Hillside Children's Center Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hillside Children's Center has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, finance, 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, education, and family resources, 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 extensive service offerings. Overseeing behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources, Cristalli ensures alignment with the mission to strengthen families and empower youth. This leadership role involves guiding programs like the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, fostering community involvement, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion across New York State and Maryland. Maria Cristalli drives the organization's commitment to making a positive impact by setting strategic priorities and ensuring operational excellence throughout all departments. The President & Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on sustainable growth and enhancing the lives of the individuals and families served.
    Maria Cristalli

    Christopher Peterson - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Peterson, the Chief Financial Officer at Hillside Children's Center, directs all financial planning, management, and reporting activities. Peterson oversees budgeting, financial analysis, and investment strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of services like behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources. This executive ensures fiscal responsibility for programs such as foster care, residential treatment, and the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection across New York State and Maryland. Christopher Peterson's financial oversight supports the organization's capacity to strengthen families and empower youth effectively. The Chief Financial Officer's role is critical in maintaining the financial health necessary to advance Hillside's mission and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    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 cash flow, financial risk management, and capital structure to support the delivery of vital services including behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources. This executive ensures robust financial controls are in place for programs like foster care and residential treatment across New York State and Maryland. Paul Perrotto's financial stewardship is essential for strengthening families and empowering youth by providing a stable funding base. The Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer's expertise ensures that financial resources are optimally allocated to advance Hillside's mission and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

    Elizabeth Nolan - Chief Operating Officer

    Elizabeth Nolan, the Chief Operating Officer at Hillside Children's Center, manages the day-to-day operations across all service areas, including behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources. Nolan ensures the efficient delivery of foster care and residential treatment programs, directly supporting the organization's goal of strengthening families and empowering youth. This executive oversees the operational execution of initiatives like the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, driving service quality and accessibility throughout New York State and Maryland. Elizabeth Nolan's responsibilities include optimizing resource allocation and implementing best practices to enhance program effectiveness and community impact. The Chief Operating Officer's leadership ensures that operational frameworks robustly support the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    Elizabeth Nolan

    John Barr - Chief Marketing Officer

    John Barr, the Chief Marketing Officer at Hillside Children's Center, develops and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand awareness and community engagement. Barr leads initiatives that communicate the organization's mission of strengthening families and empowering youth through behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources. This role involves promoting programs like the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection and highlighting opportunities for community involvement across New York State and Maryland. John Barr oversees all external communications, digital presence, and public relations efforts, ensuring the organization's impact is widely recognized. The Chief Marketing Officer's strategic direction supports Hillside's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by reaching diverse audiences and fostering broad support.
    John Barr

    Mazie Tai - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Mazie Tai, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Hillside Children's Center, leads all human capital strategies, focusing on talent acquisition, development, and employee relations. Tai ensures a supportive and inclusive work environment that aligns with the organization's mission to strengthen families and empower youth. This role involves developing policies and programs that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion across all departments in New York State and Maryland. Mazie Tai oversees recruitment for critical roles in behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources, ensuring the organization attracts and retains top talent. The Chief Human Resources Officer's dedication to employee well-being is integral to the effective delivery of all Hillside services.

    Darlene Ryan - Chief Performance Officer

    Darlene Ryan, the Chief Performance Officer at Hillside Children's Center, drives the continuous improvement of service delivery and operational efficiency. Ryan establishes key performance indicators and implements data-driven strategies to enhance outcomes in behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources. This executive focuses on ensuring the effectiveness of programs such as foster care and the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection throughout New York State and Maryland. Darlene Ryan's leadership ensures that all services consistently meet high standards, supporting the organization's mission to strengthen families and empower youth. The Chief Performance Officer's commitment to excellence underpins Hillside's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion by optimizing program impact.

    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, leads regional operations and specific center management, focusing on localized service delivery. Bailor oversees the implementation of behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources within the Southern Tier Region and at Snell Farm Children's Center. This role is critical for strengthening families and empowering youth in these specific geographic areas. Darcy Bailor ensures that regional programs align with the broader organizational mission and uphold standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Executive Director's hands-on management drives the effective execution of Hillside's services, ensuring community needs are met with tailored support and resources.

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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.