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Aurora Value Words
• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous
• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive
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We’re trying to get ahead of the game! We will now publish each month’s edition of The Loop in the week prior to the start of the month. BEST Employee nominations will be tracked from the 21st of the month to the 20th to allow us to get nominations and winners into the Loop. This issue’s nominees are from Jan. 1 to Feb. 20. | |
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"To be successful is to be helpful, caring, and constructive, to make everything and everyone you touch a little bit better."
~ Norman Vincent Peale
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The featured owner of Aurora for this issue of The Loop is Brett Mesner-Nayes! Brett is a Recovery and Wellness Quality Assurance Specialist working out of the Chippewa Herald office.
Right out of college, Brett started working at a front desk in a hotel, where he saw that some other employees had job coaches working with them. While he had never heard of job coaching before, he instantly knew that it was something he was interested in doing. An online job search led him to Aurora!
Brett has now been with Aurora for 10 years! He spent his first 4 years as a job coach, then worked another couple of years as a Vocational Coordinator. He enjoyed both positions, but when 2020 hit, he found himself needing a change. He saw an opportunity to join the Quality Assurance team and went for it. Four years later, he still loves it!
Brett expressed that his favorite part about working for Aurora is the consumers. "I've made some incredible memories working with the consumers and seeing them achieve their goals over the years." But consumers aren't his only reason for staying with Aurora. "I also love the overall environment and people here at Aurora. (Especially the weirdos on my QA team!)"
Since starting at Aurora, Brett says he has learned how to be adaptive with communication styles when working with different individuals. "I've also learned valuable leadership skills having supervised job coaches during my time as a Voc Coordinator, and now being a lead trainer of the QA team."
What advice might he give to others interested in his line of work? "Your heart has to be in it. The consumers will definitely pick up on whether you actually care about what you're doing or if you're just there for a paycheck. Our consumers deserve the best version of you!"
Brett tries to keep a healthy balance between his work life and personal life. "I'm pretty good at switching my brain off from work-mode when I leave for the day. If I do find myself dwelling on something, I will throw on a movie, listen to some music, or go to the gym to clear my mind. Having said that, luckily my 'work friends' have become my 'real life friends.' We regularly get together outside of work for dinners, drinks, games, concerts, and other fun shenanigans. It's also a great feeling getting to come to work every day knowing there will always be laughter in the office, no matter what kind of day it is."
Despite being a self-proclaimed introvert, Brett says he actually is a big adrenaline junkie. "I LOVE rollercoasters, have gone bungee jumping twice, and next on my bucket list is skydiving. I also love Halloween, horror movies, haunted houses, and anything spooky!"
Thanks for putting the quality in Quality Assurance, Brett!
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Aurora is pleased to make available to you Elevate Wisconsin! We care about your financial future and want to extend to you every opportunity to be financially successful.
Research shows that
- 67% of the US workforce lacks basic financial literacy
- 64% live paycheck to paycheck
- 68% worry about retirement
- 33% have no retirement savings
Elevate Wisconsin is a financial education and wellness platform developed by the Financial Fitness Group, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, and the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy. Aurora was selected to participate in the program and the tools are now available to you! Here are some features of the platform:
- Online education you can access anywhere, anytime and from any device
- Personalized, private experience with course recommendations based on your financial interests and needs
- 100s of tools, tips, activities, animated videos, tutorials, quizzes and more
- A platform to connect as a community all over Wisconsin
The modules are short and address everything from budgeting to saving to credit card use to insurance and more (300 total courses). They are intended to help you gain confidence and develop a plan for yourself in any of those areas.
It takes less than 1 minute to log in and get started. You can access Aurora's Elevate classroom by clicking the button below or scanning the QR code.
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March is open enrollment for Aurora’s 401k! Learn more about this great habit for saving for your retirement by reviewing Aurora’s policy; consulting Jessica Checkalski, our Benefits Administrator; WMG, our program administrator; or your financial advisor. Enrollment forms or changes to your contributions are due by April 1! | |
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Send us your photos showing team collaboration!
