Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Volunteer Experience
Timeline
Generic

Celina Hilton Gardenhire

Avon

Summary

Dynamic HR leader with extensive experience at Lorain Correctional Institution, excelling in policy writing and regulatory compliance. Proven track record in employee engagement and talent acquisition, successfully implementing strategic initiatives that enhanced workforce planning and retention. Adept at fostering community partnerships and driving organizational development to achieve operational excellence.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Personnel Director

Lorain Correctional Institution
Grafton
11.2020 - Current
  • Plans workforce needs and implements strategic HR initiatives and action plans, manages position roster and ensures compliance, tracks, monitors, and certifies claims and advises employees regarding Family Medical Leave Act, coordinates requests for and review of independent medical evaluations to determine fitness for duty, oversees return to work program, manages disability separations and reinstatements to return employees to work timely and in compliance with applicable regulations, tracks, monitors compliance and advises appointing authority regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), tracks, processes and monitors unemployment compensation claims and serves as management representative at unemployment compensation hearings.
  • Conducts exit interviews, runs reports and gathers data to notify Labor Relations of staff for placement on physician verification, formulates and implements HR policies and procedure at the institution ensuring compliance with and provides guidance and information to management and staff regarding DRC and DAS policies and procedures, applicable collective bargaining agreements and state and federal law, oversees and manages processes in filling vacant positions, participates in employee orientation program, maintains tables of organization, coordinates, tracks, processes and advises regarding performance evaluations, directly supervises payroll officer(s) in assigned institution(s) and oversees and ensures the timely and accurate processing of payroll, ensures and/or provides coverage of payroll as needed (e.g., in cases of emergency, when necessary to give breaks and/or lunch relief to staff, to avoid mandatory overtime, to allow the release of employees for approved activities, to provide coverage for no shows), approves requests for leave and other payroll documents, identifies training needs and conducts or arranges for training opportunities (e.g., on-the-job and in-service).
  • Responsible for CIM planning regarding recruitment and retention to ensure the intricacies of attracting, assessing, and retaining talent. Monitor staff COVID levels and maintain the LorCI's COVID Tracking Spreadsheet. Attend CQI meetings to review medical performance/services provided to Incarcerated Persons to assess and improve the quality of the healthcare services within the department, including medical grievances and informal complaints, dental statistics, intake, scheduled visits/emergency visits, MAT-protocol overviews and holistic focus, Recovery Services, ER trends, hospital trends, 30-day readmission reviews, sick call reviews, Peer Review/Credentialing, etc.
  • Writes goals and completes and conducts timely performance evaluation reviews, monitors OPERS electronic contributions, coordinates data for ACA and other audits, conducts presentations and provides training to management staff and others on personnel matters, research, and draft responses to EEO complaints, participates on committees (e.g., Correction Officer of the Year and Employee Recognition Committees) and teams, attends meetings, training sessions and conferences.
  • Develop community partnerships for sustainable recruitment selections, such as: Bryant Stratton College, Maple Heights High School, Lorain County Community College, and Polaris Career Technical School.

