Our Mission
At Commonsense Housing, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to live a life filled with dignity, choice, purpose, and belonging. Through safe, supportive homes and the compassionate work of our Direct Support Professionals, we empower adults with developmental disabilities to build independence, pursue their dreams, participate fully in their communities, and achieve their fullest potential.
Our Staff
Robert Swindlehurst, Executive Director
Robert (Bob) Swindlehurst has dedicated more than five decades to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, beginning his career as a sophomore in high school in 1972. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Fitchburg State College and began his professional career teaching in Nashua, New Hampshire before relocating to Bangor, Maine.
Throughout his career, Bob has served in a variety of educational, residential, and state leadership roles, including positions with the Elizabeth Levinson Center, the Multiple Handicap Center of Penobscot Valley (AMICUS), Treats Falls House (IAM), and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. These experiences provided a broad foundation in direct support, education, residential services, administration, and public policy.
Bob joined Commonsense Housing in 1990 as a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP). Over the years, his responsibilities expanded to include program development, policy and procedure design, employee orientation and training, quality improvement initiatives, risk management, regulatory compliance, and organizational leadership. He also served as Chair of the Safety Committee and frequently assumed administrative responsibilities in the absence of the Executive Director.
In July 2015, Bob was appointed Executive Director of Commonsense Housing. Under his leadership, the organization has continued to strengthen its commitment to person-centered supports, regulatory excellence, financial stewardship, workforce development, and community inclusion. His leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to live a life of dignity, choice, purpose, and belonging.
Bob remains passionate about advancing services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while supporting the dedicated professionals who make that mission possible every day.
Bob can be reached at 207-989-0668 or by email at rswindlehurst@commonsensehousing.org.
Rose Hanson, Home Supports Director
Rose Hanson has dedicated more than four decades to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her passion for human services began in 1984 when she completed her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training at Bangor Mental Health Institute (BMHI), now known as the Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center (DDPC).
Rose joined Commonsense Housing in 1988 as a Direct Support Professional and has grown with the organization throughout her career. While providing direct support to the individuals served by CSH, she continued her education and professional development, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mental Health and Human Services from the University of Maine at Augusta in 2006. That same year, she obtained her Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) certification, further strengthening her expertise in community-based supports.
In addition to her work at Commonsense Housing, Rose has served individuals throughout the region in positions with Brewer Rehabilitation & Living Center and the Multiple Handicap Center of Penobscot Valley (AMICUS). She has also volunteered her time with Hospice of Eastern Maine, reflecting her lifelong commitment to compassionate service.
Today, Rose serves as both Home Supports Director and Associate Executive Director. In these leadership roles, she oversees the daily operations of Commonsense Housing’s residential programs, providing guidance and support to staff while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centered services. She is responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring residential operations and works closely with administrative staff to ensure compliance with all applicable state licensing regulations and quality assurance standards.
Rose is widely respected for her extensive knowledge of residential services, her unwavering commitment to the individuals supported by Commonsense Housing, and her dedication to mentoring and developing staff. Her leadership continues to play a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission of helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live safe, meaningful, and self-directed lives.
Rose can be reached at rhanson@commonsensehousing.org.