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!
Benchmark – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
By Doug Beebe, Benchmark CEO
It was with very mixed emotions that I shared my intention to retire in January 2027, a plan I first discussed with the Benchmark Board of Managers this past December. Serving in this leadership role has been one of the greatest honors of my career, and it feels like just yesterday that I was a new employee in 2014. I am incredibly proud of the growth we’ve achieved together and the impactful services we’ve built. Benchmark/AWRC has truly become a leader in our field.
That said, the tradition of excellence here existed long before me and will continue well into the future. In fact, nearly 300 employees have been with the organization longer than I have, and 75 were here before Benchmark even existed. With that depth of experience and commitment, I am highly confident that the transition to a new CEO will be smooth and Benchmark’s long-term commitment to high quality and innovative services will continue.
In my final Thrive articles, I plan to focus on what matters most: creating high quality services that drive great outcomes for the individuals we serve. This is the heart of our work. It is not always easy, and sometimes we lose sight of that in the busy-ness of the now, but it’s essential that we stay grounded in that purpose. There are two Corporate principles we have adhered to for many years that serve to remind us of this.
“With all the regulation we must endure, it is easy to confuse process with product. We must keep focused on outcome.”
We are here to support individuals who have placed their trust in us, and our focus must always remain on outcomes. While the processes we follow can sometimes feel burdensome, they exist for a reason: to ensure high-quality results. And, the reason is simple and clear:
“Very few corporations produce a more important service or product. We deal with things that make life worth living.”
From the Frontlines
Hear from Benchmark employees across the country.
Aaliyah, what is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is building relationships with the clients and making sure they leave every day with a smile on their face!
What is most challenging?
Losing an individual that I have built a relationship with due to health issues.
What show are you binging right now? OR What book are you reading?
The Burbs
Michael, what is the best part of your job?
The best part is the experiences I get to learn day in and day out. I find it a joy to be able to put smiles on the faces of the many of the individuals that we serve. Being able to support the team and lead them to success is my goal. A famous quote I love is “Teamwork: Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.”
What is most challenging?
The most challenging part for me is not being able to be in two places at the same time. But I wake up every day and tell myself, “Success is not built in a single day; it is built in the quiet discipline of days when no one is watching, and no one is applauding.”
What show are you binging right now? OR What book are you reading?
I’m not binge watching any shows at this moment, but my go-to book is one that my father wrote titled “How Prayer Helped Me” by Michael A. Berkley Sr. (Available on Amazon). My father passed in 2010 at the age of 47, and this book keeps me motivated and going no matter what obstacles come my way.
Jason, what is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is assisting those in my care with experiencing things that they never thought were possible — from overcoming behavioral challenges, to achieving a level of independence that they have always wanted. It is an added bonus being able to empower my team to thrive and have an impact in the daily lives of the individuals we serve.
What is the most challenging part?
The most challenging part of the job is having to accept the fact that regardless of my best effort, there are days that crises will occur.
What show are you binging right now? OR What book are you reading?
I am not really binge-watching any shows. I am, however, watching anything track and field and softball. Most of this is live, where I get to cheer my kids on, but I try to get a college softball game in every night.
Amanda, what is the best part of your job?
I love being part of the local team that encourages clients to access supports to live as independently as possible within their communities, while honoring their preferences, strengths, and goals. I not only get the privilege of building strong, trusting relationships with clients, but also with their families and support teams. I am able to be another person to advocate for services and resources that promote dignity, inclusion, and quality of life.
What is most challenging?
Navigating new processes, including conflict-free case management, while also stepping into already established teams is a challenge. As a new team member, there is a natural learning curve in understanding team dynamics, roles, and expectations. However, the teams I have had the opportunity to work with have been incredibly welcoming, which has made the transition smoother and more enjoyable.
What show are you binging right now? OR What book are you reading?
Harry Potter series, and when I have the downstairs to myself and everyone is sleeping, I am binging Scarpetta, Bridgerton, and Lincoln Lawyer.
Kristina Tubbs has Strength and Heart!
In January, we introduced Strength and Heart, a new quarterly recognition award that shines a spotlight on employees who go above and beyond with both grit and compassion. 44 employees nominated one of their peers for the award and shared stories of how a colleague they admire shows up to work with both strength and heart.
A Committee of six Benchmark employees from across the company reviewed the nominations and selected Benchmark’s first recipient, Kristina Tubbs, a Team Leader in Northwest Ohio Supported Living, nominated by DSP, Laurie Heckman. Here’s a little of what Laurie had to say about Kristina.
