About Us

History

Founders John and Ann Therrien started Community Homes in 1995 for their daughter, Jenny. Her family wanted her to have every opportunity to live more independently. This first Adult Family Home in Bellevue still serves Jenny and four other women. We now own 8 Adult Family Homes and 2 shared-living homes in Bellevue, Bothell, Woodinville, Newcastle, and Shoreline. We continue to actively seek opportunities to increase housing options in each of our communities. We partner with several organizations and families who are working towards finding housing solutions.

Our Mission:

Community Homes provides, promotes, and sustains exceptional community-based housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Staff

Marci Muhlestein

Executive Director

Jim Forbes

Director of Finance

Alyssa Midgley

Director of Services

Rebecca Schaechter

Relationship Manager

Amanda Modery

Resident Services Coordinator

Violet Tate

Philanthropy
Assistant

Board of Directors

Marcie Hinthorne

Board President

Ed Stamp

Board Vice President

Jason Thonssen

Board Treasurer

Marikay Cuthill

Board Secretary

Bob O’Hara

Board Member

Marc Therrien

Board Member

Max Wilson

Board Member

Carol Dowling

Board Member

“I like to walk around my neighborhood because it feels like I belong there. It’s my home, not my parents’ home.”

“It is nice to come home after my workday. It is a happy place to live.”

“I like my house especially having my own room. I feel safe here. I am happy here.”

“My house makes me feel strong…brave.”

Marci Muhlestein

Executive Director

marci@community-homes.org

Marci has spent twenty-five years advocating for individuals with disabilities. She has built strong collaborative partnerships with several organizations to solve complex problems and provide unique, sustainable solutions.

Marci’s first-hand experience of suffering a spinal injury helped her appreciate the challenges of navigating the fragmented and complex matrix of disabilities services and benefits. Since recovery, Marci has made it her life's work to advocate for individuals and their families by building and scaling programs to support adults with disabilities to develop their independence, and live rich and meaningful lives in the community.

Marci has a background in Occupational Therapy, Secondary Education, and Higher Education. She has held leadership positions in non-profit organizations providing adulthood transitions and housing options for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Jim Forbes

Finance Manager

jim@community-homes.org

Jim joined Community Homes in 2013 after a enjoying a 30-year career at the Boeing Company in several Financial Management positions. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Washington State University and a Master’s degree in Business from Pacific Lutheran University.

He and his wife, Sherrie, have two children – Lisa and Brad. Lisa, who has Down’s Syndrome, lives in the Redmond women’s home within the Community Homes portfolio.

Jim enjoys family time and active sports including, walking, running, and playing basketball.

Alyssa Midgley

Director of Services

alyssa@community-homes.org

Main responsibilities:
Operations, Care Provider Support, Property Management

Alyssa has over 20 years of experience in community-based care for adults with developmental disabilities. Prior to her current position, she was the licensed care provider for one of Community Homes’ houses, providing 24-hour residential care for five residents. She joined the Community Homes administrative team as a program coordinator in 2008 and was promoted to director in 2017. She holds a BA in Psychology and Business Management from Whitworth College and a certificate in management from Open University in Leeds, England.

Rebecca Schaechter

Relationship Manager

rebecca@community-homes.org

Rebecca manages relationships, partnerships, and philanthropic opportunities with internal and external stakeholders.

Rebecca started her career as an attorney but has spent the last decade in nonprofit fundraising for organizations in the Seattle area, including Kindering, Treehouse, and PROVAIL. She is passionate about connecting with families, volunteers, donors, and advocates to help facilitate their desire to do good in the community. Rebecca has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Puget Sound and earned her j.d. from UCLA School of Law. She lives in Bellevue with her husband and four young children, and enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, reading, and the occasional triathlon.

Rebecca is passionate about finding extraordinary ways to engage in mission-driven opportunities.

We'd like to encourage you to reach out and share your experiences or learn more about her role. Contact Rebecca at rebecca@community-homes.org. She looks forward to talking with you and learning about our community.

