Did you know? August 1st is the open enrollment period in Aurora’s group health, dental, and life insurance plan.
What is an open enrollment period? If you qualify for Aurora’s health, dental and life benefits and have previously declined enrollment, this is your opportunity to enroll in any or all of these benefits without a required qualifying event.
If the open enrollment opportunity is available to you, watch for an insurance packet to be coming your way in the mail. If you choose to enroll, your enrollment forms must be received in the Menomonie Office prior to 8/1/2022. If you choose not to enroll, the next open enrollment period will be August 2023. If you are currently enrolled in any of these benefits and no changes are necessary, you may disregard the insurance packet if received.
As always, feel free to contact Jessica Checkalski at 715-235-1839 or jcheckalski@auroraservices.com with any of your
Aurora’s benefit questions.
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Owners Corner
— by Susan Buckley —
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This month’s featured owner of Aurora is Monique Wimmer.
Monique Wimmer began her journey working for Aurora in 2017 as a Program Assistant at the Wausau Day Center. While this was her primary role, she oftentimes would fill in at residential sites in the Wausau area. Monique worked at the Day Center until she decided to pursue another career path, leaving Aurora in 2020 to go work in one of the local hospitals as a dietary aide. However, after a short while, she decided that it wasn’t the right fit for her as she “wanted to do more.” After leaving the hospital, Monique worked for a local group home provider in the area for about 7 months but decided that the company was not a good fit for her.
On June 15, 2021, Monique returned to Aurora and began working at the Wausau Day Center for a few months before deciding to transfer in November 2021 to Op 128, Envision House in Weston. Monique said that she likes having different consumers come in and out which provides her a range of experiences. She enjoys bringing positive light to the consumers and helping those in crisis find their forever placement. When asked what she enjoys most about her job, she said the consumers always make her day.
During Monique’s free time she enjoys camping, attending the fair, pool, nature walks, and spending time with her spouse and kids.
Thank you for all of your contributions to Aurora!
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Featured Service
— by Susan Buckley —
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This month, we feature the services provided through the Skills Development team.
Skills Development services provide consumers with supports, training, and connection to resources that will help them successfully achieve their independent living goals. Goals are to be short and realistic and can include organizational skills, building a cleaning routine, grocery shopping, picking a hobby, accessing the community, obtaining a driver’s license, budgeting, pre-vocational services, and other interests of the consumer.
The program is voluntary for adolescents (mainly high school) and adults who are experiencing AODA, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. The Skills Development staff work closely with the consumer and their support team members to assure goals are being achieved. When advocating for the consumer’s personal goals, the staff can meet with the consumer in the community or at their residence.
Skills Development staff say the best way to describe their role is: taking skills/conversations the consumer speaks about, creating a plan and putting it into action, breaking the action plan down, identifying the goal the individual wants to achieve, creating an objective to achieve the goal (making a timeline, small steps), and establishing an intervention to barriers that may arise during the action plan.
The goal for our Skills Development Specialists is to work themselves out of a job while the consumer succeeds and no longer needs them. And the process continues with anyone who needs the service!
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Bee Positive
— by Jenny Thomas —
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Social media recruiting is a strategy that combines elements of employer branding and recruitment marketing to attract active and passive candidates. Few companies are lucky enough to have candidates lining up for jobs, which is why it’s imperative to appeal to passive candidates, increase our communication efforts, and target niche personas and networks that frequently get overlooked. As we merge into an unprecedented workscape, you will notice more compelling imagery, video and interactive content to help attract those passive seekers who may not be looking directly at our job descriptions or company reviews.
An old English proverb asserts, “You will catch more bees with honey than with vinegar.” Meaning, you will have more success if you go about things with sweetness than with acidity. Anecdotally, recruiting can be challenging if there aren’t adequate reviews to support a better company culture for the candidate considering an upgrade. Leaving a positive review on Indeed and Glassdoor is something small we can do collectively to help attract [more bees] passive seekers and cultivate a positive online brand for potential candidates to connect with. Share fun aspects, work traditions, perks or quirks that make your job at Aurora unique!
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Building Trust
— by Marni Waznik —
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Trust is a necessary ingredient for a well-functioning team. It requires hard work and team members to do it. In the end, it cultivates a healthy and empowering workplace.
Here are some mistakes people make that erode trust:
- Avoiding conflict – Addressing conflict promptly rather than avoiding it demonstrates a desire to hear other ideas and opinions and provides an opportunity to clarify purpose, procedures, and expectations. Failing to address conflict can leave people wondering.
