A Home Away From Home
At Christopher’s Haven, we create a warm and welcoming environment for families facing cancer treatment. We’re here to provide comfort, support, and a sense of community during challenging times.
A Home for Kids When Cancer Hits Home.
We are grateful for every donation, big or small. You can support our families by clicking the ‘Donate’ button or giving via Venmo (@ChristophersHaven).
Creating Comfort for Families
What We Do
Families battling pediatric cancer from all over the country will receive support in a positive environment – without having to be burdened with the stress of finding and financing temporary housing. Embracing the entire family for several weeks by providing resources and therapeutic activities that contribute to their collective joy and healing. We understand that medicine heals the patient, and Christopher’s Haven helps to heal the child.
Growing Impact
Founded in 2006, Christopher’s Haven has expanded beyond a single apartment in Boston to currently managing 9 apartments and hosting recreation activities daily in “The Loft”.
Supportive Communities
Christopher’s Haven hosts a dedicated Loft – a community recreation area fostering connection, shared experiences, and emotional support among families facing similar challenges.
Proximity and Comfort
Strategically situated near major medical centers in Boston, Christopher’s Haven provides families with convenient access to their child’s treatment while offering a comfortable apartment setting, allowing them to stay together during this difficult time.
Meet Our Team
We’re more than just a team; we’re a family dedicated to providing warmth and compassion to children and families in need.
Susan Kagan
Executive Director
Susan Tufts Kagan has worked with mission-led organizations for over twenty-five years. She began her career at Boston Children’s Hospital, after earning a Master’s in Educational Psychology from UCONN. Susan is an advocate for access to recreation and the community for children with significant healthcare needs and disabilities.
Recognized by the Children’s Defense Fund and the German Marshall Fund earning fellowships focused on childcare, special health care needs, and disability rights. She enjoys working with non-profit organizations to ensure their sustainability and is especially committed to helping families with special healthcare needs.
Maria Ciriello
Director of Operations
Maria Ciriello joined the Christopher’s Haven team in 2013 as Business Manager and was named Director of Operations in 2024.
With over three decades of experience in the financial services sector, she has held positions in both banking institutions and nonprofit organizations. Maria is also active in her community, volunteering with the Parent-Teacher Organization. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Suffolk University. Maria resides in Stoneham with her husband, Kenny, and their three boys.
Glennys Acosta
Family Manager
Glennys Acosta joined our team in 2024 as Family Manager. Previously, she worked for over 18 years in non-profits, advocating for the community.
As a community organizer, domestic violence specialist, advocate, philanthropist, and public servant, she has served on various boards and conducted her own television show with Cambridge CCTC. She is the co-founder of her family’s international organization, Lazos Al Futuro based in the Dominican Republic and is also proficient in three languages.
Jenn Fallon
Program Coordinator
Jennifer Fallon joined the team in 2024 as a Program Coordinator, bringing with her 10+ years of volunteer experience at the local level, including roles within various PTO’s, Wellesley Town Finance Committee & Town Meeting.
Currently, Jenn serves as a member of the League of Women Voters and on the board of the World of Wellesley, which is an organization dedicated to educational programming, prioritizing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice.
Emily Gombotz
Lead Volunteer
Emily has been volunteering for over two years after learning about Christopher’s Haven from a former family she met while volunteering at another childhood cancer organization. She is passionate about making both kids and adults comfortable while staying in Boston for treatment. Her goal is to bring even a small amount of joy during an otherwise difficult time in famlies lives. She also works with new volunteers to assist in helping around the Loft.
Outside of her work here, Emily works as a lab researcher at a biotech company and is also working towards for Master in Public Health at BU.
Diana Knightly
Treasurer, Director
Diana Knightly was named to the Christopher’s Haven Board of Directors in 2012.
Currently retired, she formerly served as a Managing Director and Partner at Imperial Capital in Boston where she sells fixed-income securities and specializes in high-yield bonds.
Emily Whittemore
Director
Emily Whittemore is mother of two children, ages 13 and 10, a former preschool teacher and sculptor, and a recent cancer survivor.
She is originally from Richmond, VA, and she has lived with her husband Alex Whittemore in Boston since 2006.
Dr. Kevin Liu
Director
Christopher’s Haven, a Boston-based 501(c)(3) organization providing fully furnished temporary housing and community space for families of children undergoing cancer treatment, proudly welcomes Dr. Kevin Liu to its Board of Directors.
