Having trouble viewing The Loop? Click here to view as a webpage.

Aurora Value Words



• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous

• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) created NCPM to promote healthy behaviors that can reduce the risk of cancer.

Some things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer include:

Avoid smoking - Smoking and secondhand smoke are responsible for 90% of lung cancer deaths in the United States.

Protect your skin from the sun - Stay out of the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM, and use sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves and pants.

Get vaccinated - Some cancers are caused by pathogens and viruses, and getting vaccinated can reduce your risk.

Maintain a healthy weight - If you have concerns about your weight, work with your provider to develop a plan to address your needs.

Be physically active - Physical inactivity can increase your risk of cancer.

Dawn Mashak, the Direct Support Coordinator Supervisor for Residential Services at Aurora since May 2002, has shown exceptional dedication and passion for her work. Her journey began in northern Wisconsin as a Community Living Assistant, where she gained valuable experience. She advanced to a PM2 position, then became a Program Director Assistant, focusing on scheduling and staff support. Later, she transitioned to the Call Center, where she excelled as a Call Center Coordinator, supervising a team and ensuring consumer needs were met.

Dawn emphasizes adaptability, patience, and problem-solving in her work, encouraging current and future employees to invest heart into their roles. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, especially outdoors with her daughter and grandson. Her nearly two decades at Aurora highlight her commitment to fostering an inclusive community.

Thank you, Dawn, for your years of dedication and for being such an integral part of the Aurora family. Your impact is felt throughout the organization and, most importantly, in the lives of those you serve.

Save the Date!

Be Your BEST Conference is set for May 6, 2025, at the Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire. We are all set for an entire day filled with fun, inspiration, education, and a delicious lunch!

Congratulations to our new BESTology graduates!

Jessica Lyberg, ACC Administrative Specialist

Mike Neary, Program Manager

Hannah Goss, Employee Development Coordinator

All will be able to meet with REALiving’s EAP clients as BESTology Coaches!

Unlock your full potential and connect with a Bestology coach! REALiving coaches can help you reflect and set goals, and find real solutions to common problems. We can help you be your best at work and at home.

Email us at info@REALiving.com to get started!

Find out more about our coaches.

Great News!

If you haven’t heard, we have relocated our Counseling office in Eau Claire. Our new space is much larger to accommodate our new amazing counselors and it puts us in line for continued growth. Our new address is 2150 EastRidge Center, please stop by and check out our new space! 

Our talented counselors plan to create a play therapy space in our new building which will really enhance our options when working with kiddos. 

As we begin to create the space, I thought I would reach out to you all before making any purchases. Below is a list of some things that we will be looking for to create the space. If you have any clean gently used items that you are looking to part with and would like to donate to our new play therapy space, please reach out to me! 

Thank you for all of your support! We will be hosting an open house in the next few months! 



Congratulations Hannah Goss!

Congratulations to Hannah Goss, Employee Development Coordinator! Hannah earned her SHRM-CP certification, designating her as a knowledgeable HR professional. SHRM-CP is Society for Human Resources Management – Certified Professional, awarded by the National SHRM organization. This certification is nothing to sneeze at! It requires months of coursework and study, culminating in a rigorous exam.

Well done, Hannah! We are proud of you!

Our BEST Employees for the month of January are Jennifer Snow-Best from Direct Support and Teresa Lien from management!

Each winning employee will receive $150! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!

Nominees from Dec 21st – Jan 20th:

Julie Lifto • Anna Holloway • Jessica Checkalski • Teresa Lien

• Kristen Shaw • Nicole Vande Kolk • Christina Strom •

Jennifer Snow-Best • Julie Bahr

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!

Remember to send your nominations to BESTEmployees@AuroraServices.com.

Once nominated, employees will remain eligible for the bonus drawing throughout the year.

On January 6th, we launched the 2025 Health and Wellness Challenge! So far, 21 courageous participants from Wisconsin and Colorado have accepted the 6-week “Aurora in Motion” Step Bet challenge, which will wrap up on February 16th.

How It Works: Each participant has a personalized goal consisting of four active days, one power day, and two rest days. To remain in the challenge, everyone must meet their weekly individual goal. Additionally, each participant will receive a Step Bet T-shirt to wear on active days. We encourage you to share any photos by emailing LifeofAurora@AuroraServices.com, as we would love to feature you in The Loop next month! Those that successfully complete the 6 week challenge will split the pot of $410!

Stay tuned for additional Wellness challenges throughout the year!

