About Us
At Instructor Z & Associates International, we believe training should do more than transfer information.
It should shape professionals, sharpen judgment, and raise the standard of performance.
Founded by internationally recognized law enforcement trainer Antonio “Instructor Z” Zarzoza, our organization is dedicated to advancing professional training for law enforcement, corrections, and public safety professionals.
Our programs combine real-world experience, modern learning science, and intentional instructional design to create training that is practical, engaging, and built for the realities of the profession.
Through Instructor Z’s systems and methodologies—including frameworks such as S.T.A.R.T., E.N.D.I.T., and Z-Logic™ training intelligence—we help instructors, agencies, and organizations transform the way training is designed and delivered.
The result is training that is not only informative, but impactful, memorable, and operationally relevant.
Antonio Zarzoza, "Instructor Z"
Founder
Veronica Zarzoza
Managing Director.
Veronica Zarzoza serves as the Managing Director of Instructor Z & Associates International, overseeing the organization’s daily operations and strategic coordination. As the company expanded in both reach and services, she transitioned full-time into this role to support its continued growth and professionalism.
An expe
Managing Director.
Veronica Zarzoza serves as the Managing Director of Instructor Z & Associates International, overseeing the organization’s daily operations and strategic coordination. As the company expanded in both reach and services, she transitioned full-time into this role to support its continued growth and professionalism.
An experienced mental health professional and writer, Veronica brings discipline, insight, and compassion to the organization. Her leadership helps ensure the company’s mission of delivering high-quality training and services to the public safety community continues to grow and thrive.
Nicky Moon
Client Services Manager.
Nicky Moon serves as the Client Services Manager at Instructor Z & Associates International, where she supports our students, clients, and training partners by helping coordinate programs and ensuring a professional and responsive experience.
A former U.S. Air Force service member and corrections professional in th
Client Services Manager.
Nicky Moon serves as the Client Services Manager at Instructor Z & Associates International, where she supports our students, clients, and training partners by helping coordinate programs and ensuring a professional and responsive experience.
A former U.S. Air Force service member and corrections professional in the State of Florida, Nicky brings discipline, professionalism, and a strong commitment to service in supporting the mission and operations of the organization.
TRAINING ASSOCIATES
Emanuel Diaz.
Efrain Barrientos
Larry Mendez IV
Training Associate.
Emanuel Diaz serves as a Training Associate with Instructor Z & Associates International. He is a full-time police officer with the Laredo Police Department, a Master Police Instructor, Certified Crisis Intervention Trainer, and experienced Field Training Officer.
Emanuel specializes in use of force, effective communica
Training Associate.
Emanuel Diaz serves as a Training Associate with Instructor Z & Associates International. He is a full-time police officer with the Laredo Police Department, a Master Police Instructor, Certified Crisis Intervention Trainer, and experienced Field Training Officer.
Emanuel specializes in use of force, effective communication strategies, public information officer training, and social media management for law enforcement. Known for his commitment to service, he is also a dedicated baseball coach, husband, and father who brings the same passion and leadership to the classroom as he does to his community.
Larry Mendez IV
Efrain Barrientos
Larry Mendez IV
Training Associate.
Larry Mendez IV serves as a Training Associate with Instructor Z & Associates International. He is a Texas Ranger with the Texas Department of Public Safety and an Advanced Instructor, bringing extensive experience in law enforcement leadership and training.
Larry is also a John Maxwell Certified Leadership Coach and Tra
Training Associate.
Larry Mendez IV serves as a Training Associate with Instructor Z & Associates International. He is a Texas Ranger with the Texas Department of Public Safety and an Advanced Instructor, bringing extensive experience in law enforcement leadership and training.
Larry is also a John Maxwell Certified Leadership Coach and Trainer, specializing in leadership development, proactive policing, and instructor development. A dedicated family man with a strong sense of service, he brings professionalism, insight, and real-world perspective to every training environment.
Efrain Barrientos
Efrain Barrientos
Efrain Barrientos
Training Associate.
Jose Efrain Barrientos serves as a Training Associate with Instructor Z & Associates International. A former teacher in the State of California, he built a distinguished career in law enforcement with more than two decades of service, including work as a Deputy Sheriff and Task Force Officer with the FBI in South Texas
Training Associate.
Jose Efrain Barrientos serves as a Training Associate with Instructor Z & Associates International. A former teacher in the State of California, he built a distinguished career in law enforcement with more than two decades of service, including work as a Deputy Sheriff and Task Force Officer with the FBI in South Texas. He currently serves as a Senior Deputy Constable with Hidalgo County Precinct 5.
An Advanced Instructor with a passion for learning and teaching, Jose specializes in officer wellness training. Through his powerful seminar CodeBrew, he shares a compelling story of survival and resilience that challenges audiences to reflect, persevere, and never give up.
Alma Garzoria
Efrain Barrientos
Efrain Barrientos
Training Associate.
Alma Garzoria serves as a Training Associate with Instructor Z & Associates International. She is an Advanced Instructor and Master Jailer in Texas, currently serving with the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office as a trainer.
Alma specializes in PREA compliance, investigations, and training, as well as verbal communication
Training Associate.
Alma Garzoria serves as a Training Associate with Instructor Z & Associates International. She is an Advanced Instructor and Master Jailer in Texas, currently serving with the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office as a trainer.
Alma specializes in PREA compliance, investigations, and training, as well as verbal communication for corrections personnel. A crisis/hostage negotiator and prison gang expert, she is known for her attention to detail, discipline, and compassion. A long-time student of Instructor Z since the beginning of her training career, Alma progressed through the ranks from basic to advanced instructor and now serves as an associate trainer dedicated to elevating corrections training