Leadership Team

Many of Key's leadership team have been involved with the agency for over two decades. Their commitment to social services and to the betterment of the lives of youth and their families is unparalleled in the region.

President, William Lyttle

has been President of Key since 1977. Bill holds a B.A. in Psychology from Boston University, and a M.Ed. in Leadership and Educational Administration from Worcester State College.

He has served in numerous public policy leadership positions including President of the Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers, Chairperson of the Children's League of Massachusetts, and Chairperson of the Trustees of Worcester State College. Bill is a founding member of Citizens For Juvenile Justice and has received many awards for leadership including the Richard J. Bond Award for Excellence in Human Services.

Chief Operating Officer, Wesley J. Cotter

holds a B.A. in Psychology/Sociology from Brandeis University, a M.Ed. in Guidance and Psychological Services from Springfield College, a M.B.A. from Assumption College and a J.D. from Western New England College School of Law.

Wes is a member of the Massachusetts Bar and is a Massachusetts Licensed Certified Social Worker and has been with Key in various positions since 1976. He has been a member of the Massachusetts Governor's Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee since 1991 and has served on many local boards that oversee programs and services designed to assist at-risk youth and families. Wes is skilled in the development and evaluation of juvenile justice and social service programs and is an adjunct professor at Fitchburg State College and Suffolk University.

Director of Western MA Operations, Dr. Michael Goodwin

holds a B.A. in Sociology from St. Anselm College, a M.Ed. in Guidance and Psychological Services from Springfield College, and an Ed.D. in Educational Psychology from American International College. He is a Licensed Psychologist in Massachusetts.

Michael has been in various supervisory positions with Key since 1975 and has been instrumental in the design and implementation of residential treatment programs, an emergency shelter, a mental health clinic, and an alternative school. Michael was involved in the development of assessment and treatment protocols for youth with firesetting and sexual offending behaviors. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and serves on the board of ACCESS Behavioral Health Care, L.L.P.

Director of Management and Human Resources, Cynthia Hay

has a B.A. in Urban Studies and a Master's in Non-Profit Management both from Worcester State College, and a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Bentley College.

Cynthia has been with Key in various administrative roles since 1982. Cynthia has extensive experience in program accreditation with an emphasis on continuous quality improvement and information systems.

Director of Southeast MA and Rhode Island Operations, Cornelia Ryan

holds a B.S. in Urban Studies and a Certificate in Gerontology Studies from Worcester State College and a M.S.W. from Adelphi University. She is a Massachusetts Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.

Cornelia has held various supervisory positions in Key since 1984. She has been professionally affiliated with the Rhode Island Council of Residential Providers (RICORP) since 1990 and has extensive experience in clinical supervision. Cornelia provides oversight to the Southeastern and Central Massachusetts clinical teams.

Director of Northeastern Massachusetts Operations, Joel Tragash

holds a B.A. in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Administration, and a Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Rehabilitation Administration from Northeastern University.

Joel, a Massachusetts licensed certified social worker, started his professional career with Key in the early 70s and then moved to state government where he held various leadership positions with the Massachusetts Department of Social Services for 15 years. He returned to Key's Management Team in 1995. Joel is professionally affiliated with the Northeast Providers Association.

Director of Administration and Finance, Ronald Ardine

holds a B.A. in Government from Suffolk University and a M.P.A. from Northeastern University.

Ron brings 14 years of human service and financial management experience to Key as well as experience in management information systems, mental health care financing, and third party reimbursement. Joining Key's Management Team in 1996. Ron has extensive experience in program pricing, financial analysis and regulatory interpretation.

Director of Children's Charter Division of Key, Paula Stahl

holds a B.S. from Lesley College, a M.Ed. and a CAGS in Counselor Education from the University of Maryland, and an Ed.D. in Education from Boston University. She is a Massachusetts Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Paula founded Children's Charter in 1985. Together with her staff, she has created the largest provider of trauma treatment services in Massachusetts and has developed both a Forensic Assessment Team and a Domestic Violence Team that offer statewide assessments supported by the Massachusetts Department of Social Services. She has served on numerous community boards and task forces offering her expertise in trauma and child abuse. She is a Founding Member and current Board Member of the Massachusetts Children's Trust Fund.