Correctional Lieutenant

Lorain Correctional Institution
Grafton
08.2018 - 11.2020
  • Maintain institution scheduling of officers to reduce overtime. Monitor Kronos system to approve/disapprove requested leave, complete ACA audit files to ensure compliance, call for overtime, monitor, and track employees on disability, Admin. Leave, Training, etc.
  • Directs all security operations for assigned shift of over 50 employees and over 1200+ offenders (e.g., conducts briefings, evaluates work performance of inmates, evaluates employee incidents for possible discipline, ensures orderly movement of inmates, conducts periodic inspection rounds to ensure compliance with all security, safety, sanitation, contraband, fire and/or other institutional regulations, policies and procedures); I acts as prison administrative manager in absence of Warden with authority to make any and all necessary, critical decisions until relieved of duty by Warden or administrator of higher rank; fills in absence of unit commander in all areas, as needed; supervises, evaluates, and approves leave requests custody staff, as needed.
  • Conducts random and periodic inspections pertaining to security, safety, sanitation and contraband to ensure compliance with established rules, policies and procedures; provides instruction and training to subordinates and inmates on security, custody, rules and regulations; writes post orders which provide instructions to Correction Officers assigned to post; maintains discipline; acts as liaison between custody personnel and administration to disseminate rules, regulations and special concerns.
  • Completes daily logs and reports and responds to miscellaneous correspondences (e.g., inmate kites, letters from inmate families); attends meetings; performs related duties and security functions as requested (e.g., directs security of special events, conducts institution tours); makes periodic rounds which involves climbing stairs/ladders, walking, running, crawling, bending, stooping, or lifting to ensure orderly movement of inmates.
  • Complete employee evaluation on officers and monitor assessment extensions when needed on probationary employees, nominate Correctional Officers and Correction Staff for 'Employee of the Month.'
  • Conduct regional site visits and IMA for security, conduct security challenges, vulnerability assessments, monitor threat groups, on-site supervisor for planned 'use of force', conduct, and participate on workplace improvement committees for operational safety and security, participate in CIM scenarios/drills.

Owner

TRIMZ Beauty and Barbershop
Austintown
07.2018 - 08.2020
  • Formulate and implement HR policies and procedures, by overseeing the operational needs of the salon to ensure State Board Compliance. Complete the hiring and termination process of employees. Manage probationary process for new hires to ensure the Expert is satisfying the wants and needs of the client. Manage the State compliance operational procedures for owning and operating a Salon. Coordinate license required training to maintain compliance. Ensure all employees licenses are updated, track and order supplies, maintain Business account to include Facebook, Google, etc., recruit and advertise the business to increase business.
  • Complete weekly payroll for employees based on their hourly rate including any overtime rate accumulated. Monitor the cameras system to ensure the safety and security of the employees and clients. Ensure the Salon is operating in compliance with all EEO laws and procedures. Develop a marketing plan to promote business to increase customers and profits.
  • Meet with County Officials and Public Stakeholders to ensure we properly serve the community.

Owner/CEO

Gardenhire & Associates
Youngstown
10.2018 - 11.2019
  • Responsible for full operations of the Counseling Services and headquarters to TRIMZ and Beauty Barbershop and Salon. Provide supportive services to Women and Youth by providing clothing, transportation, meals, counseling services, and networking opportunity. Provide apprenticeship opportunity to youth and employment opportunity at TRIMZ Beauty and Barbershop, Boss Bikes, Truth & Joy Transportation LLC.
  • Maintain schedule and appointments to ensure the clients are receiving the best services we have to offer. Maintain positive contact with the public to ensure business operates in full inclusion. Operate as the Public Relation Officer for the businesses to ensure TRIMZ Beauty and Barbershop, Boss Bikes, Truth & Joy Transportation LLC., can hire employee who will be an asset to the company.
  • Act as the Account Officer to ensure all expenses are met and maintain records to support operational reporting. Ensure the businesses are operating within State Civil laws and procedures, ensure employees, contractors and volunteers are educated in EEO laws, and the businesses expectations to operate as a full -inclusive business.