“One of our clients was diagnosed with a terminal illness, along with several other health issues that he was dealing with. Some members of his team wanted him to continue to see multiple specialists to address all of his health issues. The client was getting up in age, and he was tired of going to doctor appointments, which were sometimes several per week. The client showed a desire to just be able to spend the rest of his days relaxing at home. Kristina went to several meetings with members of this client’s team to encourage them to ask the client himself what his wishes were for the direction his life would take. The client was still capable of making decisions for himself, and finally, upon Kristina’s urging, his team did ask him directly what he would like to see happen. Kristina showed strength in convincing the client’s team to consider the client’s wishes, but it also demonstrated heart, as well. The heart to let the client be the determining factor in how the rest of his life should go. Once a decision was made, Kristina took all the right steps at all the right times to make the whole process go easier and smoother for the client.”
Kristina will receive a $1,000 payroll bonus. A Strength and Heart award will be given each quarter. If you would like to nominate a peer for the July award, you can do so HERE. Submissions for July are due by June 1.
Congratulations, Kristina, and thank you for all you do to advocate for the people you serve!
Perks and Potential: Stretch Your Healthcare Dollars with an FSA
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) lets you set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses—helping reduce your taxable income and save on everyday costs.
How It Works
Choose an annual amount during open enrollment, and it’s deducted evenly from your paycheck. You can then use those funds for eligible expenses for yourself and your dependents.
What’s Covered
Common eligible expenses include:
– Doctor visit copays
– Prescription medications
– Dental treatments (cleanings, fillings, orthodontia)
– Vision care (eye exams, glasses, contacts)
– Certain over-the-counter medical items
– Dependent care (daycare, daytime summer camp, etc.)
Keep in Mind
– FSAs are “use-it-or-lose-it,” so plan carefully.
– 2026 funds must be used by a March 2027 deadline (final date to be announced).
– Save receipts—documentation may be required in Paylocity. (Dependent Care claims must be submitted after payment.)
Why It Matters
An FSA can make managing healthcare expenses easier while helping you stretch your healthcare dollars further through tax savings.
Refer to the FSA Guide in the Intranet: View the 2026 FSA Guide. Go to Paylocity -> Home -> Resources for more information, or check out the FSA webinar in Paylocity -> Learning -> HR/Management -> Benefits.
Celebrating Wins!
Celebrating Wins! is a new series that highlights the meaningful victories, both large and small, achieved by the individuals we serve. In each issue of Thrive, we will share wins submitted by our staff.
Noam at Hayride
From Danielle, a DSP in Southwest New Jersey
“Noam made great strides in his socialization goals during a community hayride. He interacted positively with peers, remained engaged in the group activity, and showed enjoyment throughout the experience. The smiling photo highlights his growing confidence and meaningful peer connections.”
From Joanna Gallagher, a DSP in Southern Indiana
“The individual I work with went in a store with staff even though he has anxiety issues, and has started to take showers by himself with little supervision.”
Click HERE to share a win!
Disabilities Awareness Month Recap
In March, Benchmark celebrated Disabilities Awareness Month by sharing videos on our social media featuring the individuals we serve discussing community inclusion, independence, service delivery, self-advocacy, and more! The video prompts were developed by a group of self-advocates who are served by Benchmark in Northwest Ohio.
Check out these videos from Peyton and Shawn. To view all of the videos, please visit Benchmark’s Facebook page.
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.
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!
Delaware
Jaylen Evans, Supported Living Supervisor
Trudy Brown, Residential Manager
Georgia
Michael Haley, RBT
Staci Purvis, LCSW
Candice Almond, GA Crisis Zone Lead
Selina Popovich Evans, Georgia State Director of Crisis Services
Jazzett Galindez Carr, CAT Case Manager
Malika Watlington, RBT
Leslie Spiegel, BCaBA
Carolyn Robbins, BCBA
Antonio Lee, RBT
Indiana
Tamara Meyers, Human Resources Generalist
Luke Zieroth, OCR Operator
Kristina Maxwell, Program Coordinator
Cody Elmore, Production Assistant
Tamera Crowder, Supported Living Manager
Sally Neuhouser, DSP Career Coach II
Franklin Aker, DSP Career Coach II
Sarah Miller, Supported Living Supervisor
Carleen Scrogham, Supported Living Supervisor
Montana
James Gregg, Team Leader
Reba Winsky, Supported Living Manager
Kari Maness, House Manager
Mack Purviance, Team Leader
New Jersey
Ciara Smith, Team Leader
Ohio
Francie Carmain, Supported Living Supervisor
Christopher Balogna, Supported Living Supervisor
Aimee Brendle, Staff Coordinator
Cassidy Pelham, Team Leader
Eva Stump, Team Leader
Leeanna Ridenour, Supported Living Supervisor
Kyre Barbour, 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.
