Our Consultants

Sandra Osteen

Sandra Osteen has been actively engaged as a business development professional for over 40 years, facilitating the growth and development of numerous nonprofit, private, and publicly traded businesses and government entities.
Before founding Critical Connections Consulting (CCC) in 2007, Osteen held executive-level business development positions in the fields of community corrections, youth services/residential care, and health care. She began her career in education and has served in various administrative capacities for school systems.
Osteen founded Critical Connections Consulting (CCC) at the urging of former Maryland Secretary of Public Safety and Corrections Mary Ann Saar because of her strong network of colleagues from correctional systems and legislative and industry practices. Since that time, Osteen and her team have helped numerous clients develop and maintain new business relationships and secure multi-million dollar contracts.
Osteen earned a Bachelor of Science in education from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts and Education Specialist from the University of Florida. She is an active board member for the Association of Women Executives in Corrections and serves in various capacities for the Governor’s Children’s Initiatives, American Corrections Association, and other national corrections organizations.

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CLAYTON OSTEEN, ESQ.

Clayton Osteen serves as compliance officer for Critical Connections Consulting (CCC). As compliance officer, he reviews contracts with potential clients and ensures Critical Connections Consulting (CCC) provides its services in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, standards, and practices generally accepted in the industry.

Osteen handles all company billing, including accounts payable and receivable. He also processes all WBE certifications.

Osteen earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Florida State University and a Juris Doctor from Florida State University College of Law. He is a member of the Florida Bar Association.

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Client Testimonials

We are a relationship company, and our reputation is vital to our success on your behalf. Here is what some of them have said about us:

Having known Sandy for close to 10 years, I have had many opportunities to see her plying her profession. Sandy has an amazing number of contacts at every level of adult and juvenile corrections. She is well-regarded in the field, a true professional, with a sterling work ethic. Sandy is very focused and enjoys challenges, the more difficult, the better. She is a great addition to any team.

Mary Ann Saar

Former Secretary of Public Safety and Corrections in Maryland and Maine

I have worked with Sandra Osteen for more than 10 years. We first met at an ACA convention where she showed interest in our organization of prison managers. Through the years, she has become more involved with NAAWS, attending our annual training conferences and our yearly Warden of the Year Banquet. She has supported us with her various companies. She has always tried to solicit our opinions and to make sure products meet the needs of the corrections community. In 2009, she joined a team of correctional experts who visited the prison system in South Africa. Ms. Osteen is a bright and personable educator. She realizes her clients have unique situations and needs, and she is committed to serving our needs.

Art Leonardo

Executive Director of North American Association of Wardens & Superintendents

A top professional with a keen understanding of ICCA's motto, "Doing What Works," Sandy Osteen blends a veteran's knowledge of the criminal justice system with the fresh eye and vital energy needed to do the job.

Jane Browning

Director of International Community Corrections Association

When Sandy Osteen joins a team, collaborates on a project or provides consulting services, a company or a professional group gets a great marketing mind, a relentless problem-solver and exceptional people skills that transforms a message into an outcome, and a colleague into a customer.

Jane O'Shaughnessy

Cornerstone Programs Board Chair and Former CEO/Past President of International Community Corrections Association

I have worked with Sandy Osteen for more than 15 years and have found her to be an effective advocate for the organizations she represents and extremely knowledgeable in all facets of the corrections industry. She is a tireless worker who effectively initiates solutions and continuously finds new and better ways of getting the job done.

Joe Newman

CEO of Cornerstone Programs and Former Deputy Secretary of Maryland Juvenile Services

Growing the business is a goal that CEOs accept and embrace as a serious accountability. Having access to and partnering with trusted and experienced advisors to achieve this goal is a luxury we are not always afforded. Sandy is that person. She has the skills, knowledge and connections to ensure you succeed and will advocate for your organization as if it were her own.

Tom Jenkins

CEO of Nurse Family Partnerships and Former CEO of Cornell Companies

Sandy is charming, engaging and knowledgeable. We were so impressed upon meeting her that not only did we sign up with the company Sandy was representing; we have engaged Sandy to represent us. This was one of the smartest decisions I have ever made. Sandy has introduced me to several key people (she seems to know everybody) resulting in thousands of dollars for my business.

Jeffrey E. Keller MD

President/CEO of Badger Medical

Sandra Osteen has been a dedicated board member for One Hope United for nearly five years. Her knowledge of child welfare trends as well as her passion for serving vulnerable youth are invaluable to our mission of protecting children and strengthening families.