Cristina Valentin
Upper Chichester,PA
Summary
Dynamic Human Resources Executive with over a decade of expertise in cultivating high-performing teams and championing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Proven track record in strategic recruitment and the development of supportive workplace environments that prioritize work-life balance. Exceptional ability to collaborate with senior leadership and external stakeholders to advance equitable workplace practices. Committed to driving organizational success through innovative HR strategies aligned with business goals.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Human Resources Officer (Advisory)
Recovery Done Simple - Non Profit
12.2024 - Current
- Serve as the founding HR leader for an emerging behavioral health startup, providing strategic guidance on HR infrastructure, compliance, and workforce planning.
- Implemented digital tracking systems reducing administrative time by 30%.
- Launched social media presence, growing engagement by 200% in 3 months.
- Develop foundational HR policies, onboarding processes, and talent strategies to support organizational growth and operational readiness.
- Advise executive leadership on culture, employee engagement, and performance management.
- Partner with the founding team to shape the organizational structure, define key roles, and embed DEIB principles to foster an inclusive, mission-driven culture.
- Research and draft grant proposals and funding materials aligned with the organization’s mission and sustainability goals.
- Facilitated training programs to enhance employee skills and foster growth.
- Collaborated with leadership on workforce planning and succession strategies.
Senior Director of Human Resources/Employee Relations Director
Kencrest Services
04.2022 - 08.2025
- Led the organization-wide CQL Accreditation Project from 2022 to successful accreditation in April 2025, enhancing person-centered practices and quality standards across services.
- Partnered with the CHRO, and legal counsel on complex organizational and regulatory matters.
- Oversaw the HR team, directing activities to ensure high productivity and effective service delivery.
- Facilitated the delivery of HR services by establishing and maintaining positive relationships with teams and leadership across the organization.
- Created comprehensive standard operating procedures, policies, and guidelines with company programs.
- Led the development and implementation of management and mentoring programs to align staff performance with organizational goals.
- Researched, identified, and maintained knowledge of labor regulations, legal requirements, and government reporting regulations.
- Directed the process of organizational planning by evaluating company-wide structure, job design, and agency processes.
- Design and implement continuous improvement to the Employee Relations program, including a focus on effective workplace relations through employee engagement, outreach, and communication to all areas, and implement initiatives to ensure continuous improvement of employee retention.
- Provide HR oversight and management of employee relations issues, including internal investigations, and prompt problem resolution that benefits all parties, and facilitates healthy work relationships, and a supportive workplace atmosphere.
- Ensure consistent, compliant processes for administering FMLA leaves, ADA accommodations, disciplinary actions, policy interpretations, and other forms of employee relations procedures.
- Participate with other senior HR staff in the development of personnel policies and procedures, job descriptions, and other HR materials related to employment.
Director of Human Resources
Anapol Weiss
06.2021 - 04.2022
- Human Resource Management includes recruiting, onboarding, supervising support staff personnel, and overseeing the implementation of firm policies and procedures.
- Monitored organizational compliance with federal, state, and local policies and regulations.
- Created succession plans and promotion paths for staff to boost passion for reaching the goals and objectives of the organization.
- Worked closely with brand and marketing teams across organizations to promote specific websites.
- Designed websites, portals, and large-scale web applications for employee benefits and resources.
Senior Human Resources Generalist
CSMI, LLC
10.2019 - 06.2021
- Responsible for managing the new hire and onboarding process for all teachers in the system.
- Manage certification compliance, and maintain regulatory, administrative, and finance databases.
- Process payroll, resignations, and termination notifications.
- Provide relevant data regarding state reporting, audits, and management requests.
- Manage contract renewal, leaves of absence, FMLA, LOA processing, and worker's compensation.
- Responsible for unemployment processing, appeals, benefits, and open enrollment.
- Maintain employee policies and procedures, including the employee handbook.
Human Resources Manager
Diamond State Grill
04.2015 - 10.2019
- Successfully maintaining employee information by entering and updating employment and status-change data.
- Developed and implemented recruitment strategies to attract qualified candidates.
- Provided guidance on labor law compliance issues, such as FMLA, ADA, and Title VII.
- Meticulously reviewing received documents, recording them accurately in the system, relaying messages, and maintaining equipment and supplies.
Education
Certificate in Human Resource Management - Human Resources Management
Villanova University
Villanova, PA04.2022
Master of Business Administration - Healthcare Administration
Widener University
Chester, PA05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Science
Neumann University
Aston, PA05.2007
Skills
- Strategic workforce planning
- Employee Relations
- Talent Acquisition and Development
- Workplace Culture Enhancement
- HR policies and procedures
- Diversity and inclusion
Certification
- SHRM Workplace Investigations Specialty Credential - December 2023
- SHRM Certified Professional, (SHRM-CP) - January 2022
- Notary Public, Pennsylvania Department of State - February 2022
Timeline
Chief Human Resources Officer (Advisory)
Recovery Done Simple - Non Profit
12.2024 - Current
Senior Director of Human Resources/Employee Relations Director
Kencrest Services
04.2022 - 08.2025
Director of Human Resources
Anapol Weiss
06.2021 - 04.2022
Senior Human Resources Generalist
CSMI, LLC
10.2019 - 06.2021
Human Resources Manager
Diamond State Grill
04.2015 - 10.2019
Master of Business Administration - Healthcare Administration
Widener University
Certificate in Human Resource Management - Human Resources Management
Villanova University
Bachelor of Science - Science
Neumann University
Board Memberships & Leadership
Board Director – Pennsylvania Disability Rights and Mental Health Advocacy
April 2025 – Present
Advocating for disability rights and mental health inclusion through strategic planning, policy development, and public engagement efforts across Pennsylvania.
DEIB Committee Member / Board Director – (DEIB)
Greater Valley Forge Human Resource Association | 2024– Present.
Continuing to support inclusive HR practices and programming through ongoing service following board leadership.
Directed organization-wide DEIB strategy. Founded the Jim Gamboni Inclusion Fund to advance equity initiatives and support underrepresented HR professionals.
Sponsorship Board Chair – 2025 Delaware Valley HR Person of the Year Awards
January 2025 – Present
Leading sponsorship strategy and partner engagement for the 2025 Delaware Valley HR Person of the Year Awards. Collaborating with regional SHRM chapters to secure funding and amplify the event’s visibility and impact.