It was great to finally be together! Last week, our company leadership was finally back in person for our annual meeting. We learned from Dave Barnard, were inspired by Gina Krueger, recognized significant anniversaries, and celebrated our BEST leaders.
Winners of our Value Awards were:
Resilient – Courtney Goff, Program Director
Integrity – Jesseca Erb, HR Director
Courageous – LuAnn Esko, Vocational Coordinator
Compassion – Jennifer Fought, Vocational Coordinator
Loyal – Don Andresen, CFO
Passionate – Joan Parsons, RN with CSP and CCS Services
Responsive – Jill Mattson, Program Director
Chuck Barnard Memorial Award – Hayley Petersen, Therapist
Star Man – Cindy Smith, Finance Director
Be Your Best – Abbey Dieckman, Associate Director of AODA Services
Other nominees:
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Brett Mesner
Deena Black
Heidi Lang
Ian McAlister
Ian Rajek
Juan Gordillo
Kathy Barnard
Lisa Bechel
Lori Burns
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Marisa Lammer
Marni Waznik
Megan Bauer
Melaine Lepak
Narda Gordillo
Nikki Coss
Paula Mickelson
Stephanie Ischer
Terri Bollinger
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Congratulations to our nominees and our winners! You are the BEST and make Aurora the BEST! |
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Our featured Value Word of the month is:
Responsive—reacting quickly and positively.
You shift gears many times each day, being responsive to the needs of the consumers we support and your coworkers! It's what we do and what our customers have come to expect from us. Thank you for your flexibility and dedication!
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Owners Corner
— Katharine Barnard —
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This month’s featured owner of Aurora is Morgen Buhler.
Morgen started working with Aurora Residential Alternatives in Colorado in 2017. He’d had experience in the field before that and really enjoyed it. When a former coworker introduced him to Aurora, he was excited to work where the consumers lived in houses and were active in the community. Morgen has an animated energy for the job which stems from the support he has felt right from the start. Because of Aurora and that support, he has been able to grow as a person and build a life he loves in Colorado.
During his time with Aurora, Morgen has filled many roles, including time as a live-in Direct Support Professional and as Program Coordinator. Morgen says being a live-in staff was a wonderful experience. Not only did it give him a chance to get on his feet, but everyone at the house became like a second family. His job became more meaningful and impactful as he was going through life’s ups and downs alongside the consumers. Now, Morgen’s wife, Savannah, also works for Aurora, which he loves because that makes it even more like family.
Morgen’s current position is Weekend Float DSP, which works well for him because he can get all his hours Friday-Sunday and enjoy the weekdays off. In the float position, each day brings variety and new challenges, and Morgen finds it fulfilling to be able to problem solve and work through whatever arises. He likes to be able to help at all the area houses and learn new things. For example, he recalled the first time he was asked to make meatloaf. He had never done that before, but he problem solved using Google to search the recipe. When he served it and the consumers all said it was good, it was a great feeling!
In his job, Morgen has gotten a lot of good advice. He has learned that being authentic is an important tool for success. Spend time in self-reflection and be honest with others, and you will find people are always willing to help.
When Morgen isn’t at work, he loves spending time at his new home in the mountains. He likes playing all kinds of online video games, from competitive games to those where he can create and perform music. He also likes making pottery and spending time exploring the area’s hot springs with friends and family.
Thank you, Morgen, for all that you do!
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Featured Team
— Amanda Rageth, with contribution from Julie Lifto —
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This month, we feature the Accounting team.
Ever wonder exactly what Aurora’s Accounting Department does and who all makes the magic happen behind the scenes? The entire department is based out of the corporate office in Menomonie. Currently there are seven members of the accounting department with a combined longevity of more than 92 years at Aurora!
- Cindy Smith, Director of Finance – Cindy navigates the financial needs and concerns of the entire company.
- Julie Lifto, Director of Accounting – Julie makes sure the company’s needs stay aligned with the department’s duties while providing support and supervision to the team.
- Kristen Shaw, ACC Accountant – With all of the needs for Aurora Community Counseling, this may be a more of a balancing act than walking a tightrope!
- Teresa Lien, ACC Biller – She navigates the world of insurance billing. Yikes!
- Jessica Checkalski, Payroll and Benefit Specialist – This essentially makes her Yoda when you have questions about your insurance, benefits, or paycheck!
