We are beyond grateful that you have chosen to be a part of our Providence team. We hope you’ll enjoy the stories you’ll find inside, and we thank you for helping us fulfill our mission as we serve older adults.
THE PROVIDENCE
Employee Newsletter
VOLUME 1 | 2026
Celebrating Four Decades of Service A CONVERSATION WITH SCOTT STUDEBAKER After forty years of faithful service, steady leadership, and more than a few jokes, Scott Studebaker is preparing to step into retirement.
His upcoming transition marks the end of an era for the Ministry Advancement team, yet he leaves behind a legacy woven through nearly every corner of Providence Life Services. As Scott transitions into this next chapter, his leadership baton will be handed to a familiar face. Rick Van Dyken has already begun transitioning back into Providence in preparation to step into Scott’s role. Scott leaves behind big shoes, but the department remains in steady hands. What follows is a look back at Scott’s remarkable career, gathered from an interview filled with memories, stories, and moments that carried him through four decades of ministry. When asked which moments stand out most, Scott
laughed because the list is long. His career has included seasons in administration, marketing, advancement, fundraising, and a year serving as administrator of Park Place of Elmhurst. He helped launch new ventures, supported the opening of communities across the Midwest, and played a key role in the early growth of ProviNET Solutions, back when the team traveled the country selling software known as Answers on Demand. He remembers the early days vividly. There was the Torchlight dinner with Oliver North and more than 1,200 guests. The time he met with congressional leaders in Washington, including Danny Davis. And the many conventions, feasibility studies, and market research projects that shaped
classroom window, waiting for the day he was old enough to help. Once the doors opened, Scott worked nearly every job there — janitor, painter, housekeeping director, maintenance, dining room support, dish washing, orderly, and EMT. His father had entered long-term care for the same reason Providence did — to raise the standard of care in nursing homes, which were in poor condition in the 1960s. Scott never forgot that mission, even as his career shifted and deepened. When asked what he loved most, Scott didn’t hesitate. “The camaraderie,” he said. Staff members became colleagues, colleagues
Providence communities before they ever broke ground. Scott’s fingerprints are on iconic chapters of Providence history. He helped search for land to build Victorian Village. He watched Saratoga take shape. He hammered golden shovels for groundbreaking ceremonies, sometimes literally after painting them in a barn. He helped set up the foundation at Park Place of Elmhurst, a project that took years of persistence. Through it all, he embraced whatever came next. “Most of the time, you just pick it up and run with it,” he said. Long before Providence, Scott’s story began in Zion, Illinois, where his father owned a 114-bed nursing home. He watched the building being constructed from his junior high
became friends, and donors eventually felt like family. It never felt
Answering the call to enhance the lives of those we serve in the name of Jesus Christ. | PROVIDENCE MISSION
phone was a bag phone. Later, one model lived in the trunk of his car. His first office computer was an Apple IIe with floppy disks. Then came servers, email, and electronic design tools. He remembers being shown newsletters on a computer screen in full layout. It felt like the future waving hello. He’ll miss the people most. But, he won’t miss the mountain of regulations that make administration today far more complicated than it used to be. Scott and his wife, Mary plan to spend time up north at their cabin in Gills Rock, Wisconsin. He looks forward
to serving on nonprofit boards with more availability, helping with their investment properties, and tackling maintenance projects that have been waiting their turn. Church involvement will continue to be a big part of his life, and best of all, he’s excited for more time with his two grandchildren, plus one more on the way. After running hard for so many years, he’s curious to see how it feels to slow down.
transactional. It felt like a shared commitment to care for residents with dignity. His work brought him into countless churches. There were Sunday evening “Rest Haven Nights,” where congregations passed the hat to help raise support. There were meetings with pastors
and deacons, conversations with community leaders, legislative receptions, and moments where state representatives lit up when they saw him because they knew his advocacy came from the heart. He’s seen plenty of that progress too. His first mobile
Every member of our team has a story worth telling, but we understand that sharing it doesn’t always feel easy. That’s why we aim to make the process as comfortable and flexible as possible. If you’d be open to being featured in an upcoming article, I’d love to connect in whatever way works best for you. We can have a short, informal conversation, or I can send a few questions by email so you can respond at your own pace. There’s no pressure—just an open invitation. Your story can help others feel more connected, understood, and inspired. Contact Janice Manikowski for more information today!
