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Hello to all. I’d like to introduce myself, Chris Benfield, married for 10 years to a woman I’ve known since I was 16. We have three kids who challenge me every day. I am a Director of Rehabilitation supervising 11 Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists working in a retirement community. We are under the umbrella of a mid-sized not-for-profit corporation beholden to the will of CMS and the people whom we serve. It is truly an exciting career – much more than initially thought of in the retirement community world.

I’ve been nosing around MT for about four months now becoming an official member back in June. The advice has been extremely helpful and received well by both my direct reports and boss.

My company is headquarterd in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania and we live in a small nearby town. So, if anyone is from the area or passing thought, drop me a line. I’d love to chat a bit and show you around.

jhack's picture
suedavis's picture
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[quote="ehyde111"]Hello to all. I’d like to introduce myself, Chris Benfield, married for 10 years to a woman I’ve known since I was 16.[/quote]

Welcome! I married my high school sweetheart, too (we met at 16), and although it didn't work out for me (we're still friends), that's still a great story.

WillDuke's picture
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Welcome aboard Christopher. My wife's 93 year old grandfather lives with us. I'm happy to see there's someone I can hit up for advice... :D

juliahhavener's picture
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Welcome, Chris! It's always good to see new faces and new perspectives.

James Gutherson's picture

Hi Chris - 26 and three kids - I envy you in some ways, I'm 39 with two kids under 4 and I wish I had the energy I had when I was 26 - that said I don't think (know) I was ready to be the father I am now when I was 26.

I have two good friends that are DON's in aged care facilities (one private and one NFP) and I have done some freelance Quality System work for them. I also found it a very interesting area. I know there are a lot of areas in aged care in this country that could use a MT overhaul.

ehyde111's picture

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome.

Will, you and your wife are good people for taking care of your grandfather. We need more like you. And, sure, if you would like my thoughts, I'd be glad to share them.

Jim, I wish I had the energy of 26 also. I'm 32 now. I've been with my wife since 16, but we didn't get married until the end of graduate school. Looking back on things, some days, I wish I could start over with the kids. We've had some good blunders along the way. For your DON friends. That is one of the toughest positions to hold that I've seen. You're high enough up to have the responsibility for a huge number of people, but, not quite high enough to influence the big corporate decisions. That being said, a grass-roots MT movement in long term care may be just the way to go!

James Gutherson's picture

[quote="ehyde111"]
Jim, I wish I had the energy of 26 also. I'm 32 now. I've been with my wife since 16, but we didn't get married until the end of graduate school.[/quote]

OK :oops: - I reread of what I wrote would have had you married at 16.

ehyde111's picture

Hey,
Don't worry about it. 7-1-1-6. Comming from a 6-1-1-7, I do it all the time!

Mark's picture
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Welcome Chris!

Glad you're with us, and we're privileged to serve you.

And what's the deal with people wishing they had the energy of a 26 year old?!? I'm 47, and I'll give you all a run for your money. It's all in your head! :D Change your thinking!!!

Mark

awalters's picture
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A belated hello, Chris. I spent a few years in Lewisburg, graduating from Bucknell in 1990. It's been a while since I've been back and I do miss the area (or maybe I just miss my college years :wink:).

-Andy

Todd G's picture

Hi Chris and Welcome.

I am the Clinical Coordinator of a Neuroscience unit in Colorado. I have been in my role for a little over a year. You came to the right place for advise, ideas, suggestions, and community. We all learn every day and Mark and Mike have been awesome in their podcasts. I have shared these with my Leadership team of Charge RN's and I have followed the suggestions for Feedback, Coaching, Interviewing, etc....

Mark said it eliquoently. Age is all in your head.... I am 42, a grandfather and have two girls 19 & 25 I feel like I'm 26. Ok, 30, but it's awesome.

Anyway, looking forward to reading any posts.

Todd