Miles Greenlee

Aurora Community Counseling

Mental Health Counselor, Eau Claire and Ladysmith

Why I applied for the job: I knew a few people who worked for Aurora and they all seemed to enjoy their work.

What I will bring to the job: A variety of mental health treatment experience, and a desire to do the mot good I can in our world today.

My background: I worked at Eau Claire Academy for 7 years on the residential side of the building as a Crisis Supervisor. I also worked at group homes around Eau Claire and have experience within Home Care.

Family: My parents both worked in education and my oldest sister is a speech and language specialist.

Hobbies/interests: I enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, and playing cello in my free time.

Brianna Erickson

Aurora Community Counseling

Mental Health Counselor, Menomonie

Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job because I heard amazing things about Aurora and really like what the company stands for.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring a positive attitude and passion to the position.

My background: I interned at University of River Falls Counseling Services for my Master's and have a big soft spot spot for the young adult age group as well as people experiencing big life transitions.

Family: I am an only child and love hanging out with my parents and doing fun things. I also 3 cats; Jasper, Jasmine and Felicia.

Hobbies/interests: I love to draw and do different kinds of crafts, like painting, cricut, and woodburning. I also love attending concerts of my favorite musicians and ama huge Packer fan.

Karen Frazee

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Specialist, Comstock

Why I applied for the job: I love taking care of people. I was a home health aid and CNA.

What I will bring to the job: Positivity.

My background: CNA, caregiver, and I love spending time with my family.

Family: Two girls who are 13 years apart. Two grandchildren that I love dearly. I am also a caregiver for my parents. I bought a house so we can all live together.

Hobbies/interests: Mini golf and games.

Annette Y. Kurszewski

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point

Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job because I love helping people with disabilities.

What I will bring to the job: A positive attitude.

My background: Some home health, CBRF and challenging behaviors.

Family: Three grandchildren, 7 brothers and sisters.

Hobbies/interests: Embroidery, taking care of my dogs, and going for short walks.

Carla Walker

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point

Why I applied for the job: I have a passion for caregiving and bonding with consumers.

What I will bring to the job: Fun, eager, dedicated, caring, and loving personality.

My background: I've done caregiving for over 10 years, home health for 5 years, and currently I run my own hair braiding shop for 2 years.

Family: I am a mother of 3, stepmother of 8, 2 grandkids, and our pop Knola.

Hobbies/interests: I love painting, drawing, poetry, and singing.

Clarissa Helms

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point

Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping people, it's my main passion in life.

What I will bring to the job: Compassion, passion, energy and spirit.

My background: Lots of healthcare. I am a social work student.

Family: My partner (Adam) and our two kitties.

Hobbies/interests: Reading is my #1, walking outside, and anything with nature.

Michael Vaughan

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: Romans 8:14.

My background: I used to teach math at college, and cleaned at assisted living facility.

Family: Mom, dad, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

Hobbies/interests: Great rapper, hand stands, study (languages, math, science) banjo, and my cat.

Marigh Bakkestuen

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, La Crosse

Why I applied for the job: I like working with people who need help and feeling like I am making a difference in someone's day.

What I will bring to the job: Happiness and positivity.

My background: I've been a caregiver for the last 4 years. I love making people's lives easier.

Family: I have a two year old son.

Hobbies/interests: Baking, cooking, walks, anything outdoors, reading, and puzzles.

Tracy Heller

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Thorp

What I will bring to the job: Great care for clients.

Hobbies/interests: Outdoors, reading, and watching tv.

We Have the BEST Staff

During the month of February, we are celebrating these anniversaries!

Aurora Management

Colette Spielman (20 years), Teresa Lien (13 years),

Matthew St Ores (2 years), AdamCade Gilson (1 year), and Brett Mesner-Nayes (11 years).

Aurora Direct Care Staff

Maya Anderson (2 years), Michell Harshman (1 year),

Sarah Jones (1 year), Ashley Lybert (1 year), David Milleon (1 year), Gordon O'Flanagan (31 years), Kamea Cisewski-Miller (1 year), Peggy Chipman (1 year), Sean Allen (1 year), Vera Cormier (1 year), Heather Chaney (10 years), Jessica Helland (6 years), Michael Ottum (16 years), April Howe (1 year), Julio Roque(1 year), Laura Anderson (2 years), Sandie Acquissa (3 year), Mark Gonzales (1 year), Mindy LeMere (8 years), and Shelby Walbeck (5 years).

When we combine all of these years of service,

we get 141 YEARS of experience at Aurora!

Thank you for sharing your time, talents and wisdom with us!