When a crisis hits, what you say — and how you say it — can shape a community’s path to recovery.

In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay sits down with veteran educators and crisis communication experts Dr. Lori Mueller and Jerry Gallagher to unpack what it takes to lead in the moments that matter most. Drawing from their years of experience supporting schools before, during, and after emergencies, Lori and Jerry share the strategies, pitfalls, and personal lessons that help leaders protect both safety and trust.

From navigating tragedy with compassion to making sure every voice feels heard, this conversation offers practical steps — and the human perspective — behind effective crisis response.

In the conversation:

• How to communicate when emotions run high and facts are still coming in

• The difference between “managing” a crisis and leading through one

• Why trust is your most valuable safety asset — and how to build it before you need it

• Lessons from real school emergencies that can help any leader be better prepared

• The role of relationships in both prevention and recovery
  

👉 Listen now and learn how to strengthen your school community before the next crisis hits.

Visit https://safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.

Guest Links:

Dr Lori Mueller:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lori-mueller-42a74736/

Jerry Gallagher:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-gallagher-7b405b156/

Donovan Group:

https://donovan-group.com/crisis/

Show links:

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