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2026 School Safety Training Forum

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10:30am EDT

Addressing Violent Online Networks Targeting Virginia’s Youth: What Educators and Public Safety Professionals Need to Know

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

This session will provide an overview of violent online networks targeting youth, including the “Edgesphere,” “COM,”, “764,” and the “True Crime Community.” Some recent acts of targeted violence, including school-based incidents, have been linked to individuals influenced by these networks. Participants will receive critical insights into how these decentralized violent online networks operate, including the structure of affiliated subnetworks and groups, common narratives and symbols used to signal affiliation, and the tactics employed to recruit, manipulate, and normalize harm. The training will address the use of disturbing content, such as extreme violence, animal cruelty, and self-harm as well as coercive and psychologically abusive behaviors designed to desensitize and control vulnerable youth. A key component of this training is helping participants recognize potential behavioral indicators and warning signs of youth involvement in violent online networks. The training will also help participants better understand how this information can inform early identification, reporting, and prevention efforts within school and community settings.

Speakers

Krystal Laine

Criminal Intelligence Division / VSP BTAM and Fusion Center Liaison, Hanover County Sheriff's Office

Sergeant Krystal Laine has dedicated her career to serving and protecting the citizens of Hanover County, the community where she was born and raised. She joined the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office in 2013 after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice... Read More →

Bethany Sajan

Senior Intelligence Analyst, Virginia Fusion Center

Bethany Sajan is a Senior Intelligence Analyst on the Counter-Terrorism Team at the Virginia Fusion Center (VFC), which is a part of the Virginia State Police (VSP) Strategic and Tactical Intelligence Directorate. This team collects and disseminates information regarding foreign and... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Room 102/103

Lens Prevention and Planning

10:30am EDT

Cannabis & Youth: What School Safety Professionals Should Know

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

As cannabis and vaping products continue to evolve, so do the risks they pose to student health, learning environments, and overall school safety. This session, led by the Cannabis Control Authority, offers a look through the “lens on school safety” at emerging trends in youth cannabis and vape use, product types commonly encountered in Virginia schools, and the impacts on student wellbeing and campus climate. Participants will learn about the new cannabis laws in Virginia, the roles of each agency in regulation, the risks of underage use, and what schools should do with confiscated products. The session will also highlight evidence-informed prevention approaches, strategies for strengthening school policies, and ways to collaborate with families, community partners, and state resources to reduce incidents and promote safer school environments. Attendees will leave with practical tools, up-to-date guidance, and a clearer understanding of how to support safer, healthier K–12 communities.

Speakers

Brianna Bonnat

Director of Public Health & Engagement, Virginia Cannabis Control Authority

Brianna Bonat joined the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority in June 2022 and currently serves as the Director of Public Health and Engagement. In this role, Brianna oversees administrative, analytical, and educational efforts to support the public health focus of the Authority’s... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Room 106/107

Lens Prevention and Planning

10:30am EDT

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Updates

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

This session of D.A.R.E. updates will include Virginia D.A.R.E. Association business and updates in training available from D.A.R.E. America, including new elementary vaping and social media lessons.

Speakers

Breanna Marini

SRO, King George Sheriff's Office

I serve as a School Resource Officer with the King George Sheriff’s Office and have been involved with D.A.R.E. for the past ten years, working to promote youth safety, leadership, and positive decision-making. I'm also the program coordinator for KGSO's summer Youth Criminal Justice... Read More →

Rob Hefner

Director, Virginia DARE Program

Rob is currently the Virginia D.A.R.E. State Program and Training Center’s Director. He previously served on the Virginia D.A.R.E. Officers Association board as Treasurer, Vice President, President and Past President. Rob serves with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, where... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Room 209

Lens Prevention and Planning

10:30am EDT

Leading the Way in Protecting Students Online: Building a Safer Digital Future Together

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

208

The Virginia Department of Education’s Internet Safety Advisory Council provides essential leadership in helping schools address modern online risks. Through this initiative, divisions gain access to recommended instructional materials and model policies that strengthen digital citizenship and enhance student protection. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies, ready‑to‑use resources, and a clear roadmap for establishing or strengthening their own Internet Safety Advisory Council.

