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Our People, Our Greatest Asset
By Doug Beebe, Benchmark CEO
We have three important assets: people, reputation, and finances. The most important of these is people and we will develop practices that reflect that fact.
When I talk about who we are and how we work, I always start with our people. The strength of character, focus on mission, and commitment to great outcomes across our teams never fails to inspire me.
Over the past month, three events reminded me of what makes Benchmark special: our annual management retreat, the kickoff of our newest program in Vermont, and a series of interviews with a new potential team member. While these are disparate events that may seem unrelated, each reflected the same powerful theme — people who care deeply about helping others succeed.
I joined Benchmark after a long career in related fields. I remember walking away from my interview hoping I would get a chance to join such a dynamic team. Similarly, after the above-mentioned candidate’s interviews concluded, he shared that he was struck by how consistent everyone was in their focus on outcomes and mission. He said it was rare to meet a team so aligned around excellence.
At the management retreat, we reflected on our programs, future growth, and most importantly, the success stories that remind us why our work matters. These stories are so important, because the day-to-day work of what we do can feel unending. To step back and see the achievements and successes of so many people we serve reinforces our mission in helping people reach their full potential.
That same spirit was alive in Vermont. The energy and excitement among the new team were contagious. From case managers to the program director, everyone shared a deep commitment to inclusion and impact. Rick Adams, VP, told a moving story about a man whose potential had been overlooked and how our team helped him realize that potential through independent work and saving for his own car.
The common theme is people seeing people as people and embracing the ideal that, by recognizing potential, we can start together on a journey to independence and inclusion. As always, I am deeply grateful to work alongside all of you and to witness every day the power of people supporting people, one life at a time.
From the Frontlines
Hear from Benchmark employees across the country.
Howard, what is the best part of your job?
Having the opportunity to collaborate on a daily basis with an amazing team of professionals from different fields and backgrounds that all share the same goal of improving the lives of our consumers and those that support them.
What is most challenging about it?
Cutting through all of the bureaucratic red tape that often serves as barriers for our consumers to access the services they require to improve their lives.
What is your favorite fall or winter holiday and why?
I would have to say my favorite fall/winter holiday is Thanksgiving, It’s all about spending time with those people in your life that are closest to you, being grateful for the positive things you already have in life and of course, the food!
Jacob, what is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is putting a smile on the faces of the individuals.
What is most challenging about it?
The most challenging part is seeing co-workers who don’t have the same enthusiasm and dedication that I do.
What is your favorite fall or winter holiday and why?
Fall is my favorite season because the weather gets cooler, it’s my birthday time, and there are more parties and events to enjoy with the individuals.
65 Years of Stories
Earlier this month, we celebrated Spirit Week! Thank you to all who participated. Here are some highlights:
My Benchmark Story
Over the last few months, we’ve heard wonderful stories from Belinda Christensen, Francis Essilfie, and Daisy Johnston. Did you get to see them? Click the images below to watch.
Benchmark Welcomes Vermont Team
Earlier this month, Benchmark held a kickoff event to officially welcome our new Case Management team in Vermont. This program adds more than 50 team members to Benchmark, who will serve nearly 1,900 individuals across the state.
The kick-off was held at Stickney Farms in Roxbury. CEO Doug Beebe, Vice President Rick Adams, and Compliance Officer Carl Lampton joined from Indiana to mark the occasion. The Vermont program is led by Local Director Theresa Rickard, with oversight from Adams, who shared, “It was a great opportunity for Benchmark to bring together all of our employees from across the state to recognize their hard work and preparation, as well as to celebrate Benchmark’s role in a momentous event—the beginning of Conflict-Free Case Management in Vermont.”
Cincinnati Day Services Tunes In to New Adventures
Benchmark’s new Day Services Program Coordinator in Cincinnati, Karen Anderson, is all about helping individuals explore their community and shape their own adventures. When the group shared their wish list of activities, a visit to local country radio station B-105 topped the list.
During the visit, they toured the studio, checked out instruments, and watched how music is selected and played on air. “The excitement on their faces when they met Jessi and Anna (local radio personalities) was more than amazing,” said Karen. “Trying new things and meeting new people is what they enjoy most—they’re already asking when they can go back!”
Director Angie Honshell added, “Karen embodies a team approach and is passionate about building relationships with everyone she encounters. She brings both strength and heart to everything she does.”