Program Administrator 2, Institution Compliance Manager

Grafton Correctional Institution
Grafton
05.2014 - 06.2017
  • Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the facility on all policies. Primary duties include, but not limited to: Develops, implements, and maintains formal compliance structure and processes and including maintaining systems for compliance related activities and regulatory guidance. Create the structure and process necessary to manage activities including developing, tracking, execution, and presentation. Manage process for policy reviews, materials for compliance with regulations, as well as contractual requirements. Interact with legal department, law enforcement, regarding regulatory requirements. Manage various departments projects and oversee execution of action/work/project plans to ensure timely and effective completion.
  • Ensure the institution is operating in compliance with civil service laws, rules, policies, and procedures to service the resource expert. Ensure institutional compliance of PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) & ACA (American Correctional Association) accreditation standards; plans, develops and implements program policy and procedures for PREA & ACA; plans, develops organizes and coordinates PREA & ACA projects throughout the institution; monitors PREA Incidents and the PREA Risk Assessment process for compliance; acts as the Chairperson of the PREA Accommodation Strategy Team; provides training to institutional staff relating to PREA policies, procedures and the audit process; maintains PREA audit files, gathers documentation for upcoming audits and coordinates audit inspections; manages & coordinates the entire ACA audit process which includes maintaining ACA audit files, gathering documentation for upcoming audits and coordinating audit inspections; acts as liaison between Operation Support Center and Bureau of Agency Policy, and Operational Compliance; direct institutional staff in relation to operational compliance and accreditation.
  • Conducts inspections institution-wide for compliance with PREA & ACA; recommend solutions to bring area into compliance with standards & monitor progress; manages electronic files & updates the documentation and outcome measures for the PREA & ACA audit processes; completes the PREA Pre-Audit Questionnaire; coordinates PREA Compliance Reviews with agency PREA Coordinator; provides technical advice to the Warden & institutional administrative staff on the accreditation processes to aid in the decision making process.
  • Writes reports and documents related to accreditation efforts; writes responses to BAPOC & institutional staff in response to inquiries regarding the accreditation process; acts as the Field Policy Review Team Chairperson responsible for disseminating information from BAPOC and coordinating feedback on policies and operational manuals; must conduct themselves professionally, & in a law-abiding manner, at all times and in accordance with the DRC Standards of Employee Conduct; performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complete Investigation on offenders and employees for violating the institution’s rules/regulations. Complete investigation report and communicate with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Complete reports with findings and monitor for retaliation. Provide counseling to staff and offenders and monitor progress, counselor for sexual abuse and sexual harassment incidents involving staff, contractors, and inmate on inmate. Provide directive on housing accommodations after reports of sexual abuse and sexual harassment incidents.
  • In-Service Instructor for employees and conduct on-the-job orientation training for new hire employees, in-service training on policy and procedures, audit expectations, etc.

Criminal Justice-Instructor

Bryant & Stratton College
Eastlake
12.2015 - 04.2016
  • Provide instruction with the focus on teaching and learning to help assure students in each class successfully meet all course outcomes and classroom objectives. Plan for and facilitate instruction consistent with the Community of Inquiry Framework and the Seven Principles for Good Practice. Assure appropriate course-level rigor in class instruction and assessment methodologies consistent with the College’s Rigor Standards Framework through the development, integration, and delivery of course content planning documents including but not limited to supplemental syllabi, lesson plans, and assessments.
  • Integrate and include instruction and assessment of each of the College’s four lifelong learning competencies in each course taught. Establish and maintain a classroom climate consistent with the College values, education promise, and personalized promise, maintain one Skills Assistance contact hour per week for every five instructional hours assigned to support the classroom’s teaching and learning process by publishing a skill assistance schedule each term and actively promoting (and assigning when necessary) student attendance. Participate in professional development activities. Maintain a current knowledge of teaching discipline/field of study as evidenced by active participation in professional organizations, maintenance of current scholarly collection of resources (through virtual library), and engagement in active, on-going dialogue with peer faculty.
  • Participate in program, campus/market, and system faculty development opportunities, including program-specific and campus-wide faculty meetings and in-services and market- and system-sponsored in-services. Reviewed and evaluated investigations completed by students recommend final disposition assignment for additional work and legal compliance. Ensure the student used proper research data; and consistently handles confidential and sensitive inquiries complainants, from all witnesses/alleged victims/ violators, not violating any civil or administrative law.

