About Mark Zirtzlaff
A trauma‑informed school safety leader committed to building predictable, emotionally safe environments for students and staff.
Mark Zirtzlaff is the Founder and Executive Director of Strategic Safety Initiatives at MZ Security Consulting and the creator of the TIRRA+™ framework, a trauma‑informed, behavior‑based approach that helps schools strengthen adult practices and build predictable systems of safety and trust. A Certified School Safety Professional and retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer, Mark brings a rare blend of operational discipline, emotional intelligence, and real‑world practicality to every district he partners with.
Authored Works
Protecting the Next Generation
A practical guide that helps educators understand how trauma, predictability, and adult behavior shape student safety. This book introduces core principles that later evolve into the TIRRA+™ framework.
Assessing the Future
A trauma‑informed resource that helps schools strengthen relational trust, adult clarity, and predictable systems of support. It provides developmentally aligned strategies for improving schoolwide safety practices.
TIRRA+™ Certified Dual‑Risk School Safety Evaluation and Validation Framework
A formal, trauma‑informed methodology for evaluating both physical and relational school safety. This framework provides a structured, developmentally aligned approach for identifying strengths, calibrating gaps, and guiding schools toward safer, more predictable environments for students and staff.
Leadership & Professional Journey
A Leadership Approach Rooted in Predictability and Care
Mark’s work begins with a simple truth: students feel safest when adults are steady, predictable, and emotionally attuned. Through the TIRRA+™ framework, he helps districts build trauma-informed systems that prioritize adult clarity, relational trust, and behavior-based support. His approach blends operational rigor with deep empathy, giving educators tools they can actually use in moments that matter.
A Career Built on Service and Systems Thinking
Before founding MZ Security Consulting, Mark served as a U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer, where he led teams through high-stakes missions with precision and care. That same mindset now drives his work with schools: clear roles, calm leadership, and systems that hold up under pressure. He brings decades of experience in crisis readiness, team development, and strategic communication, all tailored to the realities of school life.
Mark’s commitment to student well‑being extends beyond school safety and adult practices. He is actively involved in Distinguished Young Women (DYW), a national scholarship program that celebrates leadership, academic excellence, talent, and service. Through this work, he supports young women as they build confidence, strengthen their voice, and develop the real‑world skills that help them thrive—interviewing, public speaking, self‑expression, and disciplined goal‑setting.
Whether he’s mentoring students, helping them prepare for high‑stakes moments, or guiding them through emotionally challenging situations, Mark brings the same trauma‑informed principles that shape his work with districts: predictable support, clear expectations, and relationships built on trust. His involvement with DYW reflects a broader belief that safety and success grow from strong communities and caring adults who show up consistently for young people.
“I’ve seen what happens when systems fail, both in the military and in schools, and I’ve seen what’s possible when adults show up with clarity and care. This work isn’t just about protocols. It’s about trust. It’s about giving educators the tools they need to respond—not react—and helping students feel safe enough to learn, grow, and thrive.”