Jeanine and Joe Chiappetta have built a close-knit family with their three sons: Nate (20), Dante (18), and Landon (16). Family life revolves around sports, especially hockey, as well as family vacations, pro sporting events, and treasured traditions. For Jeanine, whose career in special education was deeply shaped by raising a son with multiple disabilities, and Joe, whose leadership career has always been guided by family values, their greatest joy has been watching their sons grow and supporting them as they become young adults.
Since 2016, the family has welcomed Yale School of Nursing students into their home annually as part of Operation House Call. The Chiappettas appreciate OHC as an opportunity to give back and help shape the next generation of healthcare providers. Jeanine shares, “Our goal is to help these students learn by sharing our journey. Parenting a child with special needs is challenging enough; having a provider who truly hears and validates your concerns makes an immeasurable difference, and we want to help create more of those partnerships.” The importance of active listening is something the family always tries to share with the nursing students they host.
One of their favorite parts of hosting is watching Dante connect with students and enthusiastically share stories about the things he loves most, including being drafted to the Yale Football Team eleven years ago through Team Impact. He proudly shares his championship rings, favorite hobbies, and exciting life experiences. He is looking forward to telling the students this month about his incredible Wish Trip (granted by the Marty Lyons Foundation) on the Disney Treasure cruise ship. These conversations create moments of joy while also giving students a meaningful glimpse into Dante’s world and experiences.
This April, Dante had the opportunity to co-teach at Yale School of Nursing, and he and the students and loved every moment of it. “Co-teaching was so much fun!” he shared. “I loved getting to meet all the students and being the one to make them laugh with my joke, ‘Guess what? Chicken butt!’” The students learned not only from talking with Dante, but also from observing the way Jeanine interacted with and supported him. She was understandably very proud of him!
Whether co-teaching or hosting, the Chiappettas are an important part of the OHC family network, and we are so grateful for their time and dedication. If you would like to learn more about becoming a host family, please contact Ashley Waring, OHC Family Engagement Director, at awaring@arcmass.org.
