Spotlight of the Week: Gabriella Celeste – Champion for Juvenile Justice Reform and Child Welfare

Gabriella Celeste, J.D., serves as the Director of Child Policy at Case Western Reserve University’s Schubert Center for Child Studies. With a lifelong dedication to children’s well-being, Celeste has made significant strides in bridging research, policy, and practice to support vulnerable children in Ohio and beyond. Her work at the Schubert Center centers around creating impactful policy reforms to advance child welfare, juvenile justice, and educational protections.

Celeste was instrumental in the development of Ohio’s policy reforms, contributing to landmark legislation, including HB 86, HB 153, and SB 337, all aimed at improving the state’s juvenile justice system. Her case study, “A Bridge to Somewhere: How Research Made its Way into Legislative Juvenile Justice Reform in Ohio,” captures her vital role in ensuring research-driven policies are embedded within state legislation to protect and empower youth.

In her teaching role, Celeste shapes the minds of future child policy advocates by leading the Schubert Center’s child policy curriculum and externship program, where students gain firsthand experience in policy work. Her dedication also extends into her nonprofit work; she co-founded the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana in 1997, a premier reform organization that promoted alternatives to incarceration and family engagement.

Recognized for her leadership, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appointed Celeste to the newly established Ohio Juvenile Justice Working Group in November 2023. This task force addresses critical issues within the juvenile justice and corrections systems, including physical safety, education, reentry programs, and mental health services. Gabriella Celeste’s vision and expertise continue to drive positive change, making her a true champion for Ohio’s children and youth.