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!
Excellence Personified
By Doug Beebe, Benchmark CEO
Recently, I had two experiences that crystallized why joining Benchmark has been one of the best decisions of my life. The first was participating in the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) review process—a rigorous, peer-driven evaluation focused on service excellence. Over the course of the review, nine CARF surveyors assessed a wide range of AWRC and Benchmark programs, from Crisis Homes in Georgia to Camp Red Cedar. The process brought together staff with varying levels of experience—from those navigating their first CARF review to seasoned professionals who have participated in many.
With this range of experience, programs, and expertise, it was a complicated survey. One thing shone through in comments from every surveyor: They all said, “we would be proud to work in these programs.” One surveyor cried tears of happiness while another blew kisses to the staff when she left. These were seasoned professionals—respectful, knowledgeable, and deeply familiar with the field—and I felt truly honored to lead an organization that could leave such a meaningful impression on peers with extensive experience in program evaluation.
I had that same sense of pride while visiting members of our Montana teams for Management 202. They were highly engaged, deeply interested, and sincerely focused on creating great programs. As I spoke with the other members of leadership who presented as part of 202, the feedback was consistently strong. The residential and day service teams are facing staffing challenges and some demanding team interactions, while the early childhood team is expanding geographically and breaking down barriers to service and acceptance. They are meeting those challenges by actively engaging to learn new tools and techniques and keep their programs strong.
These qualities are at the center of Aspire to Excellence, the framework upon which CARF builds its quality standards. It speaks to integrating organizational functions while seeking and responding to input from all stakeholders in that service. Few companies do this better, and these are two examples of how that focus can run through an agency—even one as diverse as ours. As one of our corporate principles says:
Always choose the important over the busy. Achieving quality outcomes efficiently creates longevity.
Thank you for all you do.
65 Years of Stories
Our 65th anniversary celebration continues! This month, we hear from Dorian Riddick, the State Director of Delaware. He tells a story about building a relationship with an individual, as this person grew to trust our team and make a new connection on his own. Watch his story, and catch up on others from Amanda Musser and AJ Beyrer.
What’s your Benchmark story?
In June, we asked employees to reflect on their Benchmark stories. In case you missed it, you can check out the details and icebreaker questions here. Karen Lichtsinn, Client Finance Specialist in Fort Wayne, IN, shares her story.
My name is Karen and I have been with the company over 30 years. My first role was managing children’s group homes and those kids became my family immediately. 
I loved seeing the progress they made. Once, I was training a new staff and she saw tears in my eye and asked what was wrong. I told her that the activity the client was working on one of his goals, and this was the first time he did it all by himself. Seeing one of the kids walking by themselves or being able to stand and pivot, instead of being a total lift, saying your name for the first time, learning to feed themselves, etc. Those moments change you as a person.
I made scrapbooks every Christmas for the guardians, so they could see all the activities we did and all the places we went. Our kids were in the community all the time. Sometimes we would run into their non-disabled classmates and they would come up and say hello. That was one thing that I didn’t see as a kid and I loved that.
When I retired from being a manager I starting taking care of client finances. I work with programs in Fort Wayne, Marion, and South Bend. One of the best decisions I made was working at Benchmark. I have worked with the best people through the years and built lasting friendships. We advocate for all of the clients and they know if they ever needed someone, they could come to any of us. Everyone asks me when are you going to retire? I’m doing what I love and who knows if I ever will? I am living the dream!
A New Title for a Day
In July, we are asking employees, “If you could change your job title for a day, what would it be?” We want everyone to take this opportunity to show off your spectacular work by making up a fun, new job title for yourself. You can learn more and download customizable certificates here.
We’ve already received some wonderful responses. Check them out below, and submit yours here for a chance to be featured on social media.
Benchmark Birthday Parties
Earlier this spring, we asked leaders to host Benchmark “birthday” parties at our office locations. Did you see the recap video? Watch it here.
From the Frontlines
Hear from Benchmark employees across the country.
Ireland, what is the best part of your job?
Getting to see our guys live out their best lives and having fun while doing that.
What is most challenging about it?
The mental load. Being in the right headspace when walking into their home. Handling staff concerns while on shift and keeping that separate. In other words, checking it at the door to keep the focus on the guys in the home.
In honor of Benchmark’s 65th anniversary, where would you like to be and what would you like to be doing when you’re 65?
Retired and a homeowner. I hope to leave a legacy at Benchmark of long-standing success, knowing I made a difference.
Reba, what is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is being able to interact with the clients we serve and help them feel a sense of normalcy in their lives, whether it is playing their favorite game or taking them out into the community. It touches my heart and gives me joy and happiness knowing that these individuals are able to interact in the community, feel a sense of freedom, and enjoy a healthy and thriving life.
What is most challenging about it?
The most challenging part of my job as a newer manager is balancing the needs of the residents and the staff with the operational requirements. Setting boundaries and accountability can be challenging. It can be hard to be both supportive and hold staff accountable, but clear boundaries and consistent accountability are what help build an effective team. Communication challenges, misunderstandings, lack of communication, or ineffective communication tend to lead to problems. Ensuring everyone is on the same page and feeling heard makes things operate better in the daily life of our clients.
In honor of Benchmark’s 65th anniversary, where would you like to be and what would you like to be doing when you’re 65?
By the age of 65 I would love to thrive in Benchmark and grow with the company for many years to come. I would love to be a director or a leader to continue bringing meaning to the lives we touch every day.
Charleston, what is the best part of your job?
Being a positive influence in the individual’s everyday lives.
What is most challenging about it?
Figuring out a new individual’s personality and behaviors when they first come in.
In honor of Benchmark’s 65th anniversary, where would you like to be and what would you like to be doing when you’re 65?
Laid back on an island, enjoying life!
Diversity Dialogues: Respect, Relate, and Respond
In May 2025, during a dynamic Training Day session, Dr. Antoinette N.T. Thornton, Ashley DeBlauw, Lennie Singano, and Jamie Zacarias led a powerful presentation titled “Diversity Dialogues: Voices, Visions, and Values Respect, Relate, and Respond: Building Bridges through Culturally Aware Communication.” Ashley, Lennie, and Jamie, visionaries from the Emerging Leaders Development Program collaborated with Dr. Thornton to deliver an experience that was more than just a training session. It was a transformative journey centered on human connection, cultural humility, emotional intelligence, and intentional dialogue in the workplace.
At the heart of this experience was the unveiling of the 3-R Model, a groundbreaking communication framework conceptualized and uniquely developed by Dr. Antoinette N.T. Thornton. The 3-R Model serves as a values driven guide designed to lay a foundation for culturally aware communication and emotional literacy, with three interconnected principles:
Respect calls us to recognize and affirm the humanity in others by honoring diverse identities, lived experiences, and communication styles. It challenges individuals and teams to move beyond tolerance toward meaningful recognition.
Relate invites us to cultivate empathy, compassion, and understanding skills rooted in emotional intelligence. It encourages us to listen with curiosity, communicate with care, and foster an environment of psychological safety and belonging.
Respond emphasizes the importance of mindful, culturally informed action. It is not enough to listen we must act in ways that build trust, repair harm when needed, and reinforce inclusive norms and values.
By integrating emotional intelligence into each of these core principles, the 3-R Model provides a deeper, more holistic approach to communication that is both people-centered and impact-driven. It empowers individuals at all levels of leadership to engage across lines of difference with authenticity, intentionality, and cultural awareness.
From left to right: Ashley DeBlauw, Dr. Antoinette Thornton, Jamie Zacarias, and Lennie Singano
Curlie Young Receives Costa N. Miller Award
On June 24, Indiana’s trade association for providers of services to individuals with disabilities, INARF, hosted its 2025 Conference for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in Indianapolis. The event welcomed 132 attendees for a full day of celebration, professional development, and networking.
