This month’s featured owner of Aurora is Linda Aton.
On June 9, 1992, Linda Aton started her 30-year career with Aurora, working nights and weekends as a part-time direct support staff. After six months, she took a full-time office manager position in New Richmond while still working part-time direct support. Linda said that at the time, she had zero office skills. In fact, she didn’t even know how to turn on a computer, so instead she used the monitor as her sticky note holder. With a smile and some encouraging words, Dave Barnard would come into her office and turn her computer on for her.
After Kris Carlsrud accepted the Regional Director position, Linda took over Kris’s previous role as Director of Administrative Services. She soon started traveling, scouting locations to establish new offices, and hiring skilled staff. Linda explained that Aurora believed in her when she didn’t even know how to turn on a computer, and every opportunity that she’s had, has been something she never would have taken on, on her own. They encouraged, gave help, and practiced patience, so Linda could learn the necessary new skills for each of her roles. Because of the amazing opportunities that Linda received, she tries to pay it forward when hiring new administrative staff, and has found that supervising people is the one thing she loves the most about her job. She thrives from helping others find their strengths and talents that they weren’t even aware of. Linda has found a passion for “growing” people and explains to her staff that she wants this to be the best job they’ve ever had. She explained, “I want to do for others what Aurora did for me.”
Linda has found that in addition to her love of supervising others, she’s become very skilled at customer service, managing details, and seeing all facets of the company as a big picture. Because of this, she can fulfill everyone’s needs. Someone once told Linda that she was like the moon floating around the Aurora earth, always identifying the environmental issues and figuring out solutions to make Aurora stronger.
Linda said that she feels very blessed that this has been her one and only career for 30 years, which has been an incredible ride. “To be able to work in a company that has such passion, and has continued to fire my passion … I’m the luckiest person in the world,” Linda shared. Dave used to tell Linda that she was going to turn the lights off when we’re all done here, to which Linda explains, “Walking away from this company—in good times or bad—will be the hardest thing ever I do.”
Thank you for being you, Linda, and for always inspiring others to grow into their full potential!
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Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
— by Cynthia Smith —
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Aurora provides a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) at no cost to all employees who are enrolled in health insurance coverage through Medica. You are automatically enrolled in the HRA when you enroll in the health insurance plan. You don’t need to do anything; we take care of it for you.
The HRA is funded by Aurora to reimburse health insurance claims processed by Medica on an Explanation of Benefits (EBO). If you have single medical coverage, the HRA will reimburse claims between $2,501 - $5,500. If you have family medical coverage, the HRA will reimburse claims between $5,001 - $11,000.
Compensation Consultants is the administrator of Aurora’s HRA. Their website www.ccflex.com provides information to assist you in submitting your reimbursement request. You can find the form, HRA reimbursement form, under resources.
To receive your reimbursement for qualified medical expenses from the HRA, fill out the HRA reimbursement form and send in the EOB’s from Medica for expenses over $2,501 for single coverage and $5,001 for family coverage. Compensation Consultations will process the claim and send you a check or direct deposit for the amount of the qualified medical expenses.
For more information on Aurora’ health plan, including the Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), you can visit Aurora’s employee website https://www.employee.auroraservices.com/. There is a Power Point presentation under Benefits/Insurance that provides a full explanation of employee insurance coverage.
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10 Ways to Build Resilience
— by Jesseca Erb —
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Resilience is defined as the ability to bounce back from setbacks and failures. It is not a trait that people either have or do not have. It involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone. Here are 10 effective ways to build resilience:
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Make connections. Solid relationships with family members, friends, and coworkers provide a network of support to process day-to-day challenges in a healthy, productive way.
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Avoid seeing crises as an insurmountable problem. You may not be able to control stressful events that happen, but you can control how you respond to them. Focus on how your behavior can positively affect the situation.
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Accept that change is part of living. When you’re aware and have accepted that circumstances are not within your control, reflect on the important lessons you’ve learned.
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Move toward your goals. What are some realistic goals you can accomplish? Do something regularly—even if it’s a small accomplishment—that enables you to move toward your goals. Ask yourself, “What’s one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?”
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Take decisive action. Instead of ignoring problems or stressors, do something positive during each adverse situation.
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Look for self-discovery opportunities. People often learn something about themselves, and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggles.
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Nurture a positive view of yourself. Believe in your ability to solve problems and trust your instincts.
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Keep things in perspective. Even when facing painful events, try to consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing the event out of proportion.
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Maintain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic outlook allows you to expect that good things will happen in your life. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear.
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Take care of yourself. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience.
