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!
Policies do not create quality; people do.
This idea seems so simple. I create quality. You create quality. All of us create the quality outcomes and services that have helped us serve so many. Or, we don’t.
One aspect of our approach that has set us apart for many years has been a strong focus on individualized, person-centered care. This approach drives good results because the people we work with can partner with us when we are working towards their goals. Sometimes the results are not good, and this is where we have focused on making it right. We are also open about our mistakes, and transparent as we move to rectify it in partnership with the individual, their team, and regulatory bodies.
In other words, we hold ourselves accountable to a high standard. The standard was allowed to slip during COVID, when states
allowed us to work around our normal processes just to try to keep people safe and supported during a terrible crisis. At the same time, we backed off holding ourselves to our typical level of quality and let some things slide in the name of survival.
Unfortunately, over the last couple of years we can see the results of lowering our standards and level of accountability. As we move forward, I want every one of us to seek to return to a place where we hold ourselves and each other accountable. What does that mean? It means doing buddy checks on medication passes and speaking up when something isn’t done correctly. It means truly training people and not simply filling out a checklist. It means thoroughly completing paperwork, documenting our work, and ensuring our co-workers do the same.
As we work together to promote best practices, we are also promoting a high standard of care focused on all of the individuals who have chosen us to support them. We do great work and work with great people, and sometimes it is very hard. But, doing the hard stuff pays off, and I love being part of a team that works together and expects a certain level of performance from everyone. Those are some of the reasons I chose Benchmark and why I am so proud to be here.
“Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”—Vince Lombardi
From the Frontlines
Hear from frontline employees across the country.
Renae, what is the best part of your job?
Helping others – I love to help others and make a difference.
What is most challenging?
Working with an individual who has a mobility disorder — creating clever ideas or strategies to help him move.
What is your favorite thing about the fall season?
Hoodie weather!
Bryanna, what is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is getting to make a difference in the individuals’ everyday lives.
What is most challenging?
The most challenging part to me is figuring out how to help individuals overcome obstacles in their lives.
What is your favorite thing about the fall season?
I love when the leaves change colors in the fall!
October Strength and Heart Recipient: Jermika Jackson
We are pleased to announce that Jermika Jackson is the October recipient of Benchmark’s Strength and Heart Award! Jermika is a Registered Behavior Technician in Benchmark’s Region 6 Crisis Homes in Georgia. She has been part of the Benchmark team since 2016.
Jermika was nominated by Kendra Nolton, LPN, House Manager, who shared how Jermika made a meaningful difference during a challenging time for an individual and the team supporting him. The individual was exhibiting behaviors that created safety risks for himself and staff. Despite repeated efforts to redirect the behaviors, staff were becoming frustrated and exhausted.
“Jermika stepped up during this difficult time and came in across different shifts to support the staff and, most importantly, to build a genuine relationship with the individual,” Kendra said. “Rather than simply focusing on stopping the behaviors, she took the time to understand him—learning his likes and dislikes, observing what helped calm him, and identifying what redirection strategies worked best for him.”
Jermika also shared her observations with her behavior supervisor, providing valuable insight that helped the team better understand how to support the individual.
“Jermika’s kindness, dedication, and genuine care make her someone who has a meaningful impact on the people she works with every day,” Kendra added.
Congratulations, Jermika! Thank you for going the extra mile for the people we serve and for supporting your co-workers with the strength, compassion, and heart that make a real difference every day.
As the Strength and Heart Award recipient, Jermika will receive a $1,000 payroll bonus.
Do you know a co-worker who deserves to be recognized? Nominate a peer for the Strength and Heart Award here. We’ll select our next recipient in January!
Perks and Potential: 2027 Benefits Open Enrollment: November 9–23, 2026
Open Enrollment for 2027 benefits runs from November 9 through November 23, 2026.
This is an active enrollment. If you want health insurance coverage in 2027, you MUST complete Open Enrollment. Your current health insurance coverage will NOT automatically carry over into 2027.
New full-time employees and employees changing to full-time status
Employees hired into a full-time position effective October 3–November 1, 2026, and employees whose change to full-time status is effective during that same period, are eligible for insurance benefits beginning January 1, 2027. Open Enrollment is your only opportunity to enroll in these benefits.
