“There was something really special about being in a shelter setting, working with kids in an educational environment,” said Annamaria Santoro, Senior Director of Operations at HFH. “It really stuck with me. Anytime I go back to Prospect, I feel like I’m at home.”
Annamaria began her career in early education after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in childhood education from Brooklyn College. Her first job out of school was teaching in the Early Childhood Education Center at HFH’s Prospect Family Residence. From the beginning, she was drawn to the shelter setting, and the experience planted a seed that would continue to shape her path.
“I was really looking to get more involved in community work,” said Annamaria. “I loved it—the kids were great—and it was just a really enriching experience. I felt like we were this little crew all learning together.”
John Greenwood, Executive Director at HFH, first worked with Annamaria during this time, when he was Assistant Administrator at Prospect.
“While technically I was one of her supervisors,” he said, “it didn’t stop her from yelling at me for interrupting her class when I wanted to come in and hang with the kids!”
That early experience sparked a broader interest in social impact—leading Annamaria to Chicago to pursue a dual master’s degree in school counseling and community counseling at DePaul University. She eventually returned to New York and continued to gain additional experience in the non-profit sector before becoming the Director of Community Partnerships at Housing Works, deepening her expertise in non-profit operations and programming.
Over time, Annamaria realized she wanted her work to directly impact children again—and that her varied experiences had prepared her to do just that. In 2018, John recruited her to return to HFH.
“She’s been one of my go-to crisis managers, fixers, implementers, and advisors since she came back,” he said.
At HFH, Annamaria’s role has steadily evolved. When she rejoined the organization, she focused on family services and social work—but soon, her impact grew. Today, as Senior Director of Operations, she helps oversee additional critical program areas including education, compliance (meeting regulatory requirements), the Culinary program at Allie’s Place, and HFH Summer Camps.
“Over the past five years, I’ve watched Annamaria grow tremendously into what I consider my right hand in the operation,” said Gretchen Hernandez, Deputy Executive Director at HFH. “She is unique in her ability to adapt to any situation presented to her, her proactive approach to challenges, and her eagerness to learn.”
Annamaria noted that her role at HFH has merged her professional worlds.
“Operations gave me the chance to apply my background in counseling and education, while also contributing to the systems that shape how we support children and families.”
Her work is wide-ranging: supporting teams in developing and implementing trainings, strengthening relationships with City agencies—including the Department of Homeless Services and the Department of Education—and guiding programming across HFH sites.
“Anna has become an essential leader at HFH,” said John. “Folks from all departments and shelters look to her for guidance—in all areas. She’s as good a listener as she is a doer.”
Annamaria is known for being collaborative, dependable, and thoughtful—with a bright personality that makes an impact.
“I have always seen her as a very strong supervisor—someone who leads with confidence, genuinely cares about us as individuals, and consistently supports her team,” said Heidy Mendez, Senior Program Compliance Associate who has reported to Annamaria for three years. “She is understanding and flexible, which I truly appreciate. I’ve learned a great deal from her; she is both a mentor and a leader.”
Camp Administrator Tyrone Squire, who’s worked closely with her for three years, said she brings energy and heart to the role.
“Watching her communicate with partners and vendors, you can see how much she cares about camp and HFH—it shows her passion. She’s also creative and brings a fun quirkiness to everything she does. People enjoy being around her.”
Alfonsina Gomez, Administrator at Williamsbridge Family Residence, who has worked with Annamaria for the past six years emphasized that Anna helps others express themselves.
“She makes us part of the solution; she includes us, and we both learn from the experience. Her support, guidance, empathy, and camaraderie are exceptional.”
For Annamaria, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing families make progress—no matter how big or small.
“Success doesn’t have to be a big thing—it can be a mom signing her child up for childcare after being hesitant,” she said. “That’s a big step. That’s worth celebrating.”
Outside of work, Annamaria enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
“Basically, whatever my daughter wants to do is what we do,” said Annamaria.
Lately, she’s been experimenting in the kitchen with cozy, comforting recipes—from braised short ribs to Japanese onigiri.
