Pledge of Allegiance - Hampton Honor Guard National Anthem Olivia Haynes Ansari, Content Proofing and Communication Specialist, Division of Public Safety Training and the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Lynsey Strohminger, Online Training, Resource, and Support Coordinator, Division of Public Safety Training and the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
Welcome: Leading the Way: Bringing Our Shared Safety Vision Into Focus Lindsay Burton, Division Director, Public Safety Training and the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Ashaki McNeil, Agency Director, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services The Honorable Stanley M. Meador, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, Commonwealth of Virginia Jenna Conway, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Commonwealth of Virginia The Honorable Dr. Jeffery O. Smith, Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia
Introduction of Special Guests Madison Swift, Teacher, Colonial Heights Public Schools National School Safety Patrol Champion
Dr. Alathari breaks down findings from 67 disrupted plots against schools. The presentation identifies common warning signs, such as grievances with classmates or an interest in violent topics, and highlights the critical role of bystander reporting.
Chief, National Threat Assessment Center, United States Secret Service
Dr. Alathari is the Chief of the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), where she oversees the center’s targeted violence behavioral research program. The findings from these projects have identified behaviors, motives, and triggers of individuals who engage... Read More →
A panel of experts helps bring hidden threats into clearer view while offering strategies to help keep children safe and to provide support and resources to child victims. In 2024, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) received more than 546,000 reports of child online enticement, a 192% increase over 2023. In DHS’s January 2026 Report, “Online Recruitment of Child Sex Trafficking Becoming Endemic,” DHS noted that “[i]n 2025, reports of online enticement towards children rose 80% higher than the year before” according to NCMEC. Emerging threats to teens now include financial sextortion, sadistic exploitation, and AI-generated intimate images. Child victims feel desperate, leading tragically to suicide, self-harm, depression, anxiety, and the like. Schools can play a key role in understanding this threat, empowering kids to protect themselves, and helping ensure that child victims receive the support and care that they need and deserve.
Acting Deputy Chief & Senior Appellate Counsel, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Criminal Division, United States Department of Justice
Ross Goldman is the Acting Deputy Chief and Senior Appellate Counsel in the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) at the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition to his legal work, Ross – who also holds a Master of Education degree from the University... Read More →
Thomas E. Wheeler II serves as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, bringing more than three decades of legal experience, including extensive federal leadership. He previously served as Acting General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Education and Acting Assistant... Read More →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:00am - 8:15am EDT Grand Ballroom
Nearly 90% of today's threats are communicated digitally; therefore, an accurate assessment of risk cannot be determined without assessing a threat maker’s digital behavioral baseline. This session brings today’s evolving digital safety challenges into focus, including threat related behavior, online harassment, swatting incidents, and AI‑driven misinformation. Participants will gain a clear view of emerging threats and how they are shaping the future of school safety in Virginia and nationwide – as well as practical tools for those striving to help students navigate these challenges.
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 8:15am - 9:15am EDT Grand Ballroom
Behind every notification is a heartbeat. Behind every scroll is a search for connection-or a cry for help. As the digital landscape evolves, so must our framework for youth suicide prevention. For many educators and clinicians, social media is often viewed through a narrow lens of risk—cyberbullying, social comparison, screen time, and sleep deprivation. However, to truly support the modern student, we must adjust the aperture to capture a more comprehensive picture of the digital experience to find hope and safety in a digital world.
National Association of School Psychologist (NASP), School Psychologist and School Safety and Crisis Response Committee
Dr. Margaret A. Sedor is a nationally recognized school psychologist with over 30 years’ experience within schools, alternative education settings, residential facilities, and graduate programs. As a national expert, she facilitates training in MTSS, mental wellbeing, suicide risk... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT Grand Ballroom
This presentation provides an overview of how schools and public safety agencies coordinate their response to critical incidents such as mass attacks. The session highlights lessons learned from real-world events, the importance of multi-agency coordination, and the management of complex incidents involving law enforcement, fire/EMS, and school personnel. The curriculum is informed by the analysis of more than 780 incidents and related after action reports. The material aligns with nationally recognized guidance and best practices for incident management and school safety.