Company-Paid Life Insurance
Employees whose full-time effective date is on or before November 1, 2026 are eligible for company-paid life insurance. Use Open Enrollment to designate or update your beneficiaries, even if you decide not to enroll in the health, dental, or vision coverage.
Questions? Contact the Benefits Department at [email protected] for more information about Open Enrollment or any other benefits.
Celebrating DSP Week!
Benchmark celebrated National Direct Support Professionals Week September 13 – 19. DSPs from across the country were featured on social media. Those who submitted a photo were entered into a drawing to receive a $500 payroll bonus. 30 winners were chosen.
CEO Doug Beebe wrote an editorial that was published in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. In it, Beebe recognized the critical work of DSPs saying, “DSPs build relationships. They learn what matters to each person. They celebrate successes, provide encouragement when things are difficult, and often become the most predictable and trusted people in someone’s life. DSPs are more than caregivers. They are teachers, advocates, problem-solvers, and trusted partners.”
Thank you to our amazing DSPs for all that you do to carry out the Benchmark mission each and every day!
Inclusion Impact Committee: What are Employee Resource Groups?
Benchmark’s Inclusion Impact Committee works toward creating a workplace where all employees feel seen and heard. The Committee’s mission is to foster a workplace culture that recognizes and honors the unique set of experiences and perspectives of our employees. We strive for full inclusion at all levels of the organization. Benchmark is committed to maximizing both individual contributions and organizational effectiveness through the diversity of our workforce. One of the ways the Committee executes its mission is by supporting and empowering Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
What is an ERG?
ERGS are voluntary, employee-led workplace groups that bring together staff members who share similar identities, backgrounds, life experiences, or interests. These groups help build a sense of community, support professional growth, and promote an inclusive work culture.
Benchmark currently has four ERGs. The groups, mission statements, and meeting information are listed below. Benchmark’s employee resource group meetings are open to all employees and completely voluntary. Participation or non-participation will never impact performance evaluation, employment status, or standing within the organization.
EmpowerAbility
Mission Statement: EmpowerAbility works to create an accessible workplace where employees with disabilities feel valued, supported, and empowered. Through learning, teamwork, and helpful resources, we help people grow and thrive.
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 2:00pm -3:00pm (EST)
Join the Microsoft Teams Meeting: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/218066788092725?p=W1mZbXbkialFt09q5h
Meeting ID: 218 066 788 092 725
Passcode: NE7pd2Z7
Building Resources & Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment (B.R.A.V.E)
Mission Statement: To empower and support veterans at Benchmark Human Services through connection, advocacy, and awareness, while fostering a culture of compassion, respect, and belonging.
Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (EST)
Join the Microsoft Teams Meeting: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/223329589802395?p=DrK07ooXD02sgmEj3Y
Meeting ID: 223 329 589 802 395
Passcode: 8Pq9sV2b
Honoring Our Personal Experiences (H.O.P.E)
Mission Statement: To create a community where lived experience is honored, shared, and transformed into connection, growth, and hope. H.O.P.E. empowers employees to bring the strength of their personal experiences forward to support one another, strengthen our organization, and positively impact the people and communities we serve.
Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of each month at 1pm (EST)
Join the Microsoft Teams Meeting: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/279574406324450?p=dC6zf6ReBlEbGKJn7c
Meeting ID: 279 574 406 324 450
Passcode: Vu9rR9Nu
Queer Unity for Employee Education & Resources (Q.U.E.E.R.)
Mission Statement: Through education, activism, and compassion, we seek to expand acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community by asserting our humanity to become a force of positive change throughout Benchmark and within our communities.
Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm- 4:00 pm( EST)
Join the Microsoft Teams Meeting: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/233395871795461?p=C526YqIj72RzHEHdvj
Meeting ID: 233 395 871 795 461
Passcode: Lx3nK332
Moments Across Benchmark
Enjoy these photos of individuals served and staff across the Company.
Follow us on social media to see more great photos and moments. 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.
Celebrating Wins!
Celebrating Wins highlights meaningful victories, both large and small, achieved by the individuals we serve and our employees.
Employment Milestones in Maryland
In Maryland, Benchmark supports individuals in our residential programs in finding and maintaining employment. Please join us in celebrating the amazing employment accomplishments of Brian, Dylan, and John!
