Hillside Children's Center Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to behavioral health and youth empowerment, Hillside Children's Center delivers essential 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 foster care and family resource programs maintain high standards of efficacy. Maria Cristalli fosters partnerships with stakeholders to secure the resources necessary for sustainable impact. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of service delivery models to address evolving youth requirements. Through rigorous oversight of mission-driven objectives, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the organization toward greater equity and inclusion. Cristalli maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every program supports the core mission of empowering youth and strengthening families within the served regions.
    Maria Cristalli

    Christopher Peterson - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Peterson, the Chief Financial Officer at Hillside Children's Center, governs the fiscal health and resource allocation for all behavioral health and educational initiatives. Peterson designs comprehensive financial strategies that support the expansion of youth programs across New York State and Maryland. By overseeing budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term sustainability of residential treatment and foster care services. Christopher Peterson collaborates with the executive team to prioritize investments that yield the highest social impact. This leadership role involves managing complex funding streams and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Through meticulous financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and maximizes the utility of available capital. Peterson drives fiscal transparency, providing the necessary data to inform strategic decisions. By maintaining a stable financial foundation, the Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to continue its vital work in supporting families and empowering youth.
    Christopher Peterson

    Paul Perrotto - Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer

    Paul Perrotto, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer at Hillside Children's Center, manages the treasury functions and capital structure to support the organization's behavioral health and family resource programs. Perrotto oversees cash management, investment strategies, and debt obligations to ensure the financial stability of the institution. By directing the corporate treasury, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer optimizes liquidity to fund critical residential treatment and educational initiatives. Paul Perrotto works closely with the board to provide accurate financial forecasting and risk assessment. This leadership role involves maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions and stakeholders to secure necessary funding. Through the rigorous management of corporate assets, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer supports the expansion of services across New York State and Maryland. Perrotto ensures that all financial activities align with the mission of empowering youth. By maintaining fiscal discipline, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer provides the resources required for sustainable community impact.

    Elizabeth Nolan - Chief Operating Officer

    Elizabeth Nolan, the Chief Operating Officer at Hillside Children's Center, manages the daily execution of behavioral health and crisis support services. Nolan optimizes internal workflows to ensure that residential treatment facilities operate with maximum efficiency and safety. By coordinating across departments, the Chief Operating Officer aligns service delivery with the broader organizational mission of youth empowerment. Elizabeth Nolan monitors performance metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement in foster care and educational programs. This role requires constant collaboration with regional directors to maintain consistent quality standards throughout New York State and Maryland. Nolan implements scalable solutions that allow the organization to adapt to changing community demands. Through the management of complex operational logistics, the Chief Operating Officer supports the delivery of high-quality care. Nolan ensures that all internal systems remain robust, enabling the staff to focus on providing critical support to individuals and families.
    Elizabeth Nolan

    Mazie Tai - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Mazie Tai, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Hillside Children's Center, architects the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies essential for delivering high-quality behavioral health services. Tai cultivates an inclusive organizational culture that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion across all regional operations. By designing professional development programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that staff members possess the skills required to support youth and families effectively. Mazie Tai manages employee relations and performance management systems to maintain high levels of engagement and retention. This role involves aligning human capital strategies with the broader mission of the organization. Through the implementation of robust recruitment initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures top-tier talent for residential treatment and crisis support roles. Tai monitors workforce trends to anticipate staffing needs in New York State and Maryland. By fostering a supportive work environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer empowers the team to achieve meaningful outcomes for 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, leads the regional implementation of behavioral health and residential treatment programs. Bailor oversees the daily operations of the Snell Farm facility, ensuring that all services meet the specific needs of youth in the Southern Tier. By coordinating with local community partners, the Executive Director (Southern Tier Region & Snell Farm Children's Center) drives the success of foster care and family support initiatives within the region. Darcy Bailor manages regional staff and resources to maintain high standards of care and safety. This role involves translating organizational strategy into actionable local programs that empower youth. Through the effective management of regional operations, the Executive Director (Southern Tier Region & Snell Farm Children's Center) ensures that the mission of the organization remains central to all activities. Bailor monitors regional performance metrics to continuously improve service delivery and community engagement.

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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.