Greg Pass is a retired Lieutenant from the Prince William County Police Department in the Washington, D.C. National Capital Region. As an Assistant Commander for the department's full-time SWAT team, Greg worked on several regional multi-disciplinary committees focused on preparing... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT Grand Ballroom
This presentation provides an overview of how schools and public safety agencies coordinate their response to critical incidents such as mass attacks. The session highlights lessons learned from real-world events, the importance of multi-agency coordination, and the management of complex incidents involving law enforcement, fire/EMS, and school personnel. The curriculum is informed by the analysis of more than 780 incidents and related after action reports. The material aligns with nationally recognized guidance and best practices for incident management and school safety.
Greg Pass is a retired Lieutenant from the Prince William County Police Department in the Washington, D.C. National Capital Region. As an Assistant Commander for the department's full-time SWAT team, Greg worked on several regional multi-disciplinary committees focused on preparing... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT Grand Ballroom
This presentation provides an overview of how schools and public safety agencies coordinate their response to critical incidents such as mass attacks. The session highlights lessons learned from real-world events, the importance of multi-agency coordination, and the management of complex incidents involving law enforcement, fire/EMS, and school personnel. The curriculum is informed by the analysis of more than 780 incidents and related after action reports. The material aligns with nationally recognized guidance and best practices for incident management and school safety.
Greg Pass is a retired Lieutenant from the Prince William County Police Department in the Washington, D.C. National Capital Region. As an Assistant Commander for the department's full-time SWAT team, Greg worked on several regional multi-disciplinary committees focused on preparing... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT Grand Ballroom
Anonymous threats and swatting incidents continue to escalate nationwide, leaving schools and communities grappling with uncertainty, fear, and operational disruption. Dr. Gombos and SA LeBlanc will provide firsthand insight into the complex dynamics behind these threats and the real-world challenges they create for educators and law enforcement. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of why swatting occurs, how anonymous threats are evaluated, and what coordinated strategies can strengthen prevention, communication, and response efforts. Through expert perspectives and practical guidance, this session aims to equip participants with clearer frameworks for decision-making and enhanced readiness for these increasingly sophisticated incidents.
Dr. Kathy Gombos is a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), Principal Recovery Network (PRN), and Principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School in New Town, Connecticut. Appointed in 2013, Dr. Gombos has led the Sandy Hook Elementary School community... Read More →
Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Brian LeBlanc is a Supervisory Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Boston Division, assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). Since joining the FBI in 2007, he has specialized in complex counterterrorism investigations and threat mitigation as a... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT Grand Ballroom
Supervisor, Virginia Center for School & Campus Safety, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
Shellie Evers currently serves as the Center of School and Campus Safety Supervisor for DCJS in the Division of Public Safety Training and the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety. Before coming to DCJS in 2012, she spent 17 years in Hanover County Public Schools where her... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am EDT Grand Ballroom
President, Stand with Parkland - The National Association of Families for Safe Schools
Tony Montalto is the father of forever 14-year-old Gina Rose Montalto, who was a victim at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. Tony is also the President of Stand with Parkland – The National Association of Families for Safe Schools, an advocacy group founded... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT Grand Ballroom
A hands‑on emergency planning exercise that reinforces key concepts and helps translate the school safety vision into focused, actionable strategies—followed by closing reflections.
Adam began his career in public safety in 2005 serving in various capacities that began with the Virginia Department of Corrections (VDOC), the Virginia Department of State Police (VSP) and now the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). He has served as an adjunct... Read More →
Lt. Col Alex Carney left active duty in 2017 as a decorated Special Operations Officer in the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC). He served as the ground force commander for dozens of high-risk direct action raids in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and is the recipient... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT Grand Ballroom
