The presenter, a licensed psychologist is an internationally recognized expert on youth suicide, school crisis and parenting in challenging times. He has authored or co- authored five books and many chapters and articles on these subjects. His fifth book entitled, Suicide in schools was published in 2015 by Routledge. He also recently (8/15) co-authored the Suicide Safer Schools Plan for the state of Texas.

He previously directed psychological services for a large Texas school system for 24 years and is a past President of the National Association of School Psychologists and a past Prevention Division Director of American Association of Suicidology. He is very dedicated to prevention and has testified about the mental health needs of children before the U.S. Congress on four occasions.

He is a founding member of the National Emergency Assistance Team and has personally assisted school communities after many tragedies.