When the Unthinkable Becomes Routine: The Fear and Impact of Gun Violence on School Communities

JOSH NOVICK is a licensed clinical professional counselor, former social studies teacher, current school counselor and founder of Trust and Grow Consulting. With over a decade of experience supporting students and school communities through trauma and adversity, Josh brings a deep commitment to healing-centered, equity-driven practices. He began teaching at an alternative high school on the West Side of Chicago, where he witnessed the toll of community violence on BIPOC youth. In 2022, he helped lead the crisis response and recovery efforts following the Highland Park mass shooting, coordinating over 600 volunteer therapists in under a week. His work earned him recognition from the Illinois State Senate. Josh believes that educators play a vital role in post-crisis recovery and long-term resilience. Through his consulting and advocacy, he works to equip schools and communities with tools for trauma-informed care, psychological safety, and growth.

La-Shanda West, Ed.S. is a product of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools District graduating in 1990 from Homestead Senior High School. Her college experience includes the following: achieved an Associate of Arts Degree in Pre Law from Miami-Dade College; earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with a Certificate in Environmental Studies from Florida International University; completed a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Florida Memorial University and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Her teaching career began in 2001 as a World Geography teacher for Centennial Middle School. As the years progressed, she has taught Civics, Law, Reading and U.S. History for middle school and Cambridge Business, Comprehensive Law, iPrep Career Choices, Speech and Debate Honors, and World History for high school. La-Shanda West, Ed.S., is a survivor of gun violence. She recently became an ambassador for Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence seeking funding and implementation of violence prevention programs and safe spaces for students and teachers who faced trauma.