Pathway to Gang-Associated Behavior via Police & School Partnerships

Stay tuned for details regarding Rob Rai and Cst. John Wilson’s session.

Jacob Cheung

Corporal

RCMP Youth Unit

Corporal Jacob Cheung has served in the RCMP for 21 years with a diverse background in frontline policing, Technological Crime, and Youth Services. He has dedicated the last 18 years to the RCMP Youth Unit, where he has worked as a School Resource Officer in inner-city schools and contributed to award-winning youth gang prevention and intervention programs, where he supported gang-entrenched youth by reducing risk factors and the trajectory of negative police contacts. Corporal Cheung has also fostered strong partnerships with local and national community organizations to support vulnerable youth by creating opportunities through sports and pro-social initiatives.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 14, 2025 • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Collaborating with Community Partners

How the Vancouver Canucks and the BC Lions Support Vulnerable Students in British Columbia

Learn how the premier sports teams in British Columbia support the healthy movement of students and the development of pro-social recreation in school settings. The BC Lions and the Vancouver Canucks are proud supporters of play for all students and generously contribute to multiple initiatives province-wide; learn about the impact of these programs and how your school/organization can get involved.

James Murray

Chief Security Officer

Snap, Inc (Snapchat)

James Murray, former Director of the U.S. Secret Service, is currently the Chief Security Officer at Snap, inc. Jim brings a wealth of experience to his role, which will help ensure the safety and security of the more than 5,000 Snap employees who live and work across the globe. Murray began his federal service with the U.S. Department of Transportation and as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. Years later, he joined the Secret Service as a Special Agent, where he investigated cyber-enabled financial crimes and served as the agency’s liaison to the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Panel Session

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 14, 2025 • 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM PST

Emerging Threat Assessments Landscape

Stay tuned for details regarding the Panel Session with panelists Theresa Campbell, Dr. Peter Langman, James Murray, Dr. Melissa Reeves, & Steven MacDonald.

Rod Brathwaite

Manager of Community Partnerships and Hockey Development

Vancouver Canucks

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 14, 2025 • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Collaborating with Community Partners

How the Vancouver Canucks and the BC Lions Support Vulnerable Students in British Columbia

Learn how the premier sports teams in British Columbia support the healthy movement of students and the development of pro-social recreation in school settings. The BC Lions and the Vancouver Canucks are proud supporters of play for all students and generously contribute to multiple initiatives province-wide; learn about the impact of these programs and how your school/organization can get involved.

Jamie Taras

Director, Community Relations

BC Lions

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 14, 2025 • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Collaborating with Community Partners

How the Vancouver Canucks and the BC Lions Support Vulnerable Students in British Columbia

Learn how the premier sports teams in British Columbia support the healthy movement of students and the development of pro-social recreation in school settings. The BC Lions and the Vancouver Canucks are proud supporters of play for all students and generously contribute to multiple initiatives province-wide; learn about the impact of these programs and how your school/organization can get involved.

Emily Terrett

Emily Terrett is a 23-year-old student in her final year at the University of the Fraser Valley, where she is working toward a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Creative Writing. As part of Gen Z, Emily has grown up with technology and witnessed its rapid evolution, learning about its risks firsthand. Motivated by her own experiences, she aims to raise awareness about the dangers of online grooming. Through sharing her own personal story, Emily hopes to empower others to recognize the signs of online threats, emphasizing that you don’t have to be an expert to identify unsafe situations on the internet.

Panel Session

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 13, 2025 • 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM PST

Perspectives on Sexual Exploitation and Sexualized Violence

Stay tuned for details regarding the Panel Session with panelists Michelle Denault, Tiana Sharifi, Emily Terrett, Carol Todd, & Steven MacDonald.

Sean Jenkinson

Detective

Edmonton Police Service

Det. Sean Jenkinson began his policing career with the Edmonton Police Service in 2001. Sean began in West Division Patrol before taking a position on a Special Project Team, operating in a covert fashion, with a focus on complex drug and property-related investigations within his division and city-wide.

In 2008, Sean began working within the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), specifically in the Missing Person Unit, where his focus became investigations within the Major Case Management (MCM) format. Sean spent the majority of the next 16 years within CID, being promoted in 2013 to Detective with roles in Domestic Offender Crimes, Robbery, and Homicide Unit.  Over the course of the past 4.5 years within Homicide, Sean had the opportunity to take on all the roles within the command triangle on numerous homicide investigations and the role of a Task Investigator on many others.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 13, 2025 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM PST

Evolution of Firearm-Related Crime, The Successes & Developments in Investigative Approaches

Sgt. Hapke and Det. Sean Jenkinson will present on the formation and evolution of Edmonton Police Services’ Firearms Investigation Unit. They will speak to which investigations were prioritized at their unit’s onset and the evolution of firearm crime in Edmonton, which has led to FIU altering their investigative priorities.

Their presentation will speak to FIU successes and developments in investigative approaches. They will utilize specific case studies to offer an in-depth look at FIU investigative process.