We use social media for many reasons:
- To highlight our mission—supporting people in creating their "New Beginning"
- To demonstrate the worthwhile careers available at Aurora
- To cheer on hard-working staff in all areas of the company
- To assure guardians, loved ones, and even professional partners that we are passionate AND compassionate
- To let the public know that we LOVE what we do
For the next month, we would like to focus on the subject of team collaboration—behind-the-scenes photos or videos to give a sneak peek into the company culture. Send us a pic of your work team having a productive meeting, working on a project, together at an event, participating in an activity, or all receiving some sort of training. Let's show off how we support each other!
Email your pics to LifeofAurora@AuroraServices.com.
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Decluttering Your Home
— by Jane Davis —
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Clutter is the stuff that people have and think they need but don’t actually use. It doesn’t add anything to your life. It’s on a shelf, in a closet, or in a drawer, and it isn’t making your life better. The best thing you can do is get rid of anything that doesn’t help you. Being intentional about what you store out in the open and what is hidden away makes a big difference in how your space feels.
Clutter can be overwhelming and make it difficult to find things, leading to frustration and a sense of being overwhelmed. One of the main advantages of decluttering is the reduction of stress and anxiety that comes with a cluttered environment.
The easiest way to declutter a house is by going room to room. Decide which area of your home you want to tackle first. As you declutter, sort items into categories: keep, donate/sell, and discard. As you go through each item, ask yourself if it’s something you use regularly, if it has sentimental value, or if it’s simply taking up space. Be honest with yourself and don’t hold onto items out of guilt or obligation. Be mindful of sentimental items, but also consider if they are truly adding value to your life or if they are just collecting dust. Go through your things as though you’re helping a friend and none of the stuff means anything to you. This attitude can help you let go of things you don’t necessarily need but feel sentimental about or extra items you keep around just in case. If you haven’t used an item in over a year, it’s likely that you don’t need it and it’s taking up valuable space.
After you have decluttered a room, you will want to consider storage solutions and organization systems. Make sure frequently used items are easily accessible, and store seasonal clothing and decorations, toys, bedding, or rarely used items in bins that fit under the bed or in the closet. You can also look for storage furniture like ottomans and trunks where you can stow away items.
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Keeping your home neat and tidy is a continual process, not a one-and-done task to complete. Make decluttering a routine habit, not a massive annual endeavor. Sort through items seasonally, monthly, or weekly as needed. Don’t let paperwork pile up into cluttered stacks. Make it a habit to sort through mail and documents daily. Unsubscribe from any unwanted catalogs and advertisements to reduce incoming paperwork.
Changing habits is difficult, but as long as you have a grown mindset and are willing to get comfortable with the discomfort change brings, you can do it!
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Our BEST Employees for the month of January are Jesse Korbal from direct support and Jessica Gossen from management!
And BEST Employees for the month of February are Liz Greene from direct support and Gao Vang from management!
Each winning employee will receive $150! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees from Jan. 1 - Feb. 20 were:
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Katie Andresen
Demetrius Banks
Allison Cuddihy
LuAnn Esko
Denise Garrett
Willow Geiser
Juan Gordillo
Hannah Goss
Jessica Gossen
Elizabeth Green
Sue Hertz
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Jocelyn Holder
Jesse Korbal
Amanda Lunde
Lindsay Pittman
Matthew St. Ores
Lasonja Stephens
Jesseca Erb
Gina Krueger
Jessica Lyberg
Jana Pickers
Gao Vang
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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!
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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We added one Employee Number somewhere in the Loop. If you see your Employee Number, email April at asolberg@auroraservices.com to claim your prize! | |
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Congratulations to Ondrea Marin from 052 in Mosinee and Laura Alley from 044 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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Watch Your Step!
Slips, trips and falls remain one of the highest frequencies of injuries throughout Aurora. In 2023, there were 15 slips, trips and falls with five of those injuries being submitted to United Heartland as claims. And, so far in 2024, we have had 3 slips, trips and falls with two of these incidents being submitted as claims.
