Happy Employee Appreciation Day! Today, we recognize our wonderful associates and the amazing work they do. Our residents and their families are deeply grateful for the care you provide and the meaningful connections you create. Thank you, Team Benchmark, for making our communities a warm and comfortable home!
The commitment and talent of BU's instructors contribute significantly to the success and reputation of Benchmark University. This month, Benchmark University offered a two-day course, Benchmark University Train-the-Trainer, to provide aspiring trainers with skills such as public speaking and engaging adult learners. As orientation leaders, they are key to creating a welcoming, engaging experience for our new associates in their first days with us.
Please join Benchmark in congratulating Zoryana Dingfelder on her promotion to Connecticut Resident Care Specialist! Zoryana joined Benchmark in July of 2024 as Resident Care Director of The Atrium at Rocky Hill. From day one, she has embraced every opportunity to carry out our mission of transforming lives through human connection. Zoryana's clinical leadership and dedication during our recent EHR (Electronic Health Record) system implementation highlighted her natural ability to lead and support others. We're confident and excited for Zoryana to step into this new role supporting Benchmark communities across Connecticut. Congratulations, Zoryana! Your hard work and commitment are truly inspiring.
Happy National Caregivers Day! 💙 At Benchmark, our caregivers are more than associates—they are the heart of our communities. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment create meaningful moments and enrich the lives of our residents every day. Today, we celebrate and thank them for the incredible impact they make. Looking for a career where you can make a difference? Join our team and be part of something truly rewarding!
Exciting things are happening on Benchmark’s Finance Team! We’re thrilled to announce a fantastic addition to the team! Please join us in welcoming Emma Tolland to Benchmark as our Resident Billing Specialist! With 10 years of experience in accounting and finance, Emma brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. She’s spent six years in the Director of Business Administration (DBA) role at various assisted living residences, including supporting the opening of a brand-new community. Now at Benchmark’s Home Office, Emma is excited for the opportunity to streamline the billing process and enhance community support to improve the resident experience.
This Valentines Day, we're sharing the story of two Benchmark associates who found love right here at work. Annette Cochefski, Executive Director of The Village at South Farms, met her now-husband Roy when he transferred to the community as a Chef. After nearly two years of working together, they went on their first date. Annette was drawn to Roy’s kindness and the way he connected with residents. Though Roy eventually transferred into the Dining Services Director role at the nearby Village at Buckland Court community, their residents kept tabs on their blossoming relationship. When Roy proposed, he made sure to share the news with South Farms residents, many of whom attended the wedding, feeling like they played a special part in the couple's love story. And it's not just our associates! Laurence “Laurie” Ullmann and Judy Cressy didn’t expect to find love again, let alone in their late 80s at an assisted living community. But that’s exactly what happened for the Robbins Brook residents, who tied the knot in an intimate ceremony last month. The pair first crossed paths about a year ago. After several months of courtship, Laurie had a dream that they got married and he took it as a sign. Judy and Laurie hosted an engagement party at the community and then held an intimate wedding ceremony with family. Judy said it’s been an incredibly happy chapter of her life. What more can we say? At Benchmark, love is in the air!
At Benchmark Senior Living, we believe in supporting our associates at every stage of their journey, fostering both personal and professional development. This week, we had the pleasure of hosting 16 newly hired Directors of Business Administration (DBAs) at our Home Office for the launch of our brand-new DBA Onboarding Program! This exciting initiative brought together not just the new hires, but also our dedicated DBA coaches, Business Administration specialists, and HR Business Partners, ensuring a thorough and consistent training experience. With 13 departments contributing valuable insights and a special discussion with CEO Tom Grape, the program was a huge success! To top it off, we hosted a networking mixer for the new DBAs to connect with our Home Office teams, including Tom, in a more relaxed and engaging setting—making it a memorable and enriching experience for all involved. The feedback has been incredibly positive, and we’re already planning to host two more sessions in 2025 to continue equipping our DBAs with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive at Benchmark.
Looking for a meaningful career in sales? At Benchmark Senior Living, our associates find more than just a job—they build relationships, create impact, and grow in a supportive community. Hear their stories in our inspiring new Employer Brand video and discover what makes Benchmark a great place to thrive! Explore our open positions at careers.benchmarkseniorliving.com
Benchmark is proud to recognize Tania Moran, Gabriel Odukoya and Hannah Moreland, three Lead Resident Care Aides at our Greenwich Farms at Warwick community who were recently honored with the Heart of Hospice Award by partner Beacon Hospice. Tania, Gabriel and Hannah's unwavering dedication to providing comfort, care, and compassion to those facing life’s toughest moments is truly inspiring. We’re grateful for their contributions to our community and for making such a profound difference in the lives of others.
From their hardworking skill to their deep passion for others, nurses are a vital part of Benchmark Senior Living Communities. To honor their endless commitment, the Boston Globe’s yearly Salute to Nurses is an opportunity to celebrate those who have gone above and beyond. Residents, their families, and coworkers are encouraged to put forward a nurse who they feel deserves distinct recognition. Show your appreciation with a nomination! Deadline to nominate is Friday, February 28.
