
Sarah Theriot
Training Program Coordinator, Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness; Area Coordinator (Regions 2, 4 & 5), LA Center for Safe Schools
2025
With over two decades of experience, Sarah Theriot is has strong background in education, behavioral sciences, and leadership. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences & Human Performance from Nicholls State University, complemented by over 30 additional credit hours in various disciplines. Mrs. Theriot possesses a deep expertise in educational safety and behavioral intervention, serving as a certified instructor for critical areas such as ALICE (Active Shooter Response), Crisis Prevention and Intervention, Targeted Violence & Terrorism Prevention, Stop-the-Bleed, and LA Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management, and LA Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management. Her skills also extend to mental health and well-being, with certifications in Mental Health & Psychological First Aid, Trauma Informed Practices, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). This comprehensive expertise is further strengthened by instructor roles in Restorative Practices, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies, showcasing a holistic approach to student and school community support. Mrs. Theriot’s extensive knowledge is reflected throughout her career, which began as a dedicated teacher for both regular and special education students. Upon leaving the classroom, she transitioned into leadership roles within the St. Mary Parish School District. She served as Curriculum Facilitator, developing and overseeing the K-5 curriculum in multiple subjects and providing professional development to teachers. In her role as Special Education & Legal Compliance Officer, she developed policy and procedure regarding discipline and behavior intervention for students with special needs, while ensuring the district’s full compliance with state and federal laws. As Alternative Program Supervisor, she redesigned the district’s alternative school, aligning it with state recommendations and integrating trauma-informed practices. Managing a team of 11 SEL Coaches, she served as the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coordinator, overseeing the development and implementation of a district-wide social-emotional and behavioral curriculum. In her final role for St. Mary Schools, she was the At-Risk Interventionist & School Safety Coordinator, where she collaborated with a multi-disciplinary team to develop district-wide procedures for behavioral threat assessment, bullying, and suicide prevention, along with district and school emergency operation plans. Joining the LA Center for Safe Schools in 2024 as an Area Coordinator, Mrs. Theriot has served as a Project Lead for the new Statewide K-12 School Anonymous Reporting Initiative and as a member of the LA Behavioral Threat Assessment & State Advisory Committee. Her career highlights a unique blend of classroom experience, strategic leadership, and specialized expertise in creating safe and supportive educational environments for all.

The inaugural Eradicate Hate Summit was a truly impressive gathering of leaders dedicated to finding lasting and effective solutions to violent extremism. I was particularly moved by the prominence given to survivors and family members of victims of hate and violence throughout the event. Their stories and those of so many others must be at the center of what we do and why we do it.