Some causes of slips, trips and falls are:
- Uneven walking surfaces
- Spills
- Loose matting
- Weather-related conditions like rain, snow and/or ice
- Highly polished surfaces or floors that do not allow for adequate footwear traction
- Clutter
- Open desk or cabinet drawers
- Not focusing in the moment
What we can do in our sites and offices to prevent slips, trips and falls:
- Practice good housekeeping
- Keep floor surfaces clean and dry
- Provide adequate drainage in wet floor locations
- Ensure wet floor warning signs are posted in and around wet floor locations
- Maintain clear aisles and passageways
- Ensure walkway surfaces are in good repair (this includes sidewalks)
- Keep cords and hoses out of the way
- Clean up spills immediately
- Minimize matting trip hazards
- Provide adequate lighting in all areas
- Eliminate uneven floor surfaces
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Take shorter steps in tricky spots
- Salt and sand any snowy/icy area
- Use “eyes on the path” rule
We are all busy and, at times, don’t always pay attention to our surroundings as we should. With focus and always keeping safety in the forefront these types of incidences can be avoided.
S.A.F.E. = Stop and Focus Entirely!
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Safe Lifting & Consumer Handling | |
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If anyone is in need of equipment for consumers, please let me know! We do have a variety of lifts, wheelchairs, shower chairs, etc., throughout Aurora garages and basements! And if we don’t have what you need, we will find it!
Also, if your work space (in Aurora offices) doesn’t seem to be meeting your needs, let me know. We can do an ergonomic assessment to see if we can make adjustments that will help!
~ Marni Waznik, marniwaznik@auroraservices.com
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March is American Red Cross Month!
We all know a little something about the Red Cross and the services they provide. Here’s the history of this lifechanging organization.
Since its founding by Clara Barton on May 21, 1881, the American Red Cross has been dedicated to serving people in need. We received our first congressional charter in 1900 and to this day we are tasked by the federal government with providing services to members of the American armed forces and their families as well as providing disaster relief in the United States and around the world. In 2021, the Red Cross celebrated 140 years of compassionate service.
Even while the Red Cross adapts to meet the changing needs of the people we serve, we always stay true to those roots. Are you familiar with the classic images of Red Cross nurses helping American soldiers and civilian war victims during World War I? In fact, as you read this Red Cross staff and volunteers are still deploying alongside America’s military. Maybe you’ve taken a class through the Red Cross, such as first aid certification or how to swim. Did you know we’ve been offering similar training since the early 1900s? Have you ever given blood or received donated blood? The Red Cross developed the first nationwide civilian blood program in the 1940s and we still provide more than 40% of the blood products in this country.
Today, as throughout our long history, the Red Cross depends on generous contributions of time, blood, and money from the American public to support our lifesaving services and programs. We invite you to learn about our history and hope you will feel inspired to become more involved with the Red Cross.
There is ALWAYS a need for blood but that need has increased recently – please consider donating if you are able!
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Rebecca (Becky) Belanger
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Altoona
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping others and caring for them.
What I will bring to the job: Compassionate work.
My background: I worked at Brentwood Memory Care for 5 years and loved all my residents.
Family: I have one son and one daughter. My son lives in Hastings, MN, and my daughter is at UW-La Crosse. I live with my boyfriend and his lovely mother and have a stepdaughter as well.
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Taylor Johnson
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: I love helping others.
My background: Medical field.
Family: I have 3 kids: 2 boys and 1 girl.
Hobbies/interests: Learning ASL, guitar, hiking, traveling.
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Antonio Cano
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: Past experience.
What I will bring to the job: Motivation.
My background: Special ed classes, teaching.
Family: Mom.
Hobbies/interests: Painting.
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Dominic Affrunti
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wausau
Why I applied for the job: Because I really want to help people. I have done a lot of different odd jobs, but I want to find my calling and I know helping people is what will make me happiest as an individual.
What I will bring to the job: Compassion, empathy, understanding, and being a team player.
My background: Manufacturing work, phone salesman.
Family: I have both parents, 2 brothers, 2 cats (Luca and String Bean).
Hobbies/interests: Hiking, meditation, playing with my cats, video games.
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Kimberly Wilber
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: Because I am passionate for helping others.
What I will bring to the job: I will help clients.
My background: I have experience in adult family homes, nursing homes, assistant living for 6-7 years.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy reading, spending time with my 4-year-old son, working out.
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Royal Anderson
Aurora Vocational Services
Employment Specialist, Wausau
Why I applied for the job: Was encouraged by friend. She thought I would be a good fit here.
What I will bring to the job: Lots of experience in several types of jobs, training dozens of people.
My background: 20+ years as a pharmacy technician.
