“Be safe and stay strong!’”
Bob Myers began his employment at The Children’s Home of Kingston in October 2022 as the Residential Director. In February 2022, Bob was promoted to Chief Operations Officer. He was previously employed at The Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie as the Overnight Manager.
“My biggest accomplishment here has been building relationships with staff, and creating confidence between administration and staff. My hopes and dreams for CHK is to have a safe campus and allow the young men we serve to feel safe and secure a future that is bright and positive. I enjoy working here because working with the youth and this group of employees is a fun group that allows for positive energy and fosters a strong sense of accomplishment.”
My motto is “Be safe and stay strong!’”
When you touch a human soul, be just another human soul.”
Catherine Cruz began her employment at The Children’s Home of Kingstonas Assistant Program Director with the New Horizon Program in June 2020.In January 2023, she was promoted to Program Director. Prior to her work with CHK, she worked as a counselor/therapist with children and adolescents at another non-profit organization, located in Brooklyn NY.
As Program Director, Catherine’s primary responsibility is to oversee the day to day operations and programming of the twenty-four-bed New Horizons Program. Among the many responsibilities as Program Director, other areas to highlight are supporting the organization’s administration in the development and implementation of youth care and treatment for the youth,overseeing all support services of the program, which include: Clinical and Case Management, Educational, Medical, and Residential services. She also works to establish an environment that is respectful and supportive of the youth, staff, and external stakeholders while maintaining and evaluating data to determine and improve program outcomes.
To date, one of Catherine’s greatest accomplishments in the New Horizon Program has been, starting from the case management department and now for the rest of the departments, the restructuring of a more solid program in all its aspects and areas where the priority and vision will always be the well-being of the children in care and their families. Throughout her professional career and her life, being able to care for and help others has always been part of Catherine’s essence and one of her greatest gifts. This is one of her main reasons for being part of this agency.
One of her favorite quotes is, “When you touch a human soul, be just another human soul.”
“Empowering learning, inspiring success.”
Pamela Baldelli began her employment at CHK in October 2022. She was previously employed at Arlington Central School district where she retired after a 30 year career as School Counselor.
Pam’s current position is School Principal at the Grove Street Academy where her primary responsibility is to oversee all daily educational activities and operations within the school. Some of additional duties include advising students, evaluating teachers and ensuring adherence to NYS curriculum, establishing an equitable Code of Conduct, and ensuring the school environment is safe for all students and staff members.
To date, Pam’s biggest accomplishment at the Grove Street Academy has been establishing a trusting relationship with students and families. This has allowed her to successfully work with students and families to foster academic success and to promote the emotional development and health of each student.
Pam’s hope for Grove Street Academy is that every student graduates, attends college, enters the workforce prepared, or attends a trade school; making their contribution to society.
“My dream is that our students can turn their challenges into something wonderful in their futures. I enjoy watching our students grow academically, emotionally and socially. I am here because I believe my leadership abilities and past experience can make a difference in the lives of our students.”
My motto is ‘Empowering learning, inspiring success.’”
‘We Rise by Lifting Others!’”
La’Shana Cummings began her employment with The Children’s Home of Kingston in February 2023 as the Residential Supervisor. La’Shana’s previous experience at the Office of Children and Family Services and The Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie have garnered the respect of her fellow leaders. Her practical knowledge base coupled with a strong regulatory foundation are vital to the success of our clients.
La’Shana’s biggest accomplishment here so far has been helping some of these young men recognize their self worth and value. This role is an opportunity to create positive change in the lives of our young men. Her aspirations are to create a safe, loving, and learning culture.
“I joined the team because I am passionate about our young men and what real child care work stands for. “
My way of life/motto is, ‘We Rise by Lifting Others!’
“Leaders don’t sit around and wait for something to get done, they just do it.”
James Daniels (“Daniels”) has worked at The Children’s Home of Kingston for seven years. Mr. Daniels was previously employed at First Source as a supervisor. Mr. Daniels was recently promoted to Lead Campus Supervisor in which he provides exceptional support to employees, students, and maintaining campus safety. His biggest accomplishment since he began his employment has been building strong and impactful relationships with the young men in our care while balancing the needs of my family after my father passed away.
“My hopes and dreams for CHK is for me to provide exceptional leadership to the employees that work at CHK. I enjoy providing guidance and support to the young men when they need it most. Working at CHK gives me the opportunity to help change and bring enjoyment to the young men. I love the family feel of the company, and for the most part it’s a very team oriented place and I’m all about team.”
My motto is, ‘Leaders don’t sit around and wait for something to get done, they just do it.’