John — Since starting his employment at Baugher’s Restaurant on June 2, 2025, John has continued to shine. He has earned a raise and has been promoted to receive additional hours. His hard work and dedication are paying off, and we couldn’t be happier for him!
Brian — Brian has been employed at McDaniel College for an incredible 9 years! Throughout his time there, he has earned yearly raises, become a member of the union, and worked his way up from dishwasher to line cook. His continued growth and commitment are truly something to celebrate!
Dylan — Since beginning his employment at the car wash earlier this summer, Dylan has learned several new skills and demonstrated his ability to take on new responsibilities. He has been promoted to Detailer. We are excited to see him continue to grow and succeed!
Congratulations to these three gentlemen. We are honored to celebrate your hard work, dedication, and continued progress in the workplace.
Celebrating Michael’s College Success
Congratulations to Michael in Maryland on successfully passing his first college course at Carroll County Community College!
Amy Barnett, Benchmark’s Day Services Coordinator in MD shared, “Michael has demonstrated tremendous dedication, determination, and a strong commitment to his education throughout the semester. Through hard work, consistent effort, and dedication to his tutoring sessions, he has achieved an incredible milestone. His success is a reflection of his perseverance and willingness to learn. We are extremely proud of Michael and look forward to seeing him continue to grow, achieve his goals, and reach new milestones in his educational journey.”
Congratulations, Michael, on a successful semester and this wonderful accomplishment!
Connecticut Employee Earns Impressive Credential
Kourtney Farm, Developmental Specialist in Benchmark’s Connecticut Early Intervention program earned her Early Intervention Specialist (EIS) Credential with the State of Connecticut. She is only the third person in the state, across all agencies, to successfully complete this application-based credential.
The Connecticut Birth to Three Early Intervention Specialist Credential recognizes professionals who demonstrate sophisticated and highly specialized competence in evidence-based knowledge and practices of early intervention (EI).
Kourtney received her certificate of achievement at the Interagency Coordination Council (ICC) meeting at the State Capitol, presented by Nicole Cossette, Part C Coordinator for the CT Birth to Three System.
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!
Connecticut
Kourtney Farm – Developmental Specialist
Georgia
Candice Almond – Clinical Regional Supervisor
Vanesha Brown – Clinical Regional Supervisor
Dymon Coachman – Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Pamela Elder – Clinical Regional Supervisor
Lyndi Farnam – Clinical Regional Supervisor
Nina Giordano – Crisis Regional Director
Vanecia Harris – Registered Behavior Technician
Martavis Isaac – Licensed Professional Counselor
Danielle Jones – Clinical Regional Supervisor
Jontavius Reed – Licensed Professional Counselor
Michael Renfroe – Clinical Regional Supervisor
Kimberly Smith – Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Tangrill Warner – Assistant Regional Director
Indiana
Daniel Beights – Camp Red Cedar Event Assistant
Kim Davis – DSP Career Coach II
Teisha Harris – Supported Living Manager
Brianna Henderson – Program Coordinator
Blayne Huston – Clinical Care Manager
Denis Kidde – Program Coordinator
Nakia Robertson – Day Services Director
Sean Stogsdill – Team Leader
Aaliyah Williams – Activities Coordinator
Montana
Ashley Neymeyer – House Manager
Kailia Chafin – Team Leader
New Hampshire
Jodi Gorton – Team Leader
Lori Jardullo – Residential Manager Coordinator
Susan Kelly – Quality Coordinator
Donald Leighton – Residential Manager Coordinator
Tarkpor Mambia – Program Coordinator
Valerie Riley – Program Coordinator
Anthony Whitney – Team Leader
New Jersey
Tony Deshields– Activities Coordinator
Kenaya Hayes Bartee – Team Leader
Jolanda McLaughlin – Team Leader
Danielle Thomas – Activities Coordinator
Ohio
Monica Williams – Supported Living Supervisor
Raven Traylor – Team Leader
Janesha Thomas – Team Leader
Nikie Hampshire – Team Leader
Nasiya McFadden – 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.
