Hillside Children's Center Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hillside Children's Center has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, treasury, human resources, and regional program administration.

Committed to behavioral health and youth empowerment, Hillside Children's Center delivers comprehensive crisis support and educational resources to strengthen families across New York State and Maryland.

Leadership Roles at Hillside Children's Center

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Maria Cristalli
  • Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Peterson
  • Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer - Paul Perrotto
  • Chief Operating Officer - Elizabeth Nolan
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Mazie Tai
  • Executive Director (Southern Tier Region & Snell Farm Children's Center) - Darcy Bailor
  • Maria Cristalli - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Maria Cristalli, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Hillside Children's Center, directs the overarching strategic vision for behavioral health and residential treatment services. Cristalli architects long-term growth initiatives that expand the reach of the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection across New York State and Maryland. By aligning organizational goals with community needs, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all programs effectively support youth and families in crisis. Maria Cristalli maintains constant communication with the Board to secure resources for diverse, equitable, and inclusive service delivery. This leadership role involves evaluating program efficacy and fostering partnerships that enhance the impact of family resources. Through rigorous oversight of mission-critical objectives, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the organization toward sustainable success. Cristalli prioritizes the development of innovative care models that address complex behavioral health challenges while maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence and community engagement.
    Maria Cristalli

    Christopher Peterson - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Peterson, the Chief Financial Officer at Hillside Children's Center, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for all behavioral health and educational programs. Peterson executes financial strategies that support the expansion of foster care services throughout the regional footprint. By monitoring revenue streams and operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the organization maintains the necessary capital to fund critical youth support initiatives. Christopher Peterson collaborates with executive leadership to allocate resources toward high-impact programs that strengthen families. This role involves rigorous financial reporting and the implementation of cost-saving measures that improve organizational efficiency. Through careful analysis of market trends and funding opportunities, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability required for long-term growth. Peterson oversees the integration of fiscal policies that align with the broader mission of providing high-quality care to individuals in New York State and Maryland, ensuring every dollar directly benefits the youth served.
    Christopher Peterson

    Paul Perrotto - Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer

    Paul Perrotto, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer at Hillside Children's Center, manages the organization's capital structure and long-term investment strategies. Perrotto oversees the treasury functions, ensuring liquidity and risk management for all residential treatment and educational programs. By directing the financial planning and analysis department, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer provides the data necessary for informed decision-making regarding organizational expansion. Paul Perrotto monitors cash flow and debt obligations to maintain the financial integrity of the center. This role involves managing relationships with financial institutions and ensuring compliance with all corporate governance standards. Through the strategic management of assets, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer supports the sustainability of programs serving youth in New York State and Maryland. Perrotto focuses on optimizing the balance sheet to provide a stable foundation for the organization's mission, ensuring that financial resources remain available for essential community services and family support initiatives.

    Elizabeth Nolan - Chief Operating Officer

    Elizabeth Nolan, the Chief Operating Officer at Hillside Children's Center, oversees the daily execution of behavioral health services and residential treatment operations. Nolan architects scalable workflows that streamline the delivery of crisis support and family resources across the organization. By managing internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all programs meet rigorous quality standards and regulatory requirements. Elizabeth Nolan coordinates with department heads to optimize service delivery models, focusing specifically on internal operational scaling and staff resource management. This leadership role involves identifying bottlenecks in service provision and implementing solutions that enhance the overall experience for youth and families. Through the continuous improvement of operational infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer supports the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Nolan drives the operational success of the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection by ensuring that all logistical components align with the strategic goals established by the executive team.
    Elizabeth Nolan

    Mazie Tai - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Mazie Tai, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Hillside Children's Center, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies essential for delivering high-quality behavioral health services. Tai architects programs that foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entire organization. By managing recruitment, retention, and professional development, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the staff possesses the expertise required to support youth and families effectively. Mazie Tai oversees the implementation of performance management systems that align individual contributions with the broader mission of the center. This leadership role involves navigating complex labor requirements and promoting employee wellness to maintain a high-performing workforce. Through the strategic alignment of human capital with organizational goals, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives the success of programs like the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection. Tai ensures that the organization remains an employer of choice, attracting professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities served.

    Darcy Bailor - Executive Director (Southern Tier Region & Snell Farm Children's Center)

    Darcy Bailor, the Executive Director (Southern Tier Region & Snell Farm Children's Center) at Hillside Children's Center, manages the regional delivery of residential treatment and behavioral health services. Bailor architects localized programs that address the specific needs of youth and families within the Southern Tier. By overseeing the operations at the Snell Farm Children's Center, the Executive Director (Southern Tier Region & Snell Farm Children's Center) ensures that all clinical and educational services meet the organization's high standards. Darcy Bailor coordinates with community partners to expand the reach of family resources and crisis support in the region. This leadership role involves managing regional staff, overseeing facility operations, and ensuring that all programs align with the broader mission of the organization. Through the effective administration of regional initiatives, the Executive Director (Southern Tier Region & Snell Farm Children's Center) drives positive outcomes for youth, ensuring that the center remains a vital resource for the local community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hillside Children's Center Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hillside Children's Center?
    Hillside Children's Center is led by Maria Cristalli (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Christopher Peterson (Chief Financial Officer) and Paul Perrotto (Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer).
    Who is part of Hillside Children's Center’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hillside Children's Center includes leaders such as Maria Cristalli (President & Chief Executive Officer), Christopher Peterson (Chief Financial Officer), Paul Perrotto (Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hillside Children's Center have?
    Hillside Children's Center has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hillside Children's Center’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hillside Children's Center includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.