Amanda Modery

Resident Services Coordinator

amanda@community-homes.org

Amanda is a local who grew up in Bellevue along with her brother, Travis (who has Down syndrome and lives in a Community Homes AFH). Prior to formally joining Community Homes in 2021, Amanda was a Shared Living caregiver, helping set up two Shared Living homes and providing live-in care. Her background as a Substitute Paraeducator for the Bellevue School District (10+ years) and Adaptive Summer Camp Counselor for the Highland Community Center (3 years) gives her a good foundation in working with people of various ages and skills in a variety of settings. She enjoys working directly with residents, being out in the community, and coming up with creative solutions. Amanda has a BA in Anthropology with a Five College Certificate in Culture, Health, and Science from Mount Holyoke College.

Violet Tate

Philanthropy Assistant

violet@community-homes.org

Violet joined the Community Homes team in June 2021 as Philanthropy Assistant. She has called Seattle her home since 2007.
Violet has been an executive assistant in finance, human resources and science-based organizations. Prior to her executive assistant roles, Violet worked in the newspaper industry at the News-Review (Roseburg, OR) and the Billings Gazette (Billings, MT). She holds a BA in English Literature from Hiram College (Hiram, OH). Violet's skills are a wonderful addition to our administration team.

Marcie Hinthorne

Vice President

bhinthorne@comcast.net

Marcie joined the board in 2017. After 23 years at the University of Washington as the Director for Planned Giving, she recently joined The Nature Conservancy as the Pacific Northwest Regional Gift Strategist. In both roles, Marcie works assisting people who are passionate about the mission of an organization. She creates gifting plans to assist people donating complicated assets, establish a charitable trust or annuity and including the UW or TNC in their estate plans. Marcie earned a joint MBA and law degree from the University of Oklahoma. She has experience working with real estate construction and development, securities regulations and investments. Marcie has been a longtime volunteer and admires the impact non-profit organizations make in our community. She would love to travel more, become a better photographer and a better chef, but mostly values time with her husband, Brad, and their two sons, Adam and Ben.

Ed Stamp

Board Member

Ed Stamp joined the board in 2021. A Navy veteran, pursuing his fondness for airplanes, Ed started his career as an aviation electrician. He has worked for Boeing since 1998, has a background of developing training curriculum, and is currently a pre-flight inspector for the Boeing Company. Born in Honduras and fluent in Spanish. Ed grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. His childhood and family experience as an immigrant moving to the United States, combined with his many years living and working abroad, has cultivated his passion to seek equality and opportunities for all people; bringing a desire to support Community Homes. In his spare time, Ed enjoys adventures in cooking, golf, traveling and has actively participated in volunteering for various veteran and diversity causes.

Jason Thonssen

Board Treasurer

Jason was born and raised in Kirkland and has always had a passion for helping those in the surrounding community. Following graduation from Gonzaga University, where he studied sociology and psychology with a focus on third-world development, Jason spent time in Nicaragua implementing sustainable construction and clean water projects. After returning to the US, he built upon the passion for empowering others in his work as a job coach for adults with disabilities at PROVAIL. It was at PROVAIL that he first became acquainted with Community Homes and their mission to provide exceptional housing to adults with disabilities. Following a career change to the wealth management industry, where he now works as the Director of Client Services for Ballast Rock Private Wealth, Jason continues to serve the community through youth coaching, various fundraising projects, and now as the Treasurer of the Community Homes board.