Dr. Liu is an Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at Harvard Medical School and Director of Sarcoma Radiation Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital, where his clinical focus includes sarcomas and pediatric malignancies. He earned his undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Harvard College, completed his doctorate at the University of Oxford as a Fulbright and Clarendon Scholar, and received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He completed his residency in radiation oncology at the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, serving as Chief Resident.
Dr. Liu’s research focuses on advancing treatments for pediatric cancers and reducing healthcare disparities, with publications in leading medical journals. His clinical expertise and firsthand understanding of family challenges strengthen Christopher’s Haven’s mission to provide comfort, community, and support during pediatric cancer treatment.
David Lane
Director
David is the Vice President of Property Management for Equity Residential in Boston, Massachusetts.
Equity Residential, the landlord and a long-term benefactor of Christopher’s Haven, is the owner of apartm
Michael Aroca
Director
Michael Aroca is the Assistant Vice President, Client Sales and Service Officer at Main Street Bank, a Massachusetts-based mutual bank. Michael brings over 13 years of experience in banking, helping clients achieve goals through trusted financial solutions.
Michael has already become a regular at events in The Loft! Born and raised in West Roxbury, Michael holds a degree from Boston College and lives just across town with his wife and pets.
Michael Chase
Director
Michael Chase is the Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at STAG Industrial, a real estate investment trust specializing in industrial properties across the U.S. With over two decades of experience, Michael previously served as Senior VP of Acquisitions and Managing Director at STAG Capital Partners. He has also been the President of the Cape Cod Bay Challenge (CCBC) since 2010, helping raise over $1 million for Christopher’s Haven.
Michael resides in Norwell, MA with his wife, Jessica, and their two children, Jackson and Lily. He is an avid skier, surfer, and paddler.
Jim Abbott
President, Director
Jim is a financial advisor in Boston and lives in Reading, MA with his wife Suzanne and two boys. He joined Claro Advisors, a $1.4B Registered Investment Advisor firm, in 2017 and previously worked for Wells Fargo Advisors and TD Bank.
He volunteers his time and/or resources at the following 501(c)(3) nonprofits: Brookline Teen Center, Team Noah Foundation, Project Pinball, Skate for the 22 Foundation. He also volunteers time with a local and national trade association Associated Builders and Contractors 501(c)(6) serving on their local and national board of directors. He holds a Business Degree from the University of New Hampshire where he also was a Division I athlete. He played professional hockey after UNH and was drafted into the National Hockey League by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Sebastiano Amara
Director
Sebastiano Amara is a seasoned real estate professional serving as Director of Real Estate at New Tradition, where he focuses on strategic property acquisitions and high-impact out-of-home advertising inventory in the Boston market. With a strong background in urban real estate and media placements, Sebastiano brings deep market insight and relationship-driven leadership to his work, helping expand visibility for clients across key Northeast corridors. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Christopher’s Haven, contributing his expertise to support families of children undergoing cancer treatment. Sebastiano is based in the Greater Boston area and actively engaged in the local real estate community.
Bruce Taylor
Director
Bruce Taylor brings over 30 years of financial leadership experience, including 22 years at the Timberland Company, seven years at City Year, and four years with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He holds a BA in Economics and an MBA from Indiana University.
Taylor’s commitment to Christopher’s Haven is deeply personal. In 1999, his eight-year-old son Alex was diagnosed with a brain tumor, requiring months of treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital. Though Alex fully recovered, the experience motivated Taylor to support families facing similar challenges. He later co-founded The Granite State Quest, an annual cycling fundraiser that raised $2.1 million for pediatric cancer research and patient care.
Michael Bellody
Director
Michael L. Bellody is Founder & CEO and Chief Portfolio Strategist at Imperia Wealth Management, where he leads the design and implementation of tailored investment and financial strategies for clients. With nearly 30 years of experience in financial services, Michael began his career at Prudential Financial and went on to hold leadership roles at Prudential Securities, Merrill Lynch, Mellon Advisor Services, and Fisher Investments, where he contributed to significant asset growth and mentored executive leaders. He later excelled at Securian Advisors, earning recognition from the Million Dollar Round Table and top performance honors. Michael holds a degree in Economics from Bentley College and FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations. He is also actively engaged in community service and youth development.