We are dedicated to providing a haven of support and comfort for families with children undergoing cancer treatment.
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 families.
In both locations, Boston, Massachusetts, and Atlanta, Georgia, families value the close proximity to the area medical centers and treasure the ability to be together in an apartment setting.
Beyond offering a comfortable apartment, we provide several other vital services.
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.
Each location boasts a dedicated “Loft” – a community recreation area fostering connection, shared experiences, and emotional support among families facing similar challenges.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
She has experience as a grantmaker while building partnerships between private and public funders. Her work on inclusion was recognized by the Children’s Defense Fund, Children’s Hospital LEND Program 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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
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.
Director
Director
Director
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.
