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"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
~ Maya Angelou
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Owners Corner
— by Stephanie Ischer—
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Featured owner of Aurora this month is Jesse Korbal, a Program Manager in Stevens Point.
Jesse Korbal says she got her start at Aurora way back in 2012, when had been working at Goodwill. "I loved working with people with disabilities there," says Jesse. Lucky for her (and for us!), Jessie's mom not only worked for Aurora, but she used to bring Jesse in to work with her when she was just 8 years old! "I got to know all the consumers at 052 and 062 at that time. The one lady I knew would kiss my hand and say 'how sweet' and make kissy noises. It would just make a person happy, and it was so fun, and I loved it. I forgot about it, and my mother reminded me about Aurora. I applied and got the job!
In her 10 years at Aurora, Jesse has been in two different positions, starting as a CLA. Despite a brief break after not feeling like she fit in, she came back and found the perfect house where she fit. "The consumers just melted my heart," she says. When that house closed, Jesse went to another house full-time and has found it to be a good fit.
"There have been losses and house changes, but I wouldn't change anything. I became Program Manager of 058 (now 057) in 4 years time, and it has been a blast," she says. "I enjoy working with my consumers and the joy that is in the job, seeing them grow and change. They make you want to keep beingt here for the good and the bad with them. I also like my coworkers. They are like family and without them and the consumers, I wouldn't be who I am. My coworkers have helped me grow so much in the 10 years I have been here, and I am happy to know them. I feel like we are all a family here."
When Jesse isn't busy being a total BOSS for Aurora and filling shifts, she can be found axe throwing. Thanks for your dedication, Jesse!
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REALiving Director Gina Krueger shares the exciting news that two more Aurora employees have earned the title of Certified Professional BESTology Coach.
Congratulations to Kaitlin Bourgard, and Rayelle McCready! They are all now qualified to coach others to be their BEST!
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Our BEST Employees for the month of June, and winning $150, are ... Bethany Cerutti from direct support and Jana Hansen from management! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees for the month of JUNE were:
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Kaitlin Bourgard
Sadie Bygd
Bethany Cerutti
Jessica Checkalski
Kassidy Earhart
Shaina Gagas
Narda Gordillo
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Jana Hansen
Stephanie Ischer
Jeanne Martens
Dorothy Reed
Sheri Sneen
April Solberg
Jacob Tappe
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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!
Once nominated, employees will remain eligible for the bonus drawing throughout the year.
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Psst... Want to enter a contest to win a gas card? Reply to this email with your BEST answer to that age-old question, "Why did the chicken cross the road?" Winner announced on July 26. | |
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Did you know? August 1st is the open enrollment period in Aurora's group health, dental, and life insurance plan.
What is an open enrollment period? If you qualify for Aurora’s health, dental and life benefits and have previously declined enrollment, this is your opportunity to enroll in any or all of these benefits without a required qualifying event.
If the open enrollment opportunity is available to you, watch for an insurance packet to be coming your way in the mail. If you choose to enroll, your enrollment forms must be received in the Menomonie Office prior to 8/1/2023. If you choose not to enroll, the next open enrollment period will be August 2024. If you are currently enrolled in any of these benefits and no changes are necessary, you may disregard the insurance packet if received.
As always, feel free to contact Jessica Checkalski at 715-235-1839 or jcheckalski@auroraservices.com with any of your Aurora’s benefit questions.
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Aurora is pleased to announce that employee contributions will not change! While the cost of providing this benefit has increased, Aurora feels strongly that the benefit is important and valuable to our fellow owners and will absorb the increased cost.
We have some more exciting news to share with you. We have simplified the process for receiving reimbursement from the Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Beginning Aug. 1, 2023, you do not need to do anything to receive the reimbursement. It will happen automatically for you! Simple as that.
Here is a refresher on the basics of the plan. For a single policy, your total out-of-pocket expense is $3,475 for the calendar year. For a family policy, total out-of-pocket expense is $6,950.
Of course if you want all the details, we have them for you. You can find more detailed information on Aurora’s employee website, employee.auroraservices.com under Benefits and Insurance.
Or feel free to contact Aurora’s Benefit Specialist at 715-235-1839 ext. 2013. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
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Congratulations to Roy Parker from 129 in Wausau and Kayla Benisch, Employment Specialist in Wausau!