The conference opened with the presentation of the esteemed Costa N. Miller Award, which honors two outstanding human services professionals whose primary responsibilities involve direct support. Out of 43 impressive nominees, Curlie Young—Group Home Manager in Fort Wayne and one of Benchmark’s longest-serving employees—was selected as one of this year’s recipients.
Curlie has dedicated an incredible 35 years to Benchmark, consistently exemplifying compassion, leadership, and a deep commitment to the individuals she serves. Her family and colleagues attended the event to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.
Anne Titus, Vice President at Benchmark, who provided a video testimonial for the event, acknowledged Curlie’s unwavering commitment to community integration. “There is no barrier to inclusion that Curlie will not find a way around,” said Titus.
Over the course of her career, Curlie has touched countless lives and built a legacy of excellence. We are proud to celebrate her achievement. Congratulations, Curlie!
Celebrating Excellence in Residential Management: Honoring Fran Cline’s Legacy
Tom Titus and Diane Smith
In the summer of 2024, Benchmark proudly presented the inaugural Fran Cline Residential Management Excellence Award to its namesake, Fran Cline. Fran, a beloved Residential Manager from Central New Jersey, received the honor just weeks before her passing after a courageous battle with cancer. Known for her compassion, leadership, and commitment to quality care, Fran left a lasting impact on those she worked with and supported. This annual award now serves as a tribute to her legacy, recognizing exceptional residential managers who embody the same dedication and excellence in service delivery.
This year, Diane Smith, Supported Living Program Coordinator from Fort Wayne, Indiana, was named the 2025 recipient of the award at the annual Management Rally in May. Diane was celebrated alongside her fellow nominees:
José Morales, Residential Manager, New Jersey
Danielle Smith, Group Home Manager, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Brenda Severns, Program Coordinator, Northwest Ohio
Each nominee was recognized for their outstanding leadership, commitment to their teams, and unwavering support of the individuals they serve.
Congratulations to Diane and all of this year’s honorees, and thank you for your continued dedication to Benchmark’s mission and values.
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.
Perks and Potential: Staying Connected to Your Health Benefits
By Sarah Weiss, Benefits Administrator
Take charge of your health and benefits with Ameriben Engage—your one-stop resource for everything related to your medical coverage. You will need your Medical ID card to register.
With Ameriben Engage, you can easily:
View and download your medical ID card
Look up in-network providers
Access your coverage details
Track claims and benefits
Explore wellness resources and more!
It’s fast, convenient, and puts your health information right at your fingertips. Learn more.
And don’t forget—dental and vision ID cards are digital! Use the Delta Access flyer to view and download your Delta Dental and/or Vision card whenever you need it. It’s an easy way to stay ready for your next appointment without the worry of carrying a physical card.
Take a moment today to get registered and stay informed about your benefits!
This information can be found in the Benchmark Intranet –> Benefits and in the Paylocity Web Browser.
May Management Events
Benchmark hosted our annual Training Day, Directors’ Meeting, and Management Rally in Fort Wayne, IN in May. More than 200 employees from across the country gathered to learn, network, and rally around our shared mission. We also held an Evening in the Gardens, a company networking event at the Foellinger Friemann Botanical Conservatory.
During Management Rally, we highlighted the staff who shared their stories as part of our 65th anniversary celebration. We also heard meaningful success stories from Merrillee and Kenzie, a family served by HomePointe Healthcare; Adam and Janelle, representatives from the Ohio Self-Advocacy group; Jaime Garza and Sarah Goddard, the leadership team for Idaho mobile crisis response; and Peter, an individual served in the New Hampshire residential program. Thanks to all who attended and made the event a success!
Theresa Rickard Joins Benchmark as Director in Vermont
Benchmark’s new case management program in Vermont is in full start-up mode. When services begin October 1, Benchmark will serve approximately 1,600 individuals. Theresa Rickard has been hired as the State Director overseeing the program. Theresa has devoted her career to working in the human services field. With a wide variety of experience, Theresa began her work in in behavioral assessments with children before moving into the mental health field within the hospital system and finally, then finding her path with developmental services.
“It was not long after becoming a case manager that I found a renewed sense of direction working with these individuals who shine light and bring joy into our world,” Theresa said. Theresa has a deep commitment to person-centered care and community inclusion.
Promotions
Below is a list of employees who were promoted in April, May, and June and the position to which they were promoted. Congratulations to all!
Arkansas
Amy Davis, Service Coordinator
Kaitlyn Gordon, Service Coordinator
Seth Johnston, Program Manager
Valarie Boyette, Program Manager
California
Esther Sotelo, Team Leader
Micah Barnes, RBT
Delaware
Trudy Brown, Supported Living Supervisor
Georgia
Carolyn Robbins, ABS Behavior Therapist
Chandler Scott, Program Manager
Tanzania Jordan, CNA
Idaho
Katie Villarreal, Associate Licensed Clinical Staff
Indiana
Cawanna Wadley, Accounts Payable Manager
Christine Carter, Supported Living Manager
Elizabeth Frechette, Activities Coordinator
Emily Tyler, Family Preservation Case Manager
Jada Singh, Supported Living Supervisor
Jenice Banks, Team Leader
Indiana (continued)
Jenn Rolfs-Knepper, Assistant Controller
Kathryn Seelye, HR Generalist
Paul Okoli, Team Leader
Payton Cotton, Employment Consultant
Sara Thomas, Supported Living Supervisor
Montana
Kari Maness, Team Leader
Michael Liming, Team Leader
Shelby West, House Manager
New Jersey
Ayse Aksu, Activities Coordinator
DeShay Dickson, Team Leader
Tiquini Hall, Day Services Supervisor
Ohio
Cassandra Hewitt, Team Leader
Kristina Tubbs, Team Leader
Ronnise Showes, Day Services Supervisor
Taliyah Jackson, Team Leader
Milestones
Thrive honors employee hire anniversaries for July, August, and September celebrating those who have worked at Benchmark for five years and longer.
Adam Tozier – 5
Alexis Bailey – 5
Amber Sroufe – 5
Angela Reed – 5
Antone Wilson – 5
Beth Schrader – 5
Brianna White – 5
Cassandra Cooke – 5
Cathy Scott – 5
Christina Cotterman – 5
Dava Kroterfield – 5
Dawn Fowler – 5
Deanna Williams – 5
Destiney Williams – 5
Elizabeth Razo-Ramos – 5
Jennifer Fittipaldi – 5
Jerri Jones – 5
Jordan Walker – 5
Karen Thornton – 5
Kathleen Prophet – 5
Kendall Downing – 5
Kiori Thomas – 5
Lamiracle Magwood – 5
Lechedzani Mbaiwa – 5
Malinda Martin – 5
Mariah Willett – 5
Michael Horn – 5
Momolu Beyan – 5
Morgan Coeling – 5
Myron Proctor – 5
Rachel Butler – 5
Sarah Millman – 5
Serena Taylor – 5
Sherry Ryan – 5
Susan Irungu – 5
Tabitha Colbert – 5
Tara Johnson – 5
Theron Wilkinson – 5
Tiffany Richardson – 5
Tori Kinyon – 5
Trevon Bishop – 5
Warren Howell – 5
Adama Kanu – 6
Alisa Appling – 6
Amera Erby – 6
Amos Fallah – 6
Anna Stokes – 6
Ashel Bangura – 6
Audrey Simmons – 6
Carol Hasson – 6
Carrie Wakefield – 6
Cecily Campbell – 6
Chrisie Williams – 6
Christina O’Brien – 6
Craig Havens – 6
Crystal Ashby – 6
DaEnglan Lee – 6
Daniela Elias – 6
Decarius Collier – 6
Elbert Minus – 6
Gayflorzee Muryanquoi – 6
Iraccia Pegues – 6
Jacki Richardson – 6
James Madave – 6
Jedidiah Doles – 6
Jennifer Larson – 6
Johnice Smith – 6
Joseph Cole – 6
Joseph Nzikamira – 6
Katherine Hadley – 6
Kevin Hills – 6
Kris Conant – 6
Kristabell Requena – 6
Lanisha Witkop – 6
Laura Robertson – 6
Laura Sutton – 6
Lawanda Brown – 6
Logan Weaver – 6
Maria Loza – 6
Mariah Evans – 6
Marideli Cruz Sosa – 6
Marie Harden – 6
Nakia Cochran – 6
Nicole Herber – 6
Pamela Kernan – 6
Patricia Arrazola – 6
Rahamata Sangare – 6
Rocky Anderson – 6
Samuel Murphy – 6
Shannon Nash – 6
Tiruneh Yimam – 6
Tonya House – 6
Tyrone Washington – 6
Wilson Gichobi – 6
Ammaad Sims – 7
Andrea Garriott – 7
Arita Wheeler – 7
Ashley Griffith – 7
Baseema Butler – 7
Benjamin Thompson – 7
Cynthia Lockhard – 7
Cynthia Mitchell – 7
Diane Mount – 7
Ina Young – 7
James Byrne – 7
Jeffrey Marcum – 7
Kaitlin Lamison – 7
Kathryn Saffer – 7
Kevin Harvey – 7
Linda Ford – 7
Malik Lockett – 7
Megan Munoz – 7
Michael Nthiga – 7
Mickayla Moye – 7
Onyedika Opara – 7
Ramel Abercrombie – 7
Rebecca Denison – 7
Richard Wells – 7
Siera Jackson – 7
Tamlyn Fowler-Lee – 7
Tao Bartleson Mosley – 7
Aaria Ward – 8
Amanda Brewer – 8
Amy McNiel – 8
Angela DuBois – 8
Brian Croft – 8
Clara Hathaway – 8
Courtney Bierle – 8
Courtney ODell – 8
Debbra Anderson – 8
Drema Myers – 8
Eboni Calhoun – 8
Grace Manga – 8
Jariatu Collier – 8
Jawand Brannon – 8
Kendra Nolton – 8
Kristina Maxwell – 8
Leah Leidholdt-Bauer – 8
Mandy Ditto – 8
Melanie Ross – 8
Oluyinka Adebisi – 8
Saintecile Theodore – 8
Shandrel Riddle-Thelwell – 8
Stacey Stevens – 8
Te’Zhira Heard – 8
Thomas Dennin-Beebe – 8
Vicky Grubbs – 8
Victoria Heiser – 8
Yves Rutagengwa – 8
Ashlee Okane – 9
Babila Mba – 9
Christopher Diehl – 9
Cindy Stolte – 9
Cleta Griffin – 9
Cynthia Hughes – 9
Daisy Johnston – 9
Edward Dahlkamp – 9
Elisa Della Ventura – 9
Heather Maas – 9
Jeanne Smith – 9
Jennifer Bush – 9
Joy Scholten – 9
Joyce Aaron – 9
Juliet Ihedike – 9
Kalan Phinezy – 9
Kenneth Keegan – 9
Kenneth MacCutcheon – 9
Merlande Deravil – 9
Nicole Cocce – 9
Portia Lewis – 9
Richard Adams – 9
Robert Kirkwood – 9
Sharlet Davis-Sandles – 9
Stephanie Dennis – 9
Summer Gerry – 9
Tiana Gaddis – 9
Anna Geething – 10
Annette Powers Kilburn – 10
Anthony Zephy – 10
Ashley King – 10
Brandy Crawford – 10
Emily Grohnke – 10
Jessie Bryant – 10
Joanna Gallagher – 10
Kelly Kroeger – 10
Lisa Hendrix – 10
Miriam Sisay – 10
Renardo Gleenio – 10
Robertson Asamoah – 10
Rosena Roberts – 10
Ameria Sheriff – 11
Beth Weiss – 11
Christina Norris – 11
Isaac Ogundairo – 11
Janelle Jansson – 11
Jody Martin – 11
Leshan Dix – 11
Meagan Hemenway – 11
Alex Berrios – 12
Angel Ripoll – 12
Ann Wainaina – 12
Brenda Severns – 12
Christy Ware-Payne – 12
Dawn Brown – 12
Eucharia Okendu – 12
Julia Glover – 12
Kacianne Sealy – 12
Kristin Adkins – 12
Marissa Spiess – 12
Megan Tracy – 12
Noelle Utley – 12
Patrice Buchanan – 12
Patti Greer – 12
Paul Kabutha – 12
Sandra Houston – 12
Shannon Winston – 12
Sue Ellis – 12
Valencia Davidson – 12
Willie Gardner – 12
Andrea Walker – 13
Angela Couch – 13
Bueford McKinney – 13
Danielle Smith – 13
Diane Ressler – 13
Eureke Moorman – 13
Festus Bolarinde – 13
Gloria Baity – 13
Jason Frame – 13
Karen Geiger – 13
Mallory Leatherman – 13
Maryann Caldwell – 13
Nicole Infante Forsythe – 13
Rodney Geis – 13
Selly War – 13
Anjali Joshi – 14
Antwan Byrd – 14
Army Burks – 14
Betty Holloway – 14
Charles Osei – 14
Christine Taylor – 14
Connie Walters – 14
Cynthia Driggers – 14
Franklin Briggs – 14
Franklin Davis – 14
George Harris – 14
Ginger Sunbom – 14
Jayne Spitznogle – 14
Jeanne Warno – 14
Jerri Flowers – 14
John Sesay – 14
Joyce Johnson – 14
Kwabena Boaitey – 14
LaShonda Thomas – 14
Litonlya Lester – 14
Max Gilyan – 14
Peter Belsky – 14
Robert Ashlock – 14
Sharon Sonnenberg – 14
Teresa Salemi-Gumiran – 14
Derrick McGraw – 15
Jean Beausoleil – 15
Kimberly Finn – 15
Leslie Armstrong – 15
Maritza Baden – 15
Minerva Coker – 15
Olasunkanmi Faturoti – 15
Tony Rainbolt – 15
Vicki Kennedy – 15
Cassandra Clubb – 16
Christina Narasimhan – 16
Courtney Schaffner – 16
David Muthike – 16
Eileen Baker – 16
Heather Morelan – 16
Jodi Phillips – 16
Joella Wiggins – 16
Katie Flinner – 16
Kristen Gentilini – 16
May Listenberger – 16
Ellen McClimans – 16
Peter Mbugguss – 16
Ruth Nothdurft – 16
Solomon Daniel – 16
Victoria Halbert – 16
Amanda Musser – 17
Amber Adams – 17
Deborah Cartwright – 17
Kristina Lambert – 17
Tamara Nash – 17
Dewayne Totten – 18
Erma Wims – 18
Evelyn Gillespie – 18
Gladys Arlotta – 18
Jayne Underwood – 18
Philip Boakye – 18
Robert Taylor – 18
Jeffry Harris – 19
Kerrie Miller – 19
Michelle Maio-Venezia – 19
Jason McCain – 20
Rosa Sturgis – 20
Lennie Singano – 22
Margaret Davis – 23
Angela Heller – 25
Cynthia Graeber – 26
Lorraine Di Novo – 26
Mary Zumbaugh – 26
Holly Eykholt – 27
Elaine Berning – 27
Brandy Patterson – 28
Thomas Titus – 28
Karen Lichtsinn – 31
Anne Titus – 33
Margaret Cantey – 34
Karen Shollenberger – 37