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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Director
Dr. Kevin Liu
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 apartment properties in the major coastal US cities.
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.
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.
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.
Director
Yano Amaro
Director
Bruce Taylor
