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«Back to all edWebinarsStrengthen MTSS Through Peer-Led Prevention: Reaching Every Student
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT
Presented by Tiffany Sommerfeld, Director of Academic Advising & Counseling, Belton Independent School District (TX); Shannon Toney, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Stop School Violence Grant Coordinator, Billings Public Schools (MT); and Dr. Gregory Hudnall, Experienced Educator, Founder, Hope Squad
Sponsored by Hope Squad
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Every district is working to build a stronger Multi-Tiered System of Supports. But MTSS is only as strong as what happens between the tiers. This edWebinar looks at how peer-led prevention is enabling districts to strengthen MTSS from the inside by identifying students earlier, connecting them to help faster, and shifting school culture so support reaches every student.
Dr. Gregory Hudnall, Founder of Hope Squad, will join district leaders Tiffany Sommerfeld, Director of Academic Advising & Counseling at Belton Independent School District (TX), and Shannon Toney, BJA Stop School Violence Grant Coordinator at Billings Public Schools (MT), to discuss how a peer-nomination model puts trained students and accountable adults inside every level of MTSS, from universal Tier 1 prevention to more targeted support, and how that structure changes the culture of a school over time.
Attendees will hear directly from two districts that have built peer-led prevention into their MTSS frameworks, including what changed and what it took to get there. They’ll leave with a clearer picture of how peer leadership strengthens tiered support systems in practice and how to make the case for it within their own district.
This edWebinar is designed for elementary through high school district and school leaders evaluating how to strengthen and close gaps within their district’s MTSS strategy.
About the Presenters
Tiffany Sommerfeld serves as the Director of Academic Advising & Counseling Services for Belton Independent School District (BISD). In this administrative role, she oversees programs that support student development across academic guidance, social-emotional well-being, and post-secondary career planning. She plays a key role in coordinating districtwide support services, including resources for military-connected students and families transitioning into the district. Tiffany’s work emphasizes comprehensive student advocacy, career exploration, and collaboration with campus counselors, administrators, and community partners to enhance student success and maintain a supportive educational environment across Belton ISD campuses. She has also successfully overseen the implementation of Hope Squad at three levels of learning: elementary, middle school, and high school, across 21 campuses.
Shannon Toney currently serves in the Billings Public School District, coordinating school safety programming through the support of a Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Stop School Violence Grant. Programming includes overseeing the implementation of Hope Squad, Rachel’s Challenge, and Restorative Practices at all six middle schools in the district. Before this work, Shannon was a counselor for 16 years at elementary and middle schools. Additionally, she spent time working as a state Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) B Consultant in Montana, supporting implementation in local schools and districts. She is passionate about building connections and relationships with students and families while developing systems that build a safe, supportive environment for students to thrive through education and well-being.
Dr. Gregory Hudnall is the founder of Hope Squad and a nationally recognized leader in school-based and community-wide suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. A former high school principal and associate superintendent, Dr. Hudnall brings more than 30 years of experience helping schools build comprehensive systems that promote student well-being, connection, and safety. Dr. Hudnall has dedicated his career to building communities that equip educators, students, and families with the knowledge and tools to recognize warning signs, strengthen protective factors, and connect young people with support. His work emphasizes the power of peer connection and the importance of creating school cultures where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to seek help.
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Hope Squad is a complete, school-rooted prevention program that transforms culture through peer trust, sustained skill building, and three research-backed pillars designed to create lasting change across the entire school and broader community. It is led by students, supported by adults, and powered by connection. Every year, universal prevention education reaches 1.25 million students in K-12 at thousands of schools, and the impact is amplified through mental health agency partnerships and family involvement. 100% of administrators agree the program contributes to a safe school environment, and 100% of parents agree their child’s involvement makes a positive difference. Learn more at www.HopeSquad.com.