Akua Boatemaa – 5
Anastasia McCorkle – 5
Angela Adkins – 5
Anthony Silvestri – 5
Bolanle Deji Olotu – 5
Carolina Mejia – 5
Charles Burd – 5
Christopher Walton – 5
Debora Nyangaga – 5
Faustin Macharia – 5
Francis Wanyoike – 5
Gianna Szabo – 5
Gloria Schell – 5
Ildephonse Rupiya – 5
Jacqueline Red – 5
Jalissa Sanders – 5
Jennifer Dina – 5
Jonathan Neilly – 5
Joseph Edwards – 5
Kacey Bumgarner – 5
Kolton Hopkins – 5
Lisa Justin – 5
Lori Kratzer – 5
Madelyn Kennedy – 5
Maria Tajon – 5
Mariama Jalloh – 5
Marie Mason – 5
Mario Mitchell – 5
Mark Turney – 5
Martha Kamara – 5
McKenzie Brown – 5
Nikeya Ennis – 5
Nikita Lindsey – 5
Oluwaseun Awosusi – 5
Oscar Lara – 5
Rachaun Young – 5
Raquel Ramirez – 5
Rashon Fowler – 5
Rebecca Hansen – 5
Renell Leichty – 5
Rhonda Beckman – 5
Ronnise Showes – 5
Sarah Chestnut – 5
Shelby Hoover – 5
Shelby Johnson – 5
Sol Byrd – 5
Stacy Chatman – 5
Stephanie Kubena – 5
Tiffany Pinkney – 5
Victoria Adamczyk – 5
Wednesday Ressler – 5
Angela Melvin – 6
Brian Osby – 6
Catrina Garcia Lemus – 6
Christina Reese – 6
Dana Soderberg – 6
Deosha Sanchez – 6
Donald Davis – 6
Elizabeth Staffieri – 6
Erika Bautista – 6
Ernest Alleyabu – 6
Jamall Wade – 6
Julie Sturgill – 6
Karley Appiah – 6
Linsey Leyva – 6
Lisa Prochnow – 6
Louis Veney III – 6
Marlon Wagstaff – 6
Maryellen Falzone-Mangone – 6
Michele Snapper – 6
Nsengiyumva Rutsobe – 6
Robin Petrillo – 6
Savannah Martin – 6
Seinam Zah – 6
Sharon Fluker – 6
Susan Githiri – 6
Terry Slayton – 6
Viri Ramirez Villalobos – 6
Andrew Brown – 7
Andrew Kilpatrick – 7
Anthony Holmes – 7
Belinda Kachmann – 7
Beverly Marcus – 7
Brittney Woodward – 7
Candace Hall – 7
Charnita Walker – 7
Courtni Phillips – 7
Cynthia Stevens – 7
Elizabeth Hayes – 7
Jazmyne Fultz – 7
Jibria Waller – 7
Karina Alonso-Ferrari – 7
Keisha Gaston – 7
Lindsey Meyer – 7
Marie Jourdain – 7
Mary Brown – 7
Megan Ryan – 7
Miranda Breedlove – 7
Monique Nzumpatse – 7
Nancy Nicholson – 7
Ndubuisi Ijioma – 7
Nwabueze Okebata – 7
Rhonda Quarells – 7
Robin Simpson – 7
Stephanie Perry – 7
Tracy Ellis Small – 7
Virginia Mbugguss – 7
Weston Brubaker – 7
Yolanda Freeman – 7
Alisha Zephy – 8
Ann Tienter – 8
C W Halfacre – 8
Catherine Nganga – 8
Christine DeBlauw – 8
Cynthia Niezer – 8
Donald Converset – 8
Elsa Guillaume Pierre – 8
Emily Thomas – 8
Fellicia Bunch-Russell – 8
Francis Essilfie – 8
James Dieudonne – 8
Jennifer Shingler – 8
Kathy Campbell – 8
Linda Gilbert – 8
Margaret Gramza – 8
Michael McVey – 8
Michael Minutilli – 8
Nicholas Zagaros – 8
Ramona Mott – 8
Ranease Rowe – 8
ShaTasha Thornton – 8
Stacy Major – 8
Stewart Boruff – 8
Tara Baker – 8
Theresa Bukowski – 8
Alemtshay Gebeyehu – 9
Ange Bosley – 9
April Hopson – 9
Ashley DeBlauw – 9
Brennon Gaines – 9
David Herrick – 9
Eleni Abera – 9
Gabrielle Christie – 9
Linda Jones – 9
Lucas Strohmenger – 9
Marc Rumpf – 9
Peter Wakaba – 9
Rachelle Pugh – 9
