Austin Hatcher Foundation Expands Team with Four New Key Hires to Drive Growth and Enhance Services
CHATTANOOGA, TN (August 14, 2024) – The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is pleased to announce the addition of four new staff members to their growing clinical team. These talented individuals bring a wealth of experience and passion for serving families impacted by pediatric cancer.
The Foundation is excited to introduce Noelle Bost as Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, Mara Daffron as Family Services Coordinator, Matt Hastings as Program + Academic Coordinator, and Camilla Kalthoff as Patient Navigator.
Noelle Bost – Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT-I)
Noelle Bost joins the Austin Hatcher Foundation as the new Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (MFT-I). Noelle holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Lee University, and is working towards her licensure in the state of Tennessee. She previously worked at the Family Therapy Center at Lee University and in a private practice in Cleveland, TN. Noelle is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT 2.0), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and is a PREPARE/ENRICH Certified Facilitator. Originally from Santa Barbara, CA, Noelle has called Tennessee home for the past seven years.
In her role at the Foundation, Noelle will be instrumental in providing specialized therapy and counseling services to children and families affected by pediatric cancer. She will help address the complex emotional and psychological challenges that arise from a cancer diagnosis, working closely with families to foster healthy communication, emotional resilience, and supportive relationships. Noelle’s expertise in trauma-focused therapy and family systems will enable her to help guide families through the healing process, offering tailored support that evolves as families’ needs change over time.
"I am excited to be one of the new psychotherapists here at the Austin Hatcher Foundation. With the understanding that healing is a non-linear journey and each family's needs evolve over time, the Foundation offers the opportunity to be supported no matter where the families are in their process, providing continuous care and guidance throughout their experience," said Bost. “I am honored to be involved with this Foundation, and I have already been personally impacted by the way the families have connected with me while processing through various life experiences.”
Mara Daffron – Family Services Coordinator
Mara Daffron, a native of Ringgold, Georgia, has joined the Austin Hatcher Foundation as the Family Services Coordinator. Mara holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in Child Life and a minor in Religion from the University of Georgia. In her new role, Mara will manage and execute enrichment events for families, challenge children in educational activities, and supervise volunteers to meet family program needs.
“The Austin Hatcher Foundation is my dream job I never knew existed,” said Daffron. “The journey of pediatric cancer is an individualized experience that impacts everyone differently. Here at the Austin Hatcher Foundation, there are numerous opportunities for people who have different needs. I look forward to building long-lasting, intentional relationships and learning how best to serve those in the community who are affected by pediatric cancer.”
Matt Hastings – Program + Academic Coordinator
With 17 years of experience in teaching PE, and Health + Wellness across Georgia, Colorado, and Tennessee, Matt Hastings brings a rich background to his role as the Program + Academic Coordinator at the Austin Hatcher Foundation. Matt earned his BSEd in Health and Physical Education from the University of Georgia. His experience in coaching youth sports to high school athletics further enriches his ability to address academic, college/career, and social-emotional needs of individuals, small groups, and the broader school community served by the Foundation. Matt, his wife, their four children, and their dog reside in Apison, TN.
"My goal has always been to pursue a profession where I can make a meaningful impact, leveraging my talents and passions to the fullest," said Hastings. "During my interview process, I had the opportunity to shadow a day at Austin Hatcher Camp, and I left profoundly inspired. The energy, smiles, and joy from the staff and community were contagious, and I’m excited to contribute to the continued growth and success of the Austin Hatcher Foundation as we support every family that walks through our doors."
Camilla Kalthoff – Patient Navigator
Camilla Kalthoff, originally from Knoxville, TN, joins the Austin Hatcher Foundation as the new Patient Navigator. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from The University of the South (Sewanee). Her background includes work as a psychological research assistant and administrative assistant, as well as experience in the funeral industry, where she gained valuable skills in providing compassionate support to families. As the Patient Navigator, Camilla will be instrumental in ensuring that families feel welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive. She will oversee the patient intake process, manage documentation, and assist with family programs.
"I am honored to be joining the Austin Hatcher team as the new Patient Navigator and I look forward to building strong relationships with the families,” said Kalthoff. “Working with such dedicated and compassionate individuals who strive to leave lasting positive impacts on families makes me excited to go to work every morning, and I am thrilled to be contributing to such an important cause.”
About the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer
The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a lifetime of free essential services to children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Through its various programs, the Foundation offers support, education, and hope to children battling cancer and their families, helping them navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. For more information about the organization, visit www.HatcherFoundation.org.
For current job openings at the Foundation, please visit https://www.hatcherfoundation.org/about/careers.
