Our Mission
It is the mission of Commonsense Housing, Inc. to provide, within community settings, supervised, safe, and comfortable environments in which to teach, support, and empower adults with developmental and similar disabilities to actualize their fullest potential.
Our Staff
Robert Swindlehurst, Executive Director
Bob has worked in the field of developmental disabilities since a sophomore in high school in 1972. He received a BS in Special Education from Fitchburg State College teaching in Nashua New Hampshire before moving to Bangor, Maine. Bob has worked at the Elizabeth Levinson Center, The Multiple Handicap Center of Penobscot Valley (AMICUS), Treats Falls House (IAM), and for the Department of Health and Humans Services for the State of Maine. Beginning in 1990 Bob joined the team at Commonsense Housing, initially as a QMRP (Qualified Mental Retardation Professional). His role has expanded through the years in the development of policies and procedures, employee orientation, chairing the Safety Committee, and covering for the Executive Director. In July 2015 Bob assumed the role as Executive Director for Commonsense Housing and is excited to continue the agency’s mission of supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. You can contact Bob at 207-989-0668 or e-mail him at rswindlehurst@commonsensehousing.org.
Linda Macdonald, Financial Manager
Linda came to Commonsense Housing, Inc in 2013 as the Account Specialist. Linda has 14+ years of experience in the Healthcare field serving in various Administrative positions with many of the organizations within the Eastern Maine Healthcare System. She is a responsible and caring steward for the Agencies financial resources. Linda is dedicated to the Agency and its Mission of providing highest quality of support to our Consumers. You can contact Linda at 207-989-0668 or e-mail her at lmacdonald@commonsensehousing.org.
Rose Hanson, Home Supports Director
Rose Hanson began her passion for supporting individuals with disabilities in 1984, when she took a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) course at BMHI (Bangor Mental Health Institute) currently known as DDPC (Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center). She joined the team at Commonsense Housing, Inc. (CSH) in 1988 and worked a number of years directly supporting individuals while continuing her education. She received her BS in Mental Health and Human Services from University of Maine at Augusta in 2006. Rose also received her MHRT/C certification (Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community) in 2006. Rose has worked at Brewer Rehabilitation & Living Center, the Multiple Handicap Center of Penobscot Valley (AMICUS) and volunteered for Hospice of Eastern Maine. Rose currently serves as the Home Supports Residential Director in her capacity as Licensed Administrator. She is involved in the planning, directing and coordinating the assisted living facilities ensuring all State rules and regulations of the said license are followed. You can contact Rose at rhanson@commonsensehousing.org.
Susan Tripp, Community Supports Director
Susan Tripp has worked in the field of development disabilities field at Commonsense Housing since 1990. Susan began her career as a DSP and CRMA. Susan has had various roles at Commonsense Housing. She was a member of the Human Rights, served as a Shift Leader, oversaw scheduled outings and activities, and the Assistant Community Supports Coordinator, before moving into the role of Community Supports Director in October of 2017. As Director of the Community Supports Program, Commonsense Alternatives, Susan is responsible for the day to day operation of the program for its 16 recipients. You can contact Susan at stripp@commonsensehousing.org.