EDUCATION

Capella University, Minneapolis, MN (In Progress) Apr. 2026

Ph.D., Emergency Management

Dissertation: Barriers to the Adoption of K-12 Options-Based Response Active Shooter Protocols: A qualitative study among Idaho high school administrators. (In Progress)

National University, San Diego, CA Mar. 2019

Master of Science, Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society

National University, San Diego, CA Nov. 2017

Bachelor of Science, Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Minor, Criminal Justice Administration

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Hailey Police Department 2022 - Present

School Resource Officer/Patrol Officer

• Provide law enforcement and police services to the school, school grounds, and areas adjacent to the school. Investigate allegations of criminal incidents per department policy. Enforce state and local laws and ordinances.

• Assist school administrators in emergency crisis planning and building security matters. Provide on-going training for school personnel in emergency preparedness and handling crisis situations. Establish and maintain a close partnership with school administrators in order to provide a safe school learning environment.

LGBTQ+ Community Liaison 

• Responsible for being the point of contact for organizations and individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. 

• Assist with investigation as a liaison and resource for cases involving members of the LGBTQ+ community.

• Responsible for providing training to agency personnel on issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. 

Key Accomplishments

• 2023 Hailey Police Department Officer of the Year.

• 2023 National Association of School Resource Officers Model Agency Award.

• Developed the Blaine County School District (BCSD) #61 Standard Command Response emergency protocols, staff professional development, and drills.

• Assisted BCSD #61 in identifying, adopting, and training site-based threat assessment teams in the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) protocols. BCSD #61 District Threat Assessment Advisory Group. 

• Established Todd D. Peck Law Enforcement Endowment Scholarship raising more than $12,00.00.

• President, Idaho Association of School Resource Officers. Raised more than $100,000.0 for statewide SRO training.

Campus Safety Alliance 2018 - Present

Director of Strategic Planning & Training

• Campus Safety Alliance is a network of emergency management professionals, law enforcement trainers, and educational leaders providing evidence-based safety solutions for PreK-12 facilities and faith-based organizations.

• Ensure clients are aligned to the Department of Homeland Security’s National Preparedness mission goals by providing threat vulnerability assessments, developing policies/procedures, and conducting risk management training.

Key Accomplishments

• More than 17,000 students, 2,500 educators, and 1,500 law enforcement and military personnel trained and educated in active assailant response.

Academe Grove 501(c)(3) 2018 – 2022

Founder/Director 

• Academe Grove empowers students, educators, and first responders by mobilizing our community to provide innovative solutions for safety enhancements and training.

Key Accomplishments

• Designed, coordinated and hosted the K-12 Keynote Conference.

• Raised $25,000.00 for Blaine County School District #61 to purchase the Threat Assessment & Planning Program for Behavioral Intervention Teams.

Defensive Tactics and Firearms 2014 - Present

Chief Firearms Instructor

• Defensive Tactics and Firearms provides reality-based training to responsible citizens, military personnel, law enforcement officers, and first responders.

• Ensure each student/firearm instructor has a productive, challenging, and meaningful experience in the classroom or on the firing range.

Key Accomplishments

• Trained and educated more than 15,000 citizens, law enforcement, and military service members since inception.

MILITARY EXPERIENCE

United States Marine Corps 2004 - 2015

Infantry Unit Leader MOS: 0369

• Managed the morale, welfare, training and accountability of a  forty-man team.

• Maintained records and researched training requirements ensuring mission readiness.

• Provided logistical coordination and accountability for over $6 million dollars of sensitive equipment. 

Sensor Surveillance Operator MOS:  8621

• Served as Section Leader of the Sensor Employment Team (SET) in support of Joint Task Force (JTF) - North and the United States Border Patrol (USBP).

• Deployed ground sensors and provided support to USBP resulting in 999 lbs of seized narcotics worth over $879,600.00 and the detention of 186 undocumented persons.

• Served as Team Chief for a Reconnaissance & Surveillance Team.  Conducted comprehensive threat vulnerability assessment enhancing base security resulting in the disruption of smuggling operations from Somalia into the area of operations.

Officer Selection Assistant MOS: 8411

• Canvassed for, screened, and interviewed over 150 potential employees for highly skilled positions.

• Mentored, prepared, and motivated candidates prior to conducting initial training.

• Designed a marketing plan for the target audience.

Infantry Squad Leader MOS: 0311

• Supervised a 13 man squad ensuring accountability of equipment and serialized gear valued at more than $100,000.00.

