Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Sersansie.
Hi Mark, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the Los Angeles area where my three sisters and I were raised by a single immigrant mother. My father left when I was just 7 years old. I was a pretty broken kid enduring severe abuse, poverty, and neglect. I constantly worried about where we were going to live, and where my next meal was coming from, and carried the weight of supporting my family from a young age. I had anger issues and was often suspended from school for fighting.
In my youth, I was blessed (even though at the time I didn’t fully appreciate it) by two amazing mentors. Cliff Specht was super tough on me and when I became a father I began to understand why. Kent Carter and his family were gracious enough to take me in as a “Manny” of sorts for their three girls. Kent was a wonderful communicator who processed through my issues and life with me, much like I do with youth today. These two men greatly impacted and changed the course of my life and I have never forgotten the lessons they taught me.
I have always been involved with youth. From coaching my children through high school to mentoring hundreds of other kids and teens in and outside of sports. Youth have always gravitated to me; seeking my guidance and advice and I’ve always found ways to be involved with troubled youth within my community as well.
While raising boys as a single father, I sought out ways to show my children how to be grateful for the things they have and help others by serving the less fortunate in our community. I donated many hours/days volunteering with my sons at the local homeless shelter. I eventually became the Chairman of the shelter and spearheaded many events. I educated schools in the area about homelessness and stigmas. I connected homeless youth and youth who were more fortunate. This is where the magic happened.
Seeing change, real change, was amazing.
While in Utah and because of my credentials, I started working as a youth transport agent assisting in high-risk major crisis intervention. Seeing it from behind the scenes, I knew the industry could do much better. Safety. Dignity. Respect. Empathy and compassion; were were much sorely lacking. Change from within would not take root so, I started my own company and have been fortunate to partner with some truly amazing programs, families, and mental health/corrections professionals who have a real desire to help youth in need.
As a transport agent, my job is to assist parents and guardians with protective intervention. It’s heartbreaking to see families hurting and our job is to mitigate trauma. I always treat the young men and women in my care as if they were my own and it’s amazing the conversations and opportunities for teaching, learning, and growth this opens. My tough upbringing makes me feel especially connected with and empathetic to the experiences these youth are going through.
Additionally, and because of my background working in state and local investigations, corrections, and working with youth, I was approached to acquire the proper certifications and education to become a government contractor as a CHTI (Certified Human Trafficking Investigator). I acquired my Private Investigators License and was tactically trained. I became a seasoned operator with proven tactical, surveillance, and investigative experience.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road but completely worth it. I needed to go through my struggles as a youth, teen, father, husband, and friend.
Becoming a single full-time father raising a strong young man. Being true to you even though others may not see your vision. Overcoming personal demons that were gifted to me by my upbringing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Throughout his personal and professional life, Mark Sersansie has been involved with and shown outstanding commitment to helping youth of all ages, stages, and circumstances. He studied Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology and Japanese. From there Mark worked as a government contract investigator, was a member of a specialized Task Force for Missing and Exploited Children, and eventually became a Certified Human Trafficking and Cyber Intelligence Investigator, with over 50 rescues as an operator.
A path that leads him to also become a Teen Runaway Location Expert, Youth Transport Facilitator, and Licensed Private Investigator. His passion and life’s mission were clear; to help as many youth as he could. Using his specific skill set, but also his empathy, compassion, and relatability to children. Mark helps them feel seen, safe, and empowered. A combination that has served his “kids” and their guardians well.
Mark’s passion for helping youth flows into other areas of his life as well as a member of various school boards and as chairman for one of the largest family homeless shelters in Orange County. He’s also coached football, wrestling, and Jiu-Jitsu at various levels.
Drawing from these decades of experience with thousands of youth he’s coached, rescued, fostered, helped, and mentored, Mark understands one of the most significant ways to protect the vulnerable is to educate youth and their guardians about the realities and dangers of traffickers in today’s world of social media, and how easy it is for traffickers to approach and exploit the young.
– Certificates of Training include –
Board Certified Human Trafficking Investigator (CHTI)
Board Certified Cyber Intelligence Investigator (CCII)
ACAMS Certificate Fighting Modern Slavery and HT
ACAMS Certificate Fighting Modern Slavery and HT US Sex and Exploitation
ACAMS Certificate Online Child Exploitation with Financial Intelligence
Certificate Polaris Human Trafficking 101 training
USIAHT (US Institute Against Human Trafficking) Educator Certification
Mcain Institute Project Starfish Certified HT Awareness Educator
USIAHT Traffic Free Zone Certification
USIAHT Certification in Human Trafficking 101
Canadian Certified Human Trafficking Training for Professionals Certificate
Canadian Certified Training Initiative, Human Trafficking
Canadian Certified Human Trafficking, Law Enforcement
Degree Criminal Justice
Licensed Private Investigator
First Aid/CPR Certified
NFHS Certificate in Bullying Hazing and Inappropriate Behavior
PCAU Certificate in “Keeping Kids Safe”
– TACTICAL TRAINING –
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2012 – 2023)
Concealed Carry Weapon License (Multiple States)
California POST PC 832 Certification (Police Officer Standard and Training)
USCCA Range Safety Officer
Close Quarters Combat Certified
– ACCOMPLISHMENTS/EXPERIENCE –
5 years+ of Operational Experience and 15 Years of State Investigation Experience
10 Years juvenile corrections
Board Member Village of Hope Shelter.
20+ years volunteer for various at-risk programs.
-2012 – IBJJF Pan American Games, Gold Medalist, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
2018 – IBJJF World Masters, Gold Medalist, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
2014/2023 St. George Marathon Finisher.
–
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Coach, 10 years Youth wrestling, Coach, 20 years
youth football, Coach, 15 years
youth baseball & soccer, Coach, 5 years.
– Languages –
Fluent in Japanese
Conversational Dutch
Conversational Spanish.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I have come to realize this quote to be true. “Luck is when preparation and opportunity meet.” My son was playing high school football in CA. Covid happened so all sports were halted. I asked my son what he wanted to do. “All I want to do Dad is play football.” With family and connections in Utah, we decided to make the move to Utah 5 years ago.
His dream was to play Division 1 football and my dream was to do more for youth and make a living out of it. If it weren’t for Covid we would not have been closer to the family we love, and would not have found my unique career that fits me. And my son is now playing football at SUU as a linebacker.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.globalyouthservices.com and www.newdirectionyouthtransport.com
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mark-s-9a7761288
