Every student deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, supported, and valued. The Northwest Educational Service District (NWESD) 189 School Safety & Wellness Center exists to make that vision a reality for schools across Northwest Washington.

A Regional Resource for Safety and Well-Being

The School Safety & Wellness Center (SSWC) was established in response to state legislation that called for stronger systems to promote both physical safety and mental wellness in schools. As one of nine regional centers across Washington, NWESD 189’s center serves as a hub for prevention, intervention, and coordination — helping schools prepare for emergencies, respond to threats, prevent or respond to suicide, and foster positive school climates.

“Our mission is to ensure that students, staff, and visitors are safe — physically, emotionally, socially, and academically,” says the SSWC team. “Safety is more than security; it’s about belonging, connection, and care.”

What the Center Does

The School Safety & Wellness Center offers a range of services and support for school districts throughout the region. Key areas include:

  • Behavioral Health Navigation: Connecting students and families with community mental health resources, guiding referrals, and helping districts build coordinated systems of care. Contact: Ashia Smock, Behavioral Health Navigator
  • Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Assisting schools with safety and emergency operations plans, crisis communication, and coordination with law enforcement and first responders. Coordinates with community partners to promote safe, equitable, and resilient school environments. Contact: Erum Mohiuddin, School Safety Coordinator
  • Student Threat Assessment: Supporting multi-disciplinary teams to identify, assess, and manage potential threats or concerning behaviors, with a focus on prevention and early intervention. Contact: Mike Luvera, Threat Assessment Coordinator
  • Training and Professional Development: Providing workshops and courses on topics like trauma-informed practices, emergency preparedness, threat management, and suicide prevention. Contact: safetycenter@nwesd.org
  • Community Partnership Programs: Initiatives such as Handle With Care, which helps schools support students who have experienced trauma or crisis outside of school. Contact: Erin Bafaro, School Safety Program Manager

A Team Focused on Care and Collaboration

The SSWC is staffed by a team of educators, mental health professionals, and safety experts who bring deep experience in school systems, counseling, and crisis response. They partner closely with school districts, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), statewide partners in school safety, local law enforcement, and community mental health providers.

This collaborative approach ensures that safety is not handled in isolation — it’s integrated into every aspect of a school’s culture and operations.

More Than Compliance — It’s Culture

The work of the SSWC goes beyond checking boxes on state requirements. It’s about building a culture of care and readiness—where students know they are seen and supported, and where staff have the tools to respond calmly and effectively to challenges.

Through its training, newsletters, and online events such as Thrive on Thursdays, the center provides ongoing learning and connection for school teams across the region. Each effort reinforces the idea that safe schools are not just secure buildings, but caring communities.

Impact and Vision

By supporting consistent, trauma-informed practices across multiple school districts, the NWESD 189 School Safety & Wellness Center helps create the conditions for every student to thrive. Its work strengthens communication, increases preparedness, and promotes the kind of well-being that fuels both academic success and lifelong resilience.

As schools continue to face complex safety and mental health challenges, the SSWC stands as a model of collaboration, compassion, and commitment — proving that safety and wellness are inseparable foundations of education.