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"Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine."
~ Mario Fernandez
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Owners Corner
— by Jenny Thomas —
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Featured owner of Aurora this month is Jessica Checkalski, Payroll & Benefits Specialist, who works from Menomonie's corporate office.
Jessica started with Aurora 10 years ago already! She began in 2013 in the accounts payable position. She stayed in that role for about year before transitioning into the benefits position. Not long after her transition did she pivot to the payroll position where she has remained for the last 8 years.
Jessica processes payroll for anybody who is employed through Aurora Residential Alternatives and also does payroll for Aurora Integrated Management and NWCSA. She also facilitates and undertakes all the enrollment forms for the health, dental, vacation, personal hours, 401k, longevity, and ESOP benefits. She believes she brings value to her position through her accounting background and field-related knowledge she has acquired over the years.
Working with Aurora has allowed Jessica to experience different roles and grow her skills. When asked what she enjoys most about her job, she replied, “I enjoy my coworkers and my boss. We have great camaraderie and support each other. There’s great energy in our office and we make work fun. I enjoy whenever I get to interact with staff members.”
Jessica is an outdoorsy gal. She loves to fish, garden, and camp whenever possible. She enjoys spending time with her sons, 17 and 19, and lives with her boyfriend of over a decade.
Thank you, Jessica, for all that you do!
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Since 1993, Aurora Community Health (ACH) has served the Wisconsin communities with both skilled and MAPC nursing services, along with an increased presence in both Aurora Community Counseling and REALiving. ACH nurses provide care in several areas throughout the community, including mental health and CSP/CCS Nursing for ACC and nursing triage services for Aurora Residential Alternatives and REALiving. ACH nurses continue to provide health screens for new employees and teach medication and health related trainings for both Aurora Residential and other companies. ACH also continues to contract with VMS-Virtual Marketing Strategies to conduct monthly home visits to provide in-home education and injections to consumers in their homes. ACH nurses are on call 24/7 for both REALiving and residential to assist with medical needs as they arise.
The ACH team consists of Candy Wolf, RN/CMC, DON; and Steve Lauer, RN. In addition, Ann Stevens, Regional Director for ARA (and an LPN) and Joan Parsons, RN for ACC, support ACH as well.
Thanks for all of the important work you do!
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We love getting to announce when Aurora staff take on new roles and gain exciting opportunities!
Firstly, Program Director Maggie Czaikowski will be stepping down from this position in order to use her educational background in child education. However, she is not leaving Aurora! She will remain as a PRN CLA and has already committed her time in September toward supporting the individuals she has come to know so well. Maggie has provided direct care and administrative and management duties for over 2 years, and she has been a valuable member of our team. She also worked as a direct care provider for Aurora previously, before coming back to the company she speaks so highly of.
With this changes comes the opportunity for another person to apply their knowledge in a management role. Erica Mortensen has been with the company for 7+ years combined. Here's what she had to say:
"Almost two years ago I left Aurora, only to return a few months later. It did not take me long to realize how difficult it was working a job in which I wasn't passionate about. I missed feeling like the work I do was making a difference in the lives of others. I also missed working in a positive and uplifting work environment, surrounded by people who share the same enthusiasm for the work we do!"
The Eastern region welcomes Erica to her new experience at Aurora. She already knows many individuals we support and looks forward to expanding her skills. She's also a member of the Owners Team and will be able to share her experience.
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Need someone to talk to? Call UpliftWI!
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces a new phone line is now available allowing all Wisconsinites to share their successes and challenges with a peer who will listen and offer support. Built by Mental Health America of Wisconsin under a grant from DHS for people experiencing mental health and substance use concerns, UpliftWI can be reached at 534-202-5438 daily from noon to midnight, with 24/7 operation expected by the end of the year. This non-emergency service is free and confidential.
“We’re pleased to partner with Mental Health America of Wisconsin on this expansion of peer services in Wisconsin,” said DHS Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge. “The peer-to-peer support offered by UpliftWI is a proven way to help people get the help they need and stay healthy. This service is going to improve lives by providing preventive care for people experiencing stress or other challenges in their lives.”
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Our BEST Employees for the month of July, and winning $150, are ... Michelle Baljo from direct support and Megan Bauer from management! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees for the month of JULY were:
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Carter Baures
Jesseca Erb
Samantha King
Sherry Lew
Linda Liebzeit
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.
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Some people want to know which came first, the chicken or the egg? If you'd like to enter a contest to win a gas card, reply to this email with the correct answer to this Aurora question: "Which came first? Aurora Community Counseling or
Aurora Vocational Services?"
Winner announced on Aug. 31 from correct answers only.
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Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services is offering a certification program for Direct Support Professionals. Completion of the certification program pays a bonus of $250 and completion of 6 months of employment for a registered provider pays an additional $250. Aurora is a registered provider.
