"Safer Schools Together"
The Annual PREPARE conference brings together Maryland public, nonpublic, and private school personnel, law enforcement officials, behavioral health practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders interested in school safety. Participants come together for two days to discuss and share best practices, strategies, and innovations for enhancing school safety and security. Through networking opportunities, keynote speeches, and workshops conducted by local and national experts, participants expand their ability to provide safe school communities by acquiring new knowledge and tools.
Sextortion of Minors -Sexually and Financially Motivated: June 11th
This webinar will bring awareness to current trends encountered by youth on the Internet, with a focus on social media, along with recommendations on how to safeguard children and families.
Presented By: FBI Baltimore - Meaghan Gneiting, Tactical Specialist & Leslie Adamczyk, Special Agent
Note - You must register for this pre-conference webinar to receive the Zoom link. Registration for this event is separate from registration for the conference.
New Trends in Substance Use: July 11th, 1 pm
Drug use continues to be a significant problem plaguing society today. The majority of teens, college students, and young adults using drugs are not drug addicts; they are simply experimenting. Whether experimentation starts with the “challenges” promoted online, vaping, trying pot, or popping pills, a few bad decisions can lead down a path with many consequences. This problem is independent of gender, age, race, culture, and socio-economic group and occurs equally in urban and rural areas.
Presented by: Lynn Reimer, President of ACT on Drugs, Inc.
Note - You must register for this pre-conference webinar to receive the Zoom link. Registration for this event is undefinedseparate from registration for the conference.
BTA workshop and talk: July 16th, 7 pm
Maryland schools continue to improve their behavior threat assessment processes, procedures, and practices, leading the way nationally. Opportunities to clarify and refine the work happening in Maryland schools have occurred, and MCSS staff will use this time to share updated behavior threat assessment information and resources, including threat management practices. MCSS staff will be followed by two local school officials sharing the story of an averted attack from their system. They will take audience members through the event, from how they received the tip, the moment decisions were made to investigate the tip and protect others, to the culmination of determining how to move forward with the student after the event. These leaders will share what went well and what gaps became apparent as a result of the event so that others can learn.
Competition 'Safe Spaces' Winners!
Elementary School Category:
1st Prize: Jessie Jebaraj- Cedarmere Elementary - Baltimore County
2nd Prize: Mya Mathis - Pinewood Elementary Baltimore County
3rd Prize: Victoria Michel - Crofton Elementary School Anne Arundel County
Middle School Category:
1st Prize: Harley Marie Graves Choices - Wicomico County
2nd Prize: Layla Bowers Wiley H. Bates Middle School - Anne Arundel County
3rd Prize: Joshita Mylavarapu Folly Quarter Middle School - Howard County
High School Category:
1st Prize: Adalyn Bunuan Crofton High School Anne Arundel County
2nd Prize: Safia Puthawala River Hill High School - Howard County
3rd Prize: Liam Dugan Digges Gilman - School Baltimore City
The School Safety Student Art Showcase aims to engage students in a creative and reflective process on the theme of school safety. This event is a platform for students to creatively explore the theme of school safety, expressing their thoughts, experiences, and aspirations through various art forms. Through this showcase, MCSS aims to foster dialogue among educators, parents, and the community about the crucial topic of school safety. By listening to students' voices and perspectives, we advocate for mental health support, anti-bullying efforts, emergency preparedness, and promoting a respectful and inclusive school environment. Join us in celebrating the power of art to inspire change and create safer, more positive schools for all, aligning with the broader goals of school safety initiatives.
Who should attend?
Education Administrators, Teachers, School Psychologists/Guidance Counselors, School Security Employees, School Resource Officers (SROs), Law Enforcement, Local/State Emergency Managers, Fusion Center Analysts, Crisis Intervention Units, Counselors & Mental Health Specialists, School Social Workers, School Safety Professionals, and other school safety stakeholders.
How many people from our organization should attend the conference?
We suggest that at least two people from an organization attend in order to maximize your experience and have the ability to attend multiple breakout sessions.
Is the conference open to the general public?
Yes. However, priority registration is given to State partners and educational staff that interact with our schools. Therefore, you may be waitlisted to ensure everyone is accommodated.
