Aventur is built on a strong foundation of service, innovation and genuine care. As the not-for-profit parent organization of Royal Oaks and The Glen, Aventur brings together respected senior living communities while honoring the history, identity and traditions that make each one unique.
Aventur was created to look beyond the ordinary—to strengthen thriving communities, explore new possibilities and help shape the future of senior living. Through thoughtful leadership, strategic growth and responsible stewardship, Aventur expands opportunities for today’s residents while creating meaningful choices for generations to come.
At the heart of Aventur is a simple belief: progress should always be personal. Every decision begins with the people we serve and is guided by accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. By supporting team members, investing in communities, and embracing new ideas, Aventur creates environments where residents can live with purpose, connection, and confidence.
At Royal Oaks, the Aventur vision builds upon decades of excellence while opening the door to an even stronger future—one grounded in legacy, inspired by possibility and centered on people.
With a rare ability to cut through complexity and chart a clear, strategic course, Gretchen leads Aventur with a blend of visionary thinking and grounded expertise. Whether navigating change or scaling impact, she brings clarity where others see chaos — guiding the organization not just to move forward, but to move forward with purpose. A true boots-on-the-ground leader, Gretchen leads by example — never asking her team to do anything she wouldn't do herself, and making every decision with a deep passion for serving seniors and supporting those who care for them.
A proud MBA graduate and honored commencement speaker from the University of Phoenix (2009), Gretchen’s career has been marked by both achievement and inspiration. In 2018, she was named Arizona LeadingAge Emerging Leader of the Year, a testament to her commitment to excellence in leadership and service.
When she’s not driving innovation at Aventur, Gretchen is literally driving — sharing a passion for speed and adventure with her husband and son. From car racing to dirt bike riding, she lives life at full throttle, both professionally and personally.
With over 22 years of experience in accounting, Carter brings a deep understanding of financial strategy, compliance and stewardship — especially within Arizona’s nonprofit and government sectors. His career includes leadership roles across mission-driven organizations, most notably serving as CFO of Royal Oaks Retirement Community and Director of Finance at the Arizona Opera, where he helped both organizations drive financial clarity and operational excellence.
A proud Arizona State University alum, Carter is passionate about giving back. He actively contributes his time and expertise to the Arizona State Board of Accountancy, his parish at St. Joan of Arc, and various community service efforts through the Knights of Columbus.
Outside the office, Carter’s world revolves around his family. He and his wife are the proud parents of three amazing children — Caitlin, Colter, and Tucker—who keep life fun, full and always on the move.
csmitherman@aventur.org
623-815-4129
Dina’s journey is a powerful reflection of dedication, compassion and lifelong growth. Beginning her career in 1989 as a Certified Nurse Assistant at Royal Oaks, she returned in 1997 as a Registered Nurse, setting in motion a path marked by both personal and professional excellence. With support from the organization’s scholarship program, Dina earned her undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees from the University of Phoenix—never losing sight of her passion for serving older adults.
Her inspiration to work in Senior Living stems from deep relationships with her grandmothers, which helped her recognize that quality care and nurturing environments are essential for people to truly thrive as they age.
Dina served as the Director of Health and Residential Services for Royal Oaks championing a whole-person approach to aging. Her leadership brought to life the belief that staying happy, active, and healthy is the cornerstone of vibrant living. Now, as Chief Operating Officer of Aventur, Dina brings her clinical expertise, operational insight and a deeply rooted sense of empathy to the forefront. Her positivity is contagious, and her commitment to excellence continues to shape the future of Aventur and the well-being of those we serve.
dcapek@aventur.org
623-815-4184