Dr. Margaret A. Sedor

Trainer

Safer Schools Together

Dr. Sedor is a School Psychologist and serves as the District Suicide Prevention and Wellbeing Coordinator within the Sweetwater Union High School District in California. She is also an Adjunct Professor Faculty in the Department of Counseling and School Psychology at San Diego State University and has a private practice.

Over the past 30 years, Dr. Sedor has provided leadership in the areas of mental health, well-being, suicide prevention, USSS/NTAC behavioral threat assessment, and crisis management at the county, state, and national levels.

Currently, Dr. Sedor serves on the NASP School Safety and Crisis Response Committee, the CASP Legislation Committee, the CASP Mental Health Committee, and recently the California Department of Education Social Emotional Learning Task Force.

She also leads Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) training for Safer Schools Together (SST), which is based on the US Secret Service/NTAC model.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 14, 2025 • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Communicating Through Crisis

Stay tuned for details regarding Jennifer Chambers and Dr. Margaret A. Sedor session.

Carol Todd

Advocate & Founder

Amanda Todd Legacy

Carol Todd has impacted the world as an educator, an advocate, parent, and leader for social action to address bullying. In 2012, Todd’s 15 year old daughter took her own life in response to cyberbullying and sexual harassment. From this place of tragedy, Todd found that by sharing her story she could help others. She founded the Amanda Todd Legacy Society to create more awareness surrounding anti-bullying, mental health, and cyber safety initiatives. She continues to speak publicly about both her experience and her daughter’s struggles with cyber-bullying, physical assault, and sexual victimization.

Panel Session

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 13, 2025 • 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM PST

Perspectives on Sexual Exploitation and Sexualized Violence

Stay tuned for details regarding the Panel Session with panelists Michelle Denault, Carol Todd, Tiana Sharifi, Emily Terrett, & Jed Roffers.

Meg Soultz

Co-founder

Public Safety and Emergency Medical Expert

Meg began her career in public safety as an EMT while completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. She continued her formal education at the IUPUI Purdue School of Science with a Master’s Degree in Biology. Meg has worked as a paramedic at both Putnam County Operation Life and Indianapolis EMS. At present, Meg has 15 years of EMS experience in rural, urban, and suburban environments.

Meg also served as a full time EMS Educator for the Eskenazi Hospital/IU School of Medicine Associate’s Degree program in Paramedic Science teaching anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, medical emergencies, and trauma. During her time at Indianapolis EMS she was selected as a tactical medic for Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s SWAT Team and Bomb Squad. After finding a passion for law enforcement while serving as a tactical medic, Meg transitioned to full time law enforcement at the Carmel Police Department in Carmel, IN.

Meg has a unique perspective having served in roles as both a paramedic and police officer and understands the challenges of teaching medical concepts to civilian first responders.During her career at Carmel PD, Meg was selected as a member of their SWAT team and served on the entry element with a specialization in less lethal and gas munitions. She is a certified instructor through the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy both as a generalist and physical tactics instructor.

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 13, 2025 • 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Beyond the Bandaids: Implementing a Bleeding Control Program in the K-12 Space

Join Dr. Savahanna Wagner and Officer Meg Soultz, founders of Rescue in Color, for a pragmatic discussion on implementing bleeding control education in school settings. While CPR and AED training have long been part of school emergency preparedness, districts now face new legislative demands and community expectations regarding traumatic injury response. This course equips school administrators, educators and law enforcement professionals with practical strategies for integrating such curriculum into the K-12 setting, ensuring effective emergency preparedness in today’s evolving landscape.

Dr. Savahanna Wagner

Co-founder

Emergency Medical Expert

Dr. Wagner is an Internal Medicine physician with 18 years of experience in EMS, disaster medicine, emergency preparedness and training. Beginning as an EMT-B, she transitioned from direct patient care, Dr. Wagner became a Crisis and Continuity advisor for the MESH coalition in Indianapolis; an organization that trains healthcare providers to effectively respond to emergencies and remain viable through recovery.

She was responsible for the development of critical policies and training programs that helped ensure effective all-hazards emergency preparedness as well as the collaboration of healthcare organizations, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations. As part of her duties, Dr. Wagner facilitated interdisciplinary mass-casualty training programs all over the state of Indiana.

Now working as a full-time Internist, Dr. Wagner serves on her hospital’s emergency preparedness committee. In addition to her medical degree, she holds Masters degrees in both Biology and Public Health and uses her education to serve this passion. After the Uvalde tragedy brought school safety to the forefront of our minds yet again, Dr. Wagner knew that she wanted to use her unique skills set to contribute to this cause in a profound way.

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 13, 2025 • 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Beyond the Bandaids: Implementing a Bleeding Control Program in the K-12 Space

Join Dr. Savahanna Wagner and Officer Meg Soultz, founders of Rescue in Color, for a pragmatic discussion on implementing bleeding control education in school settings. While CPR and AED training have long been part of school emergency preparedness, districts now face new legislative demands and community expectations regarding traumatic injury response. This course equips school administrators, educators and law enforcement professionals with practical strategies for integrating such curriculum into the K-12 setting, ensuring effective emergency preparedness in today’s evolving landscape.