(Source: Mental Toughness Partners)
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Building Trust
— by Marni Waznik —
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Trust is a necessary ingredient for a well-functioning team. It requires hard work and team members to do it. In the end, it cultivates a healthy and empowering workplace.
Here are some mistakes people make that erode trust:
- Avoiding conflict – Addressing conflict promptly rather than avoiding it demonstrates a desire to hear other ideas and opinions and provides an opportunity to clarify purpose, procedures, and expectations. Failing to address conflict can leave people wondering.
- Breaking promises – Be careful about promising things you may not be able to follow through on. Breaking a promise can cause others to question your commitment.
- Focusing on compliance – Layers of rigid rules can feel like micromanagement and mistrust. Share the end goal and trust people to get there.
- Failing to communicate – Being honest (even when the news isn’t good) and sharing information regularly can keep people from making up their own stories about what’s happening.
- Assuming trust – Trust is earned and reciprocal. Show others you trust them and work toward good working relationships with others.
Key qualities to focus on to develop trust:
- Clarity – Provide a clear vision and role for team members.
- Compassion – Leaders who care inspire trust.
- Character – Choose to do what’s right.
- Competency – Stay fresh, relevant, and capable.
- Commitment – Stick with employees in the face of adversity and they’ll do the same for you.
- Connection – Cultivate strong relationships. Find common ground.
- Contribution – Produce results.
- Consistency – What we do all the time shapes the expectations others have of us.
Don’t miss your opportunity to improve relationships at work! They’re important to the team and our consumers!
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Our BEST Employees for the month of July are ... Judith Koxlien from direct support and LuAnn Esko from management! Congratulations!
Nominees for the month of July were:
Abby Hamilton
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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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Congratulations to Clifford Maxfield from 095 in Spooner and Larissa Webster-Clifton from the Eau Claire Center!
These team members have demonstrated their commitment to safety and have won a $100 bonus for having done so!
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In last month's The Loop, we challenged you to correctly identify these four people from a throwback Aurora pic.
From left to right:
Dave Barnard, Terri Bollinger, Don Andresen, and Sadie Bygd
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Did you guess them all correctly? Of those who did and emailed Marni Waznik their guesses, Sadie Bygd herself was drawn as the winner of the Kwik Trip gift card! We're sure that card will come in handy as she drives all over meeting REALiving clients and prepping for back-to-school kickoff events!
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August is National Wellness Month!
National Wellness Month focuses on self-care, managing stress, and promoting healthy routines. Create wholesome habits in your lifestyle all month long and see how much better you feel!
Research has shown self-care helps manage stress and promotes happiness. Whether you challenge yourself to a new yoga pose or try a different spa treatment, make a small change and impact your health in positive ways.
There are numerous ways to make those small changes, too.
- Increase your water intake.
- Add more fruits and veggies to your meals.
- Monitor your sleep and make adjustments for better sleep habits
- Join a yoga, walking, or aerobics class.
- Learn to meditate.
These small steps can lead to many more healthy habits in your lifestyle.
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Brenda Kannenberg
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Thorp
Why I applied for the job: The supervisor/PM asked me to come back 3 times. My husband recently passed away—I needed to work.
What I will bring to the job: I'm compassionate and friendly and outgoing.
My background: I have worked for Aurora two times before.
Family: Daughter, son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, my dog.
Hobbies/interests: Gardening, being with family, church activities.
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Kwanza Porter
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wausau/Weston
Why I applied for the job: I love taking care of children and adults when they are in need.
What I will bring to the job: Making sure I will be there on time and doing what is asked of me.
My background: Cleaning, helping with changing, and cooking.
Family: By being new to Wausau, I don't have any family or friends. I just have a few of my children here.
Hobbies/interests: Fishing, bowling, going out to eat, shopping, cleaning, being outdoors, and cooking.
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Noah Faught
Aurora Vocational Services
Employment Specialist I, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I wanted experience in my field while helping others at the same time.
What I will bring to the job: I want my fellow coworkers to feel safe that their clients are in good hands.
My background: I come from mostly leadership roles in retail and have interests in business management.
Family: Mother who works at Aurora, Pastor Brian (father), 2 brothers (1 in military), and 1 sister.
Hobbies/interests: Gaming, kayaking, online coaching.
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Johanna Anderson
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I just graduated college with a psychology degree and want to have more experience in the mental health field before going back to school.
What I will bring to the job: Compassion for the work I do, and positivity.
Family: A brother and sister.
Hobbies/interests: I like to play volleyball.
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Rebecca Converse
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: So I could get some better opportunities.
What I will bring to the job: Joy, happiness, and a lot of help.
My background: I love working with the elderly and those with mental disabilities.
