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Aurora Value Words



• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous

• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive

In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.



- Dalai Lama

The month of March is dedicated to this vital awareness campaign. Throughout the month, eye care professionals, organizations, and communities engage in activities and initiatives that highlight the importance of vision care.

Here are some ways to engage:

Book an Eye Exam: Regular check-ups are pivotal. Make an appointment for yourself, and encourage others to do the same.

Limit Screen Time: In our digital age, reducing screen time can help alleviate eye strain. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away.

Wear Protective Eyewear: Whether you’re engaged in sports or handiwork, ensure your eyes are protected from potential hazards.

Jocelyn Holder joined Aurora Community Services in 2011, seeking a job that combined her experience in home care and Community-Based Residential Facilities. Her career has included various roles, starting as a Community Living Assistant before being promoted to Program Manager, then returning to CLA roles and later transferring to different operations. After leaving to study respiratory therapy, she returned in 2020 as a float and became an Administrative Specialist in 2022.

She finds the most fulfillment in serving consumers and has developed her patience through her experiences. Jocelyn advises aspiring direct care workers to find their niche and communicate openly about their comfort levels in assignments. Reflecting on her work-life balance, she humorously acknowledges the challenges, especially during staffing shortages, and emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting boundaries.

Jocelyn's journey highlights her dedication, adaptability, and the significance of building consumer relationships and maintaining work-life balance in the caregiving field.

Thank you, Jocelyn, for your time, talent and continued years of service!

March marks Caffeine Awareness Month, prompting reflection on life beyond coffee. The author, a coffee enthusiast, enjoys exploring local coffee shops while working with a community outreach team. However, growing sensitivity to caffeine has inspired a journey into decaffeinated options, herbal teas, and even plain water. Reducing caffeine can enhance sleep quality, suggesting a mindful approach to consumption. The Mayo Clinic states that up to 400 mg of caffeine is safe for healthy adults, equivalent to about four cups of regular coffee. As we celebrate this month, the focus is on balancing caffeine intake with healthier choices, embracing both energy and serenity in our beverage choices.

Natural Energy Boosters

Green Tea or Matcha – Contains caffeine but in lower amounts than coffee, plus L-theanine for a smoother, longer-lasting energy boost.

Yerba Mate – A South American herbal tea with a balanced mix of caffeine, antioxidants, and nutrients.

Ginseng Tea – Known for enhancing mental clarity and reducing fatigue.

Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte) – A caffeine free option with anti-inflammatory properties that can help with sustained energy.

Making the switch to natural energy boosters doesn’t mean sacrificing productivity or focus. By choosing nutrient-dense foods, hydrating properly, and incorporating herbal alternatives to coffee, you can fuel your body in a way that supports long-term vitality. Happy Brewing!

Our BEST Employees for the month of February are Jackie Kufahl from Direct Support and Hannah Goss from management!

Each winning employee will receive $150! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!

Nominees from Jan 21st – Feb 20th:

Jesseca Erb • Juan Gordillo • Hannah Goss • Jessica Hills

• Adam Huber • Cassie Johnson • Jessica Lyberg •

Mike Neary • Joe Orler • Joan Parsons • Olivia Stevenson • Jacob Tappe • Madison Vale

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.

Be Prepared for changing weather conditions!



1. Winter Weather Awareness: Be prepared for late winter storms. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be ready for sudden snow or ice.

2. Slippery Sidewalks: Be cautious of icy sidewalks and driveways. Use salt or sand to improve traction and wear appropriate footwear.

3. Home Heating Safety: As temperatures can still be low, ensure that heating systems are functioning properly and that chimneys are clean to prevent fires.

4. Spring Thaw Awareness: Be mindful of melting snow leading to flooding. Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.

5. Wildlife Caution: As animals become more active in early spring, be cautious of wildlife crossing roads, especially at dawn and dusk.

6. Health Precautions: With the transition to spring, consider allergies and seasonal illnesses. Stay informed about local health advisories.

We have Safety Winners for the month of January!

Congratulations to Olivia Stevens – 118 (Waupaca), and Teresa Monjaraz – 304 (Castle Rock)!

We also have Safety Winners for the month of February!

Congratulations to Sherry Lew – 025 (Thorp), and Sara Dorr – 037 (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!

S.A.F.E. = Stop And Focus Entirely!!

Natasha Simcox

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Specialist, Wausau

Why I applied for the job: I have been working in the field about 6-7 years and I love it! I enjoy helping people.

What I will bring to the job: I am compassionate, kind, helpful, and I enjoy doing things with the consumers.

My background: I was previously an Assistant Manager in a group home.

Family: I have a fiancé and 2 children; 2 girls.

Hobbies/interests: Yoga, photography, hiking, and going to the movies.

Stella Anger

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Specialist, La Crosse

Why I applied for the job: To get experience in care giving and in the medical field.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring a positive attitude and passion to the position.

My background: Sub-paraprofessional and barista.

Family: Mom and Dad, sister who is older, and 2 cats.

Hobbies/interests: Working out, hiking, fishing, and biking.

Anthony Padgett

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Specialist, Plover and Stevens Point

Why I applied for the job: More experience with taking care of different types of people.

What I will bring to the job: Genuine care and determination.

My background: I have done retail, fast food and memory care.

Family: Both of my parents are CNA's, I am adopted by my aunt and uncle, and I have 4 siblings.

Hobbies/interests: I love cartoons and digital art.

Kim Fox

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: My passion is to help people and make them smile.

What I will bring to the job: Compassion and caring.

My background: Healthcare.

Family: Father, son, grandson, 4 dogs and 2 cats.

Hobbies/interests: Animals, gardening, and being outdoors.

Lauren Sonnenberg

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Plover

Why I applied for the job: I love helping people.

What I will bring to the job: Care, compassion, and empathy.

My background: Mental health experience as well as CNA and CBRF.

Family: Mother, father, 1 older brother, niece and nephews.

Hobbies/interests: Fishing, camping, swimming, and music.

Elisja Halimi

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point and Mosinee

Why I applied for the job: I'm a CNA and I love working with people. Helping someone that can't take care of themselves I think is the most fulfilling job someone can have.

What I will bring to the job: Teamwork, enthusiasm, and always being on time.

My background: I started working at Lulver in 2020 and stayed there until June 2024 when I decided to get my CNA license. I started working at Portage County in July.

Family: I have a sibling (brother) and my parents.

Hobbies/interests: I'm kind of a nerd; I love reading, I'm learning Italian, and I'm going to school for Biochem Pre-medicine. I'm planning to go to medical school.

Sara Jones

Aurora Vocational Services

Vocational Coordinator, Chippewa Office

Why I applied for the job: I wanted to continue to work in a position that works with people. I view myself as a humanitarian, and I am working positions where I can help others.

What I will bring to the job: Over 10 years of experience working with people that includes working with mental health/substance use and others who have experienced abuse.

My background: Working with people in a position where I can utilize my previous experience and my education.

Family: My husband and I have a blended family. I have 2 boys from a former marriage, he has 2 boys and 1 girl from a former marriage, and we have 1 boy together. My husband is in the process of adopting my 2 boys.

Hobbies/interests: Reading, art, nature, and time with my family.

Jazmin Peterson

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point

Why I applied for the job: I love doing this kind of work.

What I will bring to the job: Positivity and big smiles.

Hobbies/interests: Diamond paintings, crafts, rock tumbling and collecting.

Leila Coleman

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, La