CHRISTY DISTEFANO
Avondale,PA
Summary
Dynamic executive leader with expertise in driving statewide initiatives for the mental health and justice-impacted populations. Secured multiple contracts, contributing to increased client enrollment, revenue and service expansion. Proven ability to align strategic plans with community needs, implement trauma-informed training programs and optimize operational processes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
STATE DIRECTOR OF FORENSIC SERVICES
Peerstar LLC
Philadelphia, PA
08.2025 - 09.2026
- Spearheaded the development of specialized training initiatives focused on trauma-informed, person-centered approaches for organizations serving justice-impacted adults with mental health needs
- Led statewide service initiatives for individuals with mental health, co-occurring, and justice-involved needs, ensuring alignment with community needs and stakeholder grant expectations.
- Secured multiple county, state, and federal contracts, expanding the organization's market reach and contributing to increased revenue
- Developed strategic plans that integrated organizational goals and grant expectations to enhance program execution.
- Built partnerships and managed cross-functional teams to ensure program compliance and enhance operational efficiencies across multiple locations.
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Peerstar LLC
Philadelphia, PA
06.2017 - 08.2025
- Supervised staff in hiring, development, training, performance management, and communication to enhance department operations
- Directed staff hiring, development, training, and performance management, ensuring streamlined department operations
- Facilitated multi-state training engagements, leading Forensic Peer Support initiatives with justice organizations across Vermont, Hawaii, and Alaska and cultivating relationships with diverse public-sector stakeholders
- Built professional partnerships and strengthened community relationships, contributing to a 100+ increase in client enrollment for a Philadelphia-based community program
- Applied EMR knowledge to support state licensing audits and operational compliance
DIRECTOR OF FORENSIC PROGRAMS
Peerstar LLC
Philadelphia, PA
05.2016 - 06.2017
- Hired, trained, and managed direct care staff to deliver services for individuals with mental health and co-occurring disorders in community and jail/prison settings.
- Monitored and ensured compliance with county mental health contracts and state-funded Department of Corrections grants.
- Built high-performing teams through mentorship, guidance, and professional growth opportunities.
- Achieved certification as a mental health professional.
FORENSIC COORDINATOR/SUPERVISOR
Peerstar LLC
Glen Mills, PA
04.2013 - 05.2016
- Supervised direct care staff while tracking and analyzing monthly and annual performance statistics to assess program effectiveness
- Developed and managed mental health jail peer support program to enhance re-entrant support and rehabilitation
- Cited in a Yale University research study demonstrating that participating in my program was associated with reduced recidivism rates
Education
Bachelor's degree - Human Development & Family Studies
Pennsylvania State University
State College, PA05-2011
Skills
- Grant oversight
- Strategic development
- Community partnership building
- Service execution
- Executive oversight
- Leadership
- Staff supervision
- Recruitment
- Training facilitation
- Performance evaluation
- Mental health assistance
- EMR systems management
- Communication effectiveness
Timeline
STATE DIRECTOR OF FORENSIC SERVICES
Peerstar LLC
08.2025 - 09.2026
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Peerstar LLC
06.2017 - 08.2025
DIRECTOR OF FORENSIC PROGRAMS
Peerstar LLC
05.2016 - 06.2017
FORENSIC COORDINATOR/SUPERVISOR
Peerstar LLC
04.2013 - 05.2016
Bachelor's degree - Human Development & Family Studies
Pennsylvania State University