Tiana Sharifi

CEO & Founder

Exploitation Education Institute

Tiana Sharifi is internationally recognized as a Canadian expert in the field of anti-sexual exploitation and human trafficking, with over a decade of direct experience. She began her career providing educational workshops on human trafficking, working with youth victims of sexual exploitation and adult women survivors of gender violence and human trafficking. With a strong foundation in Psychology and Counseling, Tiana approaches all forms of sexual exploitation through a deep understanding of human behavior, addressing root causes such as consent, vulnerability, and the need for connection.

Panel Session

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 13, 2025 • 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM PST

Perspectives on Sexual Exploitation and Sexualized Violence

Stay tuned for details regarding the Panel Session with panelists Michelle Denault, Carol Todd, Tiana Sharifi, Emily Terrett, & Jed Roffers.

Rob Rai

Executive Senior Consultant

Safer Schools Together

Rob Rai is an Executive Senior Consultant with Safer Schools Together. An innovative thinker with more than 25 years of experience working with vulnerable youth in school systems, Rob has been at the forefront of developing culturally responsive gang intervention programming for diverse youth. Rob has been recognized for his contributions to redirecting criminally involved adolescents by municipal, provincial and national governments including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pin and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Canadian schools. Rob continues to advance the movement of supporting all youth realize their full life potential.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 13, 2025 • 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Interrupting the Pathway to Gang-Associated Behavior via Police & School Partnerships

Stay tuned for details regarding Rob Rai and Cst. John Wilson’s session.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 14, 2025 • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Collaborating with Community Partners

How the Vancouver Canucks and the BC Lions Support Vulnerable Students in British Columbia

Learn how the premier sports teams in British Columbia support the healthy movement of students and the development of pro-social recreation in school settings. The BC Lions and the Vancouver Canucks are proud supporters of play for all students and generously contribute to multiple initiatives province-wide; learn about the impact of these programs and how your school/organization can get involved.

Jen Chambers

Jennifer Chambers

Senior Consultant & Trainer

Safer Schools TOgether

Jen Chambers has been an Educator and Counsellor in British Columbia schools for almost thirty years. Her career began with teaching English and Philosophy to high school students in the District Gifted Program in Greater Victoria, BC. After earning a Master’s Degree in Counselling, Jen broadened her professional practice to supporting struggling youth in schools.

Jen has held the role of District Counsellor, Safe Schools Coordinator, and District Critical Incident Response Lead for the past eight years. She is also a trainer for Safer Schools Together (SST), where she presents the US Secret Service/NTAC model-based “Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA)”, “Trauma-Informed Safe and Caring School Communities”, and “Anxiety, the Brain, and the Classroom: The ABCs of a Trauma-Informed Approach” sessions.

Jen’s work focuses on supporting the most vulnerable youth in her community and providing professional development for staff focusing on mental health initiatives, trauma informed practices, harm reduction, BDTA and critical incident response.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 14, 2025 • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Communicating Through Crisis

Stay tuned for details regarding Jennifer Chambers and Dr. Margaret A. Sedor session.

ICDTA-Senior-Threat-Analyst-and-Trainer-Steven-MacDonald

Steven MacDonald

Director of Training and Development

Safer Schools Together

Steven joined Safer Schools Together (SST) as Director of Training and Development in 2019 after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He collaborates closely with SST’s CEO, Theresa Campbell, to design and implement training programs such as Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) and Digital Threat Assessment® (DTA).

Steven has trained professionals across North America, including those from DHS, FBI, law enforcement agencies, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions. His expertise lies in creating safer school environments by equipping teams with the knowledge and tools to conduct accurate threat assessments.

He previously worked as a Senior Threat Analyst specializing in social media data analysis for Safety/Threat Assessment teams, contributing significantly to school safety cases in Canada and the USA. Steven’s background in language analytics, artificial intelligence, and social media trends allows him to effectively collect data and evaluate threats. He presents workshops on social media awareness, online safety, and strategies for managing threat-related behaviors in today’s digital age, making him a valuable asset in promoting safety in North American communities.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 13, 2025 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM PST

Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment: Identifying Threats of Violence Through Digital Leakage

Stay tuned for details regarding Steven MacDonald and Dr. Melissa Reeves’ session.

Panel Session

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 14, 2025 • 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM PST

Emerging Threat Assessment Landscape

Stay tuned for details regarding the Panel Session with panelists Theresa Campbell, Dr. Peter Langman, James Murray, Dr. Melissa Reeves, & Steven MacDonald.

