Circle of Hope, a nonprofit agency that gives support to individuals in treatment for breast cancer in the Santa Clarita, is looking for a new Executive Director. This part time paid position is open to those who live or work in the Santa Clarita Valley, have demonstrated success in organizational management, staff leadership, fundraising, flexible hours and a desire to further the mission and goals of the Circle of Hope.

Colleen Shaffer, Founder and current Executive Director of the Circle of Hope, is developing a new, much-needed role as “Patient Navigator.”  As the founder of COH, Colleen’s vision to expand the care, and reduce the barriers of financial and emotional stress for individuals with breast cancer is coming true.  She’ll be able to establish and promote improved standards for all who need the agency’s help.

A Patient Navigator reduces/eliminates barriers to cancer treatment by minimizing fear, improving communications and clearly understanding the individual patient’s treatment plan, as well as helping with insurance concerns.  Colleen trained at the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute in Harlem, New York, the pioneer of the Patient Navigation concept.  Colleen is also a member of the National Consortium of Breast Centers, and received her certificate as a Breast Patient Navigator at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.  In addition, Colleen has had 13 years dealing with cancer both as a patient and a caregiver.

With this new expansion in services, Circle of Hope’s mission to provide emotional support and financial assistance for medical expenses for uninsured and underinsured individuals with breast cancer that live, work or receive treatment in the Santa Clarita Valley, becomes even more valuable to their clients.  In these economically challenging times Santa Clarita Valley’s growing underinsured population needs more and more support and services for cancer patients.  By improving the quality of life and reducing the stress of financial worries and fear of having breast cancer, the individual’s chance of successful treatment improves greatly.

For further information, contact [email protected] or call (661)254-5218.