RCIL PROFILE: Christa Makuch

Christa Makuch is a lifelong resident of Rome, NY, where she enjoys deep roots and strong community ties. A proud alumna of SUNY Polytechnic Institute (formerly SUNY Tech), Christa earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and has dedicated her professional life to the human services field. With over two decades of experience, including 16 years at another local nonprofit, Christa brought her passion and expertise to RCIL more than six years ago.

As Vice President of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) and Veteran Directed Care (VDC), Christa leads with compassion and a commitment to RCIL’s mission: empowering individuals with disabilities to remain in their homes and live life on their own terms. Her favorite part of the role is the lasting relationships she’s built with consumers and the opportunity to see firsthand how these services make a difference in their lives.

Christa is especially proud of the resilience and dedication her team demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they adapted quickly to ensure continued care and support for individuals across the region. Navigating recent programmatic changes in CDPAP has posed new challenges, but Christa remains committed to guiding her team and supporting consumers through transitions with care and consistency.

Outside of work, Christa finds joy and balance in family life. She lives with her significant other, Neil, and her son, Ethan, just around the corner from her parents, who have been married for nearly 49 years. They spend much of their time cheering on Ethan during football season, supporting the RFA Black Knights, and rooting for Syracuse and the Buffalo Bills. In warmer months, Christa enjoys relaxing on the patio with family, barbecuing, sitting by the fire, and diving into home and craft projects.