Leadership Team
Carole McCabe
Executive DirectorStaff member since 1992
cmccabe@avalonhousing.org
I was lucky to be part of starting Avalon in 1992, when a group of us working at the emergency shelter realized we needed to get into the housing business if we really wanted to end homelessness. I'm a community organizer and Avalon is all about building community and making room for everyone. The best part of my job as Executive Director is having the opportunity to learn from so many smart and dedicated people. Our work is challenging, but working with such a great team makes it fun too!
"I don't believe in charity... I believe in solidarity." - Eduardo Galeano
Larry Catrinar
Director of FinanceStaff member since 2012
lcatrinar@avalonhousing.org
My role is to ensure we have sound financial systems in place so we best utilize the valuable resources entrusted to us by our community partners. I have a bachelor of accountancy degree from Walsh College and have over 20 years experience working in the affordable housing industry. Our successful model of supportive housing provides those most at risk in our society with permanent and sustainable housing. This is a far more cost-effective approach to end homelessness than traditional models.
"I feel blessed to work in an organization that serves the most vulnerable residents in our community."
Wendy Carty-Saxon
Director of Housing Development and RehabStaff member since 1999
wcarty-saxon@avalonhousing.org
I oversee new project development and rehab work on our existing properties. I have a master's degree in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan and am a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). I enjoy the diversity of my work-walking a job site in the morning, balancing the budgets back at the office, and then meeting with tenants in the afternoon to get their input on our rehab projects.
"At Avalon, a tenant may still go through a crisis. The difference is that they can emerge at the other end with their housing, and community, still intact."
Tara Tarbox
Director of Property ManagementStaff member since 2005
ttarbox@avalonhousing.org
I enjoy seeing tenants increase their stability and play an active role in their community. I received my bachelor's degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. I love working at Avalon because we are always looking for creative opportunities to offer more affordable housing in this community. I see the difference we are making on a daily basis.
"We look for reasons to house someone, not for reasons we shouldn't."
Jude Walton
Administrative ManagerStaff member since 2009
jwalton@avalonhousing.org
I wear many hats at Avalon. I oversee HR and IT, as well as working to improve efficiency through standard policies and procedures. I'm also the volunteer coordinator. I'm a British Native and received a master's in English literature from Cambridge. I believe that housing is a basic human right.
"There's something powerful about walking up to a door and knowing it's yours."
Dave Schrotenboer
Facilities ManagerStaff member since 2005
dschrotenboer@avalonhousing.org
I have an associate degree in business from the University of Concordia. I think experience is the best teacher in this field. I enjoy building and maintaining relationships with our tenants. In my opinion we need to appreciate what we have and care about our fellow man.
"You are one paycheck away from where they are. One thing went wrong in their life like work, money, or health and it led to homelessness."
Kim Wilcox
Director of Marketing Communications and DevelopmentStaff member since 2010
kwilcox@avalonhousing.org
I manage the functions of marketing communications and development for Avalon. I have a bachelor's in public relations and a master's in Integrated Marketing Communications from Eastern Michigan University. I also hold a real estate license. I came to Avalon because of the important work they do with children. Our Youth Leadership Program has many positive and lasting impacts on the youth we serve.
"These young lives have been changed forever: support and community made it possible."
Aubrey Patino
Director of Tenant ProgramsStaff member since 2009
apatino@avalonhousing.org
I oversee maintenance, property management, and the family and community services team. I have a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. I'm drawn to this field because of the moral clarity of those that serve with me and their sense of extraordinary commitment to our mission.
"I find inspiration in our tenants every day in their deep sense of resiliency."