DSPs Share Stories of Impact with Corporate Team
Last month, several Direct Support Professionals, Mackenzie Hartman and Jocelyn Meyer (Fort Wayne Day Services); Erica Robinson (Fort Wayne Group Homes); Chris Balogna, Laurie Heckman, and Ireland Fay (Northwest Ohio Supported Living); and Josie Bowdle (Northwest Ohio Day Services) visited Benchmark’s Corporate Headquarters to share success stories from the field.
Their heartfelt stories highlighted the life-changing impact DSPs make every day and helped strengthen the connection between Benchmark’s administrative team and the mission that drives our work.
Pivoting with Purpose
By Dr. Antoinette Thornton, Operations Analyst and Chair of Inclusion Impact Committee
As we reflect on our journey and look to the future, we’re excited to share an important update: the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee is evolving into the Inclusion Impact Committee.
This new name reflects our belief that inclusion is more than a value — it’s a core principle that defines who we are. Inclusion means being welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. It’s about embracing differences as strengths, fostering belonging, and ensuring that equity and accessibility are woven into everything we do.
We invite you to reflect on what Inclusion Impact means to you and how it guides your work each day:
INCLUSION
Inspire: Encourage everyone to bring their full selves to work.
Nurture: Support growth and confidence in employees and the people we serve.
Connect: Build authentic relationships that strengthen collaboration.
Listen: Value the perspectives and experiences of all.
Understand: Foster empathy and cultural awareness.
Support: Empower others through advocacy and resources.
Include: Ensure every voice is welcomed and every person belongs.
Opportunity: Create pathways for growth and engagement.
Navigate: Help others overcome challenges and reach meaningful goals.
IMPACT
Inspire Action: Lead by example to spark inclusion.
Mobilize Voices: Ensure every idea has the power to shape change.
Promote Equity: Open doors and remove barriers.
Amplify Belonging: Celebrate authenticity and unity.
Cultivate Change: Move closer to the inclusive culture we envision.
Transform Together: Learn, grow, and make an impact—side by side.
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.
Buck Up Committee Awards $135,324 in Grants
Last month, the Buck Up Committee awarded $135,324 to Benchmark programs to fund items and activities not covered by other sources.
Buck Up is an employee-driven campaign where staff donate “a buck” or more per pay period through payroll deduction. At the end of each fiscal year, donations are matched 2-to-1 by AWS Foundation, and employees can apply for funds to benefit the people they serve.
This year’s grants supported a wide range of needs from clothing and furniture for individuals in Supported Living, to diapers and wipes for families in Early Intervention, a sensory room for the Georgia Autism Program, and community outings and vacations across programs, just to name a few.
Thank you to every employee who contributed to Buck Up last year. Your generosity made this possible!
To learn more about contributing or applying for 2026 funds, contact Courtney Heiser at [email protected].
Mark Your Calendar. Open Enrollment is Nov. 10th – 24th!
By Sarah Serna, Benefits Administrator
Open Enrollment is coming soon! You’ll be able to make your 2026 benefit elections in Paylocity from November 10th–24th. This is an active enrollment, so EVERYONE who wants to begin or continue health insurance coverage in 2026 must enroll.
✅ Open Enrollment occurs from Nov. 10th – 24th
✅ Benefits begin January 1st, 2026
✅ Eligible employees: full-time or part-time with insurance benefit grade effective 11/2/25 or earlier
Want to learn more? View the webinar schedule here.
Promotions
Below is a list of employees who were promoted in July, August, and September and the position to which they were promoted. Congratulations to all!
Delaware
Jason Hall, Residential Manager
Valerie Riley, Residential Manager
Georgia
Karley Appiah, Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Louis Veney III, Clinical Director
Indiana
Trenton Lawson, Residental Manager
Jalissa Sanders, Program Coordinator
Anthony King, Residential Manager
JaJuanya Rogers, Residential Manager
Eddie McNeil, Residential Manager
Elaina Halferty, Program Coordinator
Salena Tevis, Lead Employment Consultant
Angela Glosser, AWRC Industries Director
Danielle Smith, Residential Manager Coordinator
Missouri
Whitney Nikole Davis, Lead RBT
Montana
Ashley Neymeyer, House Manager
Wyatt Kopec Sperry, Team Leader
Christie Giles, Team Leader
Elizabeth Dryer, House Manager
Julia Hayes, Team Leader
New Hampshire
Courtney Krause, HR Assistant
Ohio
Ronica Perez, Team Leader
Paul Emmins, Program Coordinator
MacKenzie Miller, Team Leader
Brooke Perkins, Team Leader
Amanda Quillen , Team Leader
Afolabi Ogunbowale, Team Leader
Milestones
Thrive honors employee hire anniversaries for October, November, and December celebrating those who have worked at Benchmark for five years and longer.
Adeline Smith – 5
Agatha Komba – 5
Amy Weinstein – 5
Ashli Garrett – 5
Benita Blanford-Jones – 5
Danuatica Carter – 5
Douglas Wanjiku – 5
Grace York – 5
Heather Cummings – 5
Jalyn Seals – 5
Jennifer Dean – 5
Jerome Bostic – 5
John Lovett – 5
Julia Shelton Pennington – 5
Kevin Owens – 5
Latifa Lee-McBride – 5
Latonia Story – 5
Letitia Atadja – 5
Mattie Biddle – 5
Micheline Eugene – 5
Natasha Fincher – 5
Shequita Sewell – 5
Tionna Parker – 5
Tricia Innis – 5
Unique Fields – 5
Aimee Brendle – 6
Amy Davenport – 6
Ana Banegas – 6
Anna Gray – 6
Ashli Prosser – 6
Broderic Kartholl – 6
Christina Miller – 6
Claudette Nwefo – 6
Darnell Smith – 6
Dawn Forney -6
Emelie Reed – 6
Eric Quoi – 6
Gisanabagabo Nkusi – 6
Iyabo Olaleye – 6
Jeannette Merica – 6
Jennifer Rodriguez Capetillo – 6
Johanne Jean-Baptiste – 6
Jonathon Hansen – 6
Juanequa Hardieway – 6
Kara Spurlock – 6
Karen Dye – 6
Kenneth Williams – 6
Kristen Sappe – 6
Kristen Tamargo – 6
LaVern Underwood – 6
Leslie Sanders – 6
Linda Eldridge – 6
Lindsay Waller – 6
Magalie Brun – 6
Mary Brown – 6
Mellissa Prescott Crawford – 6
Ngardie Tarawally – 6
Noedely Saint-Louis – 6
Paul Emmins – 6
Peaches Hollie – 6
Robert Eldridge – 6
Rosaline Brown – 6
Ruth Banda – 6
Seth Sheren – 6
Shannon Buum – 6
Stephane Jean Felix – 6
Timika Gaines – 6
Tracy Runyan – 6
Virgie Compton – 6
Virginia Cole – 6
Yvonne Dyer – 6
Alexus Aubuchon – 7
Alice Njoroge – 7
Alyssa Rupp – 7
Brandi Novak – 7
Cathleen Baudendistel – 7
Charles Harris – 7
Connie Parrish – 7
Demetria Hill – 7
Dennis Smith – 7
Haymanot Tariku – 7
Jennifer McGillicuddy – 7
Kristi Scheer – 7
LaQunietta Andrews – 7
LaShawn Brown – 7
Leena Nair – 7
Lisa Ford – 7
Lori Stethem – 7
Markevia Barber-Paschal – 7
Mary Kungu – 7
Mildred Davis – 7
Odalys Barnett – 7
Overton Chiphwanya – 7
Patrick Iyakaremye – 7
Pontien Nibasumba – 7
Shannah Schnur – 7
Teaera Newson – 7
Tramayne Lyons – 7
Whitney Marcum – 7
Alexander Wanney – 8
Alhaji Kargbo – 8
Angela Cook – 8
Anita Proxmire – 8
Brenda Gomillia – 8
Brittany Harrison – 8
Cynthia Marvel – 8
Deja Brown – 8
Denesha Green – 8
Dennis Arnos – 8
Diane Ziegenfelder – 8
Donald Cross – 8
Elizabeth Wambu – 8
Grace Gblende Otoo – 8
Jill Prishivalko – 8
Kimberly Saffold – 8
Kiona Mayweather – 8
Krisoula Taylor – 8
Mary Waymire – 8
Megan Kosters – 8
Nancy Johnson – 8
Nathan Gadson – 8
Nicholas Keitzer – 8
Penny Bennett – 8
Qualin Redd – 8
Raad Al Mandil – 8
Sarah Brown – 8
Sarah Miller – 8
Shameria Jones – 8
Shari Barnes – 8
Tabatha Crawford – 8
Timika Owens – 8
Tracy Friend – 8
Yusuf Issack – 8
Amy Williamson – 9
Brian Hegg – 9
Brianna Frankman – 9
Burie Carmichael – 9
Caryn Rice – 9
Cassandra Krebs – 9
Colleen Allison – 9
Daniel Becher – 9
Ja’Kyra Cole – 9
Jamikah Kelsaw – 9
Jermika Jackson – 9
Kassanesh Belay – 9
Kelli Burrous – 9
Kenna Bauer – 9
Laura Sanchez – 9
Leigh Watson – 9
Linda Danielson – 9