• Advised, trained, and guided squad members in leadership, technical proficiency, and professional development.

• Conducted detailed analysis and planning in order to successfully lead over 200 missions in a combat zone.

MILITARY AWARDS

• Combat Action Ribbon

• Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal

• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd Award)

• Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award)

CONSULTING & EXPERT WITNESS CASES

Rebecca Roe, et al. v. Debbie Critchfield, et al. (ID)

• Provided expert affidavit and consulted with petitioner regarding experiences as a School Resource Officer in relation to LGBTQ+ students. 2023.

Lana Rae Renna, et al. v. Xavier Becerra and Luis Lopes (CA)

• Consulted with petitioner and conducted research on the legitimacy of California’s “Unsafe Handgun Act”. 2022.

Police Benevolent Association of the City New York, Inc. v. New York City Police Department (NY)

• Testified as an expert witness and consulted with petitioner on best-practices in training and equipping front line officers responding to an active shooter incident. 2021.

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department v. Eric Noel Dickerhoff (CA)

• Provided expert affidavit regarding the conduct of the petitioner’s threat investigation and findings related to a Gun Violence Restraining Order. 2020.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

National Association of School Resource Officer National School Safety Conference

• “Two Decades of School Shootings: Lessons for Prevention & Response”, 2024

• “Threat Assessment: A Partnership for Law Enforcement and Educators”, 2024

Idaho Association of School Resource Officers Annual Conference

• “Threat Assessment: A Partnership for Law Enforcement and Educators”, 2024

Idaho Stronger Together Conference

• “Trauma-Informed Drills: Reducing Fear & Increasing Response”, 2023

• “Threat Assessments & Investigations: The Role of School Resource Officers”, 2023

University of Idaho, Project ECHO Idaho K12 Substance Use Prevention & Treatment 

• “The Role of Juvenile Justice and School Resource Officers in Substance Use Intervention and Diversion Programs”, 2023

• K12 Substance Use Prevention & Treatment Expert Panel, 2023/2024 (in progress)

International Law Enforcement Educators & Trainers Association National Conference

• “Building Solo-Officer Response Programs”, 2022

• Active Threat Expert Panel, 2022

• “K-12 Active Shooters: What We Know”, 2021

• Active Shooter/Ambush Expert Panel, 2021

•  “Beyond Run, Hide, Fight”, 2019

• Active Shooter Expert Panel, 2019

K-12 Keynote Conference

• “K-12 Active Shooters: What We Know”, 2021

A Girl & A Gun National Conference

• “The Tueller Theory”, 2021

U.S. Law Shield Seminar

• “Active Shooter Survival”, 2020

National Tactical Officers Association, Law Enforcement Operations Conference

• “K-12 Active Shooter: The Knowledge to Win”, 2019

California School Board Associations Annual Education Conference 

• “One District’s Journey to Safer Campuses”, 2019

School Safety Advocacy Council National School Safety Summit 

• “Leadership Panel: A District's Journey to Safer Campuses”, 2019

• “Beyond Run, Hide, Fight”, 2019

National Church Safety & Security Conference

• “Considerations for Arming a Security Ministry”, 2019

PUBLICATIONS

Ballis, M. (2023). Clean Slate Act: Legislation provides juvenile offenders a fresh start. NASRO Journal of School Safety.

Ballis, M. (2022). K-12 Emergency Response Protocols. American Police Beat Magazine.

Ballis, M. (2022). Lockdown vs Options-Based Response. American Police Beat Magazine.

Ballis, M. (2022). Cover or Concealment? Maximize your environment. American Police Beat   Magazine.

Ballis, M. (2022). Solo Officer Response: Foundation for effective active killer response training. American Police Beat Magazine.

Ballis, M. (2022). Developing trauma-informed training and drills for K-12 schools. American Police Beat Magazine.

Ballis, M. (2022). So you want to be a civilian firearms trainer? Five tips to turn your passion into a paycheck. American Police Beat Magazine

Ballis, M. (2022). 1st Marine Division Ethos: Theory and application for frontline officers. American Police Beat Magazine.

Ballis, M. (2022). Parkland, Four Years Later. American Police Beat Magazine.

Ballis, M. (2021). Two Decades of School Active Shooter Incidents: What we know. American Police Beat Magazine.

Ballis, M. (2021). Beyond the Badge: Preparing for an Off-Duty Encounter. American Police Beat Magazine.

Ballis, M. (2021). Supporting K-12 Schools. American Police Beat Magazine.