- Breaking promises – Be careful about promising things you may not be able to follow through on. Breaking a promise can cause others to question your commitment.
- Focusing on compliance – Layers of rigid rules can feel like micromanagement and mistrust. Share the end goal and trust people to get there.
- Failing to communicate – Being honest (even when the news isn’t good) and sharing information regularly can keep people from making up their own stories about what’s happening.
- Assuming trust – Trust is earned and reciprocal. Show others you trust them and work toward good working relationships with others.
Key qualities to focus on to develop trust:
- Clarity – Provide a clear vision and role for team members.
- Compassion – Leaders who care inspire trust.
- Character – Choose to do what’s right.
- Competency – Stay fresh, relevant, and capable.
- Commitment – Stick with employees in the face of adversity and they’ll do the same for you.
- Connection – Cultivate strong relationships. Find common ground.
- Contribution – Produce results.
- Consistency – What we do all the time shapes the expectations others have of us.
Don’t miss your opportunity to improve relationships at work! They’re important to the team and our consumers!
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Our BEST Employees for the month of June are ... Sierra Schindler from direct support and Sarah Scheeringa from management! Congratulations!
Nominees for the month of June were:
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Linda Leibzeit
Gina Krueger
MaryAnne Erickson
Amber Zuberbuehler
Sherry Lew
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Narda Gordillo
Nicole Polhamus
Deb Osborne
Joyce Swenson
Cliff Maxfield
Nikki Coss
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Names were drawn from the pool of nominees who spoke with us about their employment experience at Aurora. Thanks to each of our nominees for the above and beyond work you do to support our consumers and clients! You are the BEST!
Once nominated, employees will remain eligible for the bonus drawing throughout the year.
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Congratulations to Erica Hergert from 082 in Spooner and Kristen Gossel from 075 in Baldwin!
These team members have demonstrated their commitment to safety and have won a $100 bonus for having done so!
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Do you know who these folks are?
Anyone who correctly identifies all 4 people in this photo from Aurora archives will be entered into a drawing to win a Kwik Trip gift card!
Email MarniWaznik@AuroraServices.com by Thursday, July 21, at 3 p.m. for your chance to win!
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July is National Ice Cream Month!
The origin of ice cream is unknown, but there is evidence that it dates back to A.D. 54 to 68 when ice or snow was harvested and flavored with honey or other flavors. Treat yourself and others to a favorite sweet treat that is particularly refreshing in the heat of summer! After all, I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
What’s your favorite flavor?
Fun Facts
- Vanilla is the most popular flavor of ice cream.
- The ice cream soda was invented in 1874.
- It takes roughly 50 licks to finish an ice cream cone.
- California produces the most ice cream in the United States.
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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(Dixie) Diana Runberg
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, New Richmond
Why I applied for the job: Love helping others in need.
What I will bring to the job: Gratitude, happiness, fun, positivity.
My background: Enjoy making people happy, working with others.
Family: Camping, planting flowers, getting together.
Hobbies/interests: Fishing, swimming, scrapbooking, crafts, hiking.
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Jamie Sonnenberg
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Spooner
Why I applied for the job: It's closer to home, better hours that work for my family.
What I will bring to the job: Determination, dedication, and fun.
My background: I have been a caregiver for 7 years, working in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and in-home care. I love being able to help someone in need and give them a happy life.
Family: I have 3 children—2 girls, 1 boy. My girls are 5 years old and my son is 6. My fiance Bryan. We live in the little town of Spooner, WI.
Hobbies/interests: Fishing, hunting, being outdoors.
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Jesse Kauffeld
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Mental Health Technician, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: My children moved back home several years ago, so I came out of retirement. I was not satisfied with standards at my last job (5+ years).
What I will bring to the job: 22+ years experience dealing with/caring for mentally disabled/special needs, 2 years experience as counselor for battered and abused women and children.
My background: U.S. Navy veteran, taught martial arts for over 20 years (on the side), member of Mensa, CBRF, CNA, WI State Medical Aid, Emergency Med Serv., AA degree, etc.
Family: My wife's name is Jodi. We have six children—Kyler, Shawn (Autistic), Antonio, Christian (Autistic), Elijah, Samantha.
Hobbies/interests: Martial arts, cooking, chess, painting/drawing, poetry, reading, auto-didactic, philosophy, psychology, yoga, exercise, logic, Christian study...
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Erica Cedarbloom
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy learning about mental health and want to work a job that is fulfilling.
What I will bring to the job: Positive attitude and willingness to help people.
My background: I've worked at a group home as well as a neuroscience lab studying the effects of antipsychotics. I am currently pursuing a degree in neuroscience.
Hobbies/interests: I love reading and yoga.
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Aryiss Owens
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Spooner
Why I applied for the job: Make a difference in people's lives.
What I will bring to the job: Compassion, kindness.
Family: I enjoy family gatherings.
Hobbies/interests: Love listening to music and going to the beach with my son.
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Linda Wuerker
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Spooner
Why I applied for the job: Love working with people with disabilities, older and young.
What I will bring to the job: All the cares and help the people may need. Joy and happiness and someone they can totally depend on.
My background: I've been in the medical field for over 20 years, CNA for 5 years, Sterile Certified Processing Tech II for 16 years.
Family: I have 3 sons and 2 daughters. I've been married for 19 years, and I have lots of grandchildren.
Hobbies/interests: Crocheting.
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Mikala Bugge
Aurora Vocational Services
Vocational Coordinator, New Richmond
Why I applied for the job: I applied for the job so I can start helping people.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring a good work ethic and a positive attitude.
My background: I have worked with Dunn County Human Services as a case manager.
Family: I live at home with my mom and 3 cats. I also have an older brother.
Hobbies/interests: I was a gymnast at UW-Stout. I enjoy watching Netflix and funny cat videos in my free time.
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Amy Beatty
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wisconsin Rapids
Why I applied for the job: I worked for this company before and loved it.
What I will bring to the job: Fun energy, compassion, understanding.
My background: I love helping others and making their quality of life better.
Family: Boyfriend, daughter, 2 cats.
Hobbies/interests: Walking, camping, art.
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Allison Cuddihy
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: I have previously worked with Aurora and I wanted to continue working with the company.
What I will bring to the job: I have a medical background and caregiver background.
My background: I interned at Marshfield Clinic in the cardiopulmonary rehab department.
Family: My parents have been married for 23 years.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy running and hiking. I also like reading outside.
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Amber Scholl
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: In 2009 I worked as a CNA and loved it. Currently going to school to be an RN, and I want to get back into health care.
What I will bring to the job: I have 3-1/2 years working developmental disabilities and mental illness clients.
My background: Currently I drive school bus. I love growing/gardening in my little greenhouse.
Family: 2 kids, Kylie and Zachary.
Hobbies/interests: Spending time with my kids and my pets.
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Barbara Gliniecki
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Plover
Why I applied for the job: I am very interested in caring for others on a smaller care basis, doing more 1 on 1 care.
What I will bring to the job: A fresh, happy, new face!
Hobbies/interests: My dog, hunting.
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Carter Johnson
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I have prior experience working in group homes, and I love it!
What I will bring to the job: A positive work environment.
My background: I'm attending CVTC for Criminal Justice.
Family: 1 little brother.
Hobbies/interests: Fishing, hunting.
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Kloe Burg
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Mental Health Technician, Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: Mental health has always been a passion of mine! I love working with people, and I love one-on-one interactions.
What I will bring to the job: Empathy, love, growth, passion, open arms and ears, care, and most importantly, listening.
My background: I have worked at The Bridge to Hope here in Menomonie for 6 months now, and I love working with people who have lots of different backgrounds. Before BTH, I worked at Kwik Trip for almost 2 years!
Family: I have an interesting family! My mom had me when she was 18, so we grew up together! Last April, my mom gave birth at home to my youngest brother. He is a handful.
Hobbies/interests: Fun fact: I spent my senior year of high school as an exchange student in Poland! During my time there, I went to 11 other countries! I love traveling, camping, hiking, and most: rocks and crystals! I have my own small business.
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Cormac Duff
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: I wanted to work at a place where I was a valued employee.
What I will bring to the job: Responsibility and a kind heart.
My background: I am attending UW-Stout for a degree in Human Development Family Studies.
Hobbies/interests: Badminton, board games.
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Grace Anderson
Aurora Vocational Services
IPS Vocational Coordinator, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job as I have grown a passion for helping individuals, and I wanted to pursue that passion.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring a friendly face and a desire to learn and help individuals as best as I can!
My background: Graduated from UW-Stout with a bachelor's degree in HDFS this past December. I have recently worked at the Arc of Dunn County, Walmart, and the Center for Independent Living.
Family: I have my mom and dad, one older sister, one older half-sister, two nephews, one niece, and lots of cute animals in my family!
