Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Aaron Stark wasalmost aschool shooter. As a dark and destructive teen, Stark nearly committed a terrible attack. Today, he is a happy father of four and wants to do all he can to help anyone on that path find a way into the light again and see that they matter.After watching the news coverage of the Parkland school shootings, Stark wrote an open letter: “I was almost a school shooter.” The letter was sent to local news 9KUSA in Denver, andwas the feature story on Next with Kyle Clark. This story gained national attention and over 17 million views ina very shorttime, which propelled him into a life of activism for mental wellness awareness. Aaron has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, and MSNBC andwrotehis own article for the Washington Post. His viral TEDx talk followed his “I WasAlmost aSchool Shooter, “which currently has over 14 million views and is shown in schools, colleges, and universities up to the Department of Education.These days, Aaron gets in front of as many audiences as possible, trying to spread his message of Giving Love to The Ones You Feel Deserve ItTheLeast Because They Need ItThe Most. He speaks to students, administrators, SROs, law enforcement, podcasts, one-on-one interviews, and any other group that is looking for a way to reach that person in the dark and remind them they matter in hopes of preventing future tragedies. Recently,he started presenting to the FBI and other law enforcement agencies in hopes of improving his methods and techniques for dealing with those on the edge of darkness. He now flies across the country, speaking to help prevent the next potential HIM from happening.

President & CEO - Foresight Security Consulting

Bryan is the Founder and President of Foresight Security Consulting. His unique approach is gained from vast experience in Risk Mitigation, Personal Safety, and developing Threat Assessment & Management programs. He is a dynamic speaker who presents personal safety and security to national audiences, threat assessment, and targeted violence detection and response. Mr. Flannery is a nearly two-decades-long member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals and is a current member of the board of the NW Chapter. He is a recipient of both the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association and Marion County Sheriff’s Office Medal of Valor and was recently recognized by the Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence as a Protective Intelligence “Thought Leader Honoree”.

Vice President - AT-RISK International

Mr. Sandford has over 30 years of experience in investigations, corporate security management, executive protection, security systems administration, law enforcement, and guard force management. For the past 13 years, he has lived in Mexico and has worked extensively throughout Latin America. Mr. Sandford is board-certified in security management, having earned a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) credential and board-certified in threat management as a Certified Threat Manager (CTM) by the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). Mr. Sandford served as the 2023/2024 President of the Pacific Southwest chapter of ATAP and is the primary founding member of the America Latina Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ALATAP). Mr. Sandford is a Vice President with AT-RISK International, and in that capacity, he oversees the company's threat management program and a globally deployed team of threat managers.

Director of Compliance - University of Hawaii

Ms. Baligad currently serves as the Director of Compliance/Title IX Coordinator and the Chair/Manager of the threat assessment team (aka “UHWO BIT”) at the University of Hawaii- West Oahu campus. Bev has extensive experience developing and implementing key compliance areas in higher education, such as training, investigations, programming/awareness events, process reviews, and case management. She has been a consultant and trained institutions nationwide in Behavior Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) Teams VAWA/Campus SaVE/Clery Act, ADA/Section 504, due process and First Amendment, and Title IX. Ms. Baligad is a US Department of Homeland Security, National Threat Evaluation and Reporting Office (NTER)- Certified Master Trainer, a Certified CSTAG Trainer, and an authorized Salem-Keizer Cascade Trainer.

Senior Threat Manager - Kroger, Co.

Dr. Matt Talbot is the Sr. Threat Manager for Kroger, Co., and previously served as the workplace violence prevention program coordinator for the South Texas VA from 2011-2023. He is the current ATAP South Central Chapter president and became a Certified Threat Manager (CTM) in 2018. In 2021, Matt led the development of the first collegiate certificate program in behavioral threat assessment and risk management for Alliant University. Matt is a faculty member at the Gavin de Becker Advanced Threat Academy, a founding and executive board member of the Global Team Collaborative (GTC) based in Vancouver, BC, and chairs a working group for the Global Summit to Eradicate Hate developing pathways for threat assessment professionals’ professional development. He recently completed his PhD in forensic psychology, researching parents’ perceptions of modern-day mass shooters.

Threat Manager - Kroger, Co.

Ashlee began her career in law enforcement with the Montana State University Police in 2012 and retired in May 2023. She possesses certifications in social media analysis, field training officer, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, death investigations, sexual & violent crimes, advanced training in domestic violence, interview & interrogation, and threat assessment. Ashlee served as the Threat Assessment Investigator for the MSU system for five years, served as an FBI Task Force Officer, as a member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and served nine years on the Gallatin County Domestic Violence Response Team. Ashlee recently retired from her law enforcement career to pursue this new role as a Threat Manager with Kroger’s Threat Assessment & Management Team.