Marikay Cuthill

Board Member

Marikay Cuthill joined the board in 2022. She is a parent to a daughter with Autism. Her daughter Maci, is 17 years old. Marikay has been an advocate and care giver for Maci since her first diagnosis at age 1 years old. Working to find the best care, therapies, medical treatments and education. In 2015, Marikay started a website maciandpebble,com, MAP is a community dedicated to giving people a place to begin their journey on the Autism Spectrum; a place to find answers, direction, and peace of mind. MAPS’ mission is to help all families with loved ones on the autism spectrum find necessary resources in their communities. In addition, Marikay has served on other committees, organizations and boards including Seattle Children’s Hospital, Northwest Center, Kidsquest Children’s Museum, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and La Canada Women’s Junior league. Before having Maci in 2005, Marikay worked in commercial real estate for Starbucks as a real estate store development manager, Colliers NW as a commercial real estate broker, Westbuild Development as a real estate leasing specialist and Terranomics retail real estate as a real estate broker. Marikay grew up in the Pacific NW in Bellevue, WA and graduated from the University of Oregon. Marikay enjoys playing golf with her husband Dave and Maci, entertaining and cooking, hiking/walking with friends and bible study groups.

Bob O'Hara

Board Member

Bob O’Hara earned a B.A. in Architecture from Penn State University and an MS.CS from Union College. He is a software and wireless industry veteran, with over 40 years of experience at companies including IBM Research, Microsoft, and Motorola. He has been involved in the mobile wireless data industry since it began, working with companies such as AT&T Wireless and Qualcomm.

Bob’s adult son is on the autism spectrum and lives at home. Bob joined the board of Community Homes in 2022. He is also on the board of directors of the Madrone School in Redmond, a private school that serves autistic children.

Bob’s wine cellar, which he built himself, holds his collection of 1,100 bottles.

Marc Therrien

Board Member

Marc is the son of the founder’s John and Ann Therrien. He is the CEO of the Therrien Company, Inc. a Commercial Real Estate Appraisal and Consulting firm that began in 2006. Marc has an MBA and holds the MAI designation with the Appraisal Institute. He has served on the board several different times over the past fifteen years. His sister Jenny has been in House 1 since the beginning of Community Homes.

"I am deeply committed to the goals my parents established for Community Homes. I want to assure the mission of providing quality, and excellent housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities continues going forward so that this opportunity will be available for other families for many years to come."

Max Wilson

Board Member

Max first learned about Community Homes through a former Board Member and has since become a firm believer in the organization’s Mission and positive impact in the community. He brings over 17 years of complex problem solving, sustainable design, and strategic growth experience as a licensed mechanical engineer to the Board. When he isn’t working to improve the sustainability of the built environment, Max loves spending time with his wife Kate and two young children.

Carol Dowling

Board Member

Carol has been a financial expert in commercial and residential real estate property management for 23 years, currently at CBRE and formerly at Harbor Properties in Seattle.

She was born in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, and one of her greatest passions has always been helping people She started at the age of 10 making rag dolls for the local children’s home and played in an all-girl steel band that entertained assisted living homes for the elderly. Carol moved to Seattle 29 years ago and continued following her passion. She volunteered for over 10 years for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and was called to volunteer for End Violence Against Woman International.

Even in her professional life, she promotes and inspires people to advocate for themselves. She is a CBRE Ethics & Compliance Ambassador, and is a member of Black Excellence, the Women’s Network, and Asia Pacific Network Groups, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council. She also participates in the City of Seattle Blacks in Government group. She’s an effective team builder and regularly plans team-building events at work.

When she’s not busy volunteering, Carol enjoys dancing and became a Zumba Instructor in 2011. She loves to cook all types of cuisines. She travels all over the world with her husband Denis. They have a blended family of two daughters and two sons.

Brent Hall

Board Member

Brent Hall joined the Community Homes Board of Directors in June, 2021. He lives his life at full speed!

As a professional hydroplane driver, Brent races boats at over 150 mph achieving a dream he had as a boy growing up. He is a call center director for Premera Blue Cross and has worked in service most all of his career. Brent brings several years of board experience serving past terms with United Way of Snohomish County, Providence Medical Center, and Evergreen Medical Center. He also is one of the founding members of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workgroup at Premera. All in all, Brent's life centers around his family, Elsa and Brent Jr., plus he loves coaching Jrís sports teams. Brent is definitely excited for this new opportunity to give back as a part of the board for Community Homes, plus he will bring his positivity and unique ideas to help Community Homes continue to grow to the next level.