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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Care, Respect, Appreciation | |
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Being short-staffed puts an extra burden on Aurora employees. Plus, it has the potential for more work-related injuries and burnout. And as we know, this can have an impact on our consumers.
So how do we retain the amazing staff that we already have? By showing care, respect, and appreciation. Here are some ways you can share praise and do your part to help staff retention:
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Show respect by being courteous and tactful towards others.
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Be responsible by keeping your commitments and being on time.
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Enthusiastically cooperate with others by following procedures, being willing to learn, knowing your job, being receptive and approachable, being open-minded, and being a team player!
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Communicate well by using appropriate language, praising others, and being a good listener.
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Do your best to be friendly and exhibit a good sense of humor.
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Be supportive in the success of others, and show concern and caring to your fellow coworkers.
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Use your time well; be neat, clean, and organized.
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Be honest and truthful with yourself and others.
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Work to your greatest potential.
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Be fair in everything you do.
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Work together to ensure a safe working environment!
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Mandi Mouw in Colorado was excited to share an amazing compliment to the staff of 305 for their professionalism, compassion, and care.
An unannounced survey was conducted this week by the state and lasted nearly 8 HOURS! During the exit interview, both surveyors made it clear that they were extremely thorough and were shocked that they couldn't find ANYTHING out of compliance. The head person, who has been with the state since before Aurora started in Colorado, said she has never not been able to find something out of compliance in a survey. She said she was highly impressed with the program and staff—Kathy Barnard, Holly Love, Courtney Goff, Kim Jensen, and Rayelle McCready—who all acted very quickly, were extremely cordial and kind, and who got everything to them very quickly and competently.
Mandi says, "Rayelle was specifically called out for her amazing work, the beautifully maintained home, happy consumers, and her level of compassion and competence. They raved about her, and she in turn raved about our company and how much she loves and respects Aurora."
Mandi was happy to "brag" on the employees and says, "I just want you to know what a great team we have here and how dedicated and amazing each of them are."
What an incredible compliment to hard-working employees who kept calm and cool and maintained their compassion. Way to go, Rayelle, Holly, Courtney, Kim, and Kathy!
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Savannah Ducommun
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wausau
Why I applied for the job: I love helping and working with others!
What I will bring to the job: A good spirit and teamwork ethic!
My background: I was in the Army for 3 years.
Family: I live with my boyfriend and our 5 animals. I have 4 younger siblings that I love!
Hobbies/interests: I love to read and go on adventures!
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Cassidy Walker
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Weston
Why I applied for the job: I applied to Aurora because I would still be working in the field I love working in but get paid more.
What I will bring to the job: Enthusiasm for my profession. My willingness to learn new things.
My background: Succeed Independence, Whispering Pines.
Hobbies/interests: Swimming, camping, volleyball, hiking.
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Danna Scharnke
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Program Assistant, Wausau Day Center
What I will bring to the job: I would bring compassion and the understanding of what this job is.
My background: Worked in PA at an assistance living; worked for Aurora in the past.
Family: Mother of 4 grown children and grandma of 9 beautiful grand babies.
Hobbies/interests: Cooking, crafting, traveling.
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Michael Genske
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Comstock and New Richmond
Why I applied for the job: Take care of people in need. Everybody deserves an opportunity for a good life.
What I will bring to the job: Personal knowledge of many aspects of critical, traumatic times in people's lives.
My background: Spending time outdoors, working with animals, especially dogs.
Family: 3 children—2 daughters, 1 boy; 4 grandkids.
Hobbies/interests: Outdoors.
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Jamie Marsh
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Spooner
Why I applied for the job: Love the line of work.
What I will bring to the job: Kind personality, easygoing, various experiences.
My background: Caregiving, DSP, TBI-based caregiving.
Family: Mother and brother have special needs.
Hobbies/interests: Birds, crafts, cows, animals.
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Abrey Mayweather
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy caregiving and currently work as a caregiver, looking for work/life balance.
What I will bring to the job: Strong work ethic, compassion, care for my consumers.
My background: 4 years caregiving, a few years customer service, former assistant line lead.
Family: I'm the youngest of 5. 2 brothers, 2 sisters. I have a 9-year-old daughter. My family lives in Racine, WI and Atlanta, GA. I have a son due in August.
Hobbies/interests: Football, basketball, wrestling, music, video games.
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Anna Boschen
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I like helping people and always a people person.
What I will bring to the job: Compassion, always willing to help, and pick shifts up.
My background: Working at Victoria's Secret.
