Behavioral Threat Assessment Management (BTAM), K-12 Education
From Documentation to Demonstrated Value: Why EMS Data Is the Foundation of Sustainable Operations
Updated on: August 13, 2026
Published on: August 13, 2026
In the new white paper, “Beyond Compliance: Building the System Capacity Schools Need for Sustainable Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management (BTAM) programs,” PCG’s Jillian Haring explores why many school districts continue to struggle with BTAM implementation despite investing in training and established assessment models. Drawing on de-identified input from K-12 districts across the country, the white paper examines the system-level barriers that most often undermine fidelity, including staffing constraints, unclear policy frameworks, fragmented documentation systems, student mobility challenges, and misalignment between BTAM and special education processes.
The paper introduces the BTAM Capacity Framework (BCF), a practical roadmap for helping district and state leaders strengthen the operational, technical, relational, policy, and instructional capacities needed to sustain effective, trauma-informed threat assessment and management programs. Offering actionable recommendations for improving continuity of care, supporting highly mobile students, integrating disability-informed practices, and moving beyond compliance-driven approaches to build safer and more supportive learning environments. For district leaders, school safety teams, policymakers, and student support professionals, the white paper provides valuable insights for creating systems that enable sustainable prevention, defensible decision-making, and improved student outcomes.
Download the white paper to learn how districts can strengthen BTAM implementation through intentional system design, trauma-informed practices, and sustainable capacity building.
About the Author:
Jillian L. Haring, M.S.
Jillian L. Haring, M.S.
Jillian L. Haring, M.S., is a nationally recognized consultant and subject-matter expert in violence prevention, behavioral threat assessment, and school- and community-based safety systems. With more than 20 years of public-sector experience, she advises districts, state agencies, and organizations on designing, evaluating, and implementing evidence-based violence-prevention frameworks, with a focus on BTAM systems, case management, cross-agency coordination, training, and sustainable prevention models.
Marcie Bouchard, MS Ed., CAS
Marcie Bouchard, MS Ed., CAS
Marcie Bouchard, MS Ed., CAS, is a district-wide Behavior Specialist for the City School District of Albany, where she provides professional development, consultation, and training on social-emotional and behavioral initiatives, including suicide risk assessment, behavioral threat assessment, and youth mental health. She is a certified school psychologist and special education teacher with more than 20 years of public education experience.
Kristie Russell Coleman, Ed.D.
Kristie Russell Coleman, Ed.D.
Kristie Russell Coleman, Ed.D., serves as Supervisor of Student Services for Bristol Tennessee City Schools, overseeing Whole Child supports and districtwide safety and threat assessment initiatives. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University and brings more than 29 years of education experience, including roles as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district-level leader.
Dr. Holly English Corwin
Dr. Holly English Corwin
Dr. Holly English Corwin is an experienced school leader with a background in clinical therapy and school counseling. She serves as an administrator for Topper Academy and Market Street School within Johnson City Schools and has led trainings and presentations on mental health awareness, trauma-informed de-escalation, alternative education pathways, and district threat assessment practices.
Dana Kozak
Dana Kozak
Dana Kozak is the Supervisor of Instruction for Special Education for Hamilton Schools in New Jersey, where she leads districtwide programming for approximately 3,000 students across three community schools. With a background in school psychology and district leadership, she supports special education services, professional development, crisis intervention practices, and comprehensive risk and threat assessment processes that strengthen student safety and support.
Steven Magno, M.Ed., CAGS
Steven Magno, M.Ed., CAGS
Steven Magno, M.Ed., CAGS, is Director of Student Services for Peabody Public Schools in Peabody, Massachusetts, with 28 years of public education experience. His work focuses on school safety and security, threat assessment management, restorative practices, bullying prevention and intervention, student support services, staff professional development, and support for highly mobile students and families through his role as McKinney-Vento Liaison.
Julie A. Schwab
Julie A. Schwab
Julie A. Schwab is a School Psychologist and District Behavioral Threat Assessment Coordinator in Edmonds Schools, Washington, with 29 years of experience in school-based mental health and behavioral threat assessment. She leads multidisciplinary teams and works with community partners to build practical, coordinated threat assessment systems that support early identification, timely intervention, student safety, and inclusive learning environments.
Dr. Cheri Woodall
Dr. Cheri Woodall
Dr. Cheri Woodall is the Supervisor of Health and Wellness for the Colonial School District, where she leads initiatives that support the physical and emotional well-being of students and staff. She collaborates with schools and community partners to implement comprehensive health and wellness programs, including oversight of School-Based Health Centers in partnership with Nemours Children’s Health and the D.A.S.H. Project to address health related barriers to attendance and achievement. Dr. Woodall is certified as a trainer in both the PREPaRE Model and Dr. Dewey Cornell’s CSTAG Model, strengthening her leadership in crisis prevention and behavioral threat assessment. She holds a Doctor of Education in School Leadership from Wilmington University