Christopher’s Haven

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About us

Dedicated to providing a haven of support and comfort for families with children undergoing cancer treatment.

What's Christopher's Haven?

Our goal is to improve their lives.

Welcome to Christopher’s Haven, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a haven of support and comfort for families with children undergoing cancer treatment in Boston and Atlanta.

 

Since 2006, we’ve grown from a single apartment in Boston to encompass 14 fully-furnished apartments and two welcoming community spaces (The Lofts), offering a vital source of stability and connection during a challenging time.

On Labor Day 2006, Christopher’s Haven Boston opened the door of one furnished and comfortable apartment to a family who had traveled from Alabama to Boston seeking life-saving treatment for their seven-year-old daughter.

Today, the organization has two locations managing fourteen residential apartments and two community areas (The Loft) that offer a space for recreation, sharing and support for the families.

 

In both locations, Boston Massachusetts and Atlanta Georgia families value the close proximity to the area medical centers, treasure the ability to be together in an apartment setting

Our Activity

What We Do

Beyond offering a comfortable apartment, we provide several other vital services

Growing Impact

Founded in 2006, Christopher’s Haven has expanded beyond a single apartment in Boston to currently managing 14 apartments across two locations (Boston and Atlanta), serving more families in need.

Supportive Communities

Each location boasts 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 both cities, 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.

How you can contribute

Ways to Help

At Christopher’s Haven, we rely on the incredible support of individuals like you to make a tangible difference in the lives of families facing pediatric cancer.

 

Every contribution, big or small, helps us provide a vital haven of comfort and support during this challenging time. Here are just a few ways your help can make a lasting impact

The team that makes it happen

Meet Our Team

Our dedicated team at Christopher’s Haven goal is to help families go away with positive memories of one of the most difficult times they face.

 

We inspire hope, compassion and love at Christopher’s Haven.

Staff

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.

 

She has over three decades of experience in the financial service sector and has held positions in both banking institutes and non-profits organizations. She also finds fulfillment volunteering in the community including roles with the Parent-Teacher Organization.

Haley Keeffe

Event 

Coordinator

Haley Keefe joined the organization in 2022 as a Family Manager and transitioned to the role of  Event Coordinator in 2024.

 

Prior to working at Christopher’s Haven, Haley worked as an Infant and Toddler teacher throughout college and her first year after graduation.

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 programing, 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.

 

Board of Directors

Diana Knightly

President, 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. Shannon MacDonald

Director

Dr. Shannon M. MacDonald is a radiation oncologist in Boston, Massachusetts at MassGeneral Hospital and MassGeneral Children’s Hospital.

 

She received her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and did her residency at New York University Medical Center.

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 apartment properties in the major coastal US cities.

Stephen Rothwell

Director

Stephen Rothwell is the co-founder of Inspired Technology and Communications.

 

He has exceptional experience in business management and Computer Information Systems with a track record of success leading the business.

 

Stephen was always involved in his family business.

William O'Neill

Director

William O’Neill resides in Gloucester Ma with his wife.

 

Father of four children and eight grandchildren one of which stayed at Christopher’s Haven.

 

Having a unique relationship with Christopher’s Haven due to his granddaughter’s cancer William has seen CH from the inside out. 

Alex Whittemore

Director

Kati Fernandez

Director

Kati Fernandez, is the Senior Director of Development at ESPN, overseeing content creation for ESPN Originals, Films, 30 for 30 documentaries, and Special Projects.

 

With a background contributing to platforms like the NFL Network and Hulu, Kati is also a HearstLab Scout, evaluating investments and the Vice President of WISE Boston.

 

Beyond her industry roles, Kati runs the non-profit Lazos Al Futuro in the Dominican Republic, mentoring and sponsoring high school youth for education, with a commitment to improving graduation rates and extending support to full college scholarships.

 

A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and Syracuse University, Kati is a compassionate leader aiming to make a lasting impact in the sports and entertainment industry and beyond.

Join Our Team

POSITION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TYPE: FULL-TIME/SALARY/EXEMPT
 
JOB SUMMARY
The Executive Director (ED) leads Christopher’s Haven. The ED is the organization’s visionary leader and chief revenue officer, responsible for achieving transformative impact by implementing the strategic vision and plan and attracting new levels of philanthropic support.  The ED is responsible for building the organization’s culture, creating business plans, and overseeing day-to-day activities. The ED empowers the dedicated Christopher’s Haven staff to ensure the business is operating efficiently and effectively to realize its short-term and long-term programmatic goals.  The position requires a dynamic, mission-driven leader who fosters an excellent working relationship with the Staff and Board of Directors and any working teams that support Christopher’s Haven’s mission, vision, and values. The ED reports directly to the Board of Directors.

GENERAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
1) Organization Mission, Strategy and Leadership: Works with board and staff to ensure that the Mission, Vision, and Values are fulfilled and that the programmatic goals are achieved.
  • Responsible for achieving Christopher’s Haven’s vision, fulfilling the organization’s mission, and implementing Christopher’s Haven’s strategic plan to ensure that the organization successfully creates the transformative change desired to impact the local and regional environment.
  • Responsible for enhancing Christopher’s Haven’s image by working closely with the business, philanthropic, government, and social service sectors whose roles are critical to Christopher’s Haven’s success. Oversees all marketing, public relations and communications functions for the organization.
  • Serve as Christopher’s Haven’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the general public.
 
2) Fiscal Sustainability and Viability:  Attract the financial resources necessary to ensure the financial health of the organization.
  • Leverages philanthropic support by cultivating, soliciting and stewarding individuals, families, corporations, and foundations as partners and investors in Christopher’s Haven.
  • Secures government support and grants where appropriate to advance the organization’s programmatic goals.
  • Creates organizational sustainability by attracting multi-year investments and building the organization’s future reserves and endowment.
  • Works with the Director of Operations to build and manage an annual budget to ensure the fiscal integrity of the organization.
 
3) Board Governance: Works with Board of Directors in order to fulfill the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
  • In partnership with the Board of Directors, recruits, onboards, manages and inspires Board member engagement to support achievement of the organization’s goals.
  • Engages the board in the development of Christopher’s Haven’s strategic vision and leverage each board member as a thought partner and contributor in realizing the organization’s vision.
  • Communicates effectively with Board leadership to help inform key business decisions.
  • In partnership with the Board Chair, prepares and helps manage productive board meetings to engage the board in the organization’s strategic priorities.
 
4) Organization Operations: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization and ensure its overall successful long-term operations.  In partnership with staff leadership, the ED:
  • Recruits, trains, manages and inspires a dynamic staff team to successfully build and implement the organization’s business plans.
  • Leads the effective administration of Christopher’s Haven’s
  • Ensures a positive working environment and an organizational culture that stands as the model for all other employers to emulate.
  • Establishes employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operation of Christopher’s Haven. Reviews and approves contracts for services.
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
The ideal candidate for the Executive Director’s role is a dedicated community leader with a track record of successfully leading an organization to achieve new levels of scale and impact.  The ideal candidate embraces servant-leadership, leverages the unique talents of staff and volunteers, empowers and inspires staff excellence, and have a proven track record of revenue generation.  Qualified candidates should bring:
 
  • 5+ years of senior management experience
  • 10+ years of leadership experience
  • 5+ years of fundraising experience
 
ESSENTIAL SKILLS OR REQUIREMENTS
  • Track record of effective leadership and proven results leading a performance- and outcomes-based organization and staff.
  • Demonstrated past performance in relationship-building and philanthropic revenue generation. Strong community advocate, public relations leader and ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders to leverage philanthropic and earned income support.
  • Excellence in organizational management with demonstrated ability to coach, staff, manage, and develop high-performance teams, set and achieve strategic objectives, and manage a budget. Strong business and financial acumen.
  • Past success working with a Board of Directors or similar entity with the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships.
  • High level strategic thinking and planning complemented with excellent listening skills. Ability to envision and convey the organization’s strategic future to the staff, board, volunteers, donors and community partners.
  • Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
  • Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to business planning
  • Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, self-directed, and strong work
  • Collaborative and enjoys working with a diverse group of people in different settings.
COMMITMENT
While the role can primarily be conducted during normal business hours, on occasion the ED role requires flexible work hours including nights and weekends to perform job duties.  As the public face of Christopher’s Haven, attendance at functions and activities is expected.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
This position offers the right candidate an opportunity to lead the organization to new heights and scale the organization’s impact.  The identified leader will embrace this career opportunity and leave an indelible mark on every family served.  Christopher’s Haven offers a strong starting base salary, competitive benefits package, and a team-oriented atmosphere that is both positive and rewarding.  The compensation range for this position is $90K – $110K.  An annual bonus is also available, dependent on performance and achievement of shared goals.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
Christopher’s Haven is an equal opportunity employer who strives to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. Christopher’s Haven’s is committed to considering candidates for employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability and any other status protected under applicable law, and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. All decisions affecting employment at Christopher’s Haven are made based on qualification, performance and other pertinent work-related factors.

TO APPLY
Interested applicants should prepare and forward cover letter, resume and compensation requirements to the New Kensington Group at chuckgordon1979@gmail.com.