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"Appreciation can change a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary."
~ Margaret Cousins
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Owners Corner
— by Mike Neary —
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Featured owner of Aurora this month is Mike Neary, Program Manager. Mike tells us all about his job in his own words.
I have spent the last 20 years in the workforce basically doing customer service. Call center, retail, regional OTR trucking, and supply chain shipping. Through most jobs I was able to work my way into management roles but still I was not content with my position in
the workforce.
Thanksgiving time 2021 started just like any other. Wake up, get ready, slap my hat on my head, and hug the family goodbye on my way out to a dead-end job. I had been searching for some career path that provided not only a paycheck, but a fulfilled feeling at the end of my day. A job I could actually smile on my way home from and mean it.
Then one evening, hanging out with some family it was brought up by my future brother-in-law that this cool place he worked at was looking for people. I was hesitant in the beginning; we bantered back and forth about pay and such. Then I asked what type of work exactly. He looked at me and said being a residential home caregiver.
I was taken aback, as someone who’s been in a customer service position, how could I ever be a caregiver? How could I handle this type of work? We talked at length about the aspects of the job and what may be required.
Beginning of December 2021 I talked the idea over with family at home and decided why not take that leap of faith and into something that I thought made me uncomfortable since I was so unhappy with my career path at the time. I began working for Aurora at site #106 in La Crosse. I was met with a friendly vibe from consumers, staff, an extremely knowledgeable and fantastic PM, and one of the best PDs a new employee could ask for.
As a father of 5, the general aspect of caregiving to an extent has been ingrained in me since 2007. But now how could I transpose those skills into an AFH setting? I tossed this thought around for quite some time. Then one day I realized, JUST SHOW UP AND BE PRESENT and not look at this as a job but as a blessing. To be able to stand up and speak for the most vulnerable portion of our population is the most rewarding thing I have ever experienced.
Here I am just under 2 years with Aurora, feeling happy and fulfilled every day I am blessed to be able to be here. Being a part of the best team ever. In typical fashion, when I find something I am passionate about I strive to be better every day, and one day a Program Manager position came open at a site right next door to my initial home.
I thought about for a while, could I handle this, what if I fail, what if I can’t do it. Then I thought about those that I show up every day to care for, and did my best to look at life from their perspective. They wake up every day, pushing and striving to be their best selves. No worries of what if I can’t, what if I fail. They push the limits every day with a smile and positive attitude.
I am glad I made that leap of faith out of my comfort zone back in 2021, as it has allowed me to grow into a person that I had been hiding for years behind that “customer service” smile. A happy, genuine, loving fulfilled individual. This has not become a job or career really at the end of the day, but an extended family.
Thank you to Dave and Jim for putting forth the effort back in 1986 to bring your dream to reality; it does really bring so much joy to both our consumers and staff. I will ensure to do my best to keep your dream a reality and moving forward, your hard work has created THE BEST environment I have ever had the joy of working in.
#TEAMSMILEMAKER
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Owners Team
— by Jesseca Erb —
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From the beginning, Aurora has been an innovative and inspiring organization that has always strived to deliver optimal services and a gratifying workplace culture. Over the past few months, the Owners Team has been working on developing several strategies that will not only help to improve Aurora’s infrastructure, but also enhance our culture and overall employee experience.
One of the team’s first proposals was to provide resources to beautify Aurora’s residential operations. As a result, improvements have been made to the interior/exterior of operations, as well as vehicle fleet upgrades. Bit by bit, enhancements are underway and progress is
being made.
Culture and mentorship have also been big topics of discussion during meetings. Our organizational goal is to improve recruitment, engagement/retention, and ultimately employee success. To ensure that these objectives are being met, the team has collected feedback from employees across the organization to better understand the perspectives and experiences of other Aurora owners. This feedback has provided the team with a framework for developing process improvements that will benefit all Aurora employees.