Are vendors permitted to attend or exhibit at the conference?
No. The Maryland Center for School Safety is a State Agency, not an association. Therefore, we do not permit vendors to exhibit or attend our conference. Registration is monitored, and any registrations identified as vendors will be canceled.
Will there be pre-conference events leading up to the conference?
Yes. Information on these events will be posted and shared when available.
Where is the conference?
The conference will take place at the Turf Valley Resort in Howard County, Ellicott City, Maryland.
When is the conference?
The conference will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both Wednesday, July 17, and Thursday, July 18, 2024. MCSS will also offer a pre-conference event on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
Will there be an event on Tuesday evening?
Yes. There will be a BTA Workshop offered on the evening of Tuesday, July 16, 2024. This event will have a separate registration from the conference.
Is there a fee to attend?
No. There is no cost to attend our conference.
Will meals be provided?
Yes. Lunch will be provided daily for conference attendees and a Continental breakfast will be provided on the last day of the conference.
Will hotel rooms be provided?
Unfortunately, MCSS is only able to provide hotel rooms to conference presenters; however, attendees can book their own room(s) at Turf Valley Resort by clicking here or calling 410.465.1500 or 888.833.8873.
Will Continuing Education Credits be offered to those attending the conference?
Yes, PREPARE 2024 has been approved for MPCTC In-Service hours and NASP Continuing Professional Development hours. Additionally, it can be used for Professional Development Points if your supervisor/organization approves.
Is there a capacity limit for the conference?
Yes, the conference is limited to 500 people. Once registration has reached its limit, all additional requests will be waitlisted.
Is there a deadline to register for the conference?
Yes, early registration will be available from February 15, 2024, through March 31, 2024, and regular registration will close on Friday, June 28, 2024.
How do I register to attend the conference?
You can register through our website or by clicking here. Registration will also be available through the conference app once it is available.
How do I submit a proposal to present at your conference?
The call for speakers for the 2024 conference closed on Friday, February 2, 2024. However, you can sign up for notifications from MCSS to be notified when the 2025 session opens by clicking here.
Standing in for Jeneen Stewart
Nancy Schertzing will help you embrace the restorative experience beyond fidelity to implementation of practices. C-DRUM’s Restorative Approaches in Education Director, Nancy Schertzing, connects you to the restorative paradigm through experiences from her life, and the lives of others, so you can embrace and apply the paradigm shift to create your own Restorative Experience.
BTA Workshop Part I: Enhancing the Effectiveness of Your BTA Team
07/16/2024 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Grand Ballroom
Sextortion of Minors - Sexually and Financially Motivated
Pre-conference webinar
June 11th
On November 19, 2022, Tamia and Timothy Woods lost their only child. James Timothy Woods was an innocent 17-year-old high school student that fell victim to cybercrime and lost his life in the process. In a short period of time since James’ passing, The Woods started a foundation in his name with the focus of informing and teaching anyone who would listen about this relatively new evil that is attacking our youth today. Year to date, they have already engaged in over 140 activities to help spread awareness on sextortion inclusive of, three documentaries with one on HULU, multiple news interviews including CBS Evening News, Dr. Phil Primetime, and ABC News Nightline, was front page on USA Today, had speaking engagements in different avenues in addition to middle schools, high schools, and other special events. The Do It for James Foundation sought to create a Sextortion Tip Card to help children and trustworthy adults navigate through tough times if they are ever in the same or similar predicament as James. They have also sponsored track and cross-country students in Ohio and Tennessee and had their first annual walk/run day of fun with the ability to give away over $12,750 in scholarships. Timothy and Tamia of the Do It for James Foundation have received five awards and recognitions since the birth of their foundation in honor of their son James, made up of the Cleveland Cavaliers Community Diff Maker, an award from the Mac Athletic Conference, The Destination HBCU Honorary Drum Majors of Education, the Making A Difference Award presented by the town of Stow, Massachusetts, and the Director’s Community Leadership Award presented by the FBI. Their goal is to have a place that can provide betterment for our youth, and it starts with awareness, education, and the Do It for James Foundation.
