ERC5 News:

New Members:

Member Spotlight:

Chantal Bernard RN, BSN, CCM, CNE-CL: A Journey of Purpose and Passion

Hello! I’m Chantal Bernard, a dedicated nurse, educator, and advocate with a life-long commitment to holistic healthcare and empowerment. Born as the youngest of six siblings and now a proud mother of three, my life has been a beautiful blend of love, learning, and leadership. Nursing didn’t just choose me; it was a calling that resonated with my core, a passion ignited by a profound experience that transformed my path forever.

From Touch to Healing: My Pivot to Nursing

My journey into healthcare began unconventionally. Initially exploring the culinary arts and massage therapy, I sought to heal and nurture through food and touch. However, a life-changing encounter with a terminally ill client during a massage session unveiled my true calling. The emotional exchange, filled with vulnerability and trust, steered me towards nursing—a field where I could blend compassion with care, touching lives at their most critical moments.

Embracing Challenges as Strengths

Transitioning into nursing, I confronted and overcame educational hurdles, viewing them not as obstacles but as opportunities to grow and innovate. This perspective has been pivotal in my roles in clinical education and case management. Beyond my professional endeavors, I founded Chanda Care, a home care agency, and Chanda Care Academy, a platform dedicated to empowering caregivers and healthcare professionals. My commitment to holistic care also led to the establishment of Chanda’s House. Chanda’s House is a nonprofit residential sanctuary dedicated to providing compassionate, dignified end-of-life care in a warm, home-like environment. It embodies my commitment to holistic care, ensuring that each resident’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met with empathy and expertise.

A Mission to Empower and Educate

My philosophy is simple yet profound: “Work smarter, not harder.” This mantra has guided me through the complexities of healthcare, inspiring me to seek solutions that enhance efficiency, promote work/life balance, and close gaps within the system. My goal is to empower individuals to navigate healthcare with confidence, advocating for themselves and their loved ones with knowledge and compassion.

Together, we can create positive shifts in healthcare, fostering a community of care that is informed, empowered, and united in love and purpose.

Non-Profit Spotlight:

Rachel’s Table’s mission is to alleviate hunger and to reduce waste of food resources in Western Massachussetts. Rachel’s Table was created in 1992 by members of the Women’s Philanthropy Division of the Jewish Federation of Western Mass to address food insecurity in the Springfield/Longmeadow area. Since 1992 they have grown to serve Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin Counties, and at times extending into Berkshire and Hartford County. Six days a week more than 200 volunteers collect food from local supermarkets, restaurants, caterers, and bakeries, and deliver to more than 60 local organizations. At Rachel’s Table they work towards a holistic approach to food security.