Dr. Leena K. Augimeri

Children/Youth Early Intervention & Crime Prevention Specialist & Innovator

SNAP Co-Founder
Adjunct Professor, University of Toronto

Leena K. Augimeri, Ph.D., is a renowned innovative scientist-practitioner and co-founder of Stop Now And Plan (SNAP), an internationally acclaimed, evidence-based program that helps children and youth enhance their emotional regulation, self-control, and problem-solving skills. With over 40 years of expertise in children’s mental health and crime prevention, Dr. Augimeri has advanced innovative tools for risk identification and management, including the Early Assessment Risk List (EARL) and the Structured Assessment of Protective Risk Factors for violence risk, Child Version (SAPROF-CV), has led national multi-million dollar implementations, participated in international study groups and was appointed by the Ontario Government to Chair the Youth Justice Task Force to formulate actionable and impactful recommendations to develop a modernized youth justice system that fully supports youth in conflict with the law and those who support them. Her work focuses on creating comprehensive frameworks for addressing antisocial and disruptive behaviors in children through trauma-informed interventions, community referral protocols, and risk/need assessments. The SNAP model has been implemented globally, demonstrating its effectiveness in fostering better outcomes for children and families. Dr. Augimeri has published extensively, delivered hundreds of presentations, and received prestigious accolades, including the Prime Minister’s Regional Social Innovation Award for SNAP, and more recently in 2024 the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and Research Canada’s Leadership in Advocacy Award. A passionate advocate for early intervention and evidence-based practices, Dr. Augimeri is committed to bridging science and practice, empowering organizations to incorporate research into clinical care, and fostering safer communities. Her mission is to nurture happier, healthier children, youth, and families while addressing the root causes of crime and antisocial behavior through proactive, evidence-based solutions.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 14, 2025 • 4:30 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Innocence Interrupted: Building Self-Control in High-Risk Children to Prevent Crime, Improve Life Outcomes and Transform Lives

What I see I cannot unsee. What I hear I cannot unhear.

Middle-years children (ages 6 – 12) who display serious disruptive behaviors – such as aggression, rule-breaking, and conduct problems – are at significantly greater risk of following a negative life trajectory. These children often exhibit anger, impulsivity, irritability, and oppositional behaviors, leading to difficulties at school and in social relationships. The societal cost of one serious violent and chronic (SVC) offender can range from $1.5 to $6 million over their lifetime, considering their social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, as well as the profound impact on their victims, families, and communities. This presentation will highlight a comprehensive, evidence-based mental health and crime prevention framework designed to address the risks and needs of high-risk children. The framework aims to enhance emotion regulation, self-control, and problem-solving skills – critical competencies that can be challenging for anyone but are particularly difficult for children whose cognitive regulation systems are still developing. As Dr. Alex Piquero (2023) emphasizes: “There is no better way to prevent crime – and improve many other outcomes throughout life – than to build up the self-control of individuals.” Attendees will learn about effective strategies for engaging high-risk children and families in a timely manner, assessing their levels of risk and needs, and implementing evidence-based prevention and early intervention programs to redirect them from negative life trajectories. This presentation underscores the urgency of early action and provides actionable solutions for professionals working to support vulnerable children and their families.

Jonathan Mubanda

Producer, Writer, Actor & Safe School Liaison

Jonathan Mubanda is a dedicated youth worker with nearly 20 years of experience. His passion for changing lives stems from a transformative experience he had with a high school coach. Alongside his commitment to youth work, Jonathan has a deep passion for film. He has acted in numerous films and TV shows and recently participated in an award-winning documentary. This success gave him the confidence to produce his own film, which will debut as a TELUS original. Jonathan focuses on telling impactful stories through film, continuing to inspire and make a difference in the lives of young people through his dual passions for youth work and filmmaking.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 13, 2025 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM PST

Redirecting Youth Off the Pathway to Gang-Associated Behavior

The Challenges for Newly Immigrated Youth ("It Takes a Village")

Stay tuned for details regarding Jonathan Mubanda’s session. 

Molly Hudgens

Molly B. Hudgens

School Counselor

Cheatham County School District

On September 28, 2016, an eighth grader armed with a semi-automatic handgun and a plan to kill people on campus went to the counseling department at Sycamore Middle School in Pleasant View, Tennessee, to find his school counselor. After ninety minutes of talking with the young man and praying beside him on her knees, the counselor was able to convince him to relinquish the weapon to her with no shots fired and no lives lost. For her efforts, she became a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor’s Citizens Honor for a single act of heroism. In her twenty-fifth year in education, she remains the school counselor at Sycamore Middle School

Keynote Session

School Violence Prevention

February 14, 2025 • 9:45 AM – 11:45 AM PST

A Bio-Psycho-Social-Cultural Analysis of School Shooters

There is no profile of school shooters, nor any one cause that accounts for their attacks. This presentation explores a wide range of potential factors that may contribute to rampage attacks. These factors include the biological (genetics, developmental, body-related issues), three psychological categories of perpetrators (psychopathic, psychotic, traumatized), a variety of social failures, and cultural influences such as role models, ideologies, and the desire for fame.

School Violence Prevention

February 14, 2025 • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Saving Sycamore: The School Shooting that Never Happened

Join Molly Hudgens as she shares the story of how she prevented a school shooting on September 28, 2016, when a student with a fully-loaded semi-automatic handgun came to her with a plan to kill people on the school’s campus, he told her, “I came to you because you’re the only person who can talk me out of this.” After a ninety-minute intervention, the student relinquished the weapon to Mrs. Hudgens with no shots fired and no lives lost. Molly’s retelling of the event walks the audience through the specifics of the incident that took place in her office and highlights previous training that affected her decision-making process during the event. Molly speaks boldly of her faith throughout and challenges those in attendance to remember that every human interaction matters and that one life can make a difference. Molly Hudgens became the first Tennessean and only the tenth woman to become a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation’s Citizens Medal of Honor for her efforts that day.

