Welcome to Thrive, the Benchmark employee newsletter. Enjoy, and please share any stories you would like to include in a future issue with Courtney Heiser or Larissa Whitaker!
Thriving at 65
By Doug Beebe, Benchmark CEO
Many people look at 65 years and think of slowing down and reaping the rewards of many years of hard work. At Benchmark, 65 years of service means we are a vital and growing organization seeking and answering new challenges. Not all companies have been able to do that. One of those was Sears, which at one point was the biggest retailer in the United States. At its origins, Sears was an innovative company opening new markets. It sounds a little weird today, but Sears grew tremendously because of their famous mail-order catalog, which could reach mail markets and took advantage of rural free delivery and the extensive train systems of the time. They eventually became an anchor store at hundreds of malls across the country. However, they were stuck in a model as the world around them changed. More people shifted to buying from high-end specialty stores, while at the same time, Wal-Mart and other lower-cost alternatives were growing. Sears eventually went from over 700 stores to bankruptcy because it stuck with its thinking and did not respond well to a changing market.
Ross Perot was a maverick entrepreneur who encouraged his teams to think differently. He intentionally included non-traditional members of leadership, like arts majors. An apocryphal story about him is when he bought the home he grew up in and wanted to restore it. The bricks were painted, and he wanted them back to plain brick. He told his team that money was no object. However, chemical engineers, painters, and brick specialists could not figure it out. Finally, one of the art majors said, “If money is no object, why don’t you just turn the bricks around?”
To me, that is Benchmark and AWRC. We turn the bricks around. We ask how we can provide a service, serve that individual, or answer a problem that seems to have no answer. The depth and diversity of our teams keep us moving forward with innovation and inspiration, and we truly impact lives. It is our secret sauce. As we move into and beyond our 65th year, thank you for your caring and brilliance. You are the reason we continue to thrive.
65 Years of Stories
As part of the 65th anniversary, we are celebrating the unique qualities and experiences our staff bring to Benchmark. We can’t make a full video for every team member, but we’d love to feature you in Thrive and on our social media.
This quarter, we’re asking employees, “What part of your personality gets to shine in your work?” Submit your responses here and view a collection of responses on the 65th anniversary webpage.
During the month of April, we asked leaders to host Benchmark “birthday” parties at our office locations. Did you have a Benchmark birthday party? Don’t forget to send photos to [email protected]!
In April, Nicole Cocce tells a story about helping a family build a positive outlook on what their daughter with disabilities can do—and confidence in their ability to support her. Click the image below to watch her video.
From the Frontlines
Hear from Benchmark employees across the country.
Angela, what is the best part of your job?
Assisting and encouraging individuals to meet their goals/potential in their daily living skills and assisting them with exploring new opportunities.
What is most challenging about it?
Trying to connect needed/appropriate resources to meet the needs of individuals.
What is your favorite thing about Spring?
Seeing the beautiful Azaleas blooming at the Master’s.
Mariah, what is the best part of your job?
Every day that I go to work I get the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and get to work with some of the best individuals in the world.
What is most challenging about it?
Expecting the unexpected. Every day is a different day, with different challenges. I’m glad this job has helped me to conquer these various challenges
What is your favorite thing about Spring?
It’s the season that begins new life; the flowers are beginning to bloom, and the sun is beginning to shine brighter!
Gilbert, what is the best part of your job?
The best part of being a Direct Support Professional (DSP) often comes from the meaningful connections built with the individuals I support.
What is most challenging about it?
One of the most challenging aspects of the job for a DSP is managing the diverse needs and behaviors of individuals with disabilities. Every person has unique challenges, so providing personalized support requires a deep understanding of each individual’s physical and emotional self.
What is your favorite thing about Spring?
My favorite thing about spring is the sense of renewal it brings. Nature wakes up, flowers bloom, trees regain their leaves, and everything feels fresh and alive again.
Social Media Highlights
You know, you don’t have to wait until Thrive comes out to see some great photos of the individuals we serve from all over the country! Follow us on social media, just search Benchmark Human Services on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Also, if you would like to share any photos you’ve taken of or with the individuals in your area on social media, please add them to the new Social Media Upload form on the Intranet.
New Business Updates
Oklahoma Crisis Respite Homes
In Oklahoma, Benchmark has partnered with the state’s Department of Disability Services to open three four-bedroom crisis respite homes in the Tulsa metro area. These homes will serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis and need extra supports before returning to their typical place of residence. The homes are set to open on July 1.