Hobbies/interests: I love to read a lot—mainly thrillers or romances! I also love working out, thrifting, and watching movies!
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Hannah Abbiehl
Aurora Community Counseling
Administrative Specialist, Ladysmith
Why I applied for the job: I was ready to be back in Ladysmith working. I also will be starting my master's program online for counseling clinical mental health track and wanted to learn more about community counseling.
What I will bring to the job: I feel I will be a great fit here at Aurora because I enjoy being busy and learning new things. I am very organized and have a friendly smile.
My background: I have an undergrad degree in Therapeutic Recreation, and my certification as a certified Therapeutic Rec Specialist. I spent the past year as a Recreation Director in a skilled nursing facility.
Family: Currently, I live with my parents, brother, and my boyfriend of 9 years. I also have a 3-year-old yellow lab, Waylon, and a 20-year-old horse named Sonny.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy spending my days outdoors, riding horse, working on the property, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy reading and boating.
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Kayla Benisch
Aurora Vocational Services
Employment Specialist, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy assisting others to become as independent as possible.
What I will bring to the job: Positivity.
My background: I have been a job coach in the past, and I really enjoy it.
Family: Christian (partner), parents, step-parents, and two sisters, plus Christian's dog Brandy and mom's cat Jo.
Hobbies/interests: Being in nature, going for walks/hikes and traveling.
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Teri Bloomer
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Day Center Program Assistant, Wausau
Why I applied for the job: I love working with people. I have done caregiving most of my life.
What I will bring to the job: Great personality.
My background: I love spending time with my family, my dog, and my kids. I've done caregiving for over 15 years.
Family: My husband, three kids, a dog, sisters.
Hobbies/interests: Football, cooking out, fires outside.
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Tish Madison
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
What I will bring to the job: A positive vibe.
My background: PCA, I love to cook.
Hobbies/interests: Cooking.
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Sue Ann Allard
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: Aurora is awesome! Lots of positive vibes!
What I will bring to the job: Inpatient psych experience at U of MN, largest inpatient hospital in the state of Minnesota; Eau Claire Academy; experience in crisis homes with adults with mental illness and addictions.
My background: U of MN-Fairview; Children's Hospital, Minneapolis; Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Music, friends, family, bonfires, hockey games.
Family: Son Brett, 34, his wife Holly; son Ben, 33, his wife Katey; and grandbabies Blakely, 4, and Brayton, 3.
Hobbies/interests: Shopping, concerts, bonfires, friends, family, hockey games, reiki healer.
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Tanya Wesolowski
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Day Center Program Assistant, Wausau
Why I applied for the job: Loved working with the consumers.
What I will bring to the job: Experience, new thoughts, positive attitude.
My background: Aurora, Aspirus Hospital.
Family: Fiance, 1-year-old doodle, 2 sisters, 3 brothers.
Hobbies/interests: Lake life, swimming, visiting family, trying new things, kayaking.
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Autumn Powell
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wausau
Why I applied for the job: Because I love working with people. I can help with making everyday life easier.
What I will bring to the job: Positive attitude and a willingness to learn more.
My background: Helping others, having fun.
Family: The oldest of 9. I have a 4-year-old and an 11-year-old stepchild.
Hobbies/interests: Fishing, time with my kid and family, being outside.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of July, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Linda Amundson (15 years), Lynnette Jenness (2 years), Betty Johnson (4 years), Juan Gordillo (15 years), Jennifer Harder (1 year), Stephanie Ischer (13 years), Deena Black (30 years), Jeanne Martens (7 years), Katherine Andresen (3 years), Lisa Schumacher (3 years),
Emma Knutson (1 year), Mikael Luter (1 year), Emily Mujwid (23 years), and Jocelyn Holder (2 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Gina Martell (10 years), Chase Welsch (2 years), Sara Dorr (7 years), Paula Listopad (12 years), Ariel Evans (1 year), Camie Teerink (4 years), Melisa Galligan (3 years), Jeremy Nevin (1 year), Stephanie Johnson (12 years), Guadalupe Sault (15 years), Ashton Mack (1 year), Rachel Barton (1 year), Douglas Sessions (24 years), Dennis Rude (6 years), Justin Allen (9 years), Natalie Halderson (2 years), Jenifer Tenner (1 year), Philip Schlosser (6 years), Olivia Stevens (6 years), Eileen Kelleher (3 years), Renea Andreski (1 year), and Brian Bender (3 years).
That's a combined 250 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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