Marc Daniels – 9
Mary Gardeman – 9
Michael Shinkle – 9
Myasia Young – 9
Nicholas Webster – 9
Nicole Henderson – 9
Odumamwen Egharevba – 9
Oluwayemisi Fawumi – 9
Samuel Nkopuruk – 9
Sana Kendrix – 9
Sara Scholten – 9
Steven Janson – 9
Susan Brown – 9
Susan Sofferin – 9
Vickie King – 9
Wendy Machado – 9
Amy Gant – 10
Angela Kirchner – 10
Ashley Woods – 10
Brian Graham – 10
Danny Boatner – 10
Erica Daniels – 10
Jacob Strole – 10
Jordan Bruner – 10
Kristy Holloway – 10
Leales Rapp – 10
Mark Vella – 10
Monique McRae – 10
Nadia Pronik – 10
Ousmane Diallo – 10
Quentin Horton – 10
Rebecca Smith – 10
Rita Klosterman – 10
Stacy Vann – 10
Susan Cook – 10
Audrey Cooper – 11
Breanna Saylor – 11
Calandera Smith – 11
Daniele Quintavalle – 11
Ebere Uko – 11
Elizabeth Fasbinder – 11
Georgetta Mason-Brown – 11
Gwendolyn Suggs – 11
Janelle Archer – 11
Jennifer Patterson – 11
Jolene Pettigrew – 11
Joseph Gallagher – 11
Kehinde Adeoba – 11
Nichelle Powell – 11
Oluwakemi Adedoyin – 11
Pamella Munson – 11
Robin Kinney – 11
Samantha Brown – 11
Sol Laboy – 11
Anette Houghton – 12
Beth Mills – 12
Damon Dear – 12
Ethan Oakes – 12
Helene Ettang – 12
James Paul – 12
Jessica See – 12
Jose Morales – 12
Kimberly Galaviz – 12
Mario Baker – 12
Michael McKinney – 12
Ruth Perez – 12
Amber Moppin – 13
Cherrie Hawes – 13
Debora Baskerville – 13
Jeffrey Nicholson – 13
Jennifer Gilbert – 13
Kathy Cesar – 13
Katie Noel – 13
Latoya Jackson – 13
Samuel Ofosu – 13
Shannon McAllister – 13
Stephen Gyasi-Mensah – 13
Adrienne Norman – 14
Brenda Kromah – 14
Camille Solga – 14
Carolyn Cuffer – 14
Chantal Cardriche – 14
Dericka Jones – 14
Edward Agyemang – 14
Jeffery Gootee – 14
Margarita Espinosa – 14
Robert Mtika – 14
Tamera Blount – 14
Wendy Harris – 14
Abdul Barrie – 15
Amanda Richardson – 15
Amie Mansaray – 15
Angelia Glosser – 15
Bessie Sanders – 15
Craig Schmitt – 15
Crystal Toney – 15
Dawn McPheron – 15
Donald Pozil – 15
Dorothy Wesley – 15
Jennie McAllister – 15
Judy Lattanzi – 15
Linda Griffy – 15
Lisa Hicks – 15
Melissa Taylor – 15
Michelle Whalen – 15
Mikeion Ewing – 15
Nakia Robertson – 15
Nicole Price – 15
Patricia Everage – 15
Paul Hicks – 15
Selam Ayele – 15
Theodore Hamilton – 15
Harold Graham – 16
Sharon Ward – 16
Abimbola Olugbenga – 17
Andre Ottley – 17
Andrew Bostic – 17
Brandon McGill – 17
Jasman Lyles -17
Frank Rousey – 18
Joshua Slone – 18
Lois Dada – 18
Michael Burdine – 18
Ryan Knodel – 18
Christine Henderson – 19
Linda Thomas-Carlisle – 19
Lucille Sweet – 19
Mamon Trotter – 19
Mary Crawford – 19
Melissa Dykes – 19
Natujwa Kivaria – 19
Deborah Ungemach – 20
Eric Weeks – 21
Josiah Chisale – 21
Karen Lewis – 21
Kimberly Bolen – 22
Shannon O’Connell – 22
Charity Shumba – 23
Jennifer Welch – 23
Lucy Maina – 24
Shari Bail – 24
Sandra Ffrench – 25
William Kartholl – 27
Ada Wilkinson – 28
Carol Telley – 30
Carl Lampton – 31
David Ross – 33
David Howe – 39