Ricketta McCoy – 9
Rodney Butler – 9
Ronald Radford – 9
Tulisa Moorman – 9
Brenda Tomlin – 10
Brittany Kamm – 10
Bunmi Akinmade – 10
Dashnique Beck – 10
Derrick Hunt – 10
Elizabeth Castillo – 10
Erica Robinson – 10
Jane Anderson – 10
Jean Crowe – 10
Jeffrey Keck – 10
Jenna Gobel – 10
Kacey Hoftiezer – 10
Karen Sudbeck – 10
Kathleen Staton – 10
Kelli Leitner – 10
Keyana Brooks – 10
Kristina Rayner – 10
Lawrence Jones – 10
Lisa Hanisch – 10
Marmiko Carter De Ceita – 10
Mary Maina – 10
Mary Schroeder – 10
Michael Bokatsch – 10
Michelle Parke – 10
Nancy Clancy – 10
Rachel Williams – 10
Rhonda Moore – 10
Rosie Thomas – 10
Sue Sutton – 10
Susan Njenga – 10
Tacey Dunwoody – 10
Tamara Lehman – 10
Teresa Helland – 10
Tyrus Brothers – 10
Yolanda Rias – 10
Abosede Opadiran – 11
Christine Carter – 11
Jerri Delong – 11
Mary Harrington – 11
Matte Innis – 11
Princess Apollo – 11
Rebecca Bodey – 11
Rotimi Adeleye – 11
Sharayah Ruble – 11
Tracey White – 11
Tracy Carbajal – 11
Andrew Young – 12
Anna Marie Ensley – 12
Dedra Pickett – 12
Derrick McKinney – 12
Gloria Winston – 12
Hannah Maxson – 12
James Hilgemann – 12
Jeanette Hawks – 12
Jennifer Sims – 12
Juwanda Boughton – 12
Keith Wheat – 12
Kelley Duvall – 12
Lori Pettit – 12
Mamie Addison – 12
Marinena Shirah – 12
Mia Maxey – 12
Priscilla Palmer – 12
Selina Popovich Evans – 12
Sonny Hughes – 12
Abebe Mulat – 13
Andrew Bushong – 13
Davanda Talton – 13
Deborah Hatcher – 13
Dr. Antoinette Thornton – 13
Ella Hooks – 13
Gwendolyn Oglesby – 13
Jennifer Talbert – 13
Joni Crocker – 13
Jose Galaviz – 13
Joseph Kageche – 13
Kristina Phillips – 13
Marissa Portee – 13
Mary Behrends – 13
Michael Dean – 13
Michael Rector – 13
Tangrill Varner – 13
Willean Frazer Gray – 13
Angela Jackson – 14
Darrell Masterson – 14
Davina Logan – 14
Irene Allen – 14
Jeffrey Rector – 14
Juanita Watson – 14
Maria Junk – 14
Nicko Benson – 14
Sedrick Totton – 14
Tai Rhodes – 14
Carey Baragiola – 15
Christopher Briggs – 15
Danielle Austin – 15
Nicole Headlee – 15
Rachael Mitchell – 15
Shelley Campbell – 15
Wayne Cripps – 15
Deborah Tartaglia – 16
Rebecca Jones – 16
Rita Griesdorn – 16
Sherry Royse – 16
Amanda Beeks – 17
Howard Smith – 17
Kimberly Chestnut – 17
Paula Spall – 17
Stephen Mndalila – 17
Stephen Walker – 17
Barbara Handley – 18
Bernadette LaMaster – 18
Bree Cannon – 18
Cynthia House – 18
Garnett Goodwin – 18
Harold Kirby – 18
Kimberly Muhlenkamp – 18
Lorraine Hall – 18
Marebate Batoma – 18
Mary Agba – 18
Peggy Fowlkes – 18
Wanda Hart – 18
Barbara Nakiganda – 19
Holly Cotton – 19
Lucy Murei – 19
Misty Abbott – 19
Shelly Detcher – 19
Tomeka Smith – 19
Glenda Agostino – 20
Carrie Moden – 22
Thiola Moyo – 22
Carrie Perry – 23
Maureen Dow – 23
Jeffrey Birnell – 24
Julia Kill – 24
Lindsay Moore – 24
Ennette Gose – 25
Mark Flegge – 25
Pamela Jenkins – 27
Lily Compton – 29
Lisa Rector – 29
Randy Hoium – 30