Alexious Denson – 5
Chassica Lanier – 5
Christine Arnold – 5
Crystol Stanton – 5
Darcy McAllister – 5
Denzel Hayden – 5
Donna Gowens – 5
Hasna Homail – 5
Jacob Ennals – 5
JaJuanya Rogers – 5
Jamie Zacarias – 5
Jennifer Rolfs-Knepper – 5
Jenysia Ruiz – 5
Jessica Lee – 5
Judith Messer – 5
Katherine Sturgill – 5
Lakayla Johnson – 5
Lamontti Carter – 5
Lenixia Joseph-EL – 5
Lisa Ferrentino – 5
Lynnette Adams – 5
Malika Watlington – 5
Michelle Warner – 5
Natasha Ponder – 5
Natasha Whidby – 5
Peter Kelly – 5
Riane Hardy – 5
Ronaisha Foster – 5
Rosa Ramirez – 5
Sarah Noll – 5
Shakerah McGregor – 5
Shaniece Palmer – 5
Solomon Abebe – 5
Thaddeus Norfleet – 5
Tramell Peeples – 5
Zakiya Greenidge – 5
ZiAnne Cunningham – 5
Adeline Smith – 6
Agatha Komba – 6
Amy Weinstein – 6
Ashli Brown – 6
Benita Blanford-Jones – 6
Douglas Wanjiku – 6
Grace York – 6
Heather Cummings – 6
Jalyn Seals – 6
JeromeBostic – 6
John Lovett – 6
Julia Shelton Pennington – 6
Kevin Owens – 6
Latifa Lee-McBride – 6
Latonia Story – 6
Mattie Biddle – 6
Micheline Eugene – 6
Natasha Fincher – 6
Shequita Sewell – 6
Tricia Innis – 6
Unique Fields – 6
Aimee Brendle – 7
Amy Davenport – 7
Ana Banegas – 7
Anna Gray – 7
Ashli Prosser – 7
Broderic Kartholl – 7
Christina Miller – 7
Claudette Nwefo – 7
Darnell Smith – 7
Dawn Forney – 7
Emelie Reed – 7
Eric Quoi – 7
Gisanabagabo Nkusi – 7
Iyabo Olaleye – 7
Jeannette Merica – 7
Jennifer Rodriguez Capetillo – 7
Johanne Jean-Baptiste – 7
Jonathon Hansen – 7
Juanequa Hardieway – 7
Kara Robinson – 7
Karen Dye – 7
Kenneth Williams – 7
Kristen Sappe – 7
Kristen Tamargo – 7
Leslie Sanders – 7
Linda Eldridge – 7
Lindsay Waller – 7
Magalie Brun – 7
Mary Brown – 7
Mellissa Prescott Crawford – 7
Noedely Saint-Louis – 7
Paul Emmins – 7
Robert Eldridge – 7
Rosaline Brown – 7
Ruth Banda – 7
Seth Sheren – 7
Shannon Buum – 7
Stephane Jean Felix – 7
Timika Gaines – 7
Tracy Runyan – 7
Virgie Compton – 7
Virginia Cole – 7
Yollanda Gervase – 7
Yvonne Dyer – 7
Alyssa Rupp – 8
Brandi Novak – 8
Charles Harris – 8
Connie Parrish – 8
Demetria Hill – 8
Dennis Smith – 8
Haymanot Tariku – 8
Jennifer McGillicuddy – 8
Kristi Scheer – 8
LaQunietta Andrews – 8
Leena Nair – 8
Lori Stethem – 8
Markevia Barber-Paschal – 8
Mary Kungu – 8
Mildred Davis – 8
Odalys Barnett – 8
Overton Chiphwanya – 8
Patrick Iyakaremye – 8
Pontien Nibasumba – 8
Shannah Schnur – 8
Teaera Newson – 8
Alexander Wanney – 9
Alhaji Kargbo – 9
Brenda Gomillia – 9
Brittany Harrison – 9
Cynthia Marvel – 9
Deja Brown – 9
Denesha Green – 9
Dennis Arnos – 9
Donald Cross – 9
Elizabeth Wambu – 9
Grace Gblende Otoo – 9
Kiona Mayweather – 9
Krisoula Taylor – 9
Mary Waymire – 9
Megan Kosters – 9
Nancy Johnson – 9
Nathan Gadson – 9
Nicholas Keitzer – 9
Qualin Redd – 9
Raad Al Mandil – 9
Sarah Brown – 9
Sarah Miller – 9
Shari Barnes – 9
Tabatha Crawford – 9
Timika Owens – 9
Tracy Friend – 9
