Thank you to everyone who completed the Thrive readership survey. We reviewed your feedback and we are making some changes. Going forward, there will be more opportunities to highlight staff and individuals served, including the new Celebrating Wins section (read more below!). We are also changing the way the newsletter is described in email subject lines, so everyone knows this is our official company newsletter. Plus, we have a printer-friendly version available linked here.
Enjoy, and reach out to Courtney Heiser or Larissa Whitaker with any stories you’d like to share in an upcoming issue of Thrive.
Reflections from Retiring Benchmark Leaders
By Doug Beebe, Benchmark CEO
One of the greatest privileges of my time at Benchmark has been working alongside exceptional leaders. In 2026, two of those leaders, Karen Shollenberger and Jeff Cross, will retire after making a lasting impact on AWRC and Benchmark.
Karen’s influence reaches far beyond the many programs she helped grow. Her true legacy is the leaders she mentored, many of whom now guide our organization forward. Jeff took on the challenge of expanding Benchmark as a national brand and exceeded every expectation, elevating our outreach and reputation across the country. I will miss them both as colleagues and value them always as friends. Rather than speak for them, I asked each to share their own reflections — and I’m glad I did.
A Letter from Karen Shollenberger, Retiring Vice President
After 37 years with Benchmark, I will step out of my operational leadership role on January 31, 2026. I joined when we were a small nonprofit serving fewer than 100 people to grow what was then a new residential group home program, never imagining how the journey that would unfold. Today, Benchmark supports more than 20,000 individuals nationwide through a wide range of services. We walk alongside people from their earliest days through their senior years, meeting them wherever they are—in their homes, workplaces, and communities, helping every person reach their potential.
From my early days as Director of Residential Services to my role as Vice President since 2001, I have had the privilege of overseeing diverse programs including residential services, day programs, recreational and music therapy, BCBA supports, nursing, Camp Red Cedar, and Family Preservation. I am deeply proud of the large-scale projects I helped bring to life: transitioning children from institutional care into warm, supportive group homes; opening Missouri’s residential services for individuals with complex behavioral needs; helping close the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center and other large institutions; launching Indiana’s Family Preservation Services; and providing emergency placements during critical transitions. Through countless committees and initiatives—from policy development to building projects—I witnessed the power of what we can accomplish together.
The individuals we serve have been my greatest teachers. They have shown me resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges, joy in the smallest moments, and courage that still humbles me. Yet, what fills me with the greatest pride is the leaders I have helped develop—who have risen through our ranks to carry this mission forward. I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional people. Together, we have created a culture of mutual support, respect, and genuine friendship.
Thank you for 37 extraordinary years!
A Letter from Jeff Cross, Retiring Senior Development Advisor
One of my favorite Benchmark moments came from a man we serve who, after years of trauma and failed placements, stood up at a self-advocacy meeting and said, “I live at Benchmark. I have a family now.” That statement captures the heart of who we are.
I greatly value my relationship with colleagues and co-workers at Benchmark. It has been a privilege to work with such a dedicated and committed team. Many of you I know well. Others I know only by what you have accomplished. I have an especially deep respect for our front-line managers, DSPs, case managers, nurses, and clinicians—this is where the work gets done one-on-one, and you excel.
Over the past fifteen years, I’ve had the privilege of helping Benchmark grow into a national leader—now serving in 20 states and recognized as the premier provider for individuals with complex needs. Benchmark is known for doing what others cannot or will not do.
With success comes responsibility. Going forward, Benchmark will have more opportunity even as predicted challenges in Medicaid funding grow, service delivery models are forced to change, and state adoption of value based managed care becomes the norm. However, it will be imperative for Benchmark to differentiate its services by growing measurable quality, developing innovative and cost effective service models, increasing workforce engagement, and embracing technology in services and business practices. Most critical will be the preservation of our culture and its DNA of commitment to people served regardless of the challenges.
The future brings both opportunity and responsibility. Preserving our culture, investing in quality, innovation, workforce engagement, and technology will be essential. My advice is simple: be bold, take chances, and be a changemaker. Every day, someone is counting on you to show up and deliver.
Signing off with best regards.
From the Frontlines
Hear from Benchmark employees across the country.
Leah, what do you like best about your job?
The best part about being an ICC, as well as an autistic individual, is that I get to help families in need of understanding both their children and the ways they can interact with older autistic individuals, emotional support. Everyone on my caseload knows they can text or call me at any time for whatever reason, and I’m there to listen, empathize, and provide my unique perspective. I have a never-ending quest for new resources and ways to help the parents help their children. When I interact with the children on my caseload, I never take credit for the information I send to their parents because I’m not in the job for the glory–I truly want to help them. This isn’t just a job for me; it’s my calling in life.
What is most challenging about it?
