Marci Muhlestein / Marikay Cuthill - Executive Director / Board member
Community Homes
Question - What are we doing currently to support and help individuals with Autism? How is this helping or potentially hurting people with ASD?
And a solution is how Community Homes is creating affordable housing in Bellevue for adults with autism and developmental disabilities with compassionate attentive providers who support residents who are living rich, active lives. Discover how stable housing creates opportunities and why it is essential to pay attention to these vital resources.
About the Speaker
From an early age, Marci Muhlestein has dedicated herself to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to be included and enjoy life. As an occupational therapist, she focused on enhancing special education and helping students navigate their educational journeys. She later implemented an associate degree program at Bellevue College that allows individuals with learning differences to develop career pathways. Additionally, she has worked to create housing opportunities in Arizona and Washington for people with developmental disabilities, enabling them to lead rich and fulfilling lives. Marci excels at piecing together resources in creative and sustainable ways, ensuring that individuals can thrive in their communities.
Over the course of her 30-year career, Marikay Cuthill has worked for companies such as KIRO Newsradio, Terranomics Retail Services, Colliers International, Wesbuild Development and Starbucks. Specializing in Commercial Retail Real Estate. She currently serves on the board of Community Homes and was previously on the board of KidsQuest Children’s Museum. Marikay is involved with NW Center and Seattle Children’s Hospital. In February 2015, she started a website MAP, maciandpebble.com, dedicated to creating awareness and helping provide needed resources and information for those caring and working with individuals with Autism (ASD). Since creating MAP, the most rewarding part has been empowering others on their journey by advocating for finding the best care, education, therapies, medical treatments, and support. Marikay grew up in Bellevue and graduated from the University of Oregon. Married for 21 years and mother to a 19-year-old daughter with ASD. she enjoys playing golf, cooking, hiking/walking, and bible study groups
