Hillside Children's Center Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hillside Children's Center has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, human resources, and regional program management.

Committed to empowering youth and strengthening families, Hillside Children's Center delivers comprehensive behavioral health, crisis support, and educational services across New York State and Maryland to foster long-term community resilience.

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 educational programming. Cristalli oversees the integration of foster care and residential treatment services to ensure alignment with the mission of empowering youth. By collaborating with the Board, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives organizational growth and maintains high standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion across all service lines. Maria Cristalli monitors the efficacy of the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, ensuring that resources reach families effectively throughout New York State and Maryland. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while expanding the reach of crisis support initiatives. Through consistent focus on operational excellence, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term sustainability of the organization, ultimately fostering positive outcomes for the diverse populations served by the center.
    Maria Cristalli

    Christopher Peterson - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Peterson, the Chief Financial Officer at Hillside Children's Center, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning for the organization. Peterson oversees the allocation of capital toward behavioral health programs and residential treatment facilities, ensuring that resources align with strategic growth targets. By analyzing revenue streams and grant funding, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial stability required to support the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection. Christopher Peterson directs the budgeting process to maximize the impact of family resources and educational services across New York State and Maryland. This leadership role involves rigorous risk assessment and the implementation of financial controls to protect the assets of the center. Through precise fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to scale its crisis support initiatives effectively. Peterson ensures that all financial operations remain transparent and compliant, providing the necessary foundation for the center to fulfill its commitment to community development.
    Christopher Peterson

    Paul Perrotto - Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer

    Paul Perrotto, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer at Hillside Children's Center, manages the investment strategies and liquidity requirements of the organization. Perrotto oversees the treasury functions, ensuring that cash flow supports the ongoing delivery of behavioral health and foster care services. By monitoring market trends and economic conditions, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer secures the capital necessary for facility maintenance and program expansion. Paul Perrotto directs the financial reporting processes, providing the Board with accurate data regarding the fiscal health of the center. This role involves managing banking relationships and optimizing the debt structure to facilitate the growth of educational programs in New York State and Maryland. Through strategic asset management, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer mitigates financial volatility, allowing the organization to focus on its core mission. Perrotto ensures that all treasury activities align with the long-term sustainability goals of the center.

    Elizabeth Nolan - Chief Operating Officer

    Elizabeth Nolan, the Chief Operating Officer at Hillside Children's Center, manages the daily execution of behavioral health and residential treatment programs. Nolan optimizes internal workflows to ensure that family resources and educational services remain accessible and efficient. By coordinating with department heads, the Chief Operating Officer maintains rigorous quality control standards across all regional facilities. Elizabeth Nolan drives the implementation of operational policies that support the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, ensuring that service delivery meets the evolving needs of youth in New York State and Maryland. This role involves streamlining cross-functional communication to enhance the impact of crisis support initiatives. Through meticulous oversight of service infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that the organization operates at peak capacity. Nolan consistently evaluates performance metrics to refine service models, thereby strengthening the overall operational framework and ensuring that the center achieves its mission-critical objectives.
    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 for the organization. Tai oversees the recruitment of specialized staff for behavioral health and residential treatment roles, ensuring that the team possesses the expertise required to support youth and families. By fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives employee engagement and retention across all regional operations. Mazie Tai manages the implementation of training programs that equip staff to deliver high-quality crisis support and educational services. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures and performance management systems that align with the mission of the center. Through proactive human capital management, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization maintains a robust workforce capable of meeting the complex needs of the communities served in New York State and Maryland.

    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 oversees the daily operations at the Snell Farm facility, ensuring that all programs meet the specific needs of youth within the Southern Tier. By coordinating with local stakeholders and community partners, the Executive Director (Southern Tier Region & Snell Farm Children's Center) drives the expansion of family resources and crisis support initiatives in the region. Darcy Bailor monitors program outcomes to ensure that services remain effective and aligned with the broader organizational mission. This role involves managing regional staff and optimizing the use of local facilities to maximize impact. Through dedicated regional leadership, the Executive Director (Southern Tier Region & Snell Farm Children's Center) strengthens the presence of the center, ensuring that high-quality care remains accessible to families throughout the Southern Tier.

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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.