Ballis, M. (2021). K-12 Active Shooters: What We Know. The ILEETA Journal, 11(1).

Ballis, M. (2019). Beyond “Run, Hide, Fight” How Trainers Fail their Audience. The ILEETA Journal, 9(1).

CURRICULUM PROVIDER & ROLL CALL VIDEOS 

Virtual Academy

• Building K-12 Options-Based Response Programs (curriculum)

• K-12 Active Shooter: Mindset to Win (curriculum)

• High Threat Ballistics Lab, (curriculum)

• Shooting Through a Windshield: Outside of a Vehicle (roll call)

• Consideration of Using Your Vehicle as Cover (roll call)

• Preparations: Responses to Active Violence (roll call)

• Responding to a K-12 Active Shooter (roll call)

• Importance of Training Techniques (roll call)

• Advice for Domestic Attacks (roll call)

PM AM HCM Academy Training

• Active Assailant Response (curriculum)

• Terrorism Prevention (curriculum)

PoliceOne Academy

• Children and Options-Based Responses for Active Assailants (roll call)

• Getting Buy-In from Stakeholders in Active Shooter Training (roll call)

• Gaps in Run, Hide, Fight (roll call)

LAW ENFORCEMENT CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

• Idaho Peace Officers Standards & Training

  • Intermediate Peace Officer

  • Basic Peace Officer

• National Association of School Resource Officers

• Advance School Resource Officer

• Basic School Resource Officer

• NCBRT/Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education, Louisiana State University, Law Enforcement Active Shooter Emergency Response Trainer

• Advance Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, Texas State University

• Active Attack Integrated Response Trainer

• Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Trainer

• International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Training & Standards, Nationally Certified Instructor

• Out to Protect, LGBT Law Enforcement Liaison Academy

• LGBT Awareness for Law Enforcement Trainer

• Hate Crimes Investigations

• National Rifle Association, Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor

CIVILIAN ACTIVE THREAT PREVENTION, RESPONSE & RECOVERY CERTIFICATIONS

• San Diego County Office of Education, Options Based Response/Active Shooter Trainer

• American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, Stop the Bleed Instructor

• Navigate 360, Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines LvL 1

• SecFor International, Certified Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Specialist

• Last Resort Firearms Training, Active Shooter Instructor

• I Love U Guys, Standard Reunification Method

• ALICE Institute, ALICE Instructor

CIVILIAN FIREARM CERTIFICATIONS

• Massad Ayoob Group, Deadly Force Instructor

• Tom Givens, Rangemaster Instructor

• Active Self Protection, Instructor

• National Rifle Association, Training Counselor

• Certified Rifle Instructor

• Certified Pistol Instructor

• Certified Shotgun Instructor

• Chief Range Safety Officer

• Concealed Carry Weapon Instructor

• Refuse to be a Victim Seminar Instructor

• Personal Protection Inside the Home Instructor

• Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor

• United States Concealed Carry Association

• Concealed Carry

• Home Defense Instructor

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATIONS

• FEMA, Implementing Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience IS-00921

• FEMA, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incident IS-00200

• FEMA, Introduction to FEMA's Public Assistance Program IS-00634

• FEMA, Applications of GIS Emergency Management IS-00922

• FEMA, Introduction to Incident Command Systems IS-00100

• FEMA, The National Infrastructure Protection Plan IS-00860 

• FEMA, Social Media in Emergency Management IS-00042

• FEMA, National Disaster Recovery Framework IS-02900

• FEMA, National Incident Management System IS-00700

• FEMA, Public Information Officer Awareness IS-00029

• FEMA, Introduction to Individual Assistance IS-00403 

• FEMA, Introduction to Hazardous Materials IS-5.A

• FEMA, National Response Framework IS-00800

• FEMA, Local Damage Assessment IS-00559 

• FEMA, Active Shooter IS-00907

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS CERTIFICATIONS

• USMC, Reconnaissance & Surveillance Course

• USMC, Sensor Surveillance Operator’s Course

• USMC, Infantry Unit Leaders Course

• USMC, Basic Recruiter School

• USMC, Combat Life Savers

• USMC, School of Infantry

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

• International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training , Member/National Trainer

• F.B.I. InfraGard, Idaho Member Alliance & InfraGard Speakers Bureau, Member

• International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors, Member

• International Law Enforcement Educators & Trainers Association, Member

• Idaho Association of School Resource Officers, Member/President 

• National Association of School Resource Officers, Member

• U.S. Law Shield, Member/National Trainer

• Fraternal Order of Police, Member