Conference Speakers

2025 Keynote Speakers

Michele Gay

Developmentally Appropriate Safety Education

Michele addresses one of the most pressing and timely concerns school communities face today: developing and delivering safety curricula and training with respect to the unique needs of students and staff of all ages, abilities, and educational levels. Using Safe and Sound’s models for teaching and training, Michele empowers staff to determine objectives and activities for developmentally appropriate and psychologically safe education and training in the K-12 school setting.

Biography

Mother, educator, and co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools, Michele Gay chose to take action after losing her daughter Josephine Grace on December 14, 2012. Since that time, Gay has channeled her work as an advocate, improving safety and security in schools and communities across our country. With a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson State University, Gay earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College. Prior to the Sandy Hook tragedy, she taught at the elementary level in the Maryland and Virginia public schools. Now a nationally and internationally recognized public speaker and school safety expert, Gay reaches audiences and consults with all levels of community institutions — schools; municipalities; houses of worship; educational and public safety leadership; state and federal governments; law enforcement agencies; and top news media sources. Through her work, and always with a goal of helping others increase the safety within their own communities, Gay shares her personal experiences and the lessons she has learned.

The recipient of numerous national awards, Gay is a regular contributor for print, radio, and television outlets. The primary visionary and author of Safe and Sound’s programs and materials, Gay has served as a stakeholder voice in national legislative discussions. Through these works, Gay continues to build Safe and Sound Schools as a national hub of school safety education, technical assistance, expert content, and best practices. Gay’s impassioned position on school safety hinges on every community taking a comprehensive and sustainable approach to safety. She works diligently to unite stakeholders of all disciplines and perspectives. An educator by training — and fueled by the heart of a mother and community member — Gay is uniquely positioned to help others prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from tragedies of their own. Gay remains inspired by Josephine, every day. She dedicates herself to honoring Josephine’s memory through this work to ensure that every school, every child, and every community is truly safe and sound.

Glenna Wright-Gallo

Biography

Glenna Wright-Gallo is a transformative leader in disability policy, inclusive education, and employment. As Vice President of Policy at Everway, a global neurotechnology software company, she leverages over 25 years of experience to drive systemic change and empower diverse learners worldwide. Wright-Gallo’s career reflects a progression of impactful leadership roles. She recently served as Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) at the U.S. Department of Education, where she championed policies improving outcomes for over 7 million individuals with disabilities. Prior to this, she held key positions such as State Director of Special Education in Utah and Assistant Superintendent of Special Education in Washington State, leading strategic reforms to elevate expectations and expand access to opportunities.

As an individual with a disability, Wright-Gallo brings a unique perspective to her work. This personal experience fuels her commitment to ensuring all individuals have access to opportunities without arbitrary limitations. Her strategic approach to policy development positions her to lead advancements in inclusive practices that empower individuals with disabilities.

At Everway, Wright-Gallo spearheads the Policy Center of Excellence, an initiative that amplifies voices of neurodivergent individuals and/or have a disability, shapes equitable policies, and integrates research and evidence-based practices with neurotechnology software to foster inclusive practices and support accessibility in education and workplaces.

A recognized thought leader in systems improvement, Wright-Gallo emphasizes raising expectations and leveraging data-driven strategies to continuously enhance outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Her work aligns with Everway’s ambitious mission to empower over 1 billion people with reading and writing skills by 2030, ensuring all individuals can access opportunities and reach their full potential.

Betsey Helfrich

Transportation of Special Education Students: Avoiding the Bumps and Legal Hazards

In this fast-paced presentation, special education attorney Betsey Helfrich, will examine school transportation from a legal perspective. From a review of recent case law to current hot-topics, this presentation will dive into the legalities of the transportation of students with disabilities. From aides on buses to sharing information with the transportation department, this presentation will include practical tips that you need to know to minimize liability and keep students safe.

Biography

Betsey practices special education law in Kansas and Missouri. Formerly the special education department lead for Mickes O’Toole, LLC in St. Louis, she now runs her own practice. She has successfully represented school districts against a variety of claims in state and federal courts, including the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as in administrative and special education due process hearings. She provides general counsel to schools on special education matters and conducts local and national training on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and all areas of the Individuals with Disabilities Education. Betsey presented at LRP’s 38th and 39th Annual National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities.