From Caregiver to Care Leader: Stephanie Hartley's Journey with the Bensson Endowed Fund

Stephanie Hartley has always been a caregiver at heart. After graduating high school, she worked in various roles in the healthcare field, including positions as a medical assistant, pharmacy technician, and certified nurse assistant for a home healthcare agency. However, it was her decade-long experience caring for a cherished family member that truly inspired her to pursue her dream of advancing her career in healthcare. Determined and committed, Stephanie decided it was time to turn that dream into a reality.

She had been working in the endoscopy unit at Sturdy Health for five years when she shared her dream of becoming a registered nurse (RN) with a coworker, who introduced her to the Dr. Steven Bensson and Dr. Jean Siddall-Bensson Endowed Fund.

“Nursing school is very expensive, and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to afford it,” shared Stephanie. “The support from the Bensson Endowment has made a significant difference in my life; it has allowed me to focus on my studies and continue to work at Sturdy.”

Covering 90% of her tuition costs, Stephanie is now working towards her RN degree at Bristol Community College. She hopes her story will encourage other employees to use the fund to advance their own careers.

“It’s amazing that because of individuals in our own community, I am able to pursue my dreams,” said Stephanie. “This is what sets Sturdy apart as an amazing place to work. I am truly grateful.”

Interested in helping an employee reach new heights? Consider donating to the Dr. Steven Bensson and Dr. Jean Siddall-Bensson  Endowed Fund at www.sturdyhealth.org/give

Stephanie Hartley, a certified nursing assistant in Endoscopy at Sturdy Health, is pursuing her dream of becoming a registered nurse (RN). Funds from the newly established Dr. Steven Bensson and Dr. Jean Siddall-Bensson Endowed Fund are helping to cover Stephanie’s courses toward her advanced degree at Bristol Community College.