Speakers

Calypso Gilstrap

Executive Director of Innovation, Virginia Department of Education

Calypso Gilstrap is a nationally recognized leader in educational innovation and digital transformation, celebrated for her ability to connect emerging technologies with the real‑world needs of teachers and students. With more than a decade of experience shaping statewide instructional... Read More →

Gilstrap Protecting Students Online July 2026 pptx

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
208

Lens Prevention and Planning

10:30am EDT

Legal Issues in Schools: Where’s the Line Between Enforcing the Student Code of Conduct and Enforcing the Law

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Where is the line between what school leaders and school security should be doing to enforce school rules - and what School Resources must do to uphold the law? Is bullying a crime? This session will provide insight into these topics using cases from the Federal Courts regarding use of force in school, cases involving juveniles, and cases involving active threats to public safety. The presentation will focus on new statutes but will also examine the debate regarding qualified immunity, with respect to law enforcement decisions to use force and situations where law enforcement may face violence at a school. Presenters will provide a strategic approach and provision of guidelines, coupled with key elements of Federal and Virginia law, all with the goal of enhancing the ability of school and police personnel to better respond to legal issues within the school environment and beyond.

Speakers

Elliott Casey

Staff Attorney, Virginia Commonwealth Attorney's Services Council

Elliott Casey is a Staff Attorney for the Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council. Elliott has 15 years’ experience as a prosecutor, having served as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for the County of Albemarle, the City of Alexandria and the County of Arlington... Read More →

Mandi Smith

Partner, Timberlake Smith Law

As one of the leaders of Timberlake Smith's Education Law practice, Mandi’s practice focuses on advising and representing various school boards and regional educational programs in both internal and external matters. Her practice includes the Local Government practice area, where... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Room 108/109

Lens Prevention and Planning

10:30am EDT

The Digital Drug Market: Threats, Trends, and Intervention Methods for Youth Safety

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

At the intersection of online drug trends, substance use, and gang-associated behavior, how can Digital Threat Assessment® be used as an effective methodology? With platforms such as Discord, Snapchat, and Telegram increasingly used for the illegal buying and selling of substances, Safety/Threat Assessment Teams and law enforcement can often refer to online spaces as the origin of risk-enhancing behaviors among youth. In this workshop, SST imparts tools on how to identify timely digital leakage, assess evolving drug-related coded language, and respond to worrisome digital trends. By examining real-world cases, SST will emphasize how online negative peer groups are targeting High Risk and Vulnerable Youth (HRVY) and how Digital Threat Assessment® (DTA®) continues to be fundamental in preventing tragedy.

Speakers

Theresa Campbell

President and CEO, 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... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Room 104/105

Lens Prevention and Planning

1:00pm EDT

Addressing Violent Online Networks Targeting Virginia’s Youth: What Educators and Public Safety Professionals Need to Know

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

This session will provide an overview of violent online networks targeting youth, including the “Edgesphere,” “COM,”, “764,” and the “True Crime Community.” Some recent acts of targeted violence, including school-based incidents, have been linked to individuals influenced by these networks. Participants will receive critical insights into how these decentralized violent online networks operate, including the structure of affiliated subnetworks and groups, common narratives and symbols used to signal affiliation, and the tactics employed to recruit, manipulate, and normalize harm. The training will address the use of disturbing content, such as extreme violence, animal cruelty, and self-harm as well as coercive and psychologically abusive behaviors designed to desensitize and control vulnerable youth. A key component of this training is helping participants recognize potential behavioral indicators and warning signs of youth involvement in violent online networks. The training will also help participants better understand how this information can inform early identification, reporting, and prevention efforts within school and community settings.