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2 Volume 1 | 2026
Advancing Our Ministry Providence Life Services is pleased to welcome Rick VanDyken as Executive Vice President of Ministry Advancement. Rick’s relationship with Providence spans several seasons. He first became connected to Providence through service on the Board of Directors, where he served for three years. He later joined the organization in an advancement role while Scott Studebaker was serving at Park Place of Elmhurst.
After his time at Providence, Rick accepted a position as Vice President of Development at Providence Christian College in California. When he learned of Scott’s upcoming retirement, Rick reached out to Providence about returning to his previous role. We are grateful to welcome him back to continue advancing the mission he has long supported. Rick brings more than 20 years of experience in mission advancement at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights. Earlier in his career, he spent eight years at Rehoboth Christian School among the Navajo people in New Mexico and six years in Jos, Nigeria, with Christian Reformed World Missions. He has also served on the boards of Southwest Chicago Christian School, Roseland Christian School, and Christian Reformed World Missions.
Rick earned a B.S. in Business Management from Trinity Christian College and an M.A. in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. He and his wife, Sue, attend New Life Christian Reformed Church and have four married adult children and eight grandchildren, with a ninth on the way. Returning to Providence feels very different to Rick this time around. “When I first joined Providence, it was during COVID,” he shared. “Now returning, it feels like a much more hopeful and optimistic season for this ministry.” Rick is especially encouraged by the direction of Providence Life Services under new CEO Bill DeYoung and looks forward to seeing how this season of leadership will shape the organization’s future. He is excited about the opportunity to work with
the entire organization in ministry advancement and to support the mission across all communities and service lines. While Rick is grateful for this new chapter, he will miss Scott Studebaker, whom he describes as a strong advocate for Christ-like care for the senior living industry. At the same time, Rick is thankful for the foundation Scott helped build and the relationships he nurtured over many years.
opportunity to build on that support by reaching out to new friends who share in this mission.” Rick is particularly encouraged by the important role Providence chaplains play in connecting with residents, families, and the broader community Please join us in welcoming Rick back to Providence Life Services. Encourage him in his work and keep him in your prayers as he begins this
“I’m excited to be back and to see where the Lord leads us.”
As he steps into this role, Rick hopes to explore new trends in the senior living and nonprofit industries while continuing to build on Providence’s strong base of donor support. “We’ve been blessed with consistent and faithful supporters,” he shared. “Now, there is an
new season of service. His efforts, along with the entire Ministry Advancement Team, help ensure that Providence Life Services can continue to engage our ministry partners in support of the compassionate excellent care we seek to provide our residents.
Open Enrollment Ahead… Ready, Set, Elect! Open enrollment for benefits begins in April. Here’s what you need to know to get started:
When Does Enrollment Start? Open Enrollment starts April 1, 2026 and continues through April 15, 2026. It is the one time each year when you can elect new benefits or make changes to your current coverage. Benefits begin May 1st and run through April 30th of the following year. Where Do I Start? Log in to Paylocity’s Bswift Benefits to enroll in or decline coverage. The Open Enrollment window will remain open from April 1, 2026 through April 15, 2026. Your Options During Open Enrollment • Enroll in benefits • Switch plans • Drop coverage • Decline coverage
When Can Changes Be Made? Benefit elections cannot be changed outside of Open Enrollment unless you experience a qualifying life event such as marriage, birth or adoption of a child, or another eligible life change. Where Can I Learn More? Review the Enrollment Guide for plan comparisons, coverage details, and costs. You can also watch the Benefit Guide Narration Video using the QR code posted on bulletin boards and in the guide. The guide will also be available in Paylocity under Company Resources. How to Prepare • Look at your family’s past healthcare expenses • Speak with your healthcare providers if needed • Consider whether your life insurance coverage is adequate Need Help? Your HR/Payroll Manager is available to answer questions and help you understand your benefit options. We're here to help make this process as smooth as possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance. • Review the benefits information carefully • Write down any questions you may have
• Update your beneficiaries Available Benefits
• Health Insurance • Dental Insurance
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance • Short-Term Disability Insurance • Critical Illness • Accident • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
OPEN ENROLLMENT DATES: 04/01/2026 - 04/15/2026
4 Volume 1 | 2026
Stories, Structure, and Serving with Heart: “I am here to enhance their life, and what is important to a resident is important to me.”
curiosity now shapes the way she plans activities and gatherings. “I love when residents share their life stories with me,” she says. Through Resident Welcome Gatherings, social events, and “About Me” forms, Melissa gathers insights that help her create programs residents will genuinely enjoy. When she describes her role, she explains it simply: “My job involves planning activities that encourage our residents to enjoy their decision to live in a retirement community.” A typical day may include shopping for supplies, answering emails and phone calls, leading activities, and researching or planning future events. Much of the work happens behind the scenes. “The amount of time spent researching and planning,” she notes, is often unseen. At Park Place, residents value structure and clear communication. Activities are scheduled in advance
so residents know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
relationships. It also means navigating loss and change. “My faith in God enables my ability to let go of my cherished friends, knowing I will see them again and opening my heart in developing new relationships,” Melissa says. That perspective allows her to continue welcoming new residents and strengthening community bonds. Melissa and her husband, Darren, have been married for 35 years. Their twin sons, Devin and Colin, served in the Marine Corps and have since graduated from college. At home, she enjoys time with their dog, Buddy. At Park Place, Melissa’s thoughtful planning and commitment to fellowship help residents feel confident in their choice to call the community home.
“We do not do spontaneous here,” Melissa says with a smile. “Residents want to know when and where ahead of time.” For Melissa, activities are about more than the event itself. They are about fellowship. Craft sessions are a favorite. What began as a simple activity has grown into extended time for conversation, collaboration, and encouragement. “It is about fellowshipping with each other, helping each other, doing what you think you cannot do, and appreciating the different creation of each other,” she says. When residents offer suggestions, Melissa looks for ways to implement them. “I am here to enhance their life, and what is important to a resident is important to me.” Working closely with residents means building meaningful
MELISSA AUGUSTSON Life Enrichment Director, Park Place of St. John
Before stepping into Life Enrichment, Melissa Augustson spent six years at the Front Desk at Park Place. During that time, she learned something invaluable: the stories of the residents. When the opportunity opened for a Life Enrichment Director, Melissa was ready. “After spending six years learning about our residents through interaction and observation, I moved from the Office into Life Enrichment,” she says. Melissa has always enjoyed
hearing about residents’ lives and families. That
The Providence Call 5
A Calling to Connection: Meet Melissa Barnett
as a pastry chef, and spent years volunteering at church. Along the way, she realized she was drawn to older adults, their stories, and the opportunity to make a difference in everyday life. When the nonprofit where she worked was sold, she searched for mission-driven work closer to home. Park Place was ten minutes away. She has now been here three and a half years. “I like mission-based work,” Melissa says. “The main source is the residents. If we know them, we know how to program.” That philosophy shapes everything. Socials help neighbors become friends. Group activities invite connection. For residents who prefer quieter engagement, Melissa arranges regular one-on-one visits to be sure no one is overlooked. In skilled nursing and rehab, she helps document participation and goals as part of each person’s care
plan. The approach is holistic, supporting emotional and social well-being alongside physical health. Families notice the difference. “In almost 30 years, I have never seen so much family involvement,” she says. Visits are frequent. Holidays are full. Loved ones often share how relieved they feel seeing someone who once spent long days alone now surrounded by conversation and community. Melissa is quick to credit her coworkers. When asked what makes Park Place different, she says, “The team,” without hesitation. She sees people step in for each other, share responsibility, and work together in ways she rarely experienced elsewhere. She also meets weekly with partners in Independent Living to help residents who began their journey there continue to feel connected. Outside of work, Melissa and her husband stay busy raising
their two active sons. Milo, 17, has found his passion in theater, while 13-year-old Roscoe would much rather be on the soccer field. When she’s not cheering from the audience or the sidelines, Melissa enjoys tending to her garden on her one-acre lot, getting lost in a good book, and trying new recipes in the kitchen. Now that her boys are getting older, she’s rediscovering a little more time for herself. Faith has guided every chapter of her career, and she believes it led her exactly where she is meant to be. At Park Place, she sees residents settle into the community, families gain peace of mind, and staff members show up for one another every day. For Melissa, that is what life enrichment is all about.