Joe McKenna

Dr. Joseph McKenna

Senior Director of Projects, Programs, and Training

Safe and Sound Schools

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 13, 2025 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM PST

Staying Safe

Join this workshop with Michele Gay & Dr. Joseph McKenna, for a meaningful introduction to Safe and Sound Schools’ newest program, Staying Safe. Developed in partnership with the Texas School Safety Center and ALERRT, Staying Safe equips school teams to teach PK-12 students developmentally appropriate safety actions. This program aligns with best practices and expertise from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), and Safe and Sound Schools. Discover how this innovative program can enhance your school’s inclusive, comprehensive safety preparedness and support a secure learning environment.

School Violence Prevention

February 14, 2025 • 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM PST

Especially Safe®: An Inclusive Approach to Safety Preparedness in Educational Settings

Designed to support an inclusive approach to safety preparedness in educational settings, Especially Safe helps you plan, prepare, teach, and train to meet the special needs of students, staff, and visitors in your school community. With considerations for developmental disabilities, communication challenges, medical needs, mobility challenges, and more, this training creates a culture of safety and security that everybody can depend on in emergencies of all kinds.

Missy Dodds

Missy Dodds

Speaker, Trainer, National Parent Ambassador

Safe and Sound Schools

Missy’s story entails how she has transitioned from victim to survivor and from teacher to school safety advocate. Missy Dodds serves as a Safe and Sound Schools National Parent Ambassador, speaker and trainer. Sharing her very personal story about the 2005 tragedy at Red Lake High School, Missy has navigated a path to healing in order to help schools, parents and communities understand the importance of a comprehensive approach to school safety and recovery.

School Violence Prevention

February 13, 2025 • 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Choosing to Survive: Lessons from Red Lake

In this moving presentation, Missy shares her personal journey of navigating life after a school shooting and her quest to understand how such a tragedy can occur. She openly discusses the pain, guilt, and difficult decisions she faced, detailing her struggles and successes, and how she now defines acceptance. Missy also shares lessons learned and reveals what she believes could have prevented the events on March 21, 2005. Her goal is to leave attendees with hope and courage, demonstrating that through perseverance and self-work, one can find the strength to progress from being a victim to becoming a survivor.

Ben Fernandez, MS Ed.

Lead School Psychologist

District in Northern Virginia

Benjamin S. Fernandez, MS Ed. believes school safety is everyone’s responsibility and that we all have a part in creating a safe and supportive school environment for all to thrive. He provides leadership and an array of psychological and school-based mental health services as a lead school psychologist and crisis team leader for his school district. For the National Association of School Psychologists, he serves on the School Safety and Crisis Response Committee conducting presentations and contributing to topics related to youth suicide, PREPaRE, and school safety and crisis intervention.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 13, 2025 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM PST

Pathways for Prevention: Changing the Trajectory

Pathways for Prevention, a Signature Program of Safe & Sound Schools, focuses on universal violence prevention strategies, as well as targeted and intensive interventions for preventing and responding to violent behaviors to support safe learning environments. Pathways for Prevention is rooted in the application of Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and identifying and utilizing systems of support within school communities to ensure student growth, wellness, and safety. In this session, Ben Fernandez will introduce attendees to the program and provide real-world illustrations and examples of MTSS as a model for prevention, intervention, and postvention.

Michelle Gay

Michele Gay

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Safe and Sound Schools

Michele Gay is a mother, former teacher, and one of the founders of Safe and Sound Schools: A Sandy Hook Initiative. Following the tragic loss of her daughter, Josephine, in the Sandy Hook School tragedy, Michele Gay joined Sandy Hook mother, Alissa Parker, to establish Safe and Sound Schools as a national resource for school safety. She now travels across the country sharing her message of inspiration, recovery, and school safety education and advocacy. 

Keynote Session

School Violence Prevention

February 14, 2025 • 8:15 AM – 9:30 AM PST

Perspectives In Prevention: Lessons Learned from the Sandy Hook School Tragedy

Michele tells her personal story and recounts the lessons learned on December 14, 2012 in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook School tragedy. She shares the inspiring way she has chosen to help school communities improve school safety in honor of her daughter, Josephine, and in memory of the other 19 children and six teachers lost on December 14, 2012. Michele’s perspective, as the mother of a child with special needs and former elementary school teacher, provides unique insight and inspiration for parents, administrators, school staff, emergency responders, and community members who strive to make their schools safer.

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 13, 2025 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM PST

Staying Safe

Join this workshop with Michele Gay & Dr. Joseph McKenna, for a meaningful introduction to Safe and Sound Schools’ newest program, Staying Safe. Developed in partnership with the Texas School Safety Center and ALERRT, Staying Safe equips school teams to teach PK-12 students developmentally appropriate safety actions. This program aligns with best practices and expertise from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), and Safe and Sound Schools. Discover how this innovative program can enhance your school’s inclusive, comprehensive safety preparedness and support a secure learning environment.

