Conversations with the CEO

Hillside’s Health Care Services team provides compassionate care, innovative solutions, and unwavering support to the youth and their families in our care.  This podcast episode highlights the roles of the Health Care Services team at Hillside.  Maria Cristalli talks with Ann Cott, Executive Director of Health Care and Integration Services and Julee Jorgensen, Senior Nurse Manager of Residential T...

This podcast episode highlights Hillside’s journey in implementing Children and Residential Experiences (CARE), a program model for child caring organizations.  Maria Cristalli talks with Martha Holden, Project Director, Residential Child Care Project, Cornell University.  Martha and her team at the Residential Child Care Project have collaborated with Hillside to support the implementations of CA...

Stories of Hillside celebrates our people and the achievements of those we serve.  Antonia’s Story looks at the personal journey of a former youth in care who overcame her challenges and now works to help other youth as a member of the Hillside team.  Maria Cristalli talks with Antonia Luckina, Youth Care Professional and musician and Kim Draheim, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Leader of th...

The Chair’s Award is presented every year to an employee who represents the highest ideals of service to youth and families while embodying Hillside’s values of Caring, Inclusion and Excellence. Maria Cristalli talks with Keyonne Teagle, Youth Advocate II, Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection and this year’s Chair Award Recipient about his 20 year career at Hillside.  Jill Knittel, Hillside’s Boar...

At Hillside’s schools, we prepare our students to become lifelong learners and achieve their academic and career goals.  Hillside educators are committed to the academic community. They inspire each student’s success by helping them recognize and develop their own talents and abilities! This podcast episode highlights Hillside Schools, the populations we serve, and the benefits of joining the Educ...

Hillside believes that everyone benefits from stronger families.  In 2023, Hillside launched The Family Opportunity Centers (FOC) in Syracuse and Rochester, NY.   The Family Opportunity Center is a site-based, drop-in program where enrolled families can benefit from supports including a wide range of parent education resources; short-term, on-site mental health counseling; and informed guidance on...

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the significant digital divide in our country and need to create greater access to affordable internet and devices for families.  Maria Cristalli talks with Portia James, Board member of Hillside's Board of Governors and Karinda Shanes, Regional Director, Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection - Syracuse region about the importance of working toward Digital Equity.

Hillside’s Special Santa program will brighten the holidays for thousands of youth and families served by Hillside. Approximately 3,000 youth and families are supported by this program.  Gifts can be ordered on Amazon Gift Lists and/or dropped off at community donation boxes.  Maria Cristalli talks with Lilac Inthavong-McEvoy, Vice Chair of Hillside’s Advancement Committee and Shannon Davis, Care...

The Chair’s Award is presented every year to an employee who represents the highest ideals of service to youth and families while embodying Hillside’s values of Caring, Inclusion and Excellence. Maria Cristalli talks with Amy Patterson, Senior Nurse Manager, Hillside and this year’s Chair Award Recipient about her career at Hillside.  Jill Knittel, Hillside’s Board Chair and President & CEO of...

Too few children today have an innate love of reading—the kind of passion that can open doors, in academics and beyond. This podcast episode highlights Hillside Reads, a new literacy initiative launched earlier this year, that aims to help the students attending Hillside’s schools discover their own love of reading. Maria Cristalli talks with Colleen Hill, Executive Director of Education and Kim L...

Research- and evidence-informed programs at Hillside are designed to address the needs of children, adults, and families.  This podcast episode highlights Hillside’s commitment to evidence-based practices. Leaders from Hillside’s Practice and Performance Excellence Group share our process and approach to selecting and integrating evidence-based practices into Hillside’s service array. Maria Crista...

This podcast episode highlights Camp Possibilities, Hillside’s day camp program.   The camp is located in suburban Rochester in a picturesque setting.  Youth served by Hillside enjoy a summertime camp experience and create memories that last a lifetime.  Maria Cristalli talks with Kevin Miller, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator, and Dawson, Hillside camper and apprentice.

This podcast episode highlights how we approach our work at the Snell Farm Residential Treatment campus.  Members of the leadership team highlight Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) trauma-informed model of care and our vocational program.  Maria Cristalli talks with Dr. Rachel Bryant, Director of Residential Services, Chris Cramer, School Based Manager, and Darlene Apgar, Recreation &amp...

Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection helps students stay in school, earn their high school diplomas and prepare for college and career.  This podcast episode highlights the close relationship between each student and their Youth Advocate, a caring professional placed in the school who provides structure and motivation.  Hillside’s Youth Advocates work in collaboration with students and families an...

Hillside believes that everyone benefits from stronger families.  A healthy, stable family environment provides stability in the life of a child.  This podcast episode highlights the work of Hillside’s Institute for Family Connections (Hillside IFC).  The IFC provides support and increases permanency in the life of every child we serve.  Maria Cristalli talks with Marsha Whitley, Director, of Hill...

Hillside’s extraordinary staff live the values, every day.   This podcast episode highlights how we approach our work at the Monroe Avenue campus.  Hillside’s values of Caring, Inclusion, and Excellence drive everything we do.  Maria Cristalli talks with Alisa Burke, Unit Manager, of Hillside’s Residential Treatment program and Theresa Canavan, Program Manager, of Hillside’s Residential Treatment...

So much has changed in 185 years! This launch of our new podcast series explores Hillside’s legacy of service—the circumstances of our founding in 1837, and how our work has evolved to match the needs of our community. Maria Cristalli talks with Dr. Richard Gangemi, Past Chair of Hillside’s Board of Governors and the retired Chief Medical Officer of Rochester Regional Health; and Hillside Board Ch...