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.