Peter Langman

Dr. Peter Langman

Director of Research and School Safety Training

Drift Net, LLC

Dr. Peter Langman is a psychologist whose research on school shooters has received international recognition. His book, Why Kids Kill: Inside the Minds of School Shooters, was named an Outstanding Academic Title and was translated into German, Dutch, and Finnish. His work has been cited in congressional testimony on Capitol Hill and he has been interviewed by the New York Times, The Today Show, 20/20, Nightline, Fox, CNN, the BBC, and 400 other news outlets on five continents. After the Sandy Hook attack, the CEO of the American Psychological Association presented Dr. Langman’s recommendations on school safety to President Obama. He has presented at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, and been hired by the Department of Homeland Security to train professionals in school safety. He maintains the largest online collection of materials relating to school shooters at schoolshooters.info, including over 400 documents totaling 60,000 pages. His latest book is School Shooters: Understanding High School, College, and Adult Perpetrators.

Keynote Session

School Violence Prevention

February 14, 2025 • 9:45 AM – 11:45 AM PST

A Bio-Psycho-Social-Cultural Analysis of School Shooters

There is no profile of school shooters, nor any one cause that accounts for their attacks. This presentation explores a wide range of potential factors that may contribute to rampage attacks. These factors include the biological (genetics, developmental, body-related issues), three psychological categories of perpetrators (psychopathic, psychotic, traumatized), a variety of social failures, and cultural influences such as role models, ideologies, and the desire for fame.

Panel Session

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 14, 2025 • 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM PST

Emerging Threat Assessment Landscape

Stay tuned for details regarding the Panel Session with panelists Theresa Campbell, Dr. Peter Langman, James Murray, Dr. Melissa Reeves, & Steven MacDonald.

Michelle Denault

Owner & Founder

Voices Carry, LLC

Michelle Denault, owner and founder of “Voices Carry, LLC”, is a survivor of Educator Sexual Abuse and the creator of the training “Grooming 101 – A Predator’s Playbook”. In 2015, after decades of believing she had been in a “love relationship” with a trusted teacher, a moment in time shifted her perspective and opened her eyes to the truth that she hadn’t been loved but instead preyed on and abused. Since that time, Michelle has been speaking her truth, advocating for change, and in a fight in the justice system to bring accountability to her abuser and his enablers. “Grooming 101” has been in numerous schools and at several institutional conferences throughout Illinois to train adults on how to recognize the signs a child is being groomed and to teach students how to recognize they or their peers may be being groomed. Michelle is married to Mike Denault, Superintendent of the Waltonville School District, and has two boys, Jonny and Jacob Forbes, and two stepdaughters, Emersyn and Addysen. Michelle has an insane love of Disneyworld and a passion for Duke Basketball. What students and adults alike find most entertaining about her presentation is that her high school mascot was a Pretzel. Everyone loves it when she teaches them how to make a pretzel with their fingers!

Keynote Session

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 13, 2025 • 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM PST

Grooming 101 - A Predator's Playbook

How often do you see a headline that a trusted authority figure has been in an “inappropriate relationship” with a minor? These are not “relationships” but instead abuse that begins with grooming. “Grooming 101 – A Predator’s Playbook” is conducted by Michelle Denault from her dual lens of educator abuse survivor and superintendent’s wife. Michelle weaves her story in as she breaks down each step of grooming, allowing participants to see through the lens of a survivor how predators use a child’s natural want for love to manipulate them into consenting to their own violation.

Panel Session

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 13, 2025 • 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM PST

Perspectives on Sexual Exploitation & Sexualized Violence

Stay tuned for details regarding the Panel Session with panelists Michelle Denault, Carol Todd, Tiana Sharifi, Emily Terrett, & Jed Roffers.

Theresa Campbell

Theresa Campbell

President & Chief Executive Officer

Safer Schools Together

Theresa Campbell is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of Safer Schools Together (SST), an organization focused on promoting a climate and culture of safety in schools. Theresa established SST in 2008 to provide law enforcement agencies, school districts, and community partners with comprehensive violence prevention/intervention training. In 2018, she expanded her role to include CEO and founder of the International Center for Digital Threat Assessment® (ICDTA). Previously, Theresa served as the Executive Director of the International Center for Threat Assessment (ICTA). As a Subject Matter Expert in School-Based Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment, violence prevention, and trauma response, Theresa regularly consults on high-profile cases throughout North America.

Panel Session

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 14, 2025 • 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM PST

Emerging Threat Assessment Landscape

Stay tuned for details regarding the Panel Session with panelists Theresa Campbell, Dr. Peter Langman, James Murray, Dr. Melissa Reeves, & Steven MacDonald.

Melissa Reeves

Dr. Melissa Reeves

Consultant & Trainer

Safer Schools Together

Dr. Melissa Reeves is a nationally certified school psychologist, licensed special education teacher, and professional counselor with over 20 years of experience in public and private schools. She has taught psychology courses and served on the university’s Critical Incident Management Team and the College of Arts and Science COVID-19 Recovery committee.

