Published October 2025
National Safe Schools Week brings us the opportunity to reflect on, refocus and rethink the importance of school safety, addressing physical, mental and emotional well-being, and empowering both teachers and students with safety skills beyond just school protocols.
In this episode, Paul Timm is joined by Michele Gay, Missy Dodds and Molly Hudgens of Safe and Sound Schools to discuss their relentless efforts to build strong communities and teams to address school safety, not just this week but throughout the entire school year.
More episode highlights include:
- The importance of awareness, engagement and collaboration in school safety efforts
How to build strong, multidisciplinary teams that include students and the broader community
Resources on training and support from Safe and Sound Schools
Connect with the Guests
Michele Gay
Michele Gay, founder and executive director of Safe and Sound Schools, is an internationally recognized leader in comprehensive school safety. After the tragic loss of her daughter, Josephine, in the Sandy Hook School shooting, Michele turned her grief into action, dedicating her life’s work to protecting and educating school communities. As the primary author of the Safe and Sound Schools Comprehensive Framework for Safety Planning and Development, she provides a practical guidance across six key pillars: emergency management, community engagement, physical safety, mental and behavioral health, school climate, and overall wellness. A trusted subject matter expert, Michele’s voice and inclusive approach foster collaboration among administrators, multidisciplinary teams, school resource officers, parents, and leaders at the local, state, and federal levels.
Resources & Social:
Missy Dodds
On Monday, March 21, 2005, Missy’s life was forever changed when a former student shot his way into her classroom at Red Lake High School, where he killed a co-worker and five of her students before taking his own life. Since that day more than 20 years ago, Missy has been on a meaningful journey from victim to survivor, finding her voice and purpose as an advocate and speaker. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of school violence on her students and community, she now dedicates her work to helping schools build safer, more supportive educational environments. In her presentations, Dodds emphasizes the importance of comprehensive safety strategies, including mental health resources, emergency preparedness, and community engagement. Her unique perspective as both a survivor and a champion for change makes her an impactful speaker, offering valuable insights on how to create proactive, resilient school cultures that prioritize student safety and foster bright futures.
Resources & Social:
Molly B. Hudgens
In 2016, Molly B. Hudgens made national headlines for her courageous intervention in preventing a mass shooting at Sycamore Middle School, where she successfully talked a student with a loaded handgun out of committing the act. Her bravery, faith, and deep understanding of the student’s needs during the 90-minute encounter, earned her the Congressional Medal of Honor Citizens Award for a single act of heroism. With two decades of experience in education and extensive studies on school shootings and those who commit these acts, Hudgens offers schools and organizations practical, evidence-based strategies for navigating crisis situations. Her powerful story and expert insights resonate deeply with audiences, empowering them to foster strong support systems, resilience, and safe environments for both staff and students. In addition to inspiring audiences through her presentations, Hudgens continues to serve as a school counselor at Sycamore Middle School.
Resources & Social:
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