Family: Family lives in California, and husband just passed away 3 months ago.
Hobbies/interests: Hiking with puppy, write poetry. I am writing a book.
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Elizabeth Shomila
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Baldwin
Why I applied for the job: I love helping others. Also I recently moved to be closer to my fiance.
What I will bring to the job: A great attitude. I'm a hard worker.
My background: I've been a CNA for the last 3 years and worked at an assisted living facility. I love talking with my residents and getting to know them.
Family: I'm a proud mom of 4. My oldest is a computer engineer. I have a 20-year-old with spina bifida. My daughter just graduated high school and will be going to college for nursing in the fall. My baby is almost 9 months old and is the happiest.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy reading, talking, and spending time with family.
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Caylyn Copeskey
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Baldwin
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping others and am extremely passionate about seeing others thrive.
What I will bring to the job: Dedication, teamwork, positive attitude.
My background: I've worked for home health care as well as other group homes. I care about helping others succeed and helping them with daily living.
Family: Clarissa (mom), Colton (brother), Clara (sister), Corey (brother), John (dad).
Hobbies/interests: I love to play volleyball, go on walks/hiking. Absolutely love to do anything that involves natures! I also love to fish.
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Jason Yager
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: My teammate (Logan Lutz) is working as a caregiver for Aurora and recommended the job.
What I will bring to the job: Hard work, passion.
My background: Marcus Theatres Bistro Plex in Greendale, WI. Position: food runner and cashier.
Family: Mother: Kelly Yager. Father: James Yager.
Hobbies/interests: Cross country and track and field.
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Melissa Krueger
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Program Assistant, Wausau Day Center
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy working with developmentally/physically disabled individuals. I missed working with them, and with changes in life, a Monday through Friday job that I love is idea.
What I will bring to the job: I have many years experience working with individuals with disabilities and have a lot of knowledge to bring to the job.
My background: Group homes, assisted living, in-home care, nursing homes.
Family: Recently married and trying to start a family with my husband. We currently have 4 fur babies (2 dogs, 2 cats) and a tank full of fish.
Hobbies/interests: Kayaking, fishing, animals, traveling, movies/TV, computer games, spending time with family.
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Shay Freeman
Aurora Community Counseling
Substance Abuse Counselor-In Training, Chippewa & Ladysmith
Why I applied for the job: Passion to help others in this area.
What I will bring to the job: Compassion for those suffering from substance use issues.
My background: Business/supervisory management. Also currently work as a recovery coach.
Family: I have an adult son, grandson, and a mini golden doodle named Nova.
Hobbies/interests: Spending time with friends, walking, reading.
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Kevin Kelly
Aurora Vocational Services
Employment Specialist, Chippewa Falls/Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I want a job where I get to help people.
What I will bring to the job: Years of supervisory experience in various fields.
My background: Graduated in 2006 from UW-EC with degree in marketing. Worked in retail management, real estate, and sales and marketing. Going back to school this fall at UW-EC to get a degree in psychology.
Family: Married my beautiful wife Carrie in March 2023. We have 2 cats and a dog.
Hobbies/interests: Big sports fan, especially Wisconsin sports. Also love trying new restaurants and TV documentaries.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of JULY, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Linda Amundson (16 years), Lynnette Jenness (3 years), Juan Gordillo (16 years), Jennifer Harder (2 years), Stephanie Ischer (14 years), Deena Black (31 years), Jeanne Martens (8 years), Lisa Bechel (4 years), Emily Mujwid (24 years), and Jocelyn Holder (3 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Gina Martell (11 years), Stacey Hamm (1 year), Brenda Kannenberg (1 year), Sara Dorr (8 years), Paula Listopad (13 years), Camie Teerink (5 years), Melisa Galligan (4 years), Jeremy Nevin (2 years), Betty Johnson (5 years), Stephanie Johnson (13 years), Guadalupe Sault (16 years), Ashton Mack (2 years), Chase Welsch (3 years),
Rachel Barton (2 years), Douglas Sessions (25 years),
Dennis Rude (7 years), Justin Allen (10 years), Jenifer Tenner (2 years), Philip Schlosser (7 years), Olivia Stevens (7 years), Amber Scholl (1 year), Eileen Kelleher (4 years), Brian Bender (4 years), Renea Andreski (2 years), Katherine Andresen (4 years), and Noah Faught (1 year).
When we combine all of these years of service,
we get 281 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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