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.
Jennifer Fallon
Program Coordinator
Jennifer Fallon joined Christopher’s Haven in 2024 as a Program Coordinator, bringing with her a decade of dedicated volunteer experience at the local level, including roles within the PTO, Wellesley Town Finance Committee and Town Meeting.
Currently, Jenn serves is on the board of the League of Women Voters and World of Wellesley, which is an organization dedicated to educational programing, prioritizing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice; and anti-racism.
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 small children, ages six and three, 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 settled 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.
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.