- Anna Bob, Accounts Receivable – She brings in the money for ARA, AVS and AIM.
- Nicole Vande Kolk, Accounts Payable – She keeps the lights on by paying the bills for ARA, AVS, AIM and ACH.
Other than paying bills, balancing books, and issuing paychecks, what else does Accounting do? They administer the benefits for ACH, such as: Health, Dental, and Life Insurance; 401K and ESOP; Vacation and Personal Hours; Finders Fees and Sign-on Bonuses. That is a lot of data to keep track of!
January is an amazingly busy month for these ladies as they work tirelessly to end the last year and begin the new one on the right foot. During January they complete the end-of-year audits and issue all of the W2s, 1099s, 1095s, and Rent Certificates in an unbelievably fast and efficient manor. They do all of this while always being responsive to the consumers, employees, and other customer needs without sacrificing quality or accuracy. How do they do this? They all work together, often helping each other out when things get hectic. Talk about teamwork!
The Accounting Department’s dedication to Aurora and their craft not only keeps the proverbial lights on, but keeps us moving forward into the future. Thank you, Accounting, for all that you do—the things we see as well as all the behind-the-scenes things we never see!
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I think I may be interested in working in a different position in a different department. Who do I talk to about that?
You are welcome to apply to any open position. It’s best to let your current supervisor know of your interest in the position as the hiring supervisor will reach out to learn more about you. If you are interested in learning more about the position so you can decide if you want to pursue it, feel free to contact the supervisor of the position.
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When technology issues pop up like they do for all of us at one time or another, make sure you submit a Help Desk ticket. Management should be able to find the IT Help Desk icon on their desktops. Any management and PMs can also send an email to ithelpdesk@auroraservices.com.
This tool is designed to help manage IT requests as well as allowing you, the person submitting the request, to receive an email record and see who will be assigned your ticket.
A little IT humor:
Don't use "beef stew" as a computer password. It's not stroganoff.
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Our BEST Employees for the month of December are ... Holly Love from direct support and Erik Olson from management! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees for the month of December were:
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Emily Lambert
Deb Seibel
Brianna Wyant
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 Blood Donation Month |
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January marks the 52nd anniversary of National Blood Donor Month, a time to recognize the importance of giving blood and platelets while celebrating the lifesaving impact of those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need. It is also a time to encourage new and lapsed donors to resolve to give blood during one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply—the winter months.
This year’s National Blood Donor Month comes as the nation’s blood supply has dipped to concerning levels and could force hospitals to delay essential blood and platelet transfusions. Blood donors of all blood types—particularly type O blood, the blood group hospitals need most—are needed now to give blood or platelets to help meet daily hospital demands.
You can save a life! Donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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Congratulations to Laura Holstein from 106 in La Crosse and Kristen Susek from the Menomonie Center!
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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Winter slips and falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and a large contributor of workers’ compensation costs.
Between 2015 and 2022, slips, trips and falls on ice and snow cost United Heartland policyholders an average of $11,493 per claim.
A great tool to use to prevent slips, trips and falls on ice and snow is to use the salt/sand shaker bottles handed out to all Aurora employees. Fill the bottle at your site or office with salt or sand. Use the shaker when you encounter ice or a snow-covered steps, walkway or parking lot. Shake the salt/sand it in front of you for safe walking to wherever it is you need to go!
Walking to the mailbox, parking lot, picking up and dropping off consumers—getting out of your vehicle and the surface is slippery! Carry the bottle with you and fill as needed so you are always prepared during slippery conditions.
With the variety of weather we have been having lately and changing conditions, be prepared as you step out of your vehicle or front door to prevent slips, trips and falls. And remember to walk like a penguin: Use your arms to maintain balance, take short, shuffling steps, and keep your knees slightly bent and toes pointed out.
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Mitchell Bundy
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Altoona
Why I applied for the job: I've worked with consumers years ago. It was the most rewarding, perhaps fulfilling job I've ever had.
What I will bring to the job: Patience and understanding.
My background: I've worked welding and manufacturing most of my life.
Family: My dad who is 87 lives 1.5 miles away from me. His health is good one day, not good another day.
Hobbies/interests: My cat Reggie, motorcycle riding.
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Jennifer Snow-Best
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Altoona
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy working in the field of social services and watching people grow in their independence.
