Tutalo Consultants reshapes the future of workplace culture.
With a focus on maritime and military organizations, we identify cultural problems and design solutions to enhance performance, efficiency, safety, recruitment, and retention. We envision an empowered maritime and military industry where all individuals feel valued and the need for cultural transformation no longer exists.
Our Mission & Vision
Because when cultures are accountable, people are empowered to act.
Because when workplaces are healthy, employees produce better results.
Because when respect is the standard, mission effectiveness follows.
We’re not here to check boxes. We’re here to build lasting change.
Tutalo Consultants was born out of that commitment—to disrupt toxic cultures, to challenge complacency, and to lead organizations in building environments rooted in accountability, respect, and prevention.
Today, Patti is not only a recognized leader in the prevention and response to Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH),but also a proven expert in reshaping organizational culture.
Why We Exist
The Origin Story of an Intrepid Advocate
Tutalo Consultants was founded in 2021 by retired Coast Guard Commander Patti Tutalo—a service-disabled veteran, who had the courage to speak up when it mattered most.
While assigned to the Naval Academy Preparatory School, Patti was responsible for overseeing 100 midshipmen and cadets. One day, she received a call from a father who believed his daughter had been sexually assaulted over the weekend. Patti immediately acted—ensuring the young woman received urgent medical care and reporting the incident to her commanding officer.
Our Story
What happened next changed everything.
Instead of support, Patti was met with resistance. Her commanding officer took deliberate steps to interfere with and ultimately shut down the investigation. Unwilling to stand by, Patti made a bold decision that risked her career: she bypassed the chain of command and reported the incident directly to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at the Naval Academy.
Despite her courage, the outcome was devastating. The perpetrator faced no consequences. The officer who obstructed justice remained in position. And the survivor—too traumatized to continue—left the military, her career cut short by a system that failed to protect her.
She saw firsthand how unprepared and unwilling institutions could be when it came to protecting their own. She realized the status quo wasn’t just broken—it was dangerous. And she committed to being part of the solution.
That failure lit a fire in Patti.
The Cuttlefish: A Symbol of Adaptability, Intelligence, and Strength
At Tutalo Consultants, our symbolic mascot is the Cuttlefish—a master of adaptation and resilience in the sea. This remarkable creature embodies the qualities we bring to our work, helping organizations navigate challenges with intelligence, agility, and heart.
Brilliant Mind
With one of the largest brain-to-body ratios among invertebrates, the cuttlefish is exceptionally intelligent—just like the strategic thinking we apply to problem-solving.
Eight Arms
Think of it as expert juggling. In a well-functioning system, all parts work seamlessly together—just like the solutions we craft for our clients.
Three Hearts
Every client is valued, and we infuse empathy, care, and dedication into every aspect of our work.
Master of Camouflage
The ability to adapt to any situation is a superpower, and we embrace it to meet every challenge head-on.
Sophisticated Vision
With forward- and backward-facing eyes, the cuttlefish see in ways others can’t—mirroring our ability to analyze workplace dynamics with precision.
Cuttlebone Buoyancy
This unique internal structure allows cuttlefish to control their buoyancy. Just like them, we help organizations stay afloat while navigating complex waters.
Just like the cuttlefish, we embrace change, think critically, and move with purpose—helping our clients thrive in any environment.
Patti Tutalo, Founder & CEO
Patti Tutalo has been transforming workplace cultures through a systems-based lens for over 15 years. A former military officer and trained mental health counselor, she specializes in guiding maritime and military organizations toward healthier, high-performing environments.
With 20 years of service in the United States Coast Guard, Patti brings deep operational insight and lived leadership experience to every engagement. Her educational journey is just as impressive: she holds an Executive Education Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School, a Master’s in Holistic Counseling from Salve Regina University, and a Bachelor’s in Management from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. She’s also a certified Reiki Master, adding a unique layer of emotional intelligence and mindfulness to her work.
Patti’s diverse career path and personal growth story give her a rare blend of strategic expertise and genuine relatability. She doesn’t just consult—she connects, empowers, and leads with intention.
Originally from the Pittsburgh area, Patti is a proud Steelers fan and fluent in Pittsburghese. She now lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two teenagers, where she continues her mission to shape cultures that allow people—and organizations—to thrive.
- The Department of Homeland Security’s Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award (2018)
- Coast Guard Women’s Leadership Initiative Compass Award 2019
Special Recognitions
- World Maritime University in Sweden
- Women Offshore Conference
- Women in Defense Conference
- Tall Ships America
Speaking Engagements
- Leadership is Tricky
- Marine Corps Women’s Initiative Team (WIT)
- Virginia Women's Veterans Summit
- Center for Ocean Policy and Economics (COPE) Podcast
Podcast Guest on
Brooklin Armaro,
Business Operations Manager
Brooklin brings over a decade of experience with a strong foundation in training and process improvement. Her career began in pharmacy services, where she quickly developed a reputation for building clear workflows, troubleshooting complex systems, and mentoring new staff. Over time, she transitioned into systems analysis roles, supporting large-scale healthcare platforms.
At Tutalo Consultants, Brooklin manages internal operations, project management, and program logistics, while also supporting content development and client communications. She brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented mindset to every project, with a focus on creating tools and processes that make teams more efficient and more connected.
A deep thinker and lifelong learner, Brooklin is passionate about meaningful work that supports people from the inside out. She enjoys a good challenge, loves learning new things, and is always looking for ways to grow. She and her husband, a U.S. Coast Guard member, live in sunny Key West, Florida.
Cassandra Willis,
Senior Analyst
Cassandra brings over 30 years of experience in education and data analysis to her role at Tutalo Consultants. She is a skilled expert in designing and implementing comprehensive surveys, interpreting both qualitative and quantitative data, and delivering cultural assessments that spark real, lasting change within organizations.
Her background includes teaching mathematics, statistics, engineering, and physics—giving her a deep understanding of systems thinking and analytical problem-solving. Cassandra holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Saint Vincent College and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on “Technology in the Classroom” from American Intercontinental University.
Cassandra’s impact extends beyond the workplace. She serves as a dedicated member and treasurer of the Mt. Pleasant Ruritan chapter, supporting civic and community causes. At home in Greeneville, Tennessee, she enjoys life on a farm with her husband and a joyful assortment of farm animals. She is also a proud Army mom—her son is currently serving in the U.S. military.
Lori Ulrich,
Marketing Consultant
Lori brings over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit world, where she mastered the art of “wearing many hats.” At a small but mighty environmental organization, she developed a wide-ranging skillset across marketing, branding, communications, membership, and fundraising—building messages that resonate and strategies that
drive connection.
Now at Tutalo Consultants, Lori brings fresh perspective and creative energy to our outreach efforts as we grow and expand our impact. Her background in mission-driven work gives her a deep appreciation for purposeful storytelling and values-aligned branding. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Cornell University.
Outside the office, Lori’s creativity flourishes in the garden and through art, design, and crafting. A passionate reader of historical fiction, she also finds joy and awe in the outdoors, especially while hiking and exploring natural spaces. A certified Virginia stream monitor, she’s deeply committed to environmental stewardship.
Lori is an active volunteer in her community, regularly giving her time to local parks, schools, and her kids’ sports teams. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and their three active teenagers.
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