Amy Williamson – 10
Brian Hegg – 10
Brianna Frankman – 10
Burie Carmichael – 10
Caryn Rice – 10
Cassandra Krebs – 10
Colleen Allison – 10
Daniel Becher – 10
Ja’Kyra Cole – 10
Jermika Jackson – 10
Kassanesh Belay – 10
Kelli Burrous – 10
Kenna Bauer – 10
Leigh Watson – 10
Linda Danielson – 10
Marc Daniels – 10
Mary Gardeman – 10
Michael Shinkle – 10
Myasia Young – 10
Nicholas Webster – 10
Nicole Henderson – 10
Odumamwen Egharevba – 10
Oluwayemisi Fawumi – 10
Samuel Nkopuruk – 10
Sana Kendrix – 10
Sara Scholten – 10
Steven Janson – 10
Susan Brown – 10
Susan Sofferin – 10
Vanecia Harris – 10
Wendy Machado – 10
Angela Kirchner – 11
Ashley Woods – 11
Brian Graham – 11
Danny Boatner – 11
Jacob Strole – 11
Kristy Holloway – 11
Leales Rapp – 11
Mark Vella – 11
Nadia Pronik – 11
Ousmane Diallo – 11
Quentin Horton – 11
Rita Klosterman – 11
Stacy Vann – 11
Susan Cook – 11
Audrey Cooper – 12
Breanna Saylor – 12
Calandera Smith – 12
Daniele Quintavalle – 12
Ebere Uko – 12
Elizabeth Fasbinder – 12
Georgetta Mason-Brown – 12
Gwendolyn Suggs – 12
Janelle Archer – 12
Jennifer Patterson – 12
Joseph Gallagher – 12
Kehinde Adeoba – 12
Nichelle Powell – 12
Oluwakemi Adedoyin – 12
Pamella Munson – 12
Samantha Brown – 12
Anette Houghton – 13
Beth Mills – 13
Ethan Oakes – 13
Helene Ettang – 13
James Paul – 13
Jessica See – 13
Jose Morales – 13
Kimberly Galaviz – 13
Michael McKinney – 13
Ruth Perez – 13
Amber Moppin – 14
Cherrie Hawes – 14
Debora Baskerville – 14
Jennifer Gilbert – 14
Kathy Cesar – 14
Katie Noel – 14
Latoya Jackson – 14
Shannon McAllister – 14
Stephen Gyasi-Mensah – 14
Adrienne Norman – 15
Carolyn Cuffer – 15
Chantal Cardriche – 15
Dericka Jones – 15
Edward Agyemang – 15
Jeffery Gootee – 15
Margarita Espinosa – 15
Robert Mtika – 15
Tamera Blount – 15
Abdul Barrie – 16
Amanda Richardson – 16
Amie Mansaray – 16
Angelia Glosser – 16
Bessie Sanders – 16
Craig Schmitt – 16
Crystal Toney – 16
Dawn McPheron – 16
Donald Pozil – 16
Dorothy Wesley – 16
Jennie McAllister – 16
Judy Lattanzi – 16
Linda Griffy – 16
Lisa Hicks – 16
Melissa Taylor – 16
Mikeion Ewing – 16
Nakia Robertson – 16
Nicole Price – 16
Patricia Everage – 16
Paul Hicks – 16
Selam Ayele – 16
Harold Graham – 17
Abimbola Olugbenga – 18
Andre Ottley – 18
Andrew Bostic – 18
Brandon McGill – 18
Jasman Lyles – 18
Frank Rousey – 19
Joshua Slone – 19
Lois Dada – 19
Michael Burdine – 19
Ryan Knodel – 19
Christine Henderson – 20
Linda Thomas-Carlisle – 20
Lucille Sweet – 20
Mamon Trotter – 20
Mary Crawford – 20
Melissa Dykes – 20
Natujwa Kivaria – 20
Deborah Ungemach – 21
Eric Weeks – 22
Josiah Chisale – 22
Karen Lewis – 22
Kimberly Bolen – 23
Shannon O’Connell – 23
Charity Shumba – 24
Jennifer Welch – 24
Lucy Maina – 25
Shari Bail – 25
Sandra Ffrench – 26
William Kartholl – 28
Ada Wilkinson – 29
Carol Telley – 31
Carl Lampton – 32
David Ross – 34
David Howe – 40