Congratualtions Christy Olsen - 2026 PASESetter Winner!
We Have a Winner!
Christy Olsen, NIDC Director
of Youth Services and
2026 PASEsetter Winner!
CONGRATULATIONS, CHRISTY!
We are thrilled to announce that Christy Olsen has been names a 2026 PASEsetter Winner!
Chrisy is the heart 🧡 and soul of NIDC’s youth programs. Her dedication and passion make a lasting impact on hundreds of children, parents, and staff every single day in the Bronx.
PASE (Partnership for Afterschool Education) selects PASEsetters each year, amplifying outstanding individuals who truly make afterschool transformative for so many NYC children.
Spotlight on Christy:
Compassionate. Dedicated. Creative. When asked about Christy Olsen, who has been an integral part of NIDC for over 25 years, these are the most common words you will hear. But mostly, you will hear of her deep commitment to the children and the families in the Bronx.
When Christy first joined NIDC, she ran the afterschool program at PS 96. From this, Christy built our Youth and Family Department, adding five local schools and the community center over the years. She did this by focusing on literacy, social-emotional learning, civic engagement and life skills. These core concepts became NIDC's 4 Pillars of Youth Programming, preparing children not only for academic success, but also for a fulfilling future as confident, caring and responsible leaders.
From the start, Christy was able to see the range of needs of each child clearly. Today, she is constantly seeking new initiatives and ideas and the right partnerships to accomplish a vision. And that vision is always laser-focused on the NIDC youth.
The Partnership for After School Education (PASE) & the PASEsetter Awards:
PASE is a child-focused organization that promotes and support quality afterschool programs. PASE believes that the afterschool field’s superpower is its tremendous workforce. In that spirit, PASE announces five PASEsetter Awards each year, celebrating dedicated professionals who make afterschool in New York City transformative.