Please note, the training offered for this certification does not replace Aurora’s new hire training BUT could count toward the annual staff development requirement for Direct Support Professionals. These bonuses are paid by DHS, not Aurora.
Find all the details by clicking the button below!
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Congratulations to Erica Hergert from 082 in Spooner and Guadalupe Sault from 071 in Eau Claire!
These team members have demonstrated their commitment to safety and have won a $100 bonus for having done so.
Keep working safely to be entered in next month's drawing.
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Natalie Sullivan
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Program Manager, Plover
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy working with the mentally challenged community. To make someone's day brighter and put a smile on their face is something that motivates me as a person.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring a positive, bright outlook and new ideas to Aurora. I will bring a "team" together for ultimately the best results.
My background: I have worked in home care as well as behavior specialties. I enjoy working with the elderly and young adults.
Family: I have three children, ages 23, 16, and 9. Two boys and one girl. They definitely keep me on my toes.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, and anything outdoors.
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Joshua Miller
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: It's very rewarding assisting others that have challenges in life. I have a lot of compassion and like to see positive changes in someone's life.
What I will bring to the job: Compassion, communication, and drive to get my work done and see positive change.
My background: 2006 - 2010 - work skills instructor; 2018-2019 - personal care worker.
Hobbies/interests: Hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors.
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Sally Reed
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy working with people.
What I will bring to the job: Many years of caregiving, dependable.
My background: I started working as a CNA. I worked in a rehab nursing home for 5 years. Then I worked at a hospital in the ER Department about 5 years. Moved to Weston and worked at the day center for UCP.
Family: I have 2 sons. Jeff married to Amanda, two granddaughters: Audrey, 3-1/2 yr and Amelia, 1-1/2 yr. Floyd - single and loves online gaming.
Hobbies/interests: Puzzles, word search, growing outside flowers.
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Jayda Turchen
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy supporting individuals, and I find the job to be extremely rewarding.
What I will bring to the job: Critical thinking and a positive outlook!
My background: I worked for a home for 3 years previously.
Family: I am a middle child with an older brother and younger sister. Family is super important to me.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy reading and watching movies.
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Tanya French
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Baldwin
Why I applied for the job: I love helping anyone in any way I can. I am 100% a people person. I have a calm/relaxing demeanor! (At least I think so!)
What I will bring to the job: I am a hard worker and committed employee. I am very positive!
My background: CMA/phlebotomist for 20 years. Server/cook for 10+ years.
Family: I have 3 lovely teenage daughters ages 15, 16, 17. Help me! J/K, Love them.
Hobbies/interests: Drawing, dance for 18 years, volunteer multiple places.
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Estrella Angelina Mercado
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Program Assistant, Eau Claire Day Center
Why I applied for the job: To help people; consistent pay; consistent schedule.
What I will bring to the job: Reliability; fun; dedication.
My background: Customer service; engineering; music, vocal major; soccer; makeup, art.
Family: My fiancé; my brother, Jay; my in-laws; my friends; my dog son, Peedee.
Hobbies/interests: Music: singing, writing; makeup; true crime; sports: soccer, basketball, tennis; animation; mythology/folk lore; zoology; astronomy/astrophysics.
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Ashley Miller
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crossee
Why I applied for the job: Worked as a caregiver and loved working with people and learning about behaviors.
What I will bring to the job: Creativity.
My background: Communicating with others.
Family: Husband (DJ) and 6 month son, Jude.
Hobbies/interests: Art.
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Sharpray Madison
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: Just wanted a second job to fill free time.
My background: I also work at UWL.
Hobbies/interests: Coloring.
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Carol Peterson
Aurora Vocational Services
IPS Vocational Coordinator, St. Croix County
Why I applied for the job: To have a direct impact on the lives of others in need.
Family: Married, two adult children, 3 grandchildren.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of AUGUST, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Jacqueline Perro (15 years), Kaitlin Bourgard (2 years), Hayley Petersen (2 years), Shannon Larson (4 years), Katharine Barnard (3 years),
Megan Bollinger (2 years), Jessica Gossen (2 years), and Jana Hansen (21 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Bethany Cerutti (1 year), Timothy Voelker (2 years), Jacob Brunberg (6 years), Jessica Hills (9 years), Darrian King (1 year), Leif Peterson (16 years), Elijah Arceneaux (1 year), Armando Ortiz (3 years), Patrice Fissette (3 years), Carter Baures (1 year), Debra Huggins (4 years), Caitlin Thomey (5 years), Morgen Buhler (6 years), Jeremy Kiktavy (2 years), ShyAnne Meisman (2 years), Shunika Williams (1 year), Dolores Claridy (1 year), Marcella Charbarneau (7 years), Sandra Ming (7 years), and Larissa Webster-Clifton (2 years).
When we combine all of these years of service,
we get 131 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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