MELISSA BARNETT Life Enrichment Manager, Park Place of Elmhurst
Ask Melissa Barnett what a typical day looks like, and she will tell you, “It’s almost impossible to describe.” As Life Enrichment Manager, her day may include required documentation, care plan meetings, one-on-one visits, or a community celebration. She might help someone set up a Roku, get a library card, or register to vote by mail. No two days are alike, but each one begins with the same priority—the residents. Melissa did not originally set out to work in senior living. She studied to become an English teacher, later trained
6 Volume 1 | 2026
Faith, Fellowship, and a Heart for Service: “It has truly touched my life to be part of this calling.”
faith-based community by providing meaningful activities residents can enjoy together. Tammy’s day often begins by greeting residents throughout the Victorian Village campus. From there, it quickly becomes a blend of planning, leading, and supporting. She meets with the Life Enrichment team to review upcoming activities and ensure programming meets the needs of each level of care within the continuing care community. Throughout the day, she may be leading activities, attending meetings, connecting with families, assisting team members, or finalizing calendars. Behind the scenes, she is also updating lobby screens, taking photos, posting to social media, shopping for supplies, coordinating volunteer orientation, returning calls, and documenting resident needs. Life Enrichment may appear effortless to residents, but it requires significant coordination and preparation to deliver safe, engaging experiences each day.
While activities are thoughtfully scheduled, Tammy emphasizes the importance of flexibility. “Balancing schedule and spontaneous moments requires flexibility,” she
when they see their loved ones actively participating and engaging in community life. Faith is woven throughout Tammy’s work. She values opportunities to share encouragement and prayer with residents and team members. One recent Bible and Prayer gathering stood out to her because of the meaningful participation from residents. Moments like that reinforce why she continues to invest long hours into her role. “It has truly touched my life to be part of this calling,” she says. “It has helped me faithfully serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ within this ministry.” If you ask Tammy which activity best represents her: “Sing along.” She enjoys inviting everyone to participate and believes joy grows when it is shared. At Victorian Village, Tammy’s leadership helps ensure residents experience not just activities, but connection, purpose, and community each day.
explains. “It is about keeping momentum going with what is scheduled while also letting residents shine in special moments and showing compassion for their needs.” Her team often keeps activity supplies close at hand so they can respond when an opportunity for engagement presents itself. For Tammy, a relationship is the foundation of Life Enrichment. She enjoys learning about residents’ backgrounds, families, and interests through casual conversations and formal assessments. “First by listening,” she says when asked how she helps residents feel connected and valued. “Then, by encouraging and connecting residents with our team members.” Families are often surprised by the strong bonds that form
TAMMY TJOELKER Life Enrichment Director, Victorian Village
Tammy Tjoelker did not originally plan to work in senior living. She expected to become an elementary school teacher. Instead, as she describes it, the Lord led her through several learning curves before bringing her to Providence Life Services and into Life Enrichment. What she found was not just a role, but a calling. “I love people first and foremost,” Tammy says. “But to be involved in a variety of activities every single day drew me in because I love the excitement of making people happy.” Tammy describes her job as ministering to seniors in a
The Providence Call 7
We Appreciate You! Congratulations on your work anniversaries in January – March of 2026!
Hard work, loyalty, and diligence are the cornerstones of great employees. We thank our Providence Life Services team for their dedication to the organization. You are truly valued for your contributions!
