Meet Our Dedicated Staff
Brittney is Joyful Journey’s Assistant Director. She has a unique combination of experience in memory care, personal care, and human services. Having previously spent a year and a half with the Friends as a Program Assistant here at Joyful Journey, Brittney utilizes that knowledge to plan engaging programs, coordinate enrollments for new Friends, and orchestrate the volunteer experience. When she is away from her desk you can often find her singing, dancing, and joking with Friends. Her favorite programs with Friends are sing-alongs, arts and crafts, and word games.
It gives her JOY to build relationships with Friends and create new memories and moments of joy with each and every Friend.
In her free time, Brittney enjoys relaxing with her husband and dog, reading, drawing, painting, and watching anime.
Kristen is Joyful Journey’s Office Administrator, overseeing a variety of administrative and communication activities at the front desk Tuesdays through Thursdays. She helps keep JJ organized, greets families and Friends, directs inquiries to staff, and helps where needed, all while building important relationships with our caregivers and Friends.
Having walked the caregiving path, Kristen has a special place in her heart for all caregivers, and it brings her great JOY to be a part of an organization that is sensitive to their needs.
When not at Joyful Journey, Kristen enjoys reading, hiking, visiting tea rooms and botanical gardens, trying new recipes and spending time with her favorite people–her husband and two adult children.
Trisha spends her time at Joyful Journey as a Program Assistant. She takes pride in ensuring Friends needs are met. She says “I just love helping people.” It gives her JOY when she helps a Friend enjoy their day.
When Trisha is not at Joyful Journey, she enjoys spending time with her family and playing with her dogs. She also loves to curl up with a good book!
Ann is a Program Assistant at Joyful Journey, which means she helps lead programs and provide care to our Friends. It gives her JOY when she is able to assist Friends with activities in a safe, loving environment. Ann brings over 10 years of private caregiving experience with her to Joyful Journey. Her calm demeanor makes Friends feel at ease.
When Ann is not at Joyful Journey, she enjoys spending time with her family. She also likes furniture refinishing, fishing, camping and being outdoors.
Clarinda is a Program Assistant at Joyful Journey, so she is integral to providing daily activities and care. It gives her JOY when she sees Friends engaging in social activities such as singing or reminiscing about their childhood. Clarinda says, “I love hearing about their cherished memories!”
As a former registered nurse, Clarinda has many years of caregiving experience. Anticipating the needs of a person with dementia is challenging, and everyday is a new learning experience, but, she says, “I strive to show everyone respect and dignity and to make their day with us a joyful one.”
When Clarinda is not at Joyful Journey, she enjoys attending plays or musical productions at Purdue, dining out at the local restaurants, and helping to prepare meals with her family for the Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM) shelter.
Laura is a Program Assistant at Joyful Journey, ensuring Friends have a fulfilling and engaging day. It gives her JOY when she can build relationships, learn, and share in the lives of those around her. Laura has been working in healthcare for over 30 years advocating for adults with disabilities and the senior population. It is her goal to help empower people to lead their fullest lives.
When Laura is not at Joyful Journey, she enjoys being with her family and reading. Laura spends much of her time with her favorite little people–her 10 grandchildren are her pride and joy!
Olivia is a Program Assistant at Joyful Journey, and she has a real gift of presenting activities in a fun and engaging way. It gives her JOY when a Friend or colleague appears to enjoy a mutual moment with her or when others offer her encouragement.
Olivia has been working in healthcare and related activities for much of her life, and it is clear her heart is in caregiving. She will tell you, “I’m doing what I enjoy!”
When Olivia is not at Joyful Journey, she enjoys spending time with her spouse, reading, and napping.
7 Statements of Philosophy about Serving Our Friends
- We accomplish things with our Friends based on their current abilities and interests because everyone needs a sense of purpose.
- We respond to our Friends, including to his/her changes in abilities, in a way that is not hurtful or offensive.
- We appreciate that our Friends have important histories and thoughts to share. It is our responsibility to offer the right environment plus time and encouragement so their voices are heard the most.
- We understand that a Friend is doing the best he or she can. When something is not working, it is our responsibility to change our behavior and approach.
- We are aware of the environment and its impact on our Friends. We will make changes supporting our Friends, as needed.
- We know body language and visual cues, not our words, are the best communication tools. We strive to use fewer words and more visual cues.
- We respect the privacy and dignity of our Friends and their families.
Volunteer Associates
Cathy & Gerard Benner
Cathy, President, and Gerard, Treasurer and Board Chair, are Co-Founders of Joyful Journey. Both are committed Volunteers on many levels for the organization. What came from personal caregiving experience, driving hearts of compassion for caregivers and families, and listening to where their faith was leading them has been a humbling mission of talking the talk and walking the walk.
Cathy finds JOY in seeing parts of her mom in each Joyful Journey Friend and knowing her mom’s memory will be a legacy of love for our community of caregivers and those being cared for. Hearing of life breathing moments in caregiver lives because of the positive impact Joyful Journey has afforded them provides Gerard great JOY. Both are inspired by the love exhibited by our communities, Board, Staff and Volunteers as shown through everyone’s personal calling and willingness to help make Joyful Journey a reality.
Always together, whether at work or play, Cathy and Gerard find great pleasure in serving others and those special times with one another, their grown children, grandchildren, extended family, and a fuzzy dog, Rowen.
Board of Directors
Stuart Boehning, Secretary | Don Windler, Member | Suzan Windnagel, Member | Robert Truitt, Member | Susan Gauger, Member | Cathy Benner, Member | Gerard Benner, Chair