Vermont Case Management
Through a competitive RFP, Benchmark was awarded a contract to provide case management services in Vermont. Benchmark will provide services throughout the state. Vice President Rick Adams, along with case management directors Tacey Dunwoody (South Dakota) and Melanie Bald (Alabama), will be meeting with service providers, individuals, and parents and guardians throughout May to introduce Benchmark. The state is moving to conflict-free case management so all individuals will have the opportunity to select a new case management provider.
Nevada Systems Analysis and Capacity Building
Effective March 1, Benchmark entered into a contract with Health Management Associates (HMA) to perform a systems analysis of residential provider services in Nevada and Provider Capacity Building to providers in the Southern Region identified by Nevada Department of Human Services, Aging and Disability Services Division.
The systems analysis will identify gaps in policy, procedures, and existing residential services and provide recommendations on what actions can be taken to improve the capacity and delivery of residential services. This work will be led by consultants, Chris Adams and Amy Tabor. The provider capacity building team will be led by Charles Burd, State Director, and be comprised of four clinicians – a BCBA, RBT, LCSW, and Affiliate Clinician – who will work with state case managers, select providers and other agencies in support of individuals with co-occurring behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities.
While the systems analysis has already started, the provider capacity building team is scheduled to start services the middle of May 2025.
Standing Strong: A Bold Future for Inclusion at Benchmark
By Dr. Antoinette Thornton, Operations Analyst and Chair of DEIA Committee
In recent months, some organizations across the country have chosen to reduce or eliminate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives often citing political pressure, budget constraints, or shifting priorities. At Benchmark, we remain unwavering in our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone belongs.
What Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Means at Benchmark
At Benchmark, DEIA is more than a mission statement, it’s a lived commitment. It means:
– Diversity is our strength.
– Equity is our responsibility.
– Inclusion is our culture.
– Accessibility is our standard.
We believe in a future where people of all backgrounds, abilities, orientations, and beliefs are empowered with the tools, voice, and opportunities to thrive.
In 2020, we took a transformative step forward by launching the DEIA Committee, in alignment with one of our core organizational values: Inclusion. Now, in 2025, we proudly celebrate five years of intentional collaboration, policy shifts, and culture-building that continue to shape Benchmark into a more equitable, welcoming, and empowering workplace.
One of the ways we accomplish that is through our employee-led and mission-driven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). ERGs are designed to empower voices, promote allyship, and build community. You don’t have to identify with a specific group to participate. Benchmark currently has three ERGs:
– EmpowerAbility Advocating for employees with disabilities and neurodivergence.
– Q.U.E.E.R. Supporting LGBTQIA+ employees and allies.
– Veterans ERG Elevating the voices and experiences of our veteran community.
Why ERGs Matter: The Data Tells the Story
We’re proud of our Employee Resource Groups and the research backs up their importance:
– Companies with active ERGs report a 21% boost in employee retention (McKinsey & Company).
– 90% of Fortune 500 companies use ERGs to drive leadership development, cultural learning, and employee engagement.
– Employees involved in ERGs experience higher job satisfaction, greater connection, and stronger workplace motivation.
You Belong. You Matter. Join Us.
We invite YOU — every employee, ally, and changemaker — to join this ongoing journey. Whether you’re new to DEIA work or a longtime advocate, your voice, vision, and leadership are needed.
👉 Sign up today for an Employee Resource Group, attend a Benchmark Breakthrough Power Hour, or reach out with your own ideas to keep advancing inclusion.
Together, we’re not just shaping a better workplace — we’re building a better Benchmark.
Promotions
Below is a list of employees who were promoted in January, February, and March and the position to which they were promoted. Congratulations to all!
Georgia
Karen Burdge, Autism Business Analyst
Indiana
Ada Wilkinson, Billing Lead
Alex Truong, Accounts Payable Specialist
Anita Proxmire, Senior Fleet Operations Coordinator
Cynthia Graeber, Billing Lead
Daniel Beights, Event Assistant
Eddie McNeil, ESN Behavior Tech
New Jersey
Geneirah Jones, Day Program Supervisor
Jeanne Warno, Team Leader
Jolanda McLaughlin, Team Leader
Zahhir Walker, Team Leader
Ohio
Heather Speicher, Supported Living Supervisor
Kara Spurlock, Team Leader
Milestones
Thrive honors employee hire anniversaries for April, May, and June celebrating those who have worked at Benchmark for five years and longer.