Correctional Program Specialist

Grafton Correctional Institution
Grafton
12.2012 - 09.2013
  • Serve as the Case Manager within the Unit Management concept, implement social programs with other treatment units in the institution, oversee 124 caseloads regarding programing and transition back to society. Prepare reports and correlate dates, as needed, including the classification documents. Maintain communication with various community service organizations. Assist with inmate orientation, prepare pre-parole summaries, furlough reports, visiting approval, verify, and document inmate family information.
  • Participates in the development of individual treatment needs. Prepares security classification instruments and recommends changes in social program. Interviews offenders for inclusion into programs. Contacts law enforcement agencies regarding status of offenders, attends interdisciplinary meetings and serves on committees. Conduct orientation for new offenders, coordinates activities with other treatment units, volunteers, and the community, responsible for PREA/care and custody of inmates within the unit. Counsel offenders on exit plan for success, create family programs to ensure connection is established/maintained if desired, developed community connections to ensure offenders would return to society as welcoming as possible (and with familiar community resources).

Correctional Lieutenant

Grafton Correctional Institution
Grafton
09.2012 - 05.2013
  • Directs all security operations for assigned shift of over 40 employees and over 2000+ offenders (e.g., conducts briefings, evaluates work performance of inmates, evaluates employee incidents for possible discipline, ensures orderly movement of inmates, conducts periodic inspection rounds to ensure compliance with all security, safety, sanitation, contraband, fire and/or other institutional regulations, policies and procedures); I acts as prison administrative manager in absence of Warden with authority to make any and all necessary, critical decisions until relieved of duty by Warden or administrator of higher rank; fills in absence of unit commander in all areas, as needed; supervises, evaluates, and approves leave requests custody staff, as needed.
  • Conducts random and periodic inspections pertaining to security, safety, sanitation and contraband to ensure compliance with established rules, policies and procedures; provides instruction and training to subordinates and inmates on security, custody, rules and regulations; writes post orders which provide instructions to Correction Officers assigned to post; maintains discipline; acts as liaison between custody personnel and administration to disseminate rules, regulations and special concerns.
  • Completes daily logs and reports and responds to miscellaneous correspondences (e.g., inmate kites, letters from inmate families); attends meetings; performs related duties and security functions as requested (e.g., directs security of special events, conducts institution tours); makes periodic rounds which involves climbing stairs/ladders, walking, running, crawling, bending, stooping, or lifting to ensure orderly movement of inmates.
  • Collect classified information about data, people, or things; defining problems, and establish facts and draw conclusions. Deliver speeches before government officials and the public, which includes writing letters, papers, and reports. Handle sensitive telephone and face-to-face inquiries and contacts with the public. Interview job applicants to determine the best work suited to them while working as a correctional officer.
  • Complete employee evaluation on officers and monitor assessment extensions when needed on probationary employees, nominate Correctional Officers and Correction Staff for 'Employee of the Month.' Assist in providing counseling for director reports in their career development. Encourage career maps and learning tools to ensure success.
  • Conduct regional site visits and IMA for security, conduct security challenges, vulnerability assessments, monitor threat groups, on-site supervisor for planned 'use of force', conduct, and participate on workplace improvement committees for operational safety and security, participate in CIM scenarios/drills.

Correctional Laundry Coordinator

Trumbull Correctional Institution
Leavittsburg
06.2004 - 12.2012
  • Supervised 6 workers; managed daily work schedule and complete daily log, inventory items and supplies used daily.
  • Managed contacts with outside vendors.
  • Prepared and completed work evaluations.
  • Assigned workers to positions and job duties.

Unit Secretary

Grafton Correctional Institution
Grafton
10.1999 - 06.2004
  • Completed all inmate release packets, and files all incoming paperwork.
  • Conducted inmate orientation and completed weekly job re-class assignments.
  • Reviewed and evaluated investigations completed by staff to recommend final disposition needed for additional work and legal compliance.
  • Used proper research in gathering data; prepared or edit policies and procedures.
  • Consistently handled routine and sensitive inquiries from and contacts with complainants, respondents, witnesses, alleged violators, legal and law enforcement personnel, and other government officials.