What I will bring to the job: Positive attitude, reliability, new ideas.
My background: 20 years of experience working in the field of social services.
Family: I have an 11-year-old and 20-year-old. I have 2 cats also.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy traveling, beaches, camping, going out with family and friends.
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Brittany Sonnenberg
Aurora Vocational Services
Vocational Coordinator, Menomonie
My background: Previous middle school teacher, traveling, Harley driver.
Family: Husband; 2 cocker spaniels, Turbo and Bolt; 1 cat, Chingy.
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Hyemin Park
Aurora Vocational Services
Employment Specialist, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: I applied to help other people.
My background: I worked in an HR department for 5 years.
Family: I have a husband.
Hobbies/interests: Cooking.
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Tyler Curtain
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: I wanted hands-on practice to use as additional help for my nursing classes.
What I will bring to the job: New perspectives to better the workload, a reliable extra set of hands when others are full, a positive and genuine attitude every day to work!
My background: Worked in a child care center, at a family home, at Noodles & Co., and as a Kids From Wisconsin performer/teacher.
Family: Mother and father, 2 brothers, 1 sister.
Hobbies/interests: Cooking (a hobby since age 4!), actor/singer/songwriter/poet, athlete, etc.
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Molly Barnhardt
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Onalaska
Why I applied for the job: Looking to expand my skill set and learn more about caregiving while I work.
What I will bring to the job: A lot of energy and positivity, serving hands and heart.
My background: Currently doing my master's degree in occupational therapy and provide care to individuals living with SCI.
Family: Just me and my 2 cats. I have parents who live in Colorado, and an older sister.
Hobbies/interests: Being outdoors, hanging out with my cats, and being active at the gym.
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Michelle Richardson
Aurora Community Counseling
Mental Health Counselor, Chippewa Falls
My background: Worked in Medicated Assisted Treatment for 8 years. I am a gambling treatment provider through the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling.
Family: I am the third child out of four. I have 2 sisters and 1 brother. Grew up in Holmen with my mom, dad, and siblings. I have a cat named Cricket!
Hobbies/interests: DIY projects, vinyl printing with a Cricut, walking.
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Ashley Hinke
Aurora Community Services
Employee Development Coordinator, Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy working with a variety of people and enjoy training and facilitating.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring my knowledge and experience from a wide variety of human services roles and my desire to help others.
My background: I have an Associate degree in Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counseling and a Bachelor in Human Development and Family Studies. I have nearly 20 years experience in human services.
Family: I have been married to my husband for 16 years, and we have 5 children. My family is my heart and the most important part of me.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and watching a good movie or series.
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Breana Berry
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Baldwin
Why I applied for the job: Because I like to help people. I grew up around people with disabilities and worked for a company up north doing the same thing.
What I will bring to the job: Good work ethic, great attitude, easy to get along with.
My background: Retail, housekeeping, and direct support professional.
Family: I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. My parents passed away, Mom this year and Dad 2 years ago.
Hobbies/interests: Music, driving, movies, snacks for movies, four-wheeling, camping, anything outside when it's nice.
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Scott Payne
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: I applied so that I can help those who need it and make sure the elderly that raised us have a chance to be treated the same.
What I will bring to the job: Confidence, team building, caring about everyone.
My background: I used to work in this industry before but took time off after a resident passed away. Worked in the oil field down in Texas.
Hobbies/interests: I go disc golfing, fishing, camping, take kids to park, and cooking.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of January, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Avis Wolkse-Baker (35 years), Marni Waznik (29 years), Susan Wheeler (1 year), Sadie Bygd (25 years), Jora Leahy (2 years), Chad Barnard (10 years), Carly Nelson (1 year), Lori Burns (1 year), Wonny Kim (1 year), Bill Duerkop (3 years), Linda Dalland (19 years), Kimberly Jensen (12 years), Jana Pickers (11 years), and Brianna Wyant (11 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Kenneth Mitchell (8 years), Megan Hubbard (1 year), Chelsi Julson (2 years), Laura Alley (13 years), Tiffany Kuklinski (3 years), Madeline Bridge (1 year), Rodney McNamara (7 years), Sharon Moss (26 years), Bee Yang (7 years), Katherine Mozer (17 years), Jerome Taylor (3 years), Emily Lambert (3 years), and Kristen Dusek (12 years).
That's a combined total of 264 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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