Our Compassionate Team
Chanda's House is powered by a dedicated team of compassionate individuals who are committed to providing comfort and support to those in their end of life journey. Our team members bring a wealth of experience and empathy to ensure that every individual receives the care they deserve.
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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.
Jacqueline Stratos
Board Member
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.
Linda Augusto
Board Member
BIO
Born in Ludlow, MA, Linda Augusto is fluent in Portuguese and a graduate of Ludlow High School. She has retired from Verizon, the office of Dr. Gino Mercante, and Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Ludlow. Linda brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her community, ensuring compassionate and dignified care for all.
Jillian Joyce
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.
Chris 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.
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.