The Fight Against Sextortion
07/18/2024 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Grand Ballroom
Amy Jagoda, MA, CAS, NCSP is a nationally certified school psychologist. She is the current Coordinator of Mental Health & Student Services for Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS), overseeing a range of responsibilities including policy development, grant writing, threat assessment training, emergency response coordination, and connecting students and families with community services. Prior to this role, she worked within CCPS for fourteen years, specializing in psychological evaluation, Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP), Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), counseling, and consultation across all age levels and disabilities. As the psychologist for the PRIDE program, Amy supported students with significant behavioral challenges to reintegrate into their comprehensive elementary school settings successfully. Ms. Jagoda holds an Administrative I Certification from McDaniel College, and earned her BA in psychology from UMBC in 2001, followed by an MA and Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) from Towson University’s School Psychology Program in 2004. Active in professional associations, she served on the Maryland School Psychologists’ Association’s (MSPA) Executive Board and currently co-chairs the Mental Health Subcommittee of the Carroll County School Health Council. Additionally, she holds positions on the Carroll County Department of Social Services Board, the Carroll County Local Management Board (LMB), and the Access Carroll Board, demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and student well-being.
Addressing Threats from Triage to Assessment to Management Utilizing the CCPS Threat Management System (TMS)
07/17/2024 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
The Wedgewood
Brendan P. Gill is the data scientist currently serving as the chairperson for the Data and Analytics committee for the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force, a sworn Sergeant with the Prince George’s County Police Department, and the founder of the Center for Public Safety Data Science. His expertise lies at the dynamic intersection of sociology and technology within criminal justice. Brendan's academic contributions span various published works in the realm of criminal justice, emergency management, and disaster response, most notably “Analysis of Social Media Involvement in Violent Injury” published in October of this year by the Journal of the American Medical Association. Brendan holds several advanced degrees, all earned with the highest honors in criminal justice and sociology.
Danger Unmasked: Exploring the Dark Side of Artificial Intelligence Within Schools
07/18/2024 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
The Wedgewood
Candra began her graduate studies at Trinity Washington University, where she received her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a minor in School Counseling for Urban Students. While at Trinity, she fell in love with understanding the nuances of urban education and began to train in Trauma Systems and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Post graduation, Candra went on to become a trauma therapist serving a continuum of students and families across the state of Washington, DC. During her tenure, she developed an innovative approach to resilience and behavior and was invited to pilot grassroots work in partnership with Maryland’s own University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center. Throughout her career, she has trained educators, parents, political stakeholders, has been awarded great accolades and acknowledgements for her contributions to research, is recognized as a national speaker, grassroots activist, and business owner.
Candra is a radical reader, avid traveler, and passionate humanitarian who enjoys time
Building Educator Resilience in the Face of Student Loss
07/18/2024 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Tiffany Ballroom
Christina Alton is the Behavioral Health Specialist for Harford County Public Schools. Prior to her current role, Ms. Alton was a school-based social worker in a regional behavior support program.
Ms. Alton is a licensed clinical social worker with 29 years of experience. She has worked with children placed in out-of-home care, non-public schools serving special education students, outpatient mental health clinics, and, most recently, the public school system. Ms. Alton is a certified trainer of Youth Mental Health First Aid, QPR, HOPE, and a facilitator certified by the International Institute for Restorative Practices.
Ms. Alton has presented at conferences sponsored by the School Superintendent Association, Maryland Center for School Safety, The Harford County Office on Mental Health, and the Maryland Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals.
The HOPE Model: Considering the Positive for Healthier Outcomes - Part I
07/18/2024 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Crystal Ballroom
The HOPE Model: Considering the Positive for Healthier Outcomes - Part II
07/18/2024 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Crystal Ballroom
Christine McComas and her husband are proud parents of four daughters, including Grace McComas, for whom Maryland’s criminal statute, Grace’s Law against cyberbullying, is named.
Life was full, beautiful, and idyllic prior to events leading up to Grace’s death by suicide on Easter Sunday of 2012, the injustice of which immediately became the catalyst for public discussion and understanding of how (then) new cell phones and the misuse of social media made bullying in the digital age substantially different and more damaging than ever before.
