POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie has announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors, the addition of a committee member, and the confirmation of its Executive Committee for the 2026-2027 term. With backgrounds in commercial banking, child development, engineering, and data analysis, these individuals will help strengthen the organization’s leadership and mission of serving children and families.

Michael Liguori, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lender for Rhinebeck Bank, joins the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie’s Board of Directors as its Assistant Treasurer, bringing expertise in lending and management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from SUNY Oswego and is a 2012 Leadership Dutchess graduate. Mike has also received specialized training in commercial credit through the American Bankers Association. He is extremely active in the local community and is the Immediate Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Poughkeepsie, Treasurer of the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, and Board Member for Mid-Hudson Works.

Andrea Massi joins the Board of Directors with a strong background in education, child development, and school leadership. A graduate of Dutchess Community College, where she earned associate degrees in Early Childhood Education and Liberal Arts, Andrea went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from SUNY New Paltz, master’s degrees in Education and Students with Disabilities, and an advanced degree in School Leadership. Throughout her career, she has worked with youth and families through a variety of roles, providing skill building, prevocational, crisis avoidance management and training, special needs community advocacy, and caregiver support. She currently serves as Academic Support Center Coordinator at Oakwood Friends School, where she is the head of her department, teaches classes, and writes learning plans and 504s for students in need.

Christine Taylor joins the Children’s Home as part of the Resource Development Committee, with years of experience working in engineering, research, and data analysis. She holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is currently a hardware developer at IBM. Christine is passionate about supporting local children and families through education, mentorship, and community support.

“We want to enthusiastically welcome new board members Andrea and Michael to our Board of Directors and Christine to our Resource Development Committee,” said Val Murphy, Chair of the Board of Directors. “They bring not only their extensive professional expertise and long-standing involvement in the Mid-Hudson Valley Community, but a strong desire to support and promote the mission of the Children’s Home to empower children and families to achieve optimal health and well-being.”

We also would like to recognize four members who have completed their board terms, Maureen Crush, Chris Downey, Rochelle Friedman, and Jessica Vinall. We thank them for their nine years of exemplary and dedicated service as officers and members of the Board of Directors. We truly appreciate all of the time and efforts they have devoted to the organization.”

In addition, the Children’s Home announced its updated Executive Committee: Chair – Valerie Murphy; Vice Chair – Matthew Cruz; Vice Chair, Audit – Patrick Meaney; Vice Chair, Governance – Ian MacDonald; Vice Chair, Program – Kathy McCorry; Vice Chair, Resource Development – Jason Dewey; Secretary – Sean Manna; Treasurer – Mary Lou Davis; and Assistant Treasurer – Michael Liguori.

To learn more about the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie and its mission, please visit childrenshome.us.

About the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie

On January 21, 1847, a group of Poughkeepsie women called the Female Guardian Society met to form the Poughkeepsie Orphan House and Home of the Friendless to care for the poor, abandoned, and neglected in their communities, most especially the children. They believed that all children deserve a nurturing and caring environment. More than 179 years later, their work continues.

Today, the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie provides a full range of Community Based Services and Residential Services giving hope and healing to at-risk children throughout the country. The Home is licensed by the New York State Office of Children & Family Services, the New York State Office of Mental Health, and the New York State Department of Health. The Children’s Home is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for its exemplary adherence to human welfare agency guidelines. In fiscal year 2025, the Home served approximately 1,683 children and their families.