Speakers

Krystal Laine

Criminal Intelligence Division / VSP BTAM and Fusion Center Liaison, Hanover County Sheriff's Office

Sergeant Krystal Laine has dedicated her career to serving and protecting the citizens of Hanover County, the community where she was born and raised. She joined the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office in 2013 after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice... Read More →

Bethany Sajan

Senior Intelligence Analyst, Virginia Fusion Center

Bethany Sajan is a Senior Intelligence Analyst on the Counter-Terrorism Team at the Virginia Fusion Center (VFC), which is a part of the Virginia State Police (VSP) Strategic and Tactical Intelligence Directorate. This team collects and disseminates information regarding foreign and... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Room 102/103

Lens Prevention and Planning

1:00pm EDT

Beyond the Classroom: The Critical Role of School Professionals in Identifying and Responding to Human Trafficking

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Schools are often one of the few consistent environments where minors and young adults experiencing exploitation can be seen, supported, and connected to help. School Resource Officers (SROs), educators, counselors, nurses, social workers, administrators, and other school professionals each play a critical role in recognizing vulnerabilities, identifying indicators of trafficking, responding appropriately, and disrupting exploitation.

This interactive one-hour session will provide participants with a practical understanding of human trafficking through a school-based lens. Attendees will learn the federal and state legislative definitions, how to recognize common risk factors and behavioral indicators, understand the evolving tactics used by traffickers, and explore the unique role each school professional plays in creating a coordinated, trauma-informed response.

Through real-world examples and practical guidance, participants will leave better equipped to identify concerns, respond safely, make appropriate referrals, and strengthen partnerships with law enforcement, child welfare, victim service providers, and community organizations. The session emphasizes that responding to trafficking is not the responsibility of one individual, it is a shared responsibility requiring awareness, collaboration, and timely action across the entire school community.

Speakers

Courtney Desilet

Minor Anti-Trafficking Training Coordinator, Office of the Attorney General

Courtney Desilet is a nationally recognized survivor leader and public safety executive with 20 years of experience advancing responses to human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and domestic violence. She brings a uniquely multidisciplinary perspective shaped by careers in... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Room 207

Lens Prevention and Planning

1:00pm EDT

Cannabis & Youth: What School Safety Professionals Should Know.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

As cannabis and vaping products continue to evolve, so do the risks they pose to student health, learning environments, and overall school safety. This session, led by the Cannabis Control Authority, offers a look through the “lens on school safety” at emerging trends in youth cannabis and vape use, product types commonly encountered in Virginia schools, and the impacts on student wellbeing and campus climate. Participants will learn about the new cannabis laws in Virginia, the roles of each agency in regulation, the risks of underage use, and what schools should do with confiscated products. The session will also highlight evidence-informed prevention approaches, strategies for strengthening school policies, and ways to collaborate with families, community partners, and state resources to reduce incidents and promote safer school environments. Attendees will leave with practical tools, up-to-date guidance, and a clearer understanding of how to support safer, healthier K–12 communities.

Speakers

Brianna Bonnat

Director of Public Health & Engagement, Virginia Cannabis Control Authority

Brianna Bonat joined the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority in June 2022 and currently serves as the Director of Public Health and Engagement. In this role, Brianna oversees administrative, analytical, and educational efforts to support the public health focus of the Authority’s... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Room 106/107

Lens Prevention and Planning

1:00pm EDT

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Updates

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

This session of D.A.R.E. updates will include Virginia D.A.R.E. Association business and updates in training available from D.A.R.E. America, including new elementary vaping and social media lessons.

Speakers

Breanna Marini

SRO, King George Sheriff's Office

I serve as a School Resource Officer with the King George Sheriff’s Office and have been involved with D.A.R.E. for the past ten years, working to promote youth safety, leadership, and positive decision-making. I'm also the program coordinator for KGSO's summer Youth Criminal Justice... Read More →

Rob Hefner

Director, Virginia DARE Program

Rob is currently the Virginia D.A.R.E. State Program and Training Center’s Director. He previously served on the Virginia D.A.R.E. Officers Association board as Treasurer, Vice President, President and Past President. Rob serves with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, where... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Room 209

Lens Prevention and Planning

1:00pm EDT

Leading the Way in Protecting Students Online: Building a Safer Digital Future Together

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

208

The Virginia Department of Education’s Internet Safety Advisory Council provides essential leadership in helping schools address modern online risks. Through this initiative, divisions gain access to recommended instructional materials and model policies that strengthen digital citizenship and enhance student protection. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies, ready‑to‑use resources, and a clear roadmap for establishing or strengthening their own Internet Safety Advisory Council.

