Michele Gay is a mother, former teacher, and now one of the co-founders of Safe and Sound: A Sandy Hook Initiative. After losing her daughter, Josephine Grace, on December 14, 2012, she chose to take action as an advocate for improved school security and safety in our nation’s schools. Michele’s background as a teacher and involved parent, along with her personal loss and post tragedy perspective, have left her uniquely positioned to help school communities prevent tragedy, and better prepare and respond in the event of an emergency in their own schools. Michele holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson University and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College. She taught at the elementary level in Maryland and Virginia public schools before staying home to raise her three daughters, and advocate for the special needs of her youngest daughter, Josephine. Michele is dedicated to honoring Josephine in her work to make schools in our country more safe and secure.
Michele Gay, co-founder of Safe and Sound: A Sandy Hook Initiative shares her personal story and lessons learned on December 14, 2012. She will introduce the inspiring way she has chosen to help school communities improve school safety in honor of her daughter, Josephine, and the other 19 children and 6 teachers lost on December 14, 2012. Michele’s perspective as the mother of a special needs child and former elementary school teacher provides unique insight and inspiration for parents, administrators, school staff, emergency responders and community members who strive to make their schools safer. Michele and the Safe and Sound foundation bring an important message to our communities, and represent a powerful presence in our school safety community.
Michele breaks down lessons learned from the Sandy Hook tragedy for small group discussion and work. Presentation and discussion of the Safe and Sound model, toolkits, and tools is offered according to the needs of the attendees. Michele’s sessions can be tailored to specific and various school safety stakeholders or delivered to a mixed group. As an active member of the school safety community, Michele is prepared to share expert resources and discuss many of the programs and interventions available to communities striving to improve school safety.