Correctional Officer

Grafton Correctional Institution
Grafton
09.1996 - 10.1999
  • Maintained control of the institution to provide for safety and security of the facility, inmates, staff, and public by enforcing rules/regulations/policies and procedures.
  • Supervised and direct inmate activity in assigned areas of the facility/institution.
  • Assured assigned area is clean, safe, and secure.
  • Monitored and operated security controls, equipment, and computers.
  • Operated automotive vehicles in perimeter security and the transportation of inmates.
  • Conducted inmate counts, security rounds, and searches.
  • Completed required reports and serves on committees Prevents escapes or incidents which threaten security.
  • When necessary, used physical force, unarmed self-defense, firearms, or other force to detain or secure inmates.
  • Served as member of the SRT Team.

Education

Ph.D. - Human Services

Walden University
MN
12-2025

Master of Science - Social Science

Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH
12-2014

Bachelor of Science - Justice Administration

Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH
05.2013

Associate of Science - Law Enforcement

Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH
05.2012

Certificate - Real Estate

Hondros College of Business
Independence, OH

Skills

  • Policy writing
  • Project management
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Employee training
  • Data analysis
  • Community outreach
  • Team building
  • Conflict resolution
  • Benefits administration
  • Compensation strategy
  • Exit interviews
  • Employee engagement
  • Labor law compliance
  • HR analytics
  • Access management
  • HR policy development
  • Onboarding processes
  • Retention strategies
  • Talent acquisition
  • Payroll management
  • Interviewing techniques
  • Career pathing
  • Background checks
  • Workforce planning
  • Succession planning
  • Employment branding
  • Recruitment strategies
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Internal communications
  • Employee relations
  • Organizational development
  • Compensation and benefits
  • HR policies and procedures
  • Grievance handling
  • Employee recognition
  • Focus group facilitation
  • Employee onboarding
  • Team morale building
  • Staff management
  • Performance metrics
  • Staff development
  • Post-hire check-ins
  • Time management abilities
  • Excellent communication
  • International mobility management
  • Payroll processing
  • Workforce improvements
  • Human resource management software HRMS
  • Employment record verification
  • Relationship building
  • Personnel recruitment
  • Problem-solving
  • Bargaining agreements
  • Training development
  • Exit interviews and processes
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Employment law
  • Corrective action planning
  • Employee Discipline Procedures
  • Dispute mediation

Affiliations

  • Alpha Phi Sigma National Honor Society
  • NABCJ

Certification

  • Executive Leadership Training Program
  • Internal Management ACA Auditor
  • Investigations
  • SRT/Advance SRT Member

Volunteer Experience

  • Good2Great Youth Development, Cleveland, Ohio, Track Coach, Plan, organize and conduct practice sessions., Recruit and train athletes.
  • Jerusalem Baptist Church, Youngstown, Ohio, Financial Department-Trustee, Calculated weekly intake and distributed weekly expenses., Managed and maintained various accounts balances.

Timeline

Personnel Director

Lorain Correctional Institution
11.2020 - Current

Owner/CEO

Gardenhire & Associates
10.2018 - 11.2019

Correctional Lieutenant

Lorain Correctional Institution
08.2018 - 11.2020

Owner

TRIMZ Beauty and Barbershop
07.2018 - 08.2020

Criminal Justice-Instructor

Bryant & Stratton College
12.2015 - 04.2016

Program Administrator 2, Institution Compliance Manager

Grafton Correctional Institution
05.2014 - 06.2017

Correctional Program Specialist

Grafton Correctional Institution
12.2012 - 09.2013

Correctional Lieutenant

Grafton Correctional Institution
09.2012 - 05.2013

Correctional Laundry Coordinator

Trumbull Correctional Institution
06.2004 - 12.2012

Unit Secretary

Grafton Correctional Institution
10.1999 - 06.2004

Correctional Officer

Grafton Correctional Institution
09.1996 - 10.1999

Ph.D. - Human Services

Walden University

Master of Science - Social Science

Tiffin University

Bachelor of Science - Justice Administration

Tiffin University

Associate of Science - Law Enforcement

Tiffin University

Certificate - Real Estate

Hondros College of Business

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