Benjamin Fernandez is the Director of Programs and Curriculum Development for Safe and Sound Schools, bringing 28 years of experience as a school psychologist in Pennsylvania and Virginia. With expertise in crisis intervention and school mental health, Ben has provided leadership in coordinating crisis response, conducting threat and suicide risk assessments, and delivering psychological services to support student safety and well-being.

A nationally recognized expert, Ben is a Lead PREPaRE Trainer and has contributed to publications, presentations, and webinars on youth suicide, school safety, and crisis intervention. He has advised the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, the Federal Commission on School Safety, and the Congressional School Safety Caucus, as well as serving on Virginia’s Children’s Cabinet on Student Safety.

Ben has been honored as School Psychologist of the Year by both the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists (2010) and the National Association of School Psychologists (2012). His other accolades include the NASP Presidential Award (2015, 2018) and the Crisis Management and Grief Support in Schools Interest Group Award for Excellence (2021). Most recently, he contributed to the Virginia Department of Education’s Suicide Prevention Guidelines, underscoring his dedication to advancing school safety and mental health initiatives.