Family: Wife, Becky, of 13 years; 10-year-old son, Marcus; Cabo, lovable 13-year-old dog; 14-year-old black cat, Catman; 2-year-old Siamese, Nermal.
Hobbies/interests: Video games, football, drawing, Legos.
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Shelby Vetrone
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: A better opportunity for my son and I, and I enjoy helping others and making them smile.
What I will bring to the job: Care and compassion, possible learning experience for myself and others.
My background: I have worked in a CBRF facility of over 55 people and truly enjoyed the experience. Have since been in a few different forms of health care.
Family: I have a 12-year-old son. Recently separated and just falling in love with live again!
Hobbies/interests: Camping, swimming, concerts (music), reading, spending time with family.
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Drina Harris
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: I have always wanted a salon for those of special needs, and this will give me experience that could help me along the way with my future plans.
What I will bring to the job: A bright and happy attitude, and my previous skills and care.
My background: I've worked a fair share of health care jobs and jobs at bars.
Family: I have 4 brothers, my fiance, and my stepdaughter.
Hobbies/interests: I like to draw and read, and take care of my family. I love to bake and cook food.
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Ebony Nelson
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: To explore the caregiving field more and to continue my passion to work with the elderly.
What I will bring to the job: Leadership skills, communication, positive personality, friendliness, empathy, loyalty, etc.
My background (employment/interests): Learning new things, meeting new people, exploring.
Family: 3 children (boys).
Hobbies/interests: Taking walks in nature, reading, spending time with my kids, exercising, swimming, etc.
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Katelyn Nardi
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wisconsin Rapids
Why I applied for the job: I'm a stay-at-home mom, but I worked in health care since I was 16 and just love the field.
What I will bring to the job: Positive attitude.
Family: I have a husband; a 3-year-old daughter, Oakley; and a 5-year-old son, Alex.
Hobbies/interests: Spending time with my husband and kids.
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Noah Stickney
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wisconsin Rapids
Why I applied for the job: I've been a caregiver for the last three years, and it's been the most gratifying job I've ever had.
What I will bring to the job: Integrity, honesty, respect, empathy, communication.
My background: I've seal-coated for 8 years. The last three I've been a caregiver. I looked after my grandfather for two years until his passing. It gave me a big soft spot for older people.
Family: Close with my mother. Girlfriend is pregnant and we're extremely close as well.
Hobbies/interests: Sports, music, movies, animals, driving, writing.
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Teresa Little
Aurora Vocational Services
Employment Specialist, Spooner
Why I applied for the job: Desire to serve others and make a difference.
What I will bring to the job: Love and kindness.
My background: Business finance. Customer service is my passion.
Family: My husband Mark Little and I are empty nesters with three grown children; expecting our first granddaughter in June.
Hobbies/interests: Family and friends, absolutely love fishing (yes, ice too). We usually vacation for 8-10 days portaging into the boundary waters.
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Ranea Nohava
Aurora Vocational Services
Employment Specialist, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: I have used services at Aurora in the past. Also, I have worked at places that had your program working there. I really liked your programs, and I am happy to be working for Aurora.
What I will bring to the job: Upbeat, positive vibes. Positive and patient attitude. A dependable, trustworthy employee.
My background: I enjoy working with people. I have worked in a variety of fields and with different age groups. I taught preschool, worked as a pediatric nurse, worked as an activity director in assisted living homes. Also, I have worked in a group home. I provided care, done meds, and provided transportation.
Family: I have a 24-year-old son and a 22-year-old daughter. Both are now married and starting the next chapter in life, so I guess I have also. I live with my partner and have a stepson who is expecting his first child. I also have a grandson, age 4. Not by blood, yet still I am Grandma.
Hobbies/interests: My children. Outdoors—gardening, bonfires, camping. Crafts—restoring furniture, woodworking, flower arrangements.
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Markis Stoll
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I fell in love with this type of job, so when I move back from Arizona, I want to stay in the field.
What I will bring to the job: My passion for the job.
My background: 4 years of caregiving.
Hobbies/interests: Working on cars, fishing, hunting.
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Piper Campbell
Aurora Vocational Services
Job Coach, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I was recommended by Anna's mom.
What I will bring to the job: An enthusiastic attitude.
My background: I have previously worked at a nail salon for 3+ years.
