Benjamin S. Fernandez, MS Ed, is a trusted voice in school mental and behavioral health, crisis response, and student well-being. With a decades-long career in school psychology in large school districts, including serving as a crisis intervention specialist and crisis team leader, Ben brings a deep understanding of how to support students and staff before, during, and after emergencies while coordinating crisis intervention services and consultation following acute traumatic events. Serving as the Director of Programs & Curriculum Development at Safe and Sound Schools, he helps lead national conversations on integrating mental and behavioral health into comprehensive school safety frameworks. Additionally, as a Lead PREPaRE Trainer, Ben delivers practical, experience-based presentations that equip educators, administrators, and mental health professionals with actionable strategies for building trauma-informed, psychologically safe learning environments.