Principal - Threatwise Global LLC.

Jameson Ritter, Principal of Threatwise Global, specializes in workplace violence prevention, physical security, and training and awareness programs. His extensive background includes military service and 11 years in law enforcement, culminating with a role in the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in Minneapolis. In the corporate world, Ritter has spearheaded the creation and enhancement of security programs at UnitedHealth Group and US Foods. As the current Director of Safety and Security for Ascension Catholic Academy and president of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals Great Lakes Chapter, he holds certifications such as the Certified Threat Manager (CTM) and ASIS International’s Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), and Professional Certified Investigator (PCI), reflecting his comprehensive expertise in security management and threat assessment.

Violence Prevention and Internal Fraud Investigations Director - U.S. Bank

Carrie Ackerman is a V.P. - the Workplace Violence Prevention and Internal Fraud Investigations Director at U.S. Bank. Carrie currently serves as the Vice President of the ATAP - Great Lakes Chapter. She is a recognized subject matter expert on targeted violence prevention and behavioral threat assessment. Carrie has extensive experience leading teams responsible for managing, assessing, and mitigating threats/concerns of workplace violence. She managed Target's program before joining U.S. Bank in 2016. Target awarded Carrie a Vice President's Award for her accomplishments. In 2017, the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals awarded Carrie their Meritorious Service Award. She was elected as a Chapter President and sat on their national Board of Directors. Carrie received the Outstanding Corporate Partnership Award from Suicide Awareness Voices of Education in 2014.

Master Investigator (ret.), Chief Executive Officer - Frost ICED / Investigation, Consultation, Education & Development

Master Inv. (ret.) Frost is a twenty-year law enforcement veteran specializing in intimate partner violence-related cases, specifically physical and emotional abuse, stalking, strangulation, restraining orders, sexual abuse, and child abuse. A nationally recognized trainer, she has instructed thousands of civilians, military, corporate, and government personnel across the U.S. in intimate partner violence and persons' crimes best practices investigation, trauma-informed interviewing, and policy and procedures. She is a member of the Cadre of Sexual Assault Experts for End Violence Against Women International, on staff at the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention for strangulation investigation and interview training, with the Alliance for Hope to train multidisciplinary teams regarding staged suicides, and as the Communications Chairperson for the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals. Rachael is the CEO of Frost ICED / Investigation, Consultation, Education & Development, a full-service violence response and recognition firm specializing in "Full Circle" program response and focused on expert collaboration for the best the field of threat assessment has to offer for each project. Her firm provides executive management for advanced investigation and information courses through the "ACTION Academy," and the 24/7 trauma and abuse survivor fitness and engagement app," Survivor of the Fittest."

Holly Ryan is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist who has worked in the Lakeville Area Schools for 22 years. She is currently the district’s Threat Assessment Specialist, responsible for implementing, training, and coordinating district behavior threat assessment and management, anonymous reporting, and other safety initiatives. She also runs School Threat Solutions, a consulting firm for preventative K-12 targeted violence, where she consults and provides training for Minnesota school districts. Holly’s passion for school safety grew after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, her hometown. She is an active Association of Threat Assessment Professionals member, serves on the Minnesota FBI’s Threat Assessment and Management Team, and is a Threat Liaison Officer with the Minnesota Fusion Center.

Founder & President - The Diamond Arrow Group

Kelly Sayre empowers women to live life on their own terms by using non-physical, proactive situational awareness tactics that expose and avoid threatening situations before they happen. With a grounded approach and high energy, Kelly works with law enforcement, nonprofit, corporate, and youth organizations on emergency preparedness, situational awareness training, and personal safety.

Threat Assessment Investigator - Southern Methodist University

Malcolm McGuire is a native of Los Angeles, CA. He is a Senior Threat Assessment Investigator at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. His responsibilities include investigating, assessing, and managing individuals who threaten or have reason to believe they have the intent to commit acts of violence against members of the SMU community. He has received numerous commendations for meritorious conduct. He was named ‘Investigator of the Year’ in 2022 and ‘Employee of the Year’ in 2009 and 2023 for his dedication to threat assessment and targeted violence prevention. He has served as an instructor at multiple law enforcement academies in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, Area, where he has taught hundreds of academy cadets and peace officer in-service courses focusing on Professional Policing, Ethics, and Cultural Diversity in Criminal Justice. He has been published multiple times in Law Officer Magazine. He served as a contract consultant with the Amber Alert Training and Technical Assistance Program, a U.S. Department of Justice Initiative conducted by the Office of Justice Programs that operates out of the National Criminal Justice Training Center. Malcolm has undertaken training nationally and internationally on conflict resolution, diversity, effective communication, and threat assessment. He is also a veteran of the United States Air Force. Malcolm is a Master Peace Officer, Advanced Instructor, Mental Health Peace Officer, and Certified Fraud Examiner. He is a member of the South-Central Chapter of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals, where he serves as chapter Vice President. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Wiley University and a Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management from Southern Methodist University.

