Today is the first day of spring! What a great time of rebirth and awakening in the world around us. Get those plans and projects rolling! |
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When you follow Aurora's Facebook page and share our job postings, you not only help us find YOUR next team members, but you give yourself the chance to earn a $1,000 Finder's Fee!
If you share our post and the applicant is hired and mentions your name as a referral, you earn some extra cash! Employees must be in good standing to receive bonuses.
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Our featured Value Word of the month is:
Resilient—able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult positions.
So what does resilience look like in action? Some examples of resilient behaviors and ways that you can show resilience include:
- Trying to take a positive perspective on situations
- Viewing challenges as learning opportunities
- Regulating emotions and expressing feelings in appropriate ways
- Focusing on the things you can control instead of dwelling on what you cannot change
- Recognizing that cognitive distortions are false
- Reframing negative thoughts to be more realistic and positive
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Owners Corner
— Marni Waznik —
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This month’s featured owner of Aurora is Steve Lauer, RN, ACH.
Steve came to Aurora 5 years ago with a wealth of nursing experience in long-term care facilities. He was losing his mojo in those settings when he saw Aurora’s ad for a home care nurse. He felt so positive during his interview with Candy Wolf, Director of ACH, he jumped at the chance to try something new. While there was a big learning curve for Steve, he has truly enjoyed the diverse responsibilities and consumers and the autonomy of managing his own work. The experience lit a fire for him and he’s been excited to learn more about Mental Health and Home Health services.
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Steve is motivated by helping consumers stay as independent as possible in their own homes, being involved in the process of assessment, goal setting, and evaluation of outcomes. He really enjoys working with an employer that values its employees and loves being a respected part of Aurora.
Steve cites the positive work environment as a unique one in which he finds people from all departments and locations friendly, easy to work with, and highly accountable. Aurora has been a place where Steve has found work-life balance for the first time in a long time. He is interested in continuing his personal and professional growth here by helping pave the road forward. We look forward to sharing that experience with you, Steve! We’re glad you’re here!
Steve is an avid musky fisherman and spends as much time as he can on the water. He and his family have purchased a camper and enjoy getting outdoors. Spending time with his son at sporting events and teaching him to fish are favorite pastimes for Steve. He also volunteers at Regis Catholic School in Altoona.
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Featured Team
— Colette Spielman —
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This month, we feature the Maintenance Department.
The maintenance department consists of Nikki Coss, Director of Maintenance, Richard Jaramillo covers Colorado, Brian Bender covers La Crosse, Jim Showalter covers Eau Claire and Menomonie, Orlando Simon covers the Northwest area, and Jacob Tappe covers the East.
The maintenance department is committed to ensuring a safe working environment for all sites and offices.
In 2022, the maintenance department received 1,554 requests from sites and offices. As Nikki stated, “We can fairly add another 200 to that count as many things the department does, doesn’t get recorded." Examples include: office moves, new offices opening, “while you’re here, can you do this” requests, shoveling, salting and sanding, delivering REALiving magazines, etc.
Some examples of requests have been:
Pipe on water heater leaking, garage door doesn’t stay closed, install floor-to-ceiling poles, replace blinds in bedroom, water coming from light fixture, remove wall if not load bearing, clean air vents, install grab bars, tire flat, replace flooring in bedrooms, mice inside the site, remove bees nest, hornets nest in the mailbox (some critter issues!), flooded basement, install new refrigerator, air conditioners not working, various alarms not working, patch and paint walls, move furniture, leaking sinks, and the requests go on.
The maintenance department is also responsible for vehicles, which includes coordinating repairs from everyday use to dealing with vehicle accidents. And Nikki works with landlords for any concerns or issues that may arise. Also, the department does water tests for the state. There is also an on-call system for after hours and weekends for incidences that need immediate attention.
Thank you to the dedicated team that makes up our maintenance department! We appreciate all of your hard work in keeping our homes and offices in tip-top shape!
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I think one of my coworkers is not following a consumers service plan when faced with the consumer’s challenging behavior. Should I talk with someone about it?
Even if your coworker is managing the situation properly, if you have doubts or concerns, contact your supervisor to get clarity about the matter. Your supervisor wants to hear any concerns or misgivings you have, and a good conversation about it will likely allay those concerns. If you’re not sure how to reach your supervisor (or any other member of the management team), call the corporate office in Menomonie at 888.261.5585.
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Congratulations go out to several Aurora people this month for having been Busted Being Their BEST!
First up, kudos to Kevin Crowell, IT Specialist, who was nominated by REALiving Consultant MaryAnne Erickson after he helped her out of a tough technology situation. She says: “Recently I was experiencing technical issues with my work cell phone—of course, I was on call, it was a Friday evening, AND I was going out of town for the weekend. I needed my phone. And Kevin knew just what to do. He worked with me well into Friday evening to ensure I would not miss an email or call. He went above and beyond to make sure that I felt confident to travel. I cannot thank him enough for his calm demeanor and expertise.”
Thank you so much for taking care of Aurora and REALiving's employees, Kevin!
Next, we have the Aurora QA Team (Andrea Olson, Brett Mesner, Carly Nelson, Erik Olson, Jessica Gossen, Nichole Hartung, Anthony Nayes, and Matthew St. Ores) who played a big role in a county audit and received major accolades from the RWC CCS lead worker, who wrote to them: "I wish emails could play rock music and throw perfumed glitter when you opened them. Because, if they could, this would be the loudest, brightest, and most beautiful email EVER! We finished our DQA audit today in absolute record time with glowing reviews from our auditor… in HUGE part thanks to you ALL!" She added toward the end of the email, "You are the reason I love my job. You all care so much about what you do and it shows."