The biggest challenge for me is knowing when to put my phone away and engage in self-care. My brain hyperfixates on ways that I can make this better for one family or how frustrating a situation is with an unresponsive parent and it plays on a loop. My support system knows very well that they have to remind me to be present in the moment and not stress about things I cannot change.
What are your hopes for the new year?
I’d love to expand my horizons by taking on new hobbies, traveling to new places, and exploring the lesser-known parts of the cities I visit for work. If I have to go to Fort Payne, AL, once a month to see a family, it would be fun to walk a trail through DeSoto State Park or to go to the museum for the country band, Alabama. Just because I go to a place for work, it doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy being there as well. On a self-care note, I spend a lot of time reading when I’m not working, and my goal for 2026 is to read 200 books.
Diane, what do you like best about your job?
My favorite part of my job is being able to support members of the community struggling with various forms of mental health or substance use crises. I am grateful for being able to give back to the community that has given me so many opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally.
What is most challenging about it?
I find the majority of my work with clients in crisis highly rewarding. It can be challenging when a client’s family is not well-informed about mental health, but as mental health professionals, it is part of our job to educate families and help them access resources so they can better support their loved ones.
What are you looking forward to in 2026?
In 2026, I look forward to supporting more people in crisis and further developing my skills.
Announcing the Strength and Heart Award
At Benchmark, we know that what sets our team apart isn’t just talent — it’s the powerful combination of strength and heart that fuels our mission every single day. Whether you’re supporting individuals directly, leading frontline teams, processing payroll, or keeping our offices running like clockwork, your impact matters — and it deserves to be celebrated.
That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the Strength and Heart Award — a new quarterly recognition designed to spotlight employees who go above and beyond with both grit and compassion.
What does strength look like?
Think determination, resilience, innovation, advocacy, and character.
What does heart look like?
Think empathy, compassion, patience, kindness, and a spirit of inclusivity.
Each quarter, we’re inviting you to nominate your incredible peers who embody these qualities. Shine a light on those co-workers who inspire you by showing up with both strength and heart.
Nominate a colleague using the form linked below by March 2, 2026. (Note: Supervisors cannot nominate an employee they directly supervise.)
A selection committee will choose one outstanding recipient each quarter. Each recipient of the Strength and Heart Award will receive a $1,000 payroll bonus!
The first winner will be announced in early April.
Thank you for being part of the Benchmark family and for your role in helping others live as independently as possible, be included in the community, and reach their full potential. Let’s celebrate the strength and heart that powers our mission together.
Nominate a Co-Worker with Strength and Heart
Perks and Potential: Employee Assistance Program Offers Employees Free Counseling and More!
By Sarah Serna, Benefits Administrator
Benchmark partners with the National Employee Assistance Program (NEAP) to provide employees with free, confidential support and resources. This benefit includes no-cost counseling sessions with a licensed therapist, along with a wide range of additional services fully paid for by Benchmark.
In addition to counseling, NEAP offers health and wellness webinars, free financial and legal consultations, referrals for child and elder care, and more. These resources are designed to support employees through challenges both big and small.
Learn more about NEAP and how to connect with a therapist or access other services by reviewing this PDF. We’re also hosting a webinar about the NEAP on February 17 at 2:00 pm EST. You can register here: Register for NEAP Webinar.
Introducing Celebrating Wins!
At Benchmark, our mission is to help the people we serve live as independently as possible, be included in the community, and reach their full potential. We work toward that mission in big and small ways every day. Often, it’s the small milestones that spark the biggest momentum. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a new Thrive newsletter feature: Celebrating Wins. This series will highlight the meaningful victories, both large and small, achieved by the individuals we serve. A first trip to the gym on a path toward self-improvement. A toddler taking their first steps. Someone joining a group activity they once avoided. A new friendship forming. These moments matter, and they deserve to be recognized.
We invite you to share these wins with us so we can celebrate them together. To submit an entry for Celebrating Wins, follow this link: (Submit a Win!), tell us about the individual’s achievement, and upload a photo if available and if a signed photo release is on file.
As we step into a new year, let’s start a new tradition of recognizing the accomplishments of those we serve. Together, let’s celebrate every step toward connecting people and potential!
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.
Staff Bring a New Vision to Lima Day Services Site
In November, Benchmark opened a new Day Services site in Lima, Ohio, after the program outgrew its existing building. Prior to moving in, the Northwest Ohio team was given the opportunity to suggest modifications to the space.
Director Ryan Knodel said leadership welcomed the boots-on-the-ground expertise of the program team when imagining the new environment. “These are the staff who work side-by-side with the people we support each day. We wanted to ensure the new space would be conducive to serving people well, so we asked the team, ‘What should this look like?’” The team suggested thoughtful and practical modifications and design features, such as slip-resistant floors, accessible sinks, adjustable kitchen workspaces to accommodate wheelchair users, multiple sensory and quiet areas, and more.