The family’s advocacy and Christine’s use of the Grace McComas Memorial page on Facebook led to the unanimous passage of Maryland’s Grace’s Law Against Cyberbullying less than a year after her death. In 2019, Grace’s Law 2.0 updated the original to cover the ever-emerging digital dangers. In April of 2024 she helped pass the MD Kids Code, which holds Big Tech companies accountable to protect the privacy and safety of Maryland children online. Through Parents S.O.S., she has joined forces with 20 other bereaved families who have stormed Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to push for the federal protections that the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) would afford against Big Tech’s insidious business model, which values dollars over the health and safety of children.
Christine believes that all of us bear responsibility to mitigate the hatred, incivility and meanness that has become increasingly evident in our online social interactions. She believes a cultural shift towards kindness is imperative and challenges all of us to Remember G.R.A.C.E. ~ by Giving Respect And Compassion to Everyone.
Christine is a lifelong Maryland resident and enjoys nature, wildlife, all things garden related, and singing. As such, in her real life, she is a retired Master Gardener and a Certified Professional Horticulturist at the University of MD Extension Home and Garden Information Center, as well as a vocalist, most recently as cantor at the Franciscan Shrine of St. Anthony and with the Masterworks Chorale of Carroll County.
Social Media & Bullied Suicide - The Path to MD's Grace's Law
07/17/2024 2:05 PM - 2:50 PM
Tiffany Ballroom
Sextortion of Minors - Sexually and Financially Motivated
Pre-conference webinar
June 11th
Doyle Batten is the Supervisor of School Security for Anne Arundel County Public Schools, a position he has held since 2015. He has twice co-authored presentations for the American Association of Suicidology at national conferences and collaborated with Maryland delegates to draft language and provide testimony regarding school safety legislation. Before his current position, Doyle retired at the rank of Lieutenant after serving 25 years with the Anne Arundel County Police Department. He has provided thousands of training hours to K-12 and law enforcement personnel and innovates trauma-informed methodologies for instructing school staff in applying emergency responsive actions. Doyle was the commanding officer for his agency’s School Resource Unit from 2007-2015, and he served in wide-ranging capacities during his career, including patrol, special weapons and tactics, undercover vice/narcotics, as a detective, public information officer, and unit commander. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Wake Forest University and a master’s in justice administration from Norwich University.
Leveraging School Cameras and No-Cost Software to Produce Training Triumphs
07/17/2024 2:05 PM - 2:50 PM
Crystal Ballroom
We Talk to our Kids about Drugs and Sex…but What about Gaming and Gambling?
07/18/2024 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
The Wedgewood
Officer James Beck is employed as a Police Officer for the Cumberland City Police in Allegany County. Officer Beck has served the residents of the City of Cumberland for a total of 20 years so far. He began his employment with Cumberland in 2003 as a Patrol Officer. He has served in various positions including being in the K9 unit, Bicycle unit, the CERT (Cumberland Emergency Response Team) member, a D.A.R.E. Officer, and his current and most fulfilling assignment as a School Resource Officer. Officer Beck left the City of Cumberland in 2015 and became employed by the Homeland Security Federal Protective Services. There he provided instruction on Active Shooter drills and provided Security assessments for Federal buildings from the lowest priority to the highest priority. After several years of conducting training assignments, he decided to return to the Cumberland Police Department. Soon after returning to the Cumberland Police Department he resumed his role as a D.A.R.E. Instructor and a School Resource Officer. Officer Beck also accepted the role as the administrator of the Cumberland City Police Summer Youth Camp.
He served his country 8 ½ years in Active Duty in the US Air Force. During his time he served on a Nuclear base and was later transferred to Andrews Air Force Base where he was assigned to Presidential Security.
After Active Duty, he enlisted in the Maryland Air National Guard and completed a tour in Iraq. All total Officer Beck has served 23 ½ years in the Military. He last served as the Noncommissioned officer in charge of the training section.
He attended the Maryland Police Training Academy in 2001 and was first employed with the University of Maryland Baltimore City.
Officer Beck resides in Cumberland, MD, where he coaches youth sports and has three wonderful and very busy sons.