Corporate
EMPLOYEE
ANNIVERSARY
Daniel Lopez Gabriela Lopez
6 6 6 5 5 5 5 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1
Angel Leyva
1 1 1 1 1
Gina Elberson
21 19 18 15 10
Francis Edgar Nocom
Julie Benda
Rolando Villanosa Christian Chalcak Kathleen Hickey Esteban Saenz Murlena Williams Dominic Claudio Kristen Flowers Brenda Green Marionette McNutt Madeline Page Matthew Pierce Fatima Robledo Maria Salazar Brianne Scherer Kevin Villalobos William Dagenhart
Mina Randolph
Amber Williams Heather Gomez
Kesha Smith
Elizabeth Tennant Uwagboi
Carla Van Til Ann Lafferty
4 4
Connor VanderGenugten
Park Place of St. John
EMPLOYEE Betty Minard
ANNIVERSARY
Park Place of Elmhurst
34 11
Dana Brumfield Darlene Trimble
EMPLOYEE
ANNIVERSARY
9 8 8 7 7 7 6 5 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1
Guadalupe Brito
14 14 14 14 13 13 13 12 12 11 10
Tina Host
Kellie Evans Alex Jimenez Pablo Silva
Ian Rodriguez Laura Jania Loran Jacobs
George Carrasquilla
Kimberly Mewborne
Lora Gagliardi Milanka Nikolic
Emily Ebsen
Brittney Cooper
Kimberly Fragoso Maria Huerta Faith Javier Mary Ann Javier
Shawnae Cunningham
Craig Kinsey
Dina Johnson Marie Brandle
Cassandra Stewart Sharon Gonzales
Erica Lopez
Laura Walsh
James Ladd
Courtenay Meekma
Benjamin Danish
9 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 7
Michele Monaco Fabiola Moreno
Alexis Ruiz
Robert Garro Jose Ortega
Shaniyah Watts Serena Welbourne
Isaly Rehman
D’Athena Porter Brenda Wade Melody Claudio
Sarahy Rodriguez Jennifer Rogers Asmaa Saleh Jackson Zier Jasmine Hines Joseph Kinsella
Jennylyn Penaflorida Jina Centeno Rodriguez
Kimberlee Ristau
Jacqueline Deardurff Jonavie De Guzman
Lisa Rhodes
Margarita Priego Nicholas Joyce
Veronica Gomez
Sharlene Angelic San Miguel
8 Volume 1 | 2026
Providence at Home
Royal Park Place
EMPLOYEE
ANNIVERSARY
EMPLOYEE
ANNIVERSARY
Shanice Davis Dakala Doyle Philip Glecier Kaysie Hosman Barbara Myers
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Mary Mugg-Seely Rosann Prosser
13
Diane Kloosterman Kimberly Haskill Jacqueline Kamps Douglas Hoeve
19 11 11
6 4 3 3 1
Tami Homan
Kinyatta Sheppard
3 3 1
Kim Stevenson Diana Turner
Sandra Smith Sarah Laarman
Cassandra Rushing Jazilynn Whitaker Marquisha Cooper
Michelle Edgar
Providence Hospice
Victorian Village
Noel Geddis
Michelle Lechert
EMPLOYEE
ANNIVERSARY
EMPLOYEE
ANNIVERSARY
Jada Nailon
Evangelia Skipitaris Regina Leiterman
39 32 27 27 21 21 18 14 11 11 10
Annette Chiappetti
15 13
Ana Ortiz
April Narjes Chad Hobbs
Jovita Schwanbeck Kelly Shaughnessy
Thomas Butler
3 3 2 1 1 1
Pamela Richardson
Ginger Wollenweber
Hadeel Shram
Craig Rejniak
Jodi Klapak
Afaff Zayed
Krystyna Szerlag
Brittany Hausmann Crystal Galivan Victoria Bierkamp
Ariane Wilson Julie Johnson Wendy Bouse
Irma Rios
Melanie Patterson Nicole Boersma
Royal Atrium Inn
8 8 8 7 7 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2
EMPLOYEE
ANNIVERSARY
Cathy Brann
Connie Breuker Patti DeWeerd
23 19 11
Denise Santacruz Iwona Danowski Zajasah Wilson
Catherine Knoepke
Kari Kruis
5 5 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1
Catherine Heatherington
Richard VandenBerg
Marla Epps Lamia Garcia Zatora Hughes
Susan Kreter Eliza Alberda Esther Arispe
Michelle Lewandowski
Annabelle Cooper Olivia Grotenhuis
Wendy Malecky
Mylyn Ines Providencia
Joely Juros Carla Lokers
Deyasha Sago
Gale Tan
Abbey McIntosh Kayla Monahon Kathryn White Ronda Bruursema
Allan Estrella Maria Limon Natalie Pieper Kimberly Bass
Somaly Henry
Karen Benitez Hernandez
Yarizza Rodriguez Elise Rynsburger
Josette Campbell
The Providence Call 9
Your Voice Matters Help Others Discover Providence. Share Your Experience Today.
Your experience can inspire future team members and help us continue to grow. We’d love for you to take a few minutes to share what it’s like to work at Providence Life Services. Whether it’s a meaningful moment with a resident or what you appreciate about your team, your voice matters. You can leave a review on any (or all!) of the platforms shown. Your feedback helps others understand our mission and reminds us what makes this place special. Thank you for everything you do! Know someone who would love it here? Referrals from people like you help us grow our community with heart.
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