Angela Melvin – 5
Brenda Pitts – 5
Brian Osby – 5
Catrina Garcia Lemus – 5
Christina Reese – 5
Dana Soderberg – 5
Deosha Sanchez – 5
Diana Warner – 5
Donald Davis – 5
Elizabeth Staffieri – 5
Erika Bautista – 5
Ernest Alleyabu – 5
Hannah Tickle – 5
Jamall Wade – 5
Jennifer Walker – 5
Julie Sturgill – 5
Kimberly Daniels – 5
Lauren Krieger – 5
Linsey Leyva – 5
Lisa Prochnow – 5
Louis Veney III – 5
Marlon Wagstaff – 5
Maryellen Falzone-Mangone – 5
Michele Snapper – 5
Nsengiyumva Rutsobe – 5
Pamela Kitchell – 5
Robin Petrillo – 5
Savannah Martin – 5
Seinam Zah – 5
Sharon Fluker – 5
Shastanika Jackson – 5
Susan Githiri – 5
Terry Slayton – 5
Thokozani Tebulo – 5
Viri Ramirez Villalobos – 5
Winnie Mwangi – 5
Andrew Brown – 5
Andrew Kilpatrick – 5
Anthony Holmes – 5
Belinda Kachmann – 6
Beverly Marcus – 6
Brittney Woodward – 6
Candace Hall – 6
Charnita Walker – 6
Courtni Phillips – 6
Cynthia Stevens – 6
Elizabeth Hayes – 6
Ellisha Willis – 6
Jazmyne Fultz – 6
Jibria Waller – 6
Karina Alonso-Ferrari – 6
Keisha Gaston – 6
Kylee Hoot – 6
Latrece Wilcher – 6
Lindsey Meyer – 6
Marie Jourdain – 6
Mary Brown – 6
McKenna Behny – 6
Megan Ryan – 6
Miranda Breedlove – 6
Monique Nzumpatse – 6
Nancy Nicholson – 6
Ndubuisi Ijioma – 6
Nwabueze Okebata – 6
Rhonda Quarells – 6
Robin Simpson – 6
Rose Murigi – 6
Stephanie Perry – 6
Tracy Ellis Small – 6
Virginia Mbugguss – 6
Weston Brubaker – 6
Yolanda Freeman – 6
Alisha Zephy – 7
Ann Tienter – 7
Brenda Buck – 7
C W Halfacre – 7
Catherine Nganga – 7
Christine DeBlauw – 7
Corri Brewer – 7
Cynthia Niezer – 7
Elsa Guillaume – 7
Emily Thomas – 7
Fellicia Bunch-Russell – 7
Francis Essilfie – 7
James Dieudonne – 7
Jennifer Shingler – 7
Joanna Cuevas – 7
Kathy Campbell – 7
Linda Gilbert – 7
Linda Sarfo – 7
Margaret Gramza – 7
Michael Mcvey – 7
Michael Minutilli – 7
Nicholas Zagaros – 7
Ramona Mott – 7
Ranease Rowe – 7
Rosemary Heugle – 7
Shatasha Thornton – 7
Stacy Major – 7
Stewart Boruff – 7
Tara Baker – 7
Theresa Bukowski – 7
Tiara Poindexter – 7
Alemtshay Gebeyehu – 8
Ange Bosley – 8
April Hopson – 8
Ashley DeBlauw – 8
Brennon Gaines – 8
Darla Micheal – 8
David Herrick – 8
Debbie Strickland – 8
Eleni Abera – 8
Gabrielle Christie – 8
James Ailstock – 8
Linda Jones – 8
Lucas Strohmenger – 8
Marc Rumpf – 8
Megan Chipman – 8
Peter Wakaba – 8
Rachelle Hamilton – 8
Ricketta McCoy – 8
Rodney Butler – 8
Ronald Radford – 8
Tulisa Moorman – 8
Waidia Riddle – 8
Beteselam Bonka – 9
Brenda Tomlin – 9
Brittany Kamm – 9
Bunmi Akinmade – 9
Christina Morris – 9
Dashnique Beck – 9
Derrick Hunt – 9
Elizabeth Castillo – 9
Erica Robinson – 9
Jane Anderson – 9
Jean Crowe – 9
Jeffrey Keck – 9
Jenna Gobel – 9
Kacey Hoftiezer – 9
Karen Sudbeck – 9
Karri Saathoff – 9
Kathleen Staton – 9
Kelli Leitner – 9
Keyana Brooks – 9
Kristina Scherr – 9