Kids Summer Camp
07/18/2024 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Tiffany Ballroom
Jason Stoddard is the Director of School Safety and Security for the Charles County Public Schools (MD). He is responsible for sustaining a safe learning and work environment for over 27,000 students and nearly 4,000 staff members. Since coming to the public schools in April of 2018, he has created the Office of School Safety and Security, been awarded millions of dollars in grant money, implemented major evolutions such as revolving backgrounds for all employees, options-based active shooter response, the “I love u guys” Foundation Standard Response Protocols, a state of art radio communication system with public safety interoperability, first its kind intelligence unit, drone program and most recently launched a project to install Gun Detect, an artificial intelligence driven solution for surveillance cameras in all the system schools. Originally from a small town in Iowa, Mr. Stoddard came to the Washington, DC area while serving as a Security Police Officer in the United States Air Force. After completing his service obligation, he embarked on a career in civilian law enforcement. He spent over 20 years with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office rising to the rank of Lieutenant. His executive command assignments include tours within the Patrol Division, Special Operations Section (overseeing the SWAT team, K-9, Marine, Traffic, and Civil Disturbance), and Homeland Security and Intelligence Sections. He has a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University, School of Police Staff and Command, and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Program. Mr. Stoddard also serves as an adjunct professor at three universities, teaches executive-level leadership for the Maryland Police Training Commission, has authored several articles for magazines on topics ranging from school safety to organizational leadership, serves as a consultant for the Department of Justice and National Institutes of Justice, sits on several advisory boards, and has often traveled the country teaching active assailant response, leadership, data/evidence-based decision making, and crisis communications, and incident management.
The Rise of AI: Integrating AI Into Your Security Strategies
07/17/2024 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Crystal Ballroom
Jeff Bostic, MD, EdD, is a former school teacher turned child psychiatrist who has spent his professional career primarily working with schools to manage complex students and to promote positive mental health practices within schools. He worked in approximately 50 school districts in Massachusetts and New Hampshire from 1995-2016, and then in DC and MD schools, and currently with the Maryland State Dept. of Education’s School Mental Health Response Team. He has also provided officer police officer trainings on de-escalating youth in MA, IN, CA, OH, and MD.
Working with the Teen Brain: 8 Strategies from Brain Research
07/17/2024 2:05 PM - 2:50 PM
The Wedgewood
Ms. Jeneen Stewart is a Supervisor in the Equity Department for Frederick County Public Schools and has been in education for over 22 years. After teaching, coaching, and mentoring youth in Montgomery County, MD, she served as principal of Ballenger Creek Middle School for three years. As the former Achievement Specialist for School Culture in the Department of Student Services, Jeneen used restorative leadership to support students, staff, and parents across the district. She holds a Master’s and Bachelor's degree in biology from Howard University and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Hood College. Her focus is to ensure equity and excellence for all youth and to provide opportunities for developing global-minded, well-rounded citizens.
Restorative Circles in Your Community to Empower Stakeholder Unity
07/17/2024 1:05 PM - 1:50 PM
The Crystal Ballroom
Jordan Davidson serves as Smart Approaches to Marijuana’s (SAM) Government Affairs Manager. When he was 17 years old, Jordan entered long-term addiction recovery after struggling with cannabis use disorder. Prior to joining SAM, Jordan worked in Connecticut politics at the state and federal level. At SAM, Jordan manages federal policy on Capitol Hill. Jordan helped shepherd the passage of the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act, the first-ever marijuana reform bill signed into law. He also led successful efforts to defeat Congressional passage of the MORE, States Reform, Cannabis Administration and Opportunity, and SAFE Banking Acts. Since he joined SAM in 2019, Jordan has specialized in youth outreach and substance abuse prevention. He has been invited as a guest speaker by organizations and members of Congress across the country. Jordan has a BA in Political Science from American University in Washington, D.C.
07/17/2024 1:05 PM - 1:50 PM
The Wedgewood
In May of 2017, she was nationally recognized for her work and was awarded the title of “America’s Most Amazing Nurse” by Prevention Magazine and The Dr's Television Show, and additionally awarded Baltimore County’s Woman of the Year in 2018 and Daily Records Nurse of the Year in 2023.
A Trauma-Informed Approach: It Starts With YOU!