Speakers

Calypso Gilstrap

Executive Director of Innovation, Virginia Department of Education

Calypso Gilstrap is a nationally recognized leader in educational innovation and digital transformation, celebrated for her ability to connect emerging technologies with the real‑world needs of teachers and students. With more than a decade of experience shaping statewide instructional... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
208

Lens Prevention and Planning

1:00pm EDT

The Digital Drug Market: Threats, Trends, and Intervention Methods for Youth Safety

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

At the intersection of online drug trends, substance use, and gang-associated behavior, how can Digital Threat Assessment® be used as an effective methodology? With platforms such as Discord, Snapchat, and Telegram increasingly used for the illegal buying and selling of substances, Safety/Threat Assessment Teams and law enforcement can often refer to online spaces as the origin of risk-enhancing behaviors among youth. In this workshop, SST imparts tools on how to identify timely digital leakage, assess evolving drug-related coded language, and respond to worrisome digital trends. By examining real-world cases, SST will emphasize how online negative peer groups are targeting High Risk and Vulnerable Youth (HRVY) and how Digital Threat Assessment® (DTA®) continues to be fundamental in preventing tragedy.

Speakers

Theresa Campbell

President and CEO, 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... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Room 104/105

Lens Prevention and Planning

1:00pm EDT

More Legal Issues in Schools: Where's the Line Between Enforcing the Student Code of Conduct and Enforcing the Law?

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 3:15pm EDT

A deeper dive into the line between what school leaders and school security should be doing to enforce school rules - and what School Resources must do to uphold the law? Is bullying a crime. This session will provide insight into these topics using cases from the Federal Courts regarding use of force in school, cases involving juveniles, and cases involving active threats to public safety. The presentation will focus on new statutes but will also examine the debate regarding qualified immunity, with respect to law enforcement decisions to use force and situations where law enforcement may face violence at a school. Presenters will provide a strategic approach and provision of guidelines, coupled with key elements of Federal and Virginia law, all with the goal of enhancing the ability of school and police personnel to better respond to legal issues within the school environment and beyond.

Speakers

Elliott Casey

Staff Attorney, Virginia Commonwealth Attorney's Services Council

Elliott Casey is a Staff Attorney for the Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council. Elliott has 15 years’ experience as a prosecutor, having served as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for the County of Albemarle, the City of Alexandria and the County of Arlington... Read More →

Mandi Smith

Partner, Timberlake Smith Law

As one of the leaders of Timberlake Smith's Education Law practice, Mandi’s practice focuses on advising and representing various school boards and regional educational programs in both internal and external matters. Her practice includes the Local Government practice area, where... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 108/109

Breakout - Longer Session

Lens Prevention and Planning

2:15pm EDT

Addressing Violent Online Networks Targeting Virginia’s Youth: What Educators and Public Safety Professionals Need to Know

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

This session will provide an overview of violent online networks targeting youth, including the “Edgesphere,” “COM,”, “764,” and the “True Crime Community.” Some recent acts of targeted violence, including school-based incidents, have been linked to individuals influenced by these networks. Participants will receive critical insights into how these decentralized violent online networks operate, including the structure of affiliated subnetworks and groups, common narratives and symbols used to signal affiliation, and the tactics employed to recruit, manipulate, and normalize harm. The training will address the use of disturbing content, such as extreme violence, animal cruelty, and self-harm as well as coercive and psychologically abusive behaviors designed to desensitize and control vulnerable youth. A key component of this training is helping participants recognize potential behavioral indicators and warning signs of youth involvement in violent online networks. The training will also help participants better understand how this information can inform early identification, reporting, and prevention efforts within school and community settings.

Speakers

Krystal Laine

Criminal Intelligence Division / VSP BTAM and Fusion Center Liaison, Hanover County Sheriff's Office

Sergeant Krystal Laine has dedicated her career to serving and protecting the citizens of Hanover County, the community where she was born and raised. She joined the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office in 2013 after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice... Read More →

Bethany Sajan

Senior Intelligence Analyst, Virginia Fusion Center

Bethany Sajan is a Senior Intelligence Analyst on the Counter-Terrorism Team at the Virginia Fusion Center (VFC), which is a part of the Virginia State Police (VSP) Strategic and Tactical Intelligence Directorate. This team collects and disseminates information regarding foreign and... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 102/103

Lens Prevention and Planning

2:15pm EDT

Beyond the School Walls: A Collaborative Approach to School Safety

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

Many school safety incidents begin outside the classroom—in neighborhoods, on social media, or within the community. This presentation highlights how the Office of the Attorney General is advancing a prevention-focused approach that strengthens parent notification, early intervention, community partnerships, and coordinated responses between schools and law enforcement. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to build trust, improve communication, and prevent violence before it reaches the school campus.

