Our Leadership
David Mingle (Executive Director and Trustee)
Dave is the Executive Director of Rochester Housing Solutions, bringing a wealth of leadership experience from his time at General Motors, Nissan North America, and Reputation.com. Beyond his professional career, Dave is deeply committed to community service, serving on the boards of Dutton Farm and the Judson Center.
Together with his wife, Heather, Dave helped establish RHS and SAIL (Solutions for Adult Interdependent Living), driven by their passion for creating inclusive housing opportunities. Their son, Logan, is eagerly anticipating his future home in RHS’s Walton Oaks neighborhood.
Dave holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.
Don Courtright (Secretary and Trustee)
Don is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities and a dedicated leader in the community. As one of the founding families of RHS, he continues to serve on the Board, helping to guide its mission and growth. He also played a key role in launching and leading SAIL as its past president.
Ensuring a bright future for his son, Michael, Don has secured a reservation at Walton Oaks, where Michael will have a safe and supportive home. Don’s love for inclusive sports shines through his longtime involvement with the Special Olympics, where he has coached the Rochester Roadrunners, and his 28 seasons as a TYSAL soccer coach.
Don earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Detroit and a Master’s in Industrial Engineering from Wayne State University. He has also been a proud member of SAE for over 50 years.
Scott Avery (Treasurer and Trustee)
Scott is a CPA and Financial Executive with over 35 years of Accounting and Finance experience, working with some of the premier Tier 1 automotive suppliers in Detroit.
Scott and his wife, Joanne, have dedicated themselves to the lifelong caregiving of their wonderful son, Travis. Travis is very much looking forward to his new home in the RHS Walton Oaks neighborhood. Scott is also dedicated to the ministry of helping other caregivers as they work through the challenges and opportunities assisting their loved ones.
Scott earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master’s in Finance from Walsh College.
Laura Athens (Trustee)
Laura Athens is an attorney, mediator, and arbitrator who is deeply committed to supporting individuals with disabilities. For over 25 years, she represented students with disabilities, ensuring their special education rights were protected. She also served as a Michigan Special Education Hearing Officer, Michigan Rehabilitation Services Hearing Officer, and was a longtime board member of the Autism Alliance of Michigan.
Laura frequently shares her expertise through articles, public speaking, and media appearances on school-related topics and alternative dispute resolution. Her son, Nicolas, is looking forward to his future home at Auburn Oaks and is actively involved at Dutton Farm.
Laura has a law degree from Washington University School of Law, a master’s degree in Science of Social Work from University of Wisconsin, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Michigan.
Jenny Brown (Trustee)
Jenny Brown is the CEO and Co-Founder of Dutton Farm, a non-profit in the Behavioral Health system that provides community access, skill building and employment support for adults with developmental disabilities. She is also the founder and owner of Everybody Inc., a social enterprise that works to remove barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities.
Jenny earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Oakland University. She has led Dutton Farm to win Local and National Awards including: the National Down Syndrome Congress Employer of the Year Award, Chick Fil A’s True Inspiration Award, Rochester Chamber’s Non Profit of the Year Award and MIchBusiness Non profit of the year award among others. This year, Dutton Farm was named Corp! magazine champion for diversity and inclusion.
Jenny lives in Rochester with her husband, Brent, and 5 children, 3 biological and 2 adopted. Jenny and her husband spent several years as foster parents and provided a temporary foster home for children of all ages.
Maryanne Munroe (Trustee and Board Chair)
Maryanne Munroe is the current Chair of RHS’s Board of Trustees and brings over 25 years of experience in education, having served as a special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, special education director, and assistant superintendent. Most recently, she joined Musson Elementary as a part-time special education teacher, continuing her dedication to student success.
Beyond education, Maryanne and her husband, Phil, are local business owners, running The Spice & Tea Exchange of Rochester. Her passion for helping individuals with disabilities thrive is at the heart of everything she does.
Maryanne holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Detroit Mercy, a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and an Ed Specialist Degree in Special Education from Saginaw Valley State University.
Dr. Kristin Rohrbeck (Trustee)
Dr. Kristin Rohrbeck is Director of Development at the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. In her role, she works to develop financial support and engagement opportunities resulting in major gifts. Prior to her work at U of M, Kristin spent over a decade as the Director of OUCARES (Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach Services), where she was responsible for developing hundreds of award-winning programs to meet the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Kristin brings to RHS strong skills in fundraising, grant writing, donor relations, program development, leadership, and community outreach.
Kristin earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, her Master’s in Developmental Psychology from Ohio State University, and her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Oakland University. She now resides in Farmington Hills with her husband and three children.
Ray Rowe (Trustee)
Raymond T. Rowe is a licensed Michigan Attorney and Registered Certified Public
Accountant. He specializes in Estate Planning including Special Needs Trusts, Probate
and Tax matters. He is a frequent lecturer for the CPA association and others on CPA
Ethics, Estate Planning and Special Needs Trusts.
Ray is a Rochester Hills resident and is married and has three children, one of whom, Allison, has autism and will be a resident of the Auburn Oaks community.
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Susan Salhaney (Trustee)
With over 35 years dedicated to human services, Susan Salhaney is passionate about supporting children, families, and individuals with disabilities. As Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Judson Center, she oversees autism, disability, and integrated healthcare services, ensuring access to essential programs for those in need.
A graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in Criminal Justice, Susan is also an alumna of Leadership Detroit XL, where she honed her leadership skills to create lasting community impact.
Justin Tout (Trustee)
Justin is a former educator with a heart for helping young adults with disabilities gain independence through hands-on learning experiences. He taught adult transition programs in California and Michigan, helping families navigate community services and resources.
His enthusiasm for inclusive opportunities extends to sports—Justin has been an active coach and participant in Special Olympics, from coaching to taking the Polar Plunge! His mission remains the same: to advocate for and empower people with disabilities in any way he can.
Justin holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Secondary Biology from Central Michigan University.
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Karen Whitcomb (Trustee)
Karen Whitcomb is an estate planning attorney specializing in wills, trusts, probate, and special needs planning. With 17 years of experience in Oakland County courts, she provides families with the guidance they need during life’s transitions.
Karen’s passion for special needs advocacy is personal—growing up with a sister with disabilities, she has always been dedicated to creating inclusive spaces. She also previously led a church ministry focused on family support and accessibility.
Married to the lead pastor of Phos Church, Karen’s faith shapes her compassionate approach to serving others. She earned her law degree from Western Michigan University and her Bachelor of Science from Madonna University.