Ben Wyatt

Director of Philanthropy

Ben grew up in Richmond, Virginia, but has been a PNW resident since 2006.

His work has included philanthropy and development roles with NPR-affiliate KNKX 88.5, Corporate and Foundation Giving with Seattle-based restaurant group Portage Bay Cafe, as well as over 12 years consulting with public and private sector clients on ways to bridge the gap between fundraising and marketing.

Ben was a part of the KNKX development team tasked with raising over $7 million in six months to ensure the station's survival through the purchase of its license and independence. He has played major roles in philanthropic programs for organizations including KEXP, Seattle Sounders, Fonte Coffee, City People's Garden Store and many more. He is thrilled to be a part of the Community Homes team.

Vicki Isett

Executive Director

Main responsibilities:
Strategic & Operational Responsibility, Finance, Human Resources, Advocacy

Vicki was named Executive Director in 2008. She has worked on behalf of people with disabilities since 1988 when her own daughter was born with Rett Syndrome. She worked for The Arc of King County and the Bellevue School District, prior to joining Community Homes. Vicki holds an MBA from the University of Washington and a Master’s Certificate in Organizational Dynamics from Antioch University. Vicki has served on the Board of Directors for Tavon Learning Center and Kindering Center.

Mark Morgenstern

Board Member

Mark is president and CEO of MorningStar Behavioral Health, PLLC, in Bothell, providing individual, group and family counseling and positive behavioral support services to a diverse range of clients, including children & adults with cognitive/developmental disabilities. Prior to founding MorningStar Behavioral Health, PLLC, Mark had nearly 20 years of experience providing social services within a number of DSHS administrations (Developmental Disabilities Administration, Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration, and Children’s Administration). He also served in the United States Army Reserve, retiring in 2019 as Transportation Officer with the rank of Captain. Mark resides in Bothell with his wife Kimberly.

Lynn Chittenden

Board Member

Lynn Chittenden joined the board in 2014. Lynn has a MFA from IADE, a Design and Architecture school in Madrid, Spain. Her business career has been in commercial office design, marketing, senior living and most recently teaching Spanish at the Bear Creek School. Lynn has been involved in the Disability Community since the birth of her son, David, in 1995.. She spearheaded a group for families of children with Down syndrome for 10 years, and has been active in the DD community for many years. Her passions are languages, travel, and helping people with DD achieve independence through community living.

Sarah Sherertz Vogt

Secretary

Sarah joined the board in 2011. She has worked at Microsoft since 2000, currently as the General Manager HR – Digital Transformation Platform and Mixed Reality. After working globally for Microsoft in Australia, Singapore and South East Asia, she returned to Seattle in 2010. Sarah holds a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. Sarah became involved with the intellectual and developmental disability community following the birth of her youngest sister and has remained an advocate for the I/DD community for over 3 decades. Her sister now lives in one of Community Homes Shared Living Homes. In her spare time, she and her husband are busy trying to keep up with their two young boys, and occasionally fitting in cooking, yoga, and hiking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Lisa Soli

Board Member

Lisa Soli has been on the board since 2009. She retired from the Bellevue School District in 2015 after 37 years in education as a teacher, counselor and administrator. She holds a BA in Special Education and has a Masters in Community Mental Health. Lisa is active with the Community Homes auction committee.

John Smiley

Interim Secretary

John is a retired Boeing Information Technology manager. His passion for community-based housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is a direct result of their family’s positive experience with their daughter. “I want other families to experience the joy of watching their child grow their independence and self-reliance by living in their own home.”

Annie Puchar

Housing Coordinator

Annie is the licensed care provider at our Redmond Adult Family Home for men. She has worked in the medical field for 22 years with 13 years of experience working with developmental disabilities. In addition to running the AFH, she joined the admin team in 2018 to manage our Respite Program for care providers.