Family: I have 2 cute golden doodles, 2 siblings, and my mom and dad.
Hobbies/interests: I love to be outdoors and play tennis.
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Jeannie Kortas
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Onalaska
Why I applied for the job: To meet more folks in my community!
What I will bring to the job: Dependability, fun, and a smile.
My background: I am a licensed social worker in Minnesota. I've worked with people with disabilities for 10 years.
Family: I live with my brother, sister-in-law, 2-yea-old son, and our two dogs, Frank and Darla.
Hobbies/interests: Music, reading, true crime documentaries.
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Breana Korslin
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Plover
Why I applied for the job: Because I want to do caregiving and felt like Aurora was the best place for me.
What I will bring to the job: My bubbly personality and my big heart.
My background: I've wanted to be a CNA since I was around the age of 10, and this summer after I graduate high school, I'm finally going.
Family: My family is my dog Nova and my amazing boyfriend Landon.
Hobbies/interests: I love cooking and baking. I also love babysitting and have been babysitting for the last 6 years.
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Peggy Chipman
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Transporter, Stevens Point/Plover
Why I applied for the job: Seems interesting.
What I will bring to the job: My wonderful personality.
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Vera Cormier
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job because I'm looking for a job where I can grow and also has meaning behind it. I love talking and working with all sorts of people and believe this will be a good fit for me.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring a fast learner who is confident and friendly in what I do. I will always give my all. I believe I will be a good, lighthearted fit to clients.
My background: I have worked factory jobs as well as operator and lead positions. An interesting job to me is one where I can be around people and it's not always repetitive.
Family: Both my parents have passed away. I helped care for both as they started getting worse. I have an older sister and younger brother, 2 nephews, 4 nieces, and 3 daughters of my own.
Hobbies/interests: I love to craft. Study the Bible when I have free time. I also just love being outdoors.
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Julio Roque
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I like this type of job.
What I will bring to the job: I love to help people out.
My background: Working with people.
Family: Have two kids and 3 grandchildren.
Hobbies/interests: Soccer, dancing.
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AdamCade Gilson
Aurora Vocational Services
Vocational Coordinator, Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: I am passionate about working with people who, for whatever reason, struggle with achieving their goals and dreams.
What I will bring to the job: I am very high energy with a lot of positivity. I like to transfer that to my patients and coworkers.
My background: I have worked as a residential substance abuse counselor for the past year. Most recently I completed a yearlong internship at LE Phillips.
Family: I have a 2-1/2-year-old son, a Great Dane named Nala, and a chameleon named Maui.
Hobbies/interests: I am an adamant gym goer. I love music and live concerts. I am currently teaching my son to ice skate.
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Ashley Lybert
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Mental Health Tech, Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: Aurora is a great place to work.
What I will bring to the job: Organization, attention to detail, positive attitude.
My background: Employment background in vocational services and cooking.
Family: Married, 2 kids.
Hobbies/interests: Watching new shows, hiking, camping, and music fests.
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David Milleon
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Comstock
Why I applied for the job: Money.
What I will bring to the job: A lot of life.
My background: Transportation.
Family: Father, grandpa.
Hobbies/interests: Outdoors.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the months of FEBRUARY and MARCH, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Colette Spielman (19 years), Teresa Lien (12 years),
Matthew St. Ores (1 year), Brett Mesner (10 years), James Tangen-Foster (7 years), Sonya Casey (5 years), Dustin Doornink (20 years), Julie Lifto (28 years), Jessica Checkalski (11 years), Vicki Solberg (2 years), and Maria Block (20 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Maya Anderson (1 year), Ashley Tyler (1 year), Albert Phelps (4 years), Gordon O'Flanagan (30 years), Heather Chaney (9 years), Jessica Helland (5 years), Michael Ottum (15 years), Laura Anderson (1 year), Sandie Acquissa (2 years), Mindy LeMere (7 years), Shelby Walbeck
(4 years), Avery Erb (1 year), Olga Reinke (13 years), Bernadine Wendt (17 years), Ondreea Marin (6 years), William Selenske (20 years), David Furst (26 years), Marina Woolums (2 years), Amanda Mundt (2 years), and Amber Jenson (1 year).
When we combine all of these years of service,
we get 302 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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