Hillside Children's Center Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hillside Children's Center has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, marketing, operations, human resources, performance, and regional management.

Driven by a commitment to strengthening families, Hillside Children's Center empowers youth through comprehensive behavioral health, crisis support, and educational programs, making a significant positive impact 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 Marketing Officer - John Barr
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Mazie Tai
  • Chief Performance Officer - Darlene Ryan
  • 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 strategy and vision for the organization's comprehensive services. Overseeing behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources, Cristalli ensures alignment with the mission to strengthen families and empower youth across New York State and Maryland. This leadership role involves guiding the development and execution of programs like the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, fostering community involvement, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. By setting strategic priorities, Maria Cristalli drives the organization's commitment to making a positive impact and enhancing the well-being of the communities served. The President & Chief Executive Officer role demands constant evaluation of market needs and program effectiveness to ensure sustained growth and service excellence.
    Maria Cristalli

    Christopher Peterson - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Peterson, the Chief Financial Officer at Hillside Children's Center, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Peterson oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support the organization's diverse programs, including behavioral health, crisis support, and educational services. This critical role ensures the financial health and sustainability of initiatives like the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, impacting youth and families across New York State and Maryland. By maintaining robust financial controls and reporting, Christopher Peterson provides essential oversight for grants, funding, and operational expenditures. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to optimizing financial performance and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, thereby supporting the organization's mission to empower youth and strengthen communities.
    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 financial health and treasury functions. Perrotto oversees financial planning, investment strategies, and cash flow management to support the delivery of critical services in behavioral health, crisis support, and education across New York State and Maryland. This role ensures fiscal responsibility for programs like foster care and residential treatment, directly impacting the organization's ability to empower youth and strengthen families. By maintaining accurate financial records and managing corporate assets, Paul Perrotto provides essential oversight for all financial transactions. The Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer's responsibilities include safeguarding the organization's financial stability and supporting its mission through sound financial governance.

    Elizabeth Nolan - Chief Operating Officer

    Elizabeth Nolan, the Chief Operating Officer at Hillside Children's Center, oversees the day-to-day operational execution of all service delivery. Nolan directs the implementation of programs focused on behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources, ensuring efficient and effective service provision to youth, individuals, and families across New York State and Maryland. This leadership position is crucial for managing the operational aspects of initiatives like foster care, residential treatment, and the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection. By optimizing operational workflows and resource management, Elizabeth Nolan supports the organization's commitment to strengthening families and empowering youth. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that all operational activities align with Hillside's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, driving service excellence.
    Elizabeth Nolan

    John Barr - Chief Marketing Officer

    John Barr, the Chief Marketing Officer at Hillside Children's Center, leads all marketing and communications strategies to enhance brand awareness and community engagement. Barr directs efforts to promote the organization's wide array of services, including behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources, reaching youth, individuals, and families throughout New York State and Maryland. This role is pivotal in communicating the impact of programs like the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection and fostering opportunities for community involvement. By developing targeted campaigns and outreach initiatives, John Barr ensures that the organization's mission of strengthening families and empowering youth resonates effectively. The Chief Marketing Officer's focus includes driving awareness of Hillside's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    John Barr

    Mazie Tai - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Mazie Tai, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Hillside Children's Center, leads all human capital management and organizational development initiatives. Tai oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and professional development programs to support the organization's mission of strengthening families and empowering youth. This role is vital in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture across New York State and Maryland, ensuring that staff are equipped to deliver high-quality behavioral health, crisis support, and educational services. By developing and implementing effective HR strategies, Mazie Tai ensures that Hillside attracts and retains top talent dedicated to serving the communities. The Chief Human Resources Officer champions employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.

    Darlene Ryan - Chief Performance Officer

    Darlene Ryan, the Chief Performance Officer at Hillside Children's Center, drives the continuous improvement of service delivery and organizational effectiveness. Ryan oversees the development and implementation of performance metrics, quality assurance processes, and data analysis to enhance the impact of behavioral health, crisis support, and educational programs. This role is crucial for ensuring that initiatives like foster care and the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection achieve optimal outcomes for youth, individuals, and families across New York State and Maryland. By focusing on data-driven insights and strategic evaluation, Darlene Ryan supports the organization's commitment to strengthening families and empowering youth. The Chief Performance Officer ensures accountability and excellence in all aspects of Hillside's operations.

    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, directs regional operations and program management. Bailor oversees the delivery of behavioral health, crisis support, and educational services within the Southern Tier region and at Snell Farm Children's Center, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission to empower youth and strengthen families. This leadership role involves managing local staff, fostering community partnerships, and ensuring the effective implementation of programs tailored to regional needs in New York State. By providing dedicated leadership to these specific areas, Darcy Bailor contributes significantly to Hillside's overall impact and commitment to serving diverse communities. The Executive Director role focuses on localized service excellence and community integration.

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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 8 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 Marketing Officer.