Remembering Dr. Michael Dean

It is with profound gratitude that Covenant House remembers and celebrates the life and service of Dr. Michael Dean. Mike was deeply committed to our young people and our mission to support them on their journey from homelessness to hope. He passed away on Feb. 25, and our hearts go out to his wife, Maykin Ho, and their family and friends.

Mike became a Covenant House supporter in 1985, and over the next 40 years, his commitment was unwavering. He supported our mission financially and inspired others to do the same. As a Covenant House New York board member and medical advisor, he elevated the work of our federally qualified health center and shepherded all our sites through the long, dark COVID pandemic. He did it all with grace, humor, and compassion.

Through his efforts and attention to detail, our CHNY medical center is, today, a really shining example of the high-quality care that all young people deserve.
   - Tod Monaghan, senior vice president of key relationships at Covenant House International

“Through his efforts and attention to detail, our CHNY medical center is, today, a really shining example of the high-quality care that all young people deserve,” says Tod Monaghan, senior vice president of key relationships at Covenant House International. “Mike’s positive attitude and kind, caring relationships with everyone from fellow board members to staff to youth echoed throughout our mission,” Tod says.

When the COVID-19 emergency descended on New York City and quickly spread throughout the country five years ago, Mike helped Covenant House design the protocols that would keep our youth and staff safe and our mission running without interruption across our entire federation. “We had to adapt, but we never stopped, thanks in large part to Mike,” Tod says.

Mike Dean served on the CHNY board of directors from 2011 to 2020. Then, as medical advisor and liaison to the board, he oversaw our clinical programs; ensured compliance with all city, state, and federal requirements; and developed our roster of services. When CHNY rebuilt our shelter in Midtown Manhattan during the pandemic, Mike’s fingerprints were all over the medical center to ensure the best possible care. It now bears his name.

A native New Yorker, Mike believed in Covenant House’s mission, Tod says, beginning with that first donation back in 1985. He continued to contribute financially while also giving of himself professionally and in every way, like the time he invited 25 of our residents to lunch at his home.

“Mike was just a kind and compassionate person, and his actions radiated kindness,” Tod says. “Covenant House will miss him very much.”