In this episode of The Sound Off, Michele Gay talks with Cindy Freedman, co-founder of Swim Angelfish and pediatric therapist, about water safety for neurodivergent children.

As another school year begins, I want to take a moment to welcome you back on behalf of our entire Safe and Sound Schools team.

Especially Safe, a signature program developed by Safe and Sound Schools, empowers school safety teams to teach and train in ways that ensure everybody is prepared and protected in an emergency.

In this episode of The Sound Off, Michele Gay and Mike Matranga, former U.S. Secret Service agent and nationally recognized school safety leader, discuss how culture, relationships, readiness, and real-world experience shape safer school communities.

Safe and Sound Schools Welcomes Associate Director of Projects & Training

At the 2025 NASRO National School Safety Conference, NASRO Executive Director Mo Canady joined Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools, to present an insightful session, “Preventing the Next Tragedy: Lessons Learned from Near Misses.” In this recap, we’ll explore key takeaways from their presentation, including a preview of enhancements to the ASV database and website, as well as a real-life case study that highlights the critical lessons drawn

Fifteen years ago, in a school district nestled in the heart of Joplin, Missouri, something extraordinary took root. Like many big ideas, it began with a local community and school leaders who were both deeply committed to children and boldly innovative in thinking. We cared – truly cared – about our community and its future.

Creating a safe school is more than drills and protocols — it’s about community, empathy, and proactive support.  Water safety and education programs can strengthen this culture, helping schools become places where every student, including those with special needs, feels safe, supported, and empowered. 

We are honored to welcome Dr. Stephanie Grant as an exclusive member of the Safe and Sound Speakers Bureau! Dr. Grant brings over 20 years of experience in developmental psychology, counseling, and trauma-informed caregiving. Focused on attachment, neurodevelopment, and foster/adoptive family support, Dr. Grant is dedicated to educating and equipping caregivers, clinicians, and educators working with children impacted by trauma. 

On May 22, 2011, an EF5 tornado struck our community, claiming 161 lives and causing unimaginable destruction. It was a day that split time into before and after. As Executive Director of Communication and Community Development for Joplin Schools, I stood with Superintendent Dr. C.J. Huff and many others, working to navigate a new reality defined by heartbreak, uncertainty, and profound grief.

Michele Gay shares her expertise in comprehensive school safety, calling on all of us to think beyond hardware and see the full picture.

We are honored to share that Antoinette King, physical and cybersecurity expert, has become an exclusive member of the Safe and Sound Speakers Bureau.

We are honored to share that Lisa Hamp, a survivor of the Virginia Tech shooting, has become an exclusive member of the Safe and Sound Speakers Bureau. For those who may not be familiar, Bright Futures is a signature program of Safe and Sound Schools.

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment and celebrate the amazing work being done by our Bright Futures Communities! For those who may not be familiar, Bright Futures is a signature program of Safe and Sound Schools.

As part of our ongoing mission to support school crisis prevention, response, and recovery, we're committed to keeping our community informed, engaged, and supported with the latest resources for comprehensive school safety. 

In the decades since the Columbine tragedy, Frank’s influence has spread far beyond the Colorado community in his work as an advocate for comprehensive school safety, trauma-informed care, and mental health awareness.

As we continue to hold Florida State University and the Tallahassee, Florida, community in our thoughts and prayers, we encourage each of you—our larger school safety and law enforcement community—to remain vigilant and supportive of one another.

In this episode of The Sound Off, Michele Gay and Michelle Denault explore the systematic ways grooming is perpetuated.

As we seek to further develop our signature mental and behavioral health programs, we are thrilled to welcome Ben Fernandez to the team!

In this episode of The Sound Off, Michele Gay and Tom McDermott, industry expert and leading weapons detection educator, explore the need fo