Speakers

Torey Edmonds

Director of Crime Reduction Initiative, Office of the Attorney General

Willie Ruffin Jr.

SRO, Richmond City Police Department

12 1/2 Veteran with Richmond Police DepartmentDefensive Tactics Instructor (current) Former CIT (Crisis) Instructor SRO (school resource officer (current) Former EPU (Executive Protection) (4 1/2 years)Strength & Conditioning coach (JM High School) These Are They - Community Org... Read More →

Ossie Trawick

Chief Operations Officer, Va League for Safer Streets

We are a nonprofit located in Richmond, VA. We serve underserved youth and young adults, returning citizens, and currently incarcerated citizens. Each year we host 3 basketball sessions that bring out over 200 youths and young adults from various underserved communities in Richmond... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 207

Lens Prevention and Planning

2:15pm EDT

Cannabis & Youth: What School Safety Professionals Should Know

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

As cannabis and vaping products continue to evolve, so do the risks they pose to student health, learning environments, and overall school safety. This session, led by the Cannabis Control Authority, offers a look through the “lens on school safety” at emerging trends in youth cannabis and vape use, product types commonly encountered in Virginia schools, and the impacts on student wellbeing and campus climate. Participants will learn about the new cannabis laws in Virginia, the roles of each agency in regulation, the risks of underage use, and what schools should do with confiscated products. The session will also highlight evidence-informed prevention approaches, strategies for strengthening school policies, and ways to collaborate with families, community partners, and state resources to reduce incidents and promote safer school environments. Attendees will leave with practical tools, up-to-date guidance, and a clearer understanding of how to support safer, healthier K–12 communities.

Speakers

Brianna Bonnat

Director of Public Health & Engagement, Virginia Cannabis Control Authority

Brianna Bonat joined the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority in June 2022 and currently serves as the Director of Public Health and Engagement. In this role, Brianna oversees administrative, analytical, and educational efforts to support the public health focus of the Authority’s... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 106/107

Lens Prevention and Planning

2:15pm EDT

Leading the Way in Protecting Students Online: Building a Safer Digital Future Together

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

208

The Virginia Department of Education’s Internet Safety Advisory Council provides essential leadership in helping schools address modern online risks. Through this initiative, divisions gain access to recommended instructional materials and model policies that strengthen digital citizenship and enhance student protection. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies, ready‑to‑use resources, and a clear roadmap for establishing or strengthening their own Internet Safety Advisory Council.

Speakers

Calypso Gilstrap

Executive Director of Innovation, Virginia Department of Education

Calypso Gilstrap is a nationally recognized leader in educational innovation and digital transformation, celebrated for her ability to connect emerging technologies with the real‑world needs of teachers and students. With more than a decade of experience shaping statewide instructional... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
208

Lens Prevention and Planning

2:15pm EDT

The Digital Drug Market: Threats, Trends, and Intervention Methods for Youth Safety

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

At the intersection of online drug trends, substance use, and gang-associated behavior, how can Digital Threat Assessment® be used as an effective methodology? With platforms such as Discord, Snapchat, and Telegram increasingly used for the illegal buying and selling of substances, Safety/Threat Assessment Teams and law enforcement can often refer to online spaces as the origin of risk-enhancing behaviors among youth. In this workshop, SST imparts tools on how to identify timely digital leakage, assess evolving drug-related coded language, and respond to worrisome digital trends. By examining real-world cases, SST will emphasize how online negative peer groups are targeting High Risk and Vulnerable Youth (HRVY) and how Digital Threat Assessment® (DTA®) continues to be fundamental in preventing tragedy.

Speakers

Theresa Campbell

President and CEO, 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... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 104/105

Lens Prevention and Planning