07/17/2024 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Tiffany Ballroom
New Trends in Substance Abuse.......Vaping, Over-the-counter (OTC) products, and so-called "legal substances" available in your community
Pre-Conference Webinar
06/11/2024 1:00 PM
Ms. Paige Settles serves as Program Manager for Partnership, Policy, and Engagement (A) for the School Safety Task Force at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. In this role, Ms. Settles enhances the safety and security of the nationwide K-12 school community by overseeing the administration of the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse and management of interagency relationships between the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and Justice. In addition, she leads the Task Force’s engagement with a diverse set of partners in the K-12 school safety community.
Preventing School Violence: Early Intervention Methods and Tools to Protect the K-12 Community
07/17/2024 1:05 PM - 1:50 PM
Tiffany Ballroom
Paul LeBaron is a 31-year law enforcement veteran currently serving as the Chief of Police for the Hermosa Beach Police Department. He spent 27 years with the Long Beach Police Department where his assignments included supervising the Detectives Division, where he oversaw investigations including Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Sex Crimes, Human Trafficking and all Juvenile related crimes. Throughout his career he has seen the affects of popular culture on today’s youth and how it destroys families. Paul also spent 8 years working undercover in the Vice Detail and Narcotics Section. Paul works as an adjunct staff member with the Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance, where he teaches classes on cultural diversity and ethics to law enforcement and educators. Paul also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University Long Beach, in Communication Studies and a Master’s Degree from American Military University in Organizational Leadership and Management. Paul also serves as an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Department at California State University Long Beach.
Paul is the 5th of 8 siblings, the proud father of 3 children, 2 daughter’s in law, one grandchild and over 60 nieces and nephews who are his real motivation for educating parents on how to improve the world for our youth. As a result of his professional experiences Paul has developed a unique training class that he presents to parents, educators, judges, social workers, law enforcement and others throughout the world.
For the past 20 years Paul has traveled throughout the country to teach this topic. He has taught his classes to thousands of students from over 15 different countries. Paul speaks fluent Spanish and he has developed his classes for both English and Spanish speaking audiences.
07/18/2024 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Grand Ballroom
Cyberbullying and Social Media Misuse: Best Practices in Prevention and Response
07/17/2024 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Grand Ballroom
Detective Kilpatrick boasts an exemplary 19-year service record within the Baltimore County Police Department, with 17 dedicated years as a detective showcasing his unwavering commitment to justice. Early in his illustrious career, he played a vital role in the Vice Narcotics Unit, employing innovative social media strategies to dismantle drug trafficking networks. His prowess was evident as he exposed a rogue unit within the Baltimore Police Department itself, a triumph chronicled in a book and TV series "We Own This City."
Transitioning to the Special Victims Unit, Detective Kilpatrick's dedication remained resolute. In the Crimes Against Children Unit, he adeptly employs social media and open-source intelligence to locate suspects involved in heinous crimes such as sexual abuse and human trafficking. His journey is defined by a ceaseless pursuit of knowledge in OSINT and SOCMINT. Detective Kilpatrick is also a certified trauma-informed interviewing trainer. Detective Kilpatrick travels the United States training police officers to better interact with victims of a trauma.
Noteworthy is his commitment to professional growth, underscored by prestigious certifications as a Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission Certified Instructor and NWC3-accredited Certified Cyber Crime Intelligence Analyst Investigator and Examiner. He has completed diverse training programs on digital forensics, online investigations, and cutting-edge techniques. His recent presentation on trauma-informed interviewing at the 2023 Crimes Against Children Conference is a testament to his pursuit of excellence. Detective Kilpatrick was also selected to present at the National Internet of Things (IoT) Investigative Conference in 2024.
Detective Kilpatrick's remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment underscore his value within the Baltimore County Police Department. His journey, marked by exceptional achievements, positions him as a beacon of inspiration to peers and a guardian of justice within our community
07/17/2024 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Grand Ballroom
A Trauma-Informed Approach: It Starts With YOU!
