The Children's Aid Society

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The Office of Volunteer Services is committed to ensuring that our volunteers have a positive a rewarding experience during their time with us. We provide Children’s Aid programs and staff with access to dedicated individuals looking to donate a portion of their time working directly with and on behalf of our children and families. Currently, the Office of Volunteer Services supports over forty programs and events involving volunteers.

Staff

Scott J. McLeod, Director – Scott is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the department and works to expand the role of volunteers within the agency. He has been with Children’s Aid for over five years working on special projects such as the Hope Leadership Academy, Downstate Prevention Resource Center, and the Educational Technology Initiative. Prior to becoming Director, Scott served as Volunteer Coordinator overseeing the recruitment and placement of all volunteers. Scott has close to ten years of non-profit experience with positions with The Bell Foundation, and Jobs for Youth. He is a graduate of Hunter College.

Malia Poai, Mentoring Services Program Director - Malia joined The Children’s Aid Society in September 2005 as the Mentoring Services Program Director. She is responsible for improving the quality and curriculum content of several mentoring programs and providing comprehensive training workshops to better prepare mentors to work with our kids. Prior to working for Children’s Aid, Malia worked at St. Matthew’s & St. Timothy’s Neighborhood Center, providing play therapy and assessments to preschoolers and worked closely with the Executive Director on various projects, including evaluations and grant writing projects. A Utah transplant, Malia brings nine extensive years of experience working in the world of mentoring from directing her own program, to serving in various leadership capacities for The Utah Mentoring Partnership. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from Columbia University, specializing in Advanced Generalist Practices and Programming with a focus on Children and Families.

Chelsea T. Benincasa, Program Assistant - Chelsea is the “voice of the department” and is most often the individual that prospective and current volunteers speak to regarding their volunteer experience. She is responsible for conducting the background screening all volunteers and maintaining the volunteer database. In May of 2007, Chelsea graduated from Virginia Tech University with a degree in Communication. Her background in social justice, policy planning, and human rights brought her to New York City and to the Children’s Aid Society. She has been involved with many grassroots organizations and non-profits, including interning at the National Partnership for Women and Families in Washington DC. Chelsea, who has volunteered with children both at home and as far away as in the Dominican Republic, feels a strong connection to the mission of the Children’s Aid Society.