What Professionals Have To Say
Thomas J. Croke
Member: Independent Educational Consultants Association
FamilyLight Consultants"Benchmark is the pace-setter for young adult programs. FamilyLight consulting service has made continuous referrals to Benchmark with successful results since shortly after it opened." For further details, please see our website's commentary on Benchmark
Dear Richard & Benchmark,
I know I gave you a tough case, and you did a great job with our student, in spite of himself. I am sorry you are getting some negative press from a former student. There are times the Internet is not helpful and can be damaging. From one of us in the know, Benchmark is a terrific option, and you, Flo and Jayne deserve praise.
My best wishes for more relaxing times this summer.
~ Jane E. Kolber, CEP, IECA, Educational Consultant
Crafton Hills College psychology professor, Dr. Diane Pfahler has been working with students from Benchmark Young Adult School for approximately nine years. Dr. Pfahler holds a doctorate in psychology. She has worked as a clinical psychologist but prefers teaching. Some of the classes she teaches include: Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Statistics, Personal and Social Adjustment, and Theories of Personality.
She is the faculty advisor for the Black Student Union, the Psychology Club, and MEchA. Her love of teaching and the response she gets from her students and fellow faculty members is reflected by her awards that she casually mentions. She has been awarded: Outstanding Service 2000 (from faculty), Outstanding Professor (from faculty) 2001, Golden Apple Award and students’ choice for Outstanding Professor 2002, Educator of the Year 2005-2006 and 2006-2007. Students got together and gave a beautiful desk with a plaque that recognizes her contributions and the next year they gave her an office chair and she is proud of both.
Dr. Pfahler enjoys having Benchmark students in her class, “I like contributing to second chances and fresh starts. Benchmark students are enthusiastic, hardworking, and intelligent students. They frequently seek input and contribute to the class.”
~ Dr. Diane Pfahler, Crafton Hills College, Professor of Psychology
Dear Jayne,
“I was so impressed with what you have done at Benchmark – the building, the apartments and seeing your strong staff (Toii, Flo, Joelle, Richard, Mona & Don)! The competency of the students who cooked us breakfast and met with us was most wonderful. It was a perfect visit with most of the time being spent with the kids, whose stories touched me deeply…they were all so authentic!”
Many thanks,
~ Nancy P. Masland, I.E.C.A, Nancy P. Masland & Associates - 2007
"Hi Jaynie,
I am so glad to hear that our student is doing so well.
You have always amazed me at the way you can take what seems like a hopeless case and help that student become more than anyone (certainly me) ever thought was possible. That is a very special talent.
Thanks again so much. I hope we will have a chance to meet up again in the future and have more time to catch up on things.”
~ BJ Hopper, C.E.P., IECAC.
“Jaynie,
Thanks so much for filling me in on our student’s progress. I have thought of him many times over the past year. I am so happy to hear he is making progress and getting some stability and confidence.
I hope he is enjoying California and stays on for another bit of time. After the chaos his life was in before he left, it much be pleasant for him to find some peace and success.
We were very fortunate that you have developed the Cadillac of treatment programs. The mere fact that our student made it an entire year and is progressing toward independence is great news and a testament to your creativity and endurance.”
~ Brenda Ellis, Educational Consultant
