By Ashley Wenter
As parents, we share a universal goal: to protect our children and provide them with a safe environment to grow and thrive. In today’s rapidly changing world, however, that mission feels more urgent and complex than ever. The challenges we face—from emerging threats in schools to the uncertainty of global events—demand a fresh approach to safety and resilience. We need a new safety playbook, one that reflects the realities of our times and starts where all meaningful change begins: at home, with moms leading the way.
As husband-and-wife business owners, Cory and I, combine our unique talents to make schools and places of worship safer for families like yours. Cory’s journey started with service in the Marine Corps, with experience in presidential security, disaster response, and martial arts instruction, before spending 17 years protecting one of the country’s largest synagogues with cutting-edge safety measures, and advanced security training and protocols. I am a former teacher and school administrator, and strive to bring a heartfelt understanding of what educators and families need to feel secure and thrive. Together, we built Pangaea Consulting—a company blending Cory’s safety and security expertise with my educational insight to create practical, effective safety solutions. Our partnership is proof that when strategy meets heart, extraordinary things happen for the people who matter most: our kids.
One of our core, guiding values is the unwavering belief that enhancing school safety should be driven by empowerment and proactive solutions, not by fear. Instead, here are three practical steps schools can take today:
- Develop Comprehensive Safety Plans: Schools need a clear, actionable safety plan that includes effective lockdown procedures, threat assessment teams, and communication protocols.
- Train Staff Effectively: Regular training for teachers, administrators, and support staff ensures they can respond confidently to emergencies. This includes drills and scenario-based learning to build muscle memory.
- Involve the Community: Safety is a shared responsibility. Schools can partner with local first responders, mental health professionals, and parents to create a culture of vigilance and support.
Parents, and particularly moms, play a unique and critical role in shaping safer schools and communities. A mother’s intuition, advocacy, and resilience can drive meaningful change in ways that no policy alone ever could. As a parent, you have a powerful voice in advocating for school safety improvements; we urge parents to use their voice, resources and skills to partner with their children’s schools:
- Ask Questions: Get involved, attend parent association meetings, and ask about the school’s safety protocols and plans.
- Partner with Other Parents: Create a group of like-minded parents who can advocate together for necessary changes.
- Encourage Staff Training: Encourage schools to invest in training for all staff members, from teachers to custodians, to ensure they’re prepared for emergencies.
- Support your School: Remember that school leaders are not safety and security experts. They signed up to be administrators and, the vast majority of the time, they care deeply about their community; they’re doing their best with a very challenging situation. Work in partnership with your school’s leadership, not against them.
Beyond advocating for safer schools, creating a secure and nurturing environment at home is just as vital. Drawing from a more nurturing perspective, I often focus on sharing small, practical steps that parents, especially moms, can integrate into daily life: Teaching safety skills through simple, approachable habits—like knowing emergency contacts, practicing “what-if” scenarios, and learning how to seek help—empowers kids to navigate challenging situations with confidence. Equally important is prioritizing their emotional well-being by talking openly about their fears and feelings. By creating a safe, judgment-free space for them to express themselves, we can help foster resilience and trust, ensuring they feel supported both emotionally and physically.
Being a mom comes with its share of challenges, but resilience can be cultivated with intention. Here are a few additional tips:
- Practice self-care: It’s not at all selfish to prioritize your well-being. In fact, it’s critical that you do. Taking time for yourself makes you a stronger and more present parent.
- Focus on what you can control: Rather than being consumed by uncertainty, channel your energy into actionable steps that benefit your family. For many, this includes taking necessary breaks from the news or social media, which can often send us into a spiral.
Running a business with your spouse can be an incredibly rewarding and challenging experience. Cory’s perspective complements mine in ways that strengthen our mission, especially in heightened moments. Admittedly, separating our work from our personal lives is no easy task, especially given the nature of what we do. However, our shared dedication to creating a safer world for children keeps us grounded and unwavering in our focus.
The most rewarding part of our work? Hearing from families and communities who feel empowered and hopeful after putting our strategies into action. At the end of the day, we are driven by the belief that together, we can create a safer, brighter future for the next generation.
One final piece of advice: Safety starts with advocacy. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, push for change, and stand firm in your role as a protector and leader for your family. After all, the new safety playbook begins with you.
Ashley Wenter is a passionate educator whose practice is embedded in servant leadership. Having served as both a K-12 administrator and secondary teacher, Ashley carries a unique insight: she understands the shifting responsibilities that fall on our nation’s educators and the necessity to create safe academic communities where true learning and growth can be uncovered. Ashley holds a BA in English from the University of Maryland, an MEd from California Lutheran University, and has earned recognition as ACSA Region 13 Administrator of the Year (2020) and Spirit of Conejo Teacher of the Year (2015). She now co-owns Pangaea Consulting, a safety and security firm that focuses their efforts on creating safer school communities around the country.