Lawrence Jones – 9
Lisa Hanisch – 9
Marmiko Carter De Ceita – 9
Mary Maina – 9
Mary Schroeder – 9
Michael Bokatsch – 9
Michelle Parke – 9
Nancy Clancy – 9
Rachel Williams – 9
Rhonda Moore – 9
Rosie Thomas – 9
Sue Sutton – 9
Susan Njenga – 9
Tacey Dunwoody – 9
Tamara Lehman – 9
Teresa Helland – 9
Terry Lynett – 9
Tyrus Brothers – 9
Yolanda Rias – 9
Abosede Opadiran – 9
Brenda Frank – 10
Christine Carter – 10
Issiac Carter – 10
Jerri Delong – 10
Mary Harrington – 10
Matte Innis – 10
Princess Apollo – 10
Rebecca Bodey – 10
Rotimi Adeleye – 10
Sharayah Ruble – 10
Tracey White – 10
Tracy Carbajal – 10
Yvonne Allen – 10
Andrew Young – 11
Anna Marie Ensley – 11
Dedra Pickett – 11
Derrick McKinney – 11
Gloria Winston – 11
Hannah Maxson – 11
Helen Turner – 11
James Hilgemann – 11
Jeanette Hawks – 11
Jennifer Sims – 11
Juwanda Boughton – 11
Keith Wheat – 11
Kelley Duvall – 11
Lori Pettit – 11
Lucretia Campbell-Rogers – 11
Mamie Addison – 11
Marinena Shirah – 11
Mia Maxey – 11
Priscilla Palmer – 11
Selina Popovich Evans – 11
Sonny Hughes – 11
Wayne Hill – 11
Abebe Mulat – 12
Allen Pfotenhauer – 12
Andrew Bushong – 12
Antoinette Thornton – 12
Davanda Talton – 12
Deborah Hatcher – 12
Ella Hooks – 12
Gregory Cox – 12
Gwendolyn Oglesby – 12
Jennifer McLaurin – 12
Joni Crocker – 12
Jose Galaviz – 12
Joseph Kageche – 12
Kristina Phillips – 12
Latesha Taylor – 12
Marissa Portee – 12
Mary Behrends – 12
Michael Dean – 12
Michael Rector – 12
Tangrill Varner – 12
Willean Frazer Gray – 12
Angela Jackson – 13
Darrell Masterson – 13
Davina Logan – 13
Irene Allen – 13
Jeffrey Rector – 13
Juanita Watson – 13
Maria Junk – 13
Nicko Benson – 13
Sedrick Totton – 13
Tai Rhodes – 13
Carey Baragiola – 14
Christopher Briggs – 14
Danielle Austin – 14
Nicole Headlee – 14
Patrick Kagarama – 14
Rachael Mitchell – 14
Shelley Campbell – 14
Wayne Cripps – 14
Deborah Tartaglia – 15
Rebecca Jones – 15
Rita Griesdorn – 15
Sherry Royse – 15
Amanda Beeks – 16
Howard Smith – 16
Kimberly Chestnut – 16
Miriam Kimani – 16
Paula Spall – 16
Stephen Mndalila – 16
Stephen Walker – 16
Barbara Handley – 17
Bernadette LaMaster – 17
Bree Cannon – 17
Cynthia House – 17
Garnett Goodwin – 17
Harold Kirby – 17
Kimberly Muhlenkamp – 17
Kris Cooley – 17
Lorraine Hall – 17
Marebate Batoma – 17
Mary Agba – 17
Peggy Fowlkes – 17
Wanda Hart – 17
Barbara Nakiganda – 18
Holly Cotton – 18
Lucy Murei – 18
Misty Abbott – 18
Shelly Detcher – 18
Tomeka Smith – 18
Travis Boggs – 18
Glenda Agostino – 19
Carrie Moden – 21
Kathleen Bradshaw – 21
Melissa Holycross – 21
Thiola Moyo – 21
Tiffany Smith – 21
Carrie Perry – 22
Maureen Dow – 22
Jeffrey Birnell – 23
Julia Kill – 23
Lindsay Moore – 23
Ennette Gose – 24
Mark Flegge – 24
Linda Morrison – 25
Pamela Jenkins – 26
Lily Compton – 28
Lisa Rector – 28
Randy Hoium – 29