“Both the individuals we serve and the staff love the new location,” Knodel said. “It’s warm, welcoming, and intentionally designed to meet a wide range of needs. The staff truly knocked it out of the park!”
We Show Up: Leston’s Story
Last fall, we had an opportunity to share an Active Consulting success story at a national conference. Leston is an individual who received services from Benchmark’s Active Consulting program in Arkansas. Prior to his involvement in this program, Leston spent 130 days in jail following a property destruction incident.
Through a collaboration between Summit Community Care, St. Francis Area Developmental Center, and Benchmark Human Services, Leston is now enjoying life in the community. Congratulations to everyone on the Arkansas team, and thank you for everything you do to connect people and potential! Watch his story.
Our Benchmark Story – Closing 65 Years of Stories
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating 65 Years of Stories. In case you missed it, check out a recap of last year’s celebration campaign in the video below.
Promotions
Below is a list of employees who were promoted in October, November, and December and the position to which they were promoted. Congratulations to all!
Delaware
Michael Berkley, Residential Manager
Georgia
Elizabeth Cavender, Licensed Clinical Staff
Rebecca Toth, Regional Director
Sheree Telfair, Crisis Homes Director
Indiana
Amanda Hensley, Team Leader
Angel Thomas, Program Coordinator
Anne Santos, Riding Instructor
Brianna Alt, Day Program Coordinator
Gunnar Matthews, Team Leader
Haylee Eaton, Supported Living Supervisor
Lisa Hendrix, Industrial Operations Team Lead 3
Michael Anderson, Activities Coordinator
Michael Cross, Supported Living Supervisor
Nerak Huffman, Team Leader
Ornella Kashala, Client Financial Specialist
Samantha Bryant, Program Coordinator
Tiffany Richardson, Supported Living Manager
Vanessa Tonkel, Activities Coordinator
Maryland
Mary Briggeman, Activities Coordinator
Montana
Ashley Neymeyer, House Manager
Daniel Prevedel, Team Leader
James Gregg, Team Leader
Megaan Wilke, House Manager
New Jersey
Brianna White, Team Leader
John F. Kabah, Team Leader
Mildred Davis, Team Leader
Ohio
Besty Meyer, Team Leader
Milestones
Thrive honors employee hire anniversaries for January, February, and March celebrating those who have worked at Benchmark for five years and longer.
Aliyah Armstead – 5
Ana Gutierrez Solano – 5
Angela Wilson – 5
Arzola Winston – 5
Brandon Kern – 5
Catherine Conner – 5
Chandler Scott – 5
Christopher Hollis – 5
Deanna Douglas-Moore – 5
Destiny Nichols – 5
Edward Baker – 5
Elijah Nyoro – 5
Felicia Jackson – 5
Habsa Sileymane – 5
Ivory Moore – 5
Jacob Owusu – 5
Kathleen Collins – 5
Kathy Currington – 5
Kelly Johnson – 5
Larry Fields – 5
Marie Ellis – 5
Marisa Mercuri – 5
Meredith Starks – 5
Mikaya Watts – 5
Nicole Yaunches – 5
Patricia Ikenwe – 5
Paul Vanlue – 5
Quade Houston – 5
Raphael Gathuru – 5
Ronald Fowler – 5
Shirley Mann – 5
Stephanie Jefferson – 5
Tara Strahm – 5
Valerie Biamby – 5
Vanesha Brown – 5
Wing Yan Plomitallo – 5
Akofa Makolle – 6
Alisha Key – 6
Amanda Michel – 6
Amanda Nelson Reid – 6
Amanda Scully – 6
Amy Barnett – 6
Amy Demore – 6
Amy Rumpf – 6
April Silverman – 6
Armah Gray – 6
Asa Lowder – 6
Beth Meyers – 6
Bhalchandra Joshi – 6
Catherine Piterski – 6
Christopher Rollins – 6
Daniel Beights – 6
Dawn Bedford – 6
Debora Nugent – 6
Deborah McCrary – 6
Dymon Coachman – 6
Eric Schlueter – 6
Gregg McGinnis – 6
Gregory Ungemach – 6
Hannah Matthews – 6
Hazel Ogunlade – 6
Jessica Umber Williams – 6
Joan Wall – 6
Judy Chege – 6
Kenneth Ennals – 6
Leah Safley – 6
Lemlem Fijachew – 6
Mary Torok – 6
Melissa Knickerbocker – 6
Melissa Robusto – 6
Nicole Tucker – 6
Precious Snipes – 6
Quantry Harris – 6
Samuel Kuria – 6
Sharnice Williams – 6
Shelisa Fikes – 6
Tiera Norton – 6
Valerie Church – 6
Abby Roebuck – 7
Aisha Jefferys – 7
Albert Crumbley – 7
Caroline Herman – 7
Connie Nicholson – 7
Corey King – 7
Deborah Meacham – 7
Femi Oshin – 7
Haley Seeley – 7
Kebrina Salisbury – 7
LaToya Bostic – 7
Lisa Howle – 7
Mary Njomo – 7
MyQuell Warfield – 7
Paula Pike – 7
Rhonda Keeney – 7
Semika Roach – 7
Shannon McGlynn – 7
Timothy Stewart – 7
Angela Smith – 8
Ayesha Thomas – 8
Barbara Walden – 8
Charlotte Ellis – 8
Hellen Waruingi – 8
Jared Bess – 8
Jennifer Imlay – 8
Kara Emery – 8
Kendra Butler – 8
Kristina Fought – 8
Laura Christiaens – 8
Lauren Lloyd – 8
Nadine Sims – 8
Nazaire Nicolas – 8
Patience Stewart – 8
Penny Fawbush – 8
Rose Filteau – 8
Stella Carlson – 8
Vicky Bollinger – 8
April Evans – 9
Balinda Fonner – 9
Donald Oshiomah – 9
Dorianne Schmidt – 9
Geoffrey Avery – 9
Jacqueline Hightower – 9
Jamaal Sanders – 9
Jamal Green – 9
Jeffrey Frady – 9
Kaia Zelt – 9
Kathryn Wilkinson – 9
Kelli Saine – 9
Kezia Jackson – 9
Ryan Haley – 9
Sean McCaulay – 9
Sheila Canada – 9
Taneka Borders – 9
Taylor Berg – 9
Tracee Smith – 9
Afolabi Ogunbowale – 10
Alandra Stroud – 10
Brandon Riley – 10
Cheryl Bilbrey – 10
Christa Raines – 10
Craig Whonsetler – 10
Dimitris Katsaounis – 10
Jacqueline Shuppert – 10
James Bain – 10
Karen Agaiby-Mena – 10
Kevie Thomas – 10
Lakeshia Horne – 10
Latonya Elliott – 10
Lorry Augustin – 10
Maria Hainline – 10
Michaela Jan Carpenter – 10
Sharday Mabins – 10
Tanisha Colon – 10
Traveon Stevenson – 10
Tyree McCreight – 10
Adriana Garcia – 11
Ami Clancy – 11
Andrew Harris – 11
Barbara Lane – 11
Christine Sellers – 11
Deandra Burnett – 11
Dymond Davis – 11
Elizabeth Hohman – 11
Heather Macbeth – 11
Irene Omboga – 11
John Miller – 11
Karen Bischoff – 11
Lacesha Jeffers – 11
Linda Powers – 11
Pamela Parker – 11
Rachael Nelson – 11
Steven Bright – 11
Tedwick Theodore – 11
April Clerkley – 12
David Herrmann Sedano – 12
Deaundra Lewis – 12
Doug Beebe – 12
Jeremy Joyner – 12
Lateachca Carswell – 12
Stacie Fitzgerald – 12
William Exner – 12
Cawanna Wadley – 13
Jonathan Rushton – 13
Joseph Gootee – 13
Kathleen Manegre – 13
Keith Miller – 13
Laurie Heckman – 13
Melissa Shaw – 13
Nikki Cotterman – 13
Ragna Urberg – 13
Renee Broughton – 13
Tondaleah Eversole – 13
Belinda Christensen – 14
Dedria Handerson – 14
Erika Moore – 14
Jeremy Wimbley – 14
Kimberly Leal – 14
Orlando Wash – 14
Rosita Stewart – 14
Ruth Bates – 14
Sycilla Smith – 14
Tammy Carroll – 14
Alocia Robertson – 15
Angela Honshell – 15
Anthony Bryant – 15
Benjamin Harrison – 15
Debra Williams – 15
Julie Heiges – 15
Rasheda Patterson – 15
Susan Brown – 15
Andrew Baden – 16
Casey Lolmaugh – 16
Douglas Houser – 16
Laine Muston – 16
Stacy Christopher – 16
Ann Williams – 17
Harold Eagleson – 17
Lucy Ngwenya – 17
Theresa Prentice – 17
Jill Tatalovich – 18
Rhonda McAuley – 18
Rosalind McCall – 18
Shawn Fields – 18
Jennifer Smith – 19
Justin Tucker – 19
Kim Stephens – 19
Tyaan Winn – 19
Yared Belew – 19
Kathy Thorson – 20
Kimberly Larson – 20
Nathan Heimann – 20
George Sewell – 21
Julius Kerkula – 21
Clara Chibweya – 22
Courtney Heiser – 23
Kelly Stahl – 23
Timothy Cline – 23
Joyce Wright – 27
Todd Staszak – 30
Curlie Young – 36