If you have ideas or suggestions that you’d like to share with The Owners Team, please contact:
Linda Aton: laton@auroraservices.com
Gina Krueger: gkrueger@auroraservices.com
Jesseca Erb: jerb@auroraservices.com
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Three Aurora employees have now completed the WisCaregiver Careers certification program! Congratulations to Heather Chaney,
Jami Sonnenberg, and Allyssa Fulkerson for taking part in the program and earning their certificate PLUS a $250 completion bonus!
This is an easy program for anyone who works in direct care. Sign up following the directions below!
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The Wipfli retirement app provides you with on-demand access from your mobile device to your retirement account with Wipfli.
With this app, you can view your account balance, review fund performance, view/update your contribution rate, and modify your account password.
We have provided you with a participant guide to the Wipfli Mobile App located at employee.auroraservices.com, under Benefits and then 401K. Or you can CLICK HERE.
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The Menomonie office has been rearranged a bit over the last few weeks! These moves have resulted in some different meeting space. We currently have the conference room, the multipurpose room, a small meeting room at the front of the building, a landing pad at the front of the building, and landing pad at the back (HR office).
In order to reserve meeting room space, please contact Narda Gordillo: ngordillo@auroraservices.com. Landing pad space (as well as vacant offices; you might check in with the office “owner”) are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Our BEST Employees for the month of October, and winning $150, are ... Ryan Overhouse from direct support and Paula Mickelson from management! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees for the month of OCTOBER were:
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Hannah Abbiehl
Terri Bollinger
Jennifer Faught
Jessica Gossen
Abby Hamilton
Laura Holstein
Lynnette Jenness
Linda Liebzeit
Amanda Lunde
Abrey Mayweather
Mike Neary
Carly Nelson
Jana Pickers
Sarah Scheeringa
Jacob Tappe
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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Would you like to enter a contest to win a gas card? I have TWO requirements:
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Send an email to BESTEmployees@AuroraServices.com and nominate an Aurora person to be the BEST Employee. You don't have to write anything more than their name if you don't want to.
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Reply to this email and let me know who you have nominated.
Winner's name drawn randomly and announced on Nov. 30.
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We are getting to that time of year when it’s important to pay attention to our surroundings—and what’s under our feet! Please pay attention to the article in this edition about the salt/sand shakers! They are important!
As an update to all Owners … I hesitate to say this out loud, but … our employee injuries have been well-managed this year. And because our premium is based on our experience, everything we all do has an impact. We need to be safe at work (and at home) and help others be safe. The better our safety record, the less we pay in premium. Below is what has caused our injuries YTD.
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Keep safety at the forefront of everything you do! We need you and want you to be safe! Have a safe and health holiday season! | |
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Winter slips and falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and a large contributor of worker’s compensation costs.
To prepare for slippery walking conditions, Aurora is encouraging all employees to use their salt and sand shakers this winter season. Contact your area office if you do not have a salt and sand shaker and one will be provided to you. The shakers fit in cup holders in vehicles or carry with you to and from buildings.
Fill the shaker with the salt/sand mixture provided in the offices or sites. Carry and use the shaker to spread salt/sand in front of you for safe walking. Use on a slippery sidewalk, getting out of your vehicle, walking across a parking lot, going to get the mail, bringing out the garbage, etc. The salt/sand shakers are to be used in addition to already salting and sanding walkways, steps, etc.
Let’s prevent slips and falls this winter season!
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Congratulations to Kayla Vance from 085 in Eau Claire and Linda Liebzeit from 025 in Thorp!
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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Vicky Campbell
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: I love helping people.
What I will bring to the job: A positive, upbeat attitude.
My background: having a job where I get to help and socialize with others.
Family: I've been with my husband for 36 years. We both have big families.
Hobbies/interests: I have too many to list: movies, walking, hiking, biking, swimming, etc.
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Kristen Gossel
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Baldwin
Why I applied for the job: I have worked with Aurora in the past and love the residents and the job.
What I will bring to the job: Great team member that likes to make things fun while still doing a great job.
My background: Been in this field for 12 years.
Family: I am married with an 8-year-old son and dog Jaxon, a cocker spaniel.
Hobbies/interests: We like to watch movies, go in our pool. I also like to cook and bake.