07/17/2024 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Tiffany Ballroom
D. Tim Morrow is currently the Coordinator of Student and School Support in Washington County Public Schools and has been working at South Hagerstown High School for the last several years. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Coordinator of Antietam Academy, which was the alternative program in WCPS. Mr. Morrow has been in education for 34 years. He started as a middle school teacher, basketball coach, and certified athletic trainer. Over the years he progressed into leadership roles as the Director of Athletics and Activities, assistant principal, principal, and then coordinator. Mr. Morrow also has a background and experience as a National Registered Paramedic and a firefighter. He was both a volunteer and paid Paramedic/firefighter in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Mr. Morrow also presents/teaches courses in Verbal Judo, the gentle art of de-escalation, to educators and others throughout the United States and Canada. Additionally, he provides professional development in the areas of trauma-informed/trauma response approaches for schools nationwide.
Mr. Morrow has spent a large amount of his time working with some of the most challenging students within school districts which is his passion. As Coordinator of Antietam Academy, he and his staff developed an alternative program that was considered a Model Program by the National Alternative Education Association. It was only 1 of 16 in the entire nation to achieve this status. Now Mr. Morrow serves as the current president of the National Alternative Education Association (NAEA) and has been a key part of developing the NAEA Exemplary Practices Model School Cohort Program. Mr. Morrow also works with various partnerships within Washington County and Hagerstown to prevent and reduce youth violence and gang activity. He has developed valuable partnerships with many key stakeholders within the community to address these issues together rather than separately.
In his spare time, Mr. Morrow enjoys camping and seeing the various sights of this great country. He also serves as a basketball official in Pennsylvania while also serving as the league director for a basketball league for at-risk youth within Hagerstown, MD. He believes that every kid can succeed if given the right support and showing that you believe in them no matter how many times they may mess up.
Grand Ballroom
Kids Summer Camp
07/18/2024 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Tiffany Ballroom
Bernard Hennigan is the Executive Director of Student Support Services for Harford County Public Schools. He oversees the departments of Special Education, Title I, and Student Services. Mr. Hennigan has spent the last 25 years in education serving in the roles of Teacher, Pupil Personnel Worker, Assistant Principal, Director of Student Services, and in his current role. He is also a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has delivered mental health therapeutic services to children and adults in Harford County for the past 12 years.
Crystal Ballroom
The HOPE Model: Considering the Positive for Healthier Outcomes - Part II
07/18/2024 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Crystal Ballroom
Mr. Fitz McDonough serves as a Program Associate for the School Safety Task Force at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. In this role, Mr. McDonough enhances the safety and security of the kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) school community across the country by managing the State Information Sharing Tool on SchoolSafety.gov, focusing heavily on creating and maintaining partnerships with state-level school safety organizations to increase collaboration within the school safety community.
Preventing School Violence: Early Intervention Methods and Tools to Protect the K-12 Community
07/17/2024 1:05 PM - 1:50 PM
Tiffany Ballroom
During that time, he has served as a teacher, and an administrator holding assistant
As the Director of Health and Wellness, Joe works closely providing support to our
The HOPE Model: Considering the Positive for Healthier Outcomes - Part I
07/18/2024 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Crystal Ballroom
The HOPE Model: Considering the Positive for Healthier Outcomes - Part II
07/18/2024 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Crystal Ballroom
Karl Streaker serves as the Director of Student Services for Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS). CCPS Student Services consists of supervisory and school-based staff in the areas of Alternative Education, School Counseling, Health Services, Behavioral & Mental Health and Pupil Personnel Services. Mr. Streaker consults with school administrators on a daily basis providing guidance relating to implementation of policies and procedures.
Prior to his appointment as the Director of Student Services, Mr. Streaker served as a principal for over eight years at Mt. Airy Middle and West Middle and assistant principal for six years at West Middle and Sykesville Middle in CCPS. Mr. Streaker taught math in Frederick County Public Schools for six years at New Market Middle, Governor Thomas Johnson Middle, and Ballenger Creek Middle. In addition, Mr. Streaker worked in the private sector as a software trainer and an insurance agent following his first two years of teaching.
Mr. Streaker earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Frostburg State University in 1995 and his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Hood College in 2003. He is currently on the Board of Directors for The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and serves in a variety of volunteer and leadership roles in his church.