Can't get much higher praise than that! Way to go, QA Team!
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Our BEST Employees for the month of February, and winning $150, are ... Laura Holstein from direct support and Orlando Simon from management! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees for the month of February were:
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Jocelyn Holder
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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National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month |
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According to the CDC, 1 in 6 children are born with a developmental disability. Thank goodness we live in a world in which doors have been dramatically opened for individuals with disabilities over the last many years. Thank YOU, Aurora Team, for all you do to create opportunities for people you support!
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Congratulations to Jesse Kauffeld from 044 in Eau Claire and Gina Martell from 005 in New Richmond!
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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ALL employees are reminded that safety is a top priority!
We don’t want you or consumers injured. If there is a safety concern where you work, be it an office, a residential site, a day center, please report the issue to your supervisor or HR staff. Make sure you have sufficient salt/sand available, shovels, consumer equipment, etc.
Thank you!
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Jill Groenheim
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Spooner
Why I applied for the job: Aurora is a great company! I had worked at Aurora in 2010, and I enjoyed it very much.
What I will bring to the job: I want to help make a difference in someone else's life that deals with the tough challenges daily. I have experience working with adults with disabilities, and I love the challenges of working a variety of disabilities.
My background: I worked 3+ years with another business. My older sister also worked at Aurora in 2010 for a couple of years.
Family: I am married to my husband Burt, and I have one son, Adam.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy listening to music, getting together with my friends, and reading books.
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Sarah Smith
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Altoona
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy being around people, helping others, making others smile.
What I will bring to the job: Smiles.
My background: I have worked in health care before and enjoyed it.
Family: I'm a mom of 2 wonderful boys.
Hobbies/interests: I like cooking and baking, camping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
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Jenny Claflin
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Mental Health Technician, Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: I understand personally how difficult mental health can be; difficult for yourself or for others around you. I want to do what I can to make it easier as well as take this opportunity to learn.
What I will bring to the job: I'm passionate and creative. I have a strong work ethic, especially when I care deeply about what I'm doing. I also have a huge capacity for compassion for those who are struggling.
My background: I've worked mostly retail while I was studying for my undergraduate degree. I was also a resident assistant on campus, which exposed me to some level of mental health crisis work. Otherwise, I love the arts and writing.
Family: I come from a big family. Four older brothers and a developmentally disabled younger sister. My mom is a crisis therapist in my home state, and she's my hero. We're a close family, always have been.
Hobbies/interests: Singing, dancing, writing, painting, drawing, cooking, and baking. Those are all I really do in my free time. I like to explore other crafts as well; I get it from my mom.
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Chris Moss
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: Caregiving feels natural to me. It's the missing puzzle piece.
What I will bring to the job: An in-depth sense of empathy, respect, and compassion.
My background: Wide variety of jobs, interest in psychology, neurology, medicine.
Family: Mom/Dad: Georgia. Eldest of 4 kids, 2 sisters and 1 brother.
Hobbies/interests: I make art/jewelry out of stone/bone/metal.
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Kathryn (Katie) Byrd
Aurora Vocational Services
Employment Specialist, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: Something different, a change.
What I will bring to the job: New face.
My background: I like meeting and working with new people.
Family: I'm married, have 1 daughter, and 2 dogs: chocolate lab, Hazel, and chihuahua, Jasmine.
Hobbies/interests: Cooking, baking, crafts, watching movies.
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Grace Zsido
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Mental Health Technician, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I'm looking for "real world" experience in the psychology field before I go to grad school to become a mental health therapist.
What I will bring to the job: I am very good with people and making them feel like they have a purpose. I don't take things personally and I'm here to help people thrive.
My background: I have worked in retail and restaurant industry since I was 15, so I have a lot of customer service background. I like working with people.
Family: My parents are still together, and I have a little brother.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy doing anything outside, at least when it's warm out. I enjoy creative thinking through photography, crafts, etc.
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Phoebe Forsyth
Aurora Community Services
Call Center Specialist, Remote
Why I applied for the job: I am very passionate about advocating for those struggling with their mental health.
What I will bring to the job: I have a master's degree with a large amount of psychology/mental education. I'm very empathetic, as well as a good listener that's driven to help others.
My background: I have my bachelor's degree in Community Advocacy & Social Policy as well as my master's degree in Social Justice & Human Rights with a minor in psych. I graduated cum laude with both degrees, and I'm very driven to be an ally to all groups of people, as well as advocate to help end the stigma of mental illness and discuss the importance of social equality.
Family: I have a wonderful husband and a fur-baby named Chandler. The three of use enjoy going to Starbucks and the (dog) toy store.
Hobbies/interests: In my free time, I enjoy playing with my dog, spending time with my husband, and going on golf cart rides. I'm also an avid horror movie water and a hobby crafter!
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of March, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
James Tangen-Foster (6 years), Sonya Casey (4 years), Dustin Doornink (19 years), Julie Lifto (27years), Jessica Checkalski (10 years), Vicki Solberg (1 year), and Maria Block (19 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Olga Reinke (12 years), Bernadine Wendt (16 years), Ondreea Marin (5 years), Naomi Kuklinski (1 year), William Selenske (19 years), Judy Koxlien (22 years), David Furst (22 years), Marina Woolums (1 year), and Amanda Mundt (1 year).
Combined, that's a total of 188 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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