Education Staff
Florence (Flo)Reynolds, B.A.
Manager, Educational Services
Flo began working at Benchmark in 1995 as a resident counselor and has been our Dean of Education since 1998 managed the educational services department since 1998. She accompanies Benchmark students to Redlands Adult School, where she teaches coursework leading to a high school diploma. She is responsible for assisting students with enrollment in college courses as well as assisting students who are interested in finding classes in certificate and work programs. She is our liaison person with all the local colleges. Flo holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and has a certificate in CPR and First Aid. Flo is a Certified Scotopic Testing Screener for Irlen Syndrome, which helps resolve issues with academic and work performance, behavior, attention and concentration. Flo brings a history of experience to our school. Her energy and enthusiasm helps to inspire students who have experienced unsatisfactory school experiences to new heights. Flo loves animals, reading and traveling.
Donald J. Harper
Supervisor, Work Education
Don’s expertise includes years of extensive experience working in a variety of areas, and as a result he exhibits a wide range of skills, abilities and knowledge. Much of his work life included employment in the newspaper business, trucking business, and eventually he ran his own small business. He describes himself as a jack-of-all trades and it is this expertise that he brings to our Benchmark students as he teaches the elements of learning how to work, how to start and finish projects, and how to take pride in accomplishments. He worked with youngsters over the years by coaching Little League and Pony League Baseball. Don has been employed at Benchmark for over 3 years. He helped to shape the work program into what it is today, as well as coordinated the interior construction finish work at our new education center. Don is married to Jayne Longnecker, and between them they have 6 grown children and 10 grandkids. He loves to hunt and fish.
Romana Trippel, B.A.
Creative Arts Instructor
Mona has been with Benchmark since March 3, 1995. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree. Mona began her career with Benchmark as a resident counselor, assisting students with their independent living curriculum. Over the course of her employment, she has worked as an instructor in many different aspects of Benchmark’s curriculum, managing projects such as: college enrollments, study-groups, drug/alcohol screening, job skills and job assessment testing. Mona also worked as an instructor in the Work Education program, assisting students to learn the skills in wood building, electrical and basic plumbing. Mona was inspired to launch Benchmark’s Creative Arts Department and has been teaching Creative Arts, featuring Stained Glass and Ceramics class, since 2000. Mona established Benchmark’s Student Art Gallery, which is located in the main hallway of the Education Center. She takes great pride in the work that students complete. Mona has been in a long-term relationship and enjoys art, music, reading, gardening and her pets.
Steve Kruse
Work Education Instructor/Maintenance
Steve was a medical and psychiatric tech in the USAF, which began his work with special needs populations. He worked at Eglin AFB in a drug and alcohol treatment center. He also worked for Riverside County in the Department of Social Services. Steve assists with various workshops, process groups, and work education projects. He teaches work skills class. Steve coaches the student work crew with repair projects at State Street Apartments and at the Education Center. Steve is married, has one daughter, one stepson and four grandchildren enjoys spending time with family and friends in his personal time.