Addressing Threats from Triage to Assessment to Management Utilizing the CCPS Threat Management System (TMS)
07/17/2024 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
The Wedgewood
Kenneth (Kenny) Crawford is a Peer Recovery Support Specialist with the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling (the Center). As a Peer for the Center, Kenny assists individuals within Maryland struggling with problem gambling and gambling addiction to navigate recovery treatment resources and helps remove any barriers to recovery. He has dedicated his life to helping others with gambling problems by sharing his story of recovery. Kenny has a great passion for the outdoor life, boating, fishing, hiking, and can capture the tranquility of nature thru his photography. For him, this is a great form of meditation and has helped him thru his recovery process and he would be happy to share his techniques on meditation. Kenny comes from a background in Carpentry and is grateful to help others achieve a balanced life through his extensive training in Peer Recovery Support training.
The Wedgewood
Kim Buckheit is the Policy, Communications, and Engagement Manager at the Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS). Prior to her role at MCSS she was Section Chief for School Climate and Safety at the Maryland State Department of Education. Before moving into state government, she spent 19 years as a public school Principal, serving in local, state, and national leadership positions. Kim was named a “National Distinguished Principal” by NAESP, and “Maine Middle Level Principal of the Year” in 2013. NASSP recognized her innovative school leadership in 2014, naming Troy Howard Middle School one of ten “BreakThrough Schools” nationally. She remains a passionate advocate for educational leadership, serving as a mentor, coach, and teacher.
BTA Workshop Part I: Enhancing the Effectiveness of Your BTA Team
07/16/2024 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Grand Ballroom
Michael Meiser has worked and served in Charles County Public Schools for 28 years. After teaching and coaching in the classroom for ten years, Mr. Meiser became a Middle School Vice Principal at Benjamin Stoddert. Upon a transfer to Thomas Stone High School as Vice Principal, he was named Principal at Thomas Stone High School and later served as Principal at Westlake High School. Mr. Meiser was also trained and recognized as a certified AVID trainer; as result, he has traveled across the country as an AVID trainer of Principals. After 25 years in the schools, Mr. Meiser has now taken on a more global approach to the school system as he is currently working with the Office of Safety and Security as well as Students Services working as the School Safety and Residency Administrator. In this role, Mr. Meiser works collaboratively to sustain a safe learning and work environment for over 28,000 students and nearly 4,000 staff members. He works collaboratively with all schools and the Central Office to manage the Residency Investigations, Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation Data, School Change Request Process, Title IV Grant, as well as Home Schooling within CCPS. Mr. Meiser serves on the Charles County All-Hazard Incident Management Team. During the COVID pandemic, Mr. Meiser worked with the Charles County Emergency Operations Center as a liaison for CCPS. Mr. Meiser was part of the CCPS Reopening of Schools Work Group. Mr. Meiser has spearheaded the student ID badge program with CCPS and has met many of the obstacles along the way and turned them into success. Most recently, becoming Part 107 FAA licensed to fly drones/UAS commercially, Mr. Meiser has helped to enhance the school safety abilities of Charles County Public Schools and utilizing this technology in bringing it into the classroom.
Charles County Public Schools is on the cutting edge of school safety and security, working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, and Maryland Center for School Safety. Mr. Meiser has a wide range of knowledge on the inner workings of schools, school systems, and a strong foundation on school safety and security.
Crystal Ballroom
Working with the Teen Brain: 8 Strategies from Brain Research
07/17/2024 2:05 PM - 2:50 PM
The Wedgewood
Monique Jackson has been the Deputy Superintendent for Student and School Support at Anne Arundel County Public Schools since July 2016. She is a fourth-generation educator and a graduate of Southern High School, a part of the same school system she currently works for. Mrs. Jackson has worked at Anne Arundel County Public Schools since 1999 and has held various roles, such as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in different schools. In 2012, she became a director of school performance at the Central Office and later a Regional Assistant Superintendent overseeing 19 schools. Additionally, she teaches at McDaniel College. Mrs. Jackson is a National Board Certified Teacher with a bachelor's degree in history from St. Mary's College of Maryland. She also has a master's degree in secondary education from Bowie State University and is pursuing a doctoral program at Walden University. She is married to Kevin Jackson, and they have two children named Bradie and Kaylee.
Leveraging School Cameras and No-Cost Software to Produce Training Triumphs
07/17/2024 2:05 PM - 2:50 PM
Crystal Ballroom
The Fight Against Sextortion
07/18/2024 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Grand Ballroom