Family: I have a 13-month-old son, husband, mom, dad, and older brother.
Hobbies/interests: Fishing, baking, and cooking.
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Kendra Birmingham
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eleva
Why I applied for the job: I wanted to help others fulfill their dreams and learn to live a healthy lifestyle on their own.
What I will bring to the job: Great leadership skills, and very much of a team player.
My background: Played college basketball for three years. Love to talk about hot topics and podcasts. Helps residents to get used to being themselves throughout society.
Family: I have four sisters—two older and a set of twins under me. My dad is also a twin, and parents have been married for 35 years. I have a fiance and three stepchildren.
Hobbies/interests: YouTube, basketball, coaching kids.
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Emma Eimer
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Colorado
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping/being there for other people.
What I will bring to the job: Kind.
My background: Burger King and babysitting.
Family: Brother, mom and dad, 8 animals.
Hobbies/interests: Art.
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Brandon Raisley
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: Because I want to help people and needed a different kind of job.
What I will bring to the job: I'm smart, funny, very laidback, hard to rattle, and I'm good at problem-solving.
My background: I have been a roofer mostly, some factory jobs. I didn't like any of them.
Family: Have two kids and a girlfriend who works for Aurora.
Hobbies/interests: I love sports and gaming and spending time with family.
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Jillian Hansen Pawlowski
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, New Richmond
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping others and getting to know them.
What I will bring to the job: My great ideas of doing new outings. I get along with everyone. The extra mile I go to help everyone.
My background: I have been doing caregiving for 21 years and love it. I enjoy being with my family and friends in my free time.
Family: 3 boys: Eathan, Sean, Matthew. 3 dogs: Ash, Coco, Spaz.
Hobbies/interests: Animals, enjoying the outside, camping, 4-wheeling.
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Mario Scarpaci
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Plover
Why I applied for the job: I was interested in a caretaking/support position.
What I will bring to the job: I am a kind, patient, and empathetic person. I find value in helping people in any way I can.
My background: I have a degree in sociology. I care and am informed on current events.
Family: I am very close to my family. I have 3 brothers and 1 sister.
Hobbies/interests: I am into the Milwaukee Bucks. I love to read and enjoy going to the movies.
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Stacey Hamm
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Thorp
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping others.
What I will bring to the job: Dedication and a positive attitude.
My background: I worked in manufacturing for the past 8 years but worked as a caregiver before that. I'm excited to get back into it.
Family: I have a husband, 3 children, 3 bonus children, and a dog.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy spending time with my family, going camping, and motorcycle rides with my husband.
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David Pickerign
Aurora Vocational Services
Vocational Coordinator, Chippewa
Why I applied for the job: My first experience as a job coach in Menomonie opened my eyes on how I can help people, and I've wanted to advance ever since.
What I will bring to the job: Out of the "normal" thinking. Fun, creativity, and hopefully inspiration.
My background: Job coach, work trainer, leadership.
Family: My girlfriend, Nikki, and our expectant firstborn son.
Hobbies/interests: Music, playing, writing, movies/TV, video games, weightlifting.
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Grace Barber
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
My background: My employment background consists of working at different schools as an assistant teacher and most recently working in an airport as a customer service agent.
Family: I have a big family. I have 8 brothers and 3 sisters. I'm very close to all of them. Family is something that's important to me.
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Elijah Arceneaux
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Spooner
Why I applied for the job: To help others and make them smile.
What I will bring to the job: Myself.
Family: Bobby, Anna, Dale Thomas.
Hobbies/interests: Hunt, fish, nature walks, and hikes.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of August, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Jacqueline Perro (14 years), Shannon Larson (3 years), Kaitlin Bourgard (1 year), Heather Lutze (1 year), Hayley Petersen (1 year), Marcella Charbarneau (6 years), Sandra Ming (6 years), Katharine Barnard (2 years), Megan Ritter (2 years), Megan Bollinger (1 year),
Jessica Gossen (1 year), and Jana Hansen (20 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Timothy Voelker (1 year), Jacob Brunberg (5 years), Jessica Hills (8 years), Megan Helland (2 years), Leif Peterson (15 years), Armando Ortiz (2 years), Kingsley Ogbeifun (5 years), Patrice Fissette (2 years), Debra Huggins (3 years), Alyssa Pollock (8 years), Caitlin Thomey (4 years), Morgen Buhler (5 years), Jeremy Kiktavy (1 year), ShyAnne Meisman (1 year), Larissa Webster-Clifton (1 year), Nellie Hubbard (3 years), and Kendall Monson (1 year).
That's a combined 125 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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