A Decade of Dedication: Mary Beth Christensen Celebrates 10 Years at Food City
March 23, 2026
Mary Beth Christensen, a person supported by RHA, recently celebrated an incredible milestone—10 years of employment at Food City. Known for her bright smile and positive attitude, Mary Beth has spent the past decade serving customers and supporting her teams across three locations in Tennessee.
Mary Beth began working at Food City in 2016 at the Johnson City location. Over the years, she transferred stores to stay closer to home, moving from Johnson City to Boones Creek and most recently to the Kingsport store. In each location, she has worked as a grocery bagger and cart attendant, helping customers and keeping the store running smoothly.
When asked what she enjoys most about her job, Mary Beth’s answer is simple: the people. She enjoys greeting customers and takes pride in showing up every day ready to work. Over the years, she has built strong skills in bagging groceries, collecting carts, and even operating the store’s motorized scooters to return them safely inside.
For people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), having a job can create opportunities for social connections and skill development, helping them feel more included in their community.
Reaching the 10-year mark was a proud moment. Her coworkers celebrated her achievement with a party at the store, and she received a commemorative pin to recognize her years of service.
When asked what motivates Mary Beth regarding her dedication to her work, her answer is very relatable: money . Outside of work, Mary Beth enjoys shopping at places like Walmart, Hobby Lobby, and Bath & Body Works, to name a few. Earning and handling finances can help develop important budgeting and saving skills that can lead to greater long-term independence.
With the support of RHA’s services, Mary Beth builds the independence and skills she needs for success at work and at home, where she lives with her husband.
According to the RHA employees who are part of Mary Beth’s support team, her positivity is always shining through:
Kathy Bedell said, “Mary Beth brings such positivity everywhere she goes. She’s so proud of her new house, and one of her favorite things to do is sit on the covered front porch and watch the world go by.”
Suzanne Knapp agrees, adding, “Mary Beth is always smiling. She’s just an overall happy person, and I feel blessed and lucky to work with her.”
When asked what advice she would give someone starting their first job, Mary Beth kept it simple: go to work every day, and smile—you’ll make it.
After ten years at Food City, Mary Beth continues to show how dedication, positivity, and the right supports can help people thrive at work and in their communities.
Congratulations, Mary Beth, on 10 years of hard work and success!
To learn more about RHA’s IDD services in Tennessee, visit rhahealth.org/IDDTN .