Cindy Wilkins

Operations Manager

Cindy, having been raised with a sibling with developmental disabilities, has a heart to touch as many lives as possible; giving them hope for a dignified, independent, bright future. Her 15 years in the nonprofit arena has enabled her to share passion for people. Prior to accepting a position at Community Homes, she was the Executive Director of a successful nonprofit in Grand Prairie, Texas. Her transition from Texas to Washington State pointed her toward Community Homes, Inc.

Helene Wentink

Interim Director of Philanthropy/Director of Operations

Main responsibilities:
Fundraising, Operations, Public Relations & Communication

Helene brings her passion for people with disabilities to the organization, joining Community Homes first as a board member in 2010 and then as the first fundraising staff member in June, 2014. She holds a B.A. in Communication/Editorial Journalism from the University of Washington and a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership through Seattle University.

Curtis Young

Treasurer

Curtis joined the board in 2006. He has 35 years in the financial services industry as a portfolio manager and Certified Financial Planner. Curtis and his wife, Nancy, are the parents of Andrew, a resident of Community Homes Woodinville AFH.

Rush Riese

Board Member – In Memoriam

Rush joined the board in 2017. After obtaining his law degree from the University of Washington in 1977, he entered the title insurance and escrow industry and worked for 35 years as in-house counsel and in management positions for several major national underwriters. Rush is currently a member of the Washington State Bar Association and on the board of a manufacturing company in Spokane. He enjoys boating, fishing, traveling and spending time with his family.

Tom Bartholomew

President

Tom Bartholomew’s son Sam, 27, has an intellectual disability due to a congenital brain malformation. Luckily, Sam’s family was introduced to Community Homes when he was in high school. Since 2017, Sam has lived as rich and meaningful a life as you could want, working at Microsoft, excelling at Special Olympics sports, and living in a Community Homes-supported house with an amazing caregiver and two of his best friends. He makes a wicked risotto. Tom joined the Community Homes board of directors in 2016 and has served as its president since 2018.

Catalina Angel

Services Coordinator

Main responsibilities:
Operations, Care Provider Support, Training

Catalina joined the team in August 2017, bringing a background in equity and racial bias training in the I/DD community. She has worked with the Arc of King County, Snohomish and Washington state. Prior to joining Community Homes, she was a Latino Outreach Specialist in the Edmonds School District’s Diversity, Equity and Outreach Department. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington and is a native Spanish speaker.

About Us

History

Our Mission:

Staff

Marci Muhlestein

Jim Forbes

Alyssa Midgley

Rebecca Schaechter

Amanda Modery

Violet Tate

Board of Directors

Marcie Hinthorne

Board President

Ed Stamp

Board Vice President

Jason Thonssen

Board Treasurer

Marikay Cuthill

Board Secretary

Bob O’Hara

Board Member

Marc Therrien

Board Member

Max Wilson

Board Member

Carol Dowling

Board Member

Quotes from our Residents

Marci Muhlestein

Executive Director

Jim Forbes

Finance Manager

Alyssa Midgley

Director of Services

Rebecca Schaechter

Relationship Manager

Amanda Modery

Resident Services Coordinator

Violet Tate

Philanthropy Assistant

Marcie Hinthorne

Vice President

Ed Stamp

Board Member

Jason Thonssen

Board Treasurer

Marikay Cuthill

Board Member

Bob O'Hara

Board Member

Marc Therrien

Board Member

Max Wilson

Board Member

Carol Dowling

Board Member

Brent Hall

Board Member

Ben Wyatt

Director of Philanthropy

Vicki Isett

Executive Director

Mark Morgenstern

Board Member

Lynn Chittenden

Board Member

Sarah Sherertz Vogt

Secretary

Lisa Soli

Board Member

John Smiley

Interim Secretary

Annie Puchar

Housing Coordinator

Cindy Wilkins

Operations Manager

Helene Wentink

Interim Director of Philanthropy/Director of Operations

Curtis Young

Treasurer