Mission
Chanda’s House is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to restoring calm, dignity, and humanity to the end-of-life journey. While hospice provides essential medical and emotional care, many families still need extra hands and steady presence—this is the gap we fill. We do this through advocacy and education, community support, and family care scholarships delivered in partnership with trusted agencies and hospice teams.
Vision
We envision a region where every individual and family has access to seamless, dignified end-of-life support—anchored by a homelike Hospice House and strengthened by community education, caregiver support, and family care scholarships.
Our long-term vision is to create a replicable model that elevates standards, removes barriers, and transforms end-of-life care.
Where care meets compassion and hearts find rest.
At Chanda’s House, our values guide every interaction and decision. We honor hospice’s essential role and partner to fill the hands-on care gap so those being honored can focus on life's precious moments. Through education, community support, and our Scholarship Program, we ensure access to compassionate care—regardless of means.
Compassion & Presence
We lead with empathy, calm, and attentive listening—showing up fully for individuals and families when it matters most.
Dignity &
Autonomy
We honor each person’s wishes, story, culture, and faith traditions, preserving identity and choice at every step.
Holistic
Care
We care for the whole person—physical comfort, emotional steadiness, and spiritual peace.
Collaboration with Hospice & Community
We complement hospice and clinical teams, coordinate with partner agencies and volunteers
Equity & Access
(Our Scholarship Promise)
Our Scholarship Program expands access for hands-on support, prioritizing families with the greatest need so no one faces the end alone.
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Education & Advocacy
With dignity as the foundation, we equip caregivers and professionals with practical skills and clear guidance—so confidence and compassion rise together.
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Cultural Humility & Inclusion
We continuously learn, reflect, and adapt—creating welcoming spaces that respect diverse identities, beliefs, and life experiences.
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Grief Support & Legacy
We walk with families through loss and remembrance, honoring lives lived and the legacies they leave.
We lead with ONE umbrella message:
Chanda’s House is a nonprofit that fills the gaps in end-of-life care — through our home, caregiver respite, hands-on support and education.
CHANDA’S HOUSE (Umbrella Mission)
End of life Home
(Anchor)
Respite Care
(Rest/Relief)
Community Support
(Guidance)
Chanda's House impacts the community
in several key ways:
Providing Dignified Care
Ensures that individuals spend their final days in a peaceful, respectful environment, surrounded by compassionate care.
Community Support and Education
Educates the community about end-of-life care, reducing stigma and fostering a more compassionate and informed community.​
Reducing Family Burden
Alleviates the stress and responsibility of 24/7 care for families, allowing them to focus on quality time with their loved ones.
Accessibility and Affordability
Provides care on a sliding scale to ensure financial constraints do not prevent individuals from receiving the care they need.
Enhancing Emotional Well-being
Offers emotional support to residents and their families, helping them navigate the complex emotions associated with end-of-life care.
Holistic Care Approach
Incorporates complementary therapies and holistic practices to improve the quality of life for residents, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Reducing Healthcare Costs
Offers an alternative to hospital stays, helping to reduce overall healthcare costs associated with end-of-life care.
Board Members
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Chantal Bernard
Executive Director/Founder
BIO
Chantal Bernard is a dedicated nurse, educator, and advocate with a lifelong commitment to holistic healthcare and empowerment. As the founder of Chanda's House, Chantal's mission is to provide compassionate end-of-life care in a warm, home-like environment. Inspired by a profound experience with a terminally ill client, Chantal blends compassion with care. She also leads Chanda Care, a home care agency, and Chanda Care Academy, an educational platform for healthcare navigation and advocacy. Guided by her philosophy, "Work smarter, not harder," Chantal enhances efficiency and closes gaps within the healthcare system, ensuring each resident's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met with empathy and expertise.
Kimberly O'Connor
Board Chairperson
BIO
Kimberly is a Community Liaison and Development professional with over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Currently serving as the Hospice Liaison for Brookhaven Hospice, she is honored to assist patients and families in making end-of-life care decisions. Kimberly is dedicated to ensuring that all patients receive the highest level of care, compassion, and respect while maximizing their quality of life. She provides education on hospice care, emphasizing its role in offering strength and stability to patients and families. Her life motto is to appreciate each day, practice gratitude, and treat others as you wish to be treated. Kimberly’s favorite quote by Audrey Hepburn, "As you grow older you discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others," perfectly captures her approach to life and work.
Chris Martin
Board Member
BIO
Currently President of Suit Up Springfield (nonprofit that provides free professional attire to the men and youth in the community), a platoon sergeant in the U.S. Army, and the team leader of a local real estate team. Owns and operates a local ice cream shop.
Jacqueline Stratos
Vice President
BIO
Jackie Stratos is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience as a Home Care Nurse and Nurse Liaison. She is dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of those who choose to remain at home for their care. Jackie believes in the power of collaboration with other healthcare entities to benefit all. Her mission is to provide compassionate and dignified care, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive excellent healthcare in an appropriate setting. She works tirelessly to make this a reality.
Cristy Wassung
Board Member
BIO
Cristy Wassung is the Department Chairperson, Professor, and Director of the Campus Rehab Clinic at Springfield Technical Community College. With a background in occupational therapy, Cristy is passionate about teaching future OT practitioners to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients. She believes in the power of a holistic approach—considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of each individual, along with their environment and activities. Through her role as both an educator and clinic director, Cristy strives to prepare students to become compassionate, skilled professionals who can enhance the well-being of those they serve.
Jillian Fonesca
Board Member
BIO
Jillian is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Case Management Certification. She attended Our Lady of the Elms College earning a BSW and obtained her MSW from Springfield College School of Social Work. Through career experiences in family therapy, hospital social work, rehab case management and hospice, her passion for helping people find and receive "the right care" developed. In 2020 Jillian started a private psychotherapy practice serving young adults to seniors, supporting emotional and mental health needs which she continues to grow. She has resided in Western Mass all her life and has strong ties to this community.
Chanda's House is more than a place for end-of-life care; it is a community asset that addresses critical gaps in care, supports families during difficult times,
Our Goals
Ensuring Quality End-of-Life Care
Expanding Community Outreach
Supporting Grieving Families
