David J. Schonfeld, M.D., FAAP , is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician and Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and Children'e(tm)s Hospital Los Angeles. He is Chair of the National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters and a former member of the Executive Committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children and Disasters; he served on the National Biodefense Science Board from 2018 to 2021 and as a Commissioner for both the National Commission on Children and Disasters and the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission in Connecticut. Dr. Schonfeld has authored over 150 scholarly articles, book chapters, and books. He has provided consultation and training on school crisis and pediatric bereavement for over 35 years in the aftermath of numerous school crisis events and disasters within the United States and abroad.
He has also conducted school-based research (funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, William T. Grant Foundation, and other foundations) involving children'e(tm)s understanding of and adjustment to serious illness and death and school-based interventions to promote adjustment and risk prevention. Marcia Quackenbush, M.S., MFT , is a licensed family therapist. She has more than 20 years of clinical mental health experience, much of which has been focused on children, adolescents, and families of people living with life-changing conditions or people coping with serious, potentially life-threatening illness in themselves or family members. Ms. Quackenbush has written extensively in the health education and bereavement fields, publishing numerous articles, curricula, and books.
Thomas P. Demaria, Ph.D. , is a clinical and school psychologist and Fellow in both the Trauma and Clinical Divisions of the American Psychological Association. He has over 20 years of experience in behavioral health leadership and is recognized for his accomplishments as a teacher and mentor. Dr. Demaria was recognized by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies for his clinical excellence for his work with World Trade Center families and first responders and mentorship of students. He was honored as a Distinguished Fellow for his extraordinary time, energy, and service contributed to the profession of psychology by the New York State Psychological Association and is a two-time recipient of the New York State Liberty Award for community service following disasters.
Dr. Demaria assists with coordination of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement'e(tm)s Coalition to Support Grieving Students initiative and provides consultation to schools dealing with crisis and loss.