Threat Assessment Manager - Montana State University Police Department

Samantha Shaffer is a dedicated professional deeply committed to enhancing safety and well-being within academic communities. With a solid educational background and significant experience in research and threat assessment, Samantha stands out as a beacon of excellence in her field. Samantha earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science from Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis. During her undergraduate years, she excelled academically and demonstrated a solid commitment to philanthropy and community service. Building upon her foundation, Samantha pursued a Master of Science in Criminal Justice specializing in Forensic Psychology at Tiffin University. Her thesis on implementing threat assessment protocols within schools garnered widespread recognition. In 2022, Samantha was honored with the titles of OCCJE Outstanding Graduate Student and OCCJE Outstanding Graduate Researcher of the Year for her exceptional work. Recognized organizations, such as the Center of Homeland Defense and Security Post Graduate Naval School and the K-12 School Shooting Database, have acknowledged Samantha's research, which explores the effectiveness of threat assessments in educational settings. Samantha's professional experience includes serving as an Intelligence Analyst Intern in Chicago. There, she played a pivotal role in crafting intelligence products to bolster field operations and devised emergency protocols for security measures. She honed her analytical skills and attention to detail by creating a word bank of past school shooters' schoolwork and internet footprints, contributing valuable insights for AI systems. In 2023, Samantha moved to Bozeman, Montana, to pursue her career in threat assessment. At Montana State University, Samantha plays a crucial role in receiving and addressing reported behavioral concerns within the MSU community. She also educates and trains faculty, staff, and students on identifying and reporting concerning behavior, underscoring her commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment. With her diverse skill set, wealth of knowledge, and unwavering dedication to promoting safety and security, Samantha continues to leave a lasting, positive impact on the academic community and beyond.

Matt Deurmeier has been a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 14 years, all of that time assigned to the Bozeman Resident Agency and the Montana Joint Terrorism Task Force. Aside from working primarily domestic terrorism investigations, Matt has served as the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) Coordinator for Montana for the past four years, facilitating BAU support to federal, state, and local agencies in investigations needing threat assessment and threat management. In addition, Matt serves on the Salt Lake City Division Evidence Response Team and Crisis Negotiation Team.  

SA Deurmeier graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York with a Bachelor of Science degree in Military History and served five years as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. He received his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Norwich University. 

Koster Consulting & Associates

Denise Koster is a seasoned expert in violence investigations, threat assessment, prevention, and resolution, boasting a career spanning nearly four decades. With a steadfast commitment to addressing societal issues surrounding violence, Denise founded Koster Consulting & Associates in 1994, inspired by the tragic loss of an elderly Indigenous client to violence. Denise's journey in her professional trajectory was marked by her role as Clinical Director at a prominent community health center, where she adeptly managed multidisciplinary teams of medical, nursing, and social service professionals. Denise specializes in investigating and managing various forms of resident abuse and workplace discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and bullying. Denise's qualifications include being trauma-informed trained and a Licensed Private Investigator and mediator, holding a Master of Law (LLM) in Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School, certificates in Human Resources Law and Elder Law, and the prestigious distinction of Certified Threat Manager (CTM),

Cascade Northwest Consulting

Adam has been formally trained in the Salem-Keizer Cascade Threat Assessment System and is a Certified Threat Manager. In addition to providing behavioral threat assessment support, Adam has been involved in various projects and collaborations with community partners. He has also offered multiple presentations and trainings at the local, state, and regional levels.

Nicoletti-Flater Associates

MariyaDvoskinareceived her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Forensic Psychology from the University of Denver. Mariya is a psychologist with Nicoletti-Flater Associates (NFA), a firm specializing in Police and Public Safety Psychology, Crisis Intervention, Trauma Recovery, and Violence Prevention. Mariya is highly involved with providing violence prevention training, threat assessment, and consultation. She is a certified Threat Manager through the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals and the current Vice President of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of ATAP. Mariya provides threat assessment consultation to local schools, universities, businesses, and law enforcement. Mariya is also a co-author of several publications addressing best practices in violence prevention.