Meet Dawn Beninghove

Dawn Beninghove’s journey as a healthcare professional and entrepreneur is proof that with passion and a commitment to excellence, you can fill a community need while fulfilling your own dreams. Her story exemplifies how challenges can ignite a purpose that transforms lives, not only for individuals in need but also for communities at large.

Dawn’s connection to Reynolds Community College began with its stellar reputation and remarkable passing rate. Enrolling in the nursing program, she was inspired by the dedication of her instructors who were knowledgeable and deeply invested in their students’ success. Reflecting on her time at Reynolds, Dawn was impressed with how the instructors were personable, knowledgeable, and truly cared.

In 1981, Dawn graduated from Reynolds with a nursing degree, ready to make her mark in the healthcare field. For over two decades, she served as a professional nurse, making a positive impact on countless lives. However, in 2003, a deeply personal challenge shifted her career trajectory. Dawn’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia, and as his health declined, she encountered significant gaps in personal home healthcare services.

This pivotal moment inspired her to take action. Combining her nursing expertise with entrepreneurial vision, Dawn founded Companion Extraordinaire, a home healthcare service designed to address the critical needs she had observed firsthand. The company offers comprehensive care options ranging from one-hour visits to 24-hour care and live-in services. Its dedicated caregivers assist clients with a wide range of tasks, including bathing, grooming, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and transportation.

Under Dawn’s leadership, Companion Extraordinaire has grown to employ nearly 100 professionals, including personal care assistants, certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses. The organization is a lifeline for clients facing diverse challenges, offering not only assistance with daily living but also end-of-life care delivered with dignity and compassion.

Dawn’s remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored with numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the Influential Women of Virginia by Virginia Lawyers Weekly and being named the Entrepreneur of the Year for Leadership in Excellence by the Virginia Nurses Association. She was also celebrated as an Allen, Allen & Allen Hometown Hero and served as a panelist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch Metro Business Live discussion, "Lessons Learned: Powerful Business Journey for Women."

For Dawn, the success of Companion Extraordinaire is about more than providing exceptional care; it’s about empowering her team and fostering a culture of authenticity and compassion. “Be authentic to who you are as a person, and nursing will support that,” she says. “Being true to our authentic selves shows others that anything is possible!”

As Dawn reflects on her journey, she takes great pride in the level of excellence her company has maintained. Equally important to her is the opportunity to uplift future employees who might need extra encouragement to realize their potential.

Dawn has now embarked on an exciting new chapter in her career. After successfully founding and leading Companion Extraordinaire, she chose to sell the business to follow a new calling. Continuing her work in private care management, consulting, and training to support seniors navigating the healthcare system, Dawn now plans to pursue a role as a hospice chaplain, equipped with her recently acquired ministry license. Her mission is to bring comfort and care to patients and families during life’s most challenging moments.

Dawn’s story is one of determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. From her early days as a nursing student at Reynolds to her role as a respected healthcare entrepreneur, she has exemplified the values of compassion and excellence. Her journey continues to inspire others to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to remain true to their authentic selves.

As Dawn Beninghove embarks on her next chapter, she leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary care and a thriving organization that has positively impacted countless lives. The Reynolds community takes pride in celebrating her achievements and looks forward to witnessing the difference she will continue to make in the world of hospice care.

For more about the Reynolds Nursing Program, visit our website.