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Erin Winters
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: I like to help others succeed in life and if I am able to provide guidance in that succes, I would feel good about it.
What I will bring to the job: Strong team work ethic, strong caregiving background.
My background: Employment—worked in home care for 13-plus years, was in management.
Family: Just me and my dog Max.
Hobbies/interests: Hiking, walking with my dog, avid outdoors person.
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Danielle Toman
Aurora Community Counseling
Mental Health Professional, Eau Claire & Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: I love the endless possibilities of new things to learn and do at Aurora. I know I enjoy being a counselor, but I want to continue to grow and learn more.
What I will bring to the job: Fun, laughter, and most importantly, my unique perspective (and hair). My main goal is to bring joy, whether it be to clients or coworkers.
My background: I just graduated from UW-Stout with my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and completed my yearlong internship at UWEC Counseling Services, and I so love working with the young adult population and the topic of trauma.
Family: My family is great. I grew up in Rice Lake, WI. I have a 2-year-old nephew and a niece on the way! I currently live with my boyfriend, who is my honest soulmate, as well as my 3 cats and 2 snakes.
Hobbies/interests: Sushi. I love sushi. Also, I'm currently taking vocal lessons, so I guess I could call myself a singer.
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Anna Bjerkebek
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I have worked here before and liked it a lot the first time around.
What I will bring to the job: Patience, kindness.
My background: This is my second time coming back. Clearly, I like the work!
Family: My parents, oldest sister/huband and 1 son, another sister/bf in New Zealand.
Hobbies/interests: Love crocheting, have 3 cats.
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Max Abendroth
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I have an interest in helping people and want to build a more medical/mental health background.
What I will bring to the job: Ease, communication, fun (hopefully).
My background: Lifeguarding, lab work, art commissions, swimming.
Family: I have three siblings, so things at my house get loud.
Hobbies/interests: Art, neuroscience, music, animation, writing. I am a self-taught artist and am doing undergrad research in neuroscience.
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Denise Garrett
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: My passion for working with the clients.
What I will bring to the job: 10+ years experience.
My background: I've been a CNA, DSP, caregiver for many years.
Family: Husband, 2 kids.
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Elizabeth Schwichtenberg
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: To work with my disabled brother to help him find purpose and growth in doing things for himself.
What I will bring to the job: I hope to bring a sense of ease in helping my brother navigate the world and the ins and outs of being an adult.
My background: Been working as a caregiver since 2016 for my brother and have been helping before that since I was 10.
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Carli Stevens
Aurora Vocational Services
Quality Assurance Specialist, Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: I know multiple people who work for Aurora and love the company!
What I will bring to the job: I will bring my credible communication skills and teamwork to ensure quality assurance.
My background: I have been a preschool teacher for the last year, but I'm excited to use more of my human service degree.
Family: My family is from Wisconsin Dells. My mom, dad, and brother.
Hobbies/interests: In my free time, I enjoy yoga and taking care of my plants.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of NOVEMBER, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Paula Mickelson (19 years), Nicole Vande Kolk (2 years), Pam Kegley (6 years), Jessica Kautter (2 years), Jennifer Faught (2 years), Monique Steiner (1 year), Mandi Mouw (14 years), Heidi Lang (10 years), Beth Alexander (28 years), and Holly Love (19 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Brandon Bautch (16 years), Janell Card (22 years), Abby Hamilton (4 years), Jena Harrup (1 year), Tanya Herrin (2 years), Arthur Holbert (1 year), Joanne Jones (1 year), Bintu Kamara (5 years), Jesse Korbal (11 years), Naomi Lehmann (7 years), Ashley Lyons (1 year), Lee McCready (6 years), Teresa Monjaraz (5 years), Roy Parker (12 years), Ashley Prax (1 year), Emily Ronning (1 year), Natania Sault (1 year), Randall Shumway (9 years), Elvin Stoner (23 years), Kyle Weidler (9 years), and Susan Wheeler (3 years).
When we combine all of these years of service,
we get 253 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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