Dr. Reeves is a threat assessment and mental health specialist and senior advisor for Safe and Sound Schools, an organization founded by parents who lost their children in the Sandy Hook tragedy. She is also a consultant and trainer for SIGMA Threat Management Associates and delivers the USSS/NTAC model-based Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) training for SST.
Dr. Reeves is the lead author of the South Carolina Department of Education School-Based Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Best Practice Guidelines for South Carolina K-12 Schools and has conducted over 350 workshops and presentations. She has authored six books and has testified in front of the U.S. Senate Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Disaster and Recovery.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 13, 2025 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM PST

Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment: Identifying Threats of Violence Through Digital Leakage

Stay tuned for details regarding Dr. Melissa Reeves and Steven MacDonald’s session.

Panel Session

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 14, 2025 • 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM PST

Emerging Threat Assessment Landscape

Stay tuned for details regarding the Panel Session with panelists Theresa Campbell, Dr. Peter Langman, James Murray, Dr. Melissa Reeves, & Steven MacDonald.

Colton-Easton

Colton Easton

Director of Project Development

Safer Schools Together

Colton joined Safer Schools Together (SST) in 2016 after receiving his Diploma in Law Enforcement Studies at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. In his current role as the Director of Project Development, Colton works closely with SST CEO/Founder Theresa Campbell in the development and implementation of trainings such as Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment®, Digital Threat Assessment®, and more.
Colton is an accomplished trainer, having presented to thousands of individuals from organizations across North America including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and numerous other law enforcement agencies and both K to 12 school districts and higher education campuses.
Colton began his time at SST as a Threat Analyst where he gained invaluable experience and knowledge collecting social media data that is used to assist Safety/Threat Assessment teams in conducting accurate threat assessments. He has been involved in several high-profile cases relating to school safety in Canada and the US.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 14, 2025 • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Is It Real? Authentication of Firearms (Gunphotometry)

Discover how the process of analyzing photos and videos to determine the make, model, and functionality of firearms, combined with AI, is transforming firearm authentication. This hands-on session features real case studies, showcasing how experts identify firearm details with precision. Learn practical techniques and explore AI’s potential—and risks—in safety and threat assessment.

Raj Jaswal

GRIP Trainer

Safer Schools Together

Staff Sergeant Raj Jaswal is a distinguished law enforcement professional with 17 years of experience in the criminal justice system. As a member of a municipal police department, Raj has excelled in frontline, investigative, and administrative roles, earning recognition for his exceptional leadership and commitment to community service.

Raj’s expertise in proactive intelligence gathering, gang enforcement, intervention, and suppression has been acknowledged through numerous awards and commendations. Notably, he was recognized as one of the top 40-under-40 police officers internationally by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 2023.

Raj’s dedication to combating organized crime has been consistently demonstrated through his work. He received the Deputy Chief Constables commendation in 2014 for developing strategies to curb gang violence. In 2021, he was awarded the Frederick Milton Thrasher Award by the National Gang Crime Research Center in Chicago, Illinois, for his superior accomplishments in gang investigations. The Organization for National Gang Information and Awareness (ONGIA) honored him with the Jim Aspiotis Memorial Award in 2022 for his outstanding professionalism and dedication to community safety.

As a passionate advocate for combining practical experience with educational training, Raj serves as a board member for ONGIA and provides education on gang prevention and intervention across North America.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

In-Person Only

February 13, 2025 • 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Law Enforcement Intervention and Gang Prevention Using a Digital Threat Assessment Approach

We are living in an age where technology is advancing at an exponential rate, oftentimes making it challenging for law enforcement to be adequately prepared. This training session will explore how subjects of concern, particularly youth, are using advanced technology and tools to facilitate gang activity, online threats, conceal digital content, operate anonymously, and actively disrupt law enforcement investigative efforts to evade detection.

Frank Grosspietsch

Frank Grosspietsch

Consultant & Firearms-Related Investigations

Safer Schools Together

Frank Grosspietsch, a retired RCMP officer, offers expert consultation services for SST, specializing in firearms investigations and enforcement. With 14 years as a firearms investigative and enforcement support specialist, Frank has supported SST’s Annual Gangs and Guns Conference. His qualifications include firearm identification, criminal use of firearms, and international firearms trafficking. Frank is also a UN-recognized expert in small arms and light weapons, contributing his vast expertise to enhancing public safety.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

In-Person Only

February 14, 2025 • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Is It Real? Authentication of Firearms (Gunphotometry)

Discover how the process of analyzing photos and videos to determine the make, model, and functionality of firearms, combined with AI, is transforming firearm authentication. This hands-on session features real case studies, showcasing how experts identify firearm details with precision. Learn practical techniques and explore AI’s potential—and risks—in safety and threat assessment.

Jed Roffers

Trainer

Safer Schools Together

Jed Roffers, a Special Agent with the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), has been a law enforcement officer for 16 years. He began his career in 2008 as a Trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol. From 2013 – 2022, Jed served as a member of Wisconsin’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, where he became a subject matter expert on how perpetrators utilize mobile applications to facilitate child exploitation crimes. Jed is currently assigned to DCI’s Cyber Crimes Unit. 

In 2022, he joined the team at Safer Schools Together as a Professional Trainer, where he provides training on Digital Threat Assessment® as well as social media dangers and digital communications related to online/social media threats.

Jed enjoys Wisconsin’s two most significant influences, Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the Green Bay Packers.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

In-Person Only

February 13, 2025 • 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Law Enforcement Intervention and Gang Prevention Using a Digital Threat Assessment Approach

We are living in an age where technology is advancing at an exponential rate, oftentimes making it challenging for law enforcement to be adequately prepared. This training session will explore how subjects of concern, particularly youth, are using advanced technology and tools to facilitate gang activity, online threats, conceal digital content, operate anonymously, and actively disrupt law enforcement investigative efforts to evade detection.

Panel Session

Gangs & Guns Prevention

School Violence Prevention

February 13, 2025 • 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM PST

Perspectives on Sexual Exploitation and Sexualized Violence

Stay tuned for details regarding the Panel Session with panelists Michelle Denault, Carol Todd, Tiana Sharifi, Emily Terrett, & Jed Roffers.

Lawrence Lujan

Commander, Major Crimes Division – Homicide, Crimes Against Children, Financial Crime, & the Crimes Scene unit

El Paso Texas Police Department

Lawrence Lujan has 34 years of active service and is the Commander of the Major Crimes Division – Homicide, Crimes Against Children, Financial Crime, and the Crimes Scene unit – at the El Paso Texas Police Department.  He graduated from the FBI National Academy – session 274 and the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) Class 58. His operational and instructional experience extends across gang investigations and gang Enforcement, leadership, officer safety, special team tactics-SWAT, mobile field force, and firearms. Lawrence has authored articles for trade journals, such as Police1, presented webinars, and taught across the United States and internationally in El Salvador, Canada, and South Korea. He has operational experience in Honduras, Canada, Panama, and Colombia. In 2021, Lawrence was awarded the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for superior service by the National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC).  In 2022 he was a Presenter at the Ontario National Gang Investigators Association (ONGIA) annual conference.  Lawrence brings a unique and sought-after skill set to the law enforcement arena. 

Gangs & Guns Prevention

February 14, 2025 • 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM PST

Latin American Gangs & The Canadian/US Nexus

How They Exploit Immigration by Hiding Amongst Those Fleeing Violence & Exploitation

The Canadian homeland is composed of diverse and different cultures and communities. Transnational gangs from Latin American countries exploit immigration by hiding amongst those fleeing violence and exploitation. A foreign culture, language, and beliefs can make the protection and public service mission challenging for both local, provincial, and federal law enforcement agencies.

Ronald W.J. Bell

Lead, Western Canada Illicit Trade Prevention

Rothman, Benson & Hedges Inc.

Ron Bell is a regular presenter at conferences, law enforcement training academies and organizations involved in enforcement initiatives. Ron Bell has over 3 decades of law enforcement and compliance experience, first with the Winnipeg Police Service, and then transitioning into the world of illegal tobacco and tax compliance with the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit (SIU). In his last role as Manager, he spearheaded the province’s efforts to tackle criminal organizations involved in contraband tobacco.
In 2023 Ron moved into the private sector, as Lead Investigator Western Canada Illicit Trade Prevention, Rothman, Benson & Hedges Inc., continuing his efforts to prevent the growth of contraband tobacco and cigarettes by focusing his efforts on supporting and consolidating relationships with law enforcement and government compliance and enforcement agencies.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

In-Person Only

February 13, 2025 • 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Contraband, Tobacco Products, and Organized Crime: A History of Violence - The New Currency of Organized Crime

Wherever organized crime is allowed to exist, violence will soon follow. Contraband tobacco, the new currency of organized crime, is a billion-dollar industry, not only impacting community safety, but a substantial loss of revenue.

Christopher-Felton

Dr. Christopher Felton

Trainer

Safer Schools Together

Dr. Christopher M. Felton, a Detective Sergeant with over 17 years of law enforcement experience, is dedicated to gang and violent crimes. He serves as an Adjunct Professor and Subject Matter Expert for a local university as well as a Trainer for SST, providing insights into criminal justice, forensic psychology, and first responder mental health. Christopher founded a Police Officer Peer Support Team and has presented at national conferences on criminological and first responder mental health research. His academic achievements include a BS in Criminal Justice, an MS in Forensic Psychology, a Masters in Philosophy, and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice – Law and Public Policy. He is also a U.S. Army veteran.

Gangs & Guns Prevention

In-Person Only

February 14, 2025 • 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM PST

How Procedural Justice Can Help Combat Violent Crimes

It is no secret that law enforcement and gang interventionists need the help of their communities to detect, deter, and solve violent crime. Building trust between law enforcement and the public is essential to enhancing the perceived legitimacy of the police, thus contributing to positive, cooperative relationships. Quantitative research has proven that when the police treat people with the tenets of Procedural Justice (fairness and respect, equality and neutrality in decision making, and giving them a voice) that a citizen’s cooperation and respect for the police, both at the time of the encounter and beyond, increases substantially, regardless of the outcome of the encounter. Numerous cases have been documented where properly employing these tenets have led gang members and other violent criminals to not only cooperate and give information during roadside stops, but to later become long-term informants. In this session, Detective Sergeant Christopher M. Felton, PhD will discuss current research and best practices on implementing Procedural Justice when it matters in order to build trusting, informative, and positive relationships with community and gang members alike.