Hillside Children's Center Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hillside Children's Center has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, marketing, 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 organization's overarching strategy and vision. This leadership role involves guiding all operational facets to ensure the effective delivery of behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources across New York State and Maryland. Cristalli champions the mission to strengthen families and empower youth, overseeing the strategic development of programs like the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering community involvement and support. Maria Cristalli's executive oversight drives the organization's dedication to making a positive and lasting impact in the communities served, solidifying Hillside's position as a vital resource for youth and families.
    Maria Cristalli

    Christopher Peterson - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Peterson, the Chief Financial Officer at Hillside Children's Center, manages the organization's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. This role encompasses overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, and resource allocation to support the diverse range of services offered. Peterson ensures the financial sustainability of programs focused on behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources across New York State and Maryland. The Chief Financial Officer plays a critical part in securing funding and managing investments to advance the mission of strengthening families and empowering youth. Christopher Peterson's financial acumen is essential for maintaining operational integrity and enabling the organization's continued growth and positive community impact.
    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 integrity and treasury functions. This dual role involves overseeing all financial planning, reporting, and cash management to ensure the robust support of services like behavioral health, crisis intervention, and educational programs across New York State and Maryland. Perrotto is responsible for maintaining strong financial controls and optimizing financial resources to advance the mission of strengthening families and empowering youth. The Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer ensures fiscal responsibility and compliance, safeguarding the organization's assets and enabling strategic investments. Paul Perrotto's financial leadership is critical for sustaining Hillside's operational capacity and its positive impact on the communities it serves.

    Elizabeth Nolan - Chief Operating Officer

    Elizabeth Nolan, the Chief Operating Officer at Hillside Children's Center, executes the day-to-day operational strategies that support the organization's mission. This involves managing the delivery of critical services, including behavioral health, crisis intervention, educational programs, and family support systems such as foster care and residential treatment. Nolan oversees the operational efficiency of programs targeting youth, individuals, and families throughout New York State and Maryland. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that all service delivery adheres to the highest standards of quality and effectiveness, directly contributing to the goal of strengthening families and empowering youth. Elizabeth Nolan's leadership ensures seamless integration of services and optimal resource allocation, driving the organization's commitment to positive community impact and operational excellence.
    Elizabeth Nolan

    John Barr - Chief Marketing Officer

    John Barr, the Chief Marketing Officer at Hillside Children's Center, develops and executes comprehensive marketing and communication strategies to enhance the organization's reach and impact. This leadership position involves promoting the full spectrum of services, including behavioral health, crisis support, educational programs, and family resources, to target audiences in New York State and Maryland. Barr oversees brand management and public relations efforts, ensuring the organization's mission to strengthen families and empower youth resonates effectively within the community. The Chief Marketing Officer drives initiatives that foster community involvement and support, amplifying the positive contributions of programs like the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection. John Barr's strategic marketing leadership is vital for increasing awareness and engagement with Hillside's critical services.
    John Barr

    Mazie Tai - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Mazie Tai, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Hillside Children's Center, directs all human capital strategies to support the organization's mission and operational needs. This executive role involves overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, compensation and benefits, and fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture across New York State and Maryland. Tai ensures that HR policies and practices align with the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, supporting the effective delivery of behavioral health, crisis support, and educational services. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a crucial part in attracting and retaining skilled professionals dedicated to strengthening families and empowering youth. Mazie Tai's leadership in human resources is fundamental to building and maintaining a high-performing team committed to Hillside's community impact.

    Darlene Ryan - Chief Performance Officer

    Darlene Ryan, the Chief Performance Officer at Hillside Children's Center, drives the continuous improvement of organizational effectiveness and service delivery. This role focuses on establishing key performance indicators, monitoring outcomes, and implementing strategies to enhance the quality and impact of programs in behavioral health, crisis support, education, and family resources across New York State and Maryland. Ryan ensures that all operations are aligned with the mission to strengthen families and empower youth, leveraging data to inform decision-making and operational adjustments. The Chief Performance Officer champions a culture of accountability and excellence, identifying opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Darlene Ryan's performance-focused leadership is essential for maximizing Hillside's positive influence and ensuring sustained success in serving its communities.

    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 initiatives. This position involves direct oversight of service delivery, program management, and community engagement within the Southern Tier Region and at Snell Farm Children's Center. Bailor ensures that local programs effectively address the needs of youth, individuals, and families, providing critical behavioral health, crisis support, and educational services. The Executive Director (Southern Tier Region & Snell Farm Children's Center) fosters strong relationships with local stakeholders and community partners to advance the organization's mission. Darcy Bailor's regional leadership is instrumental in extending Hillside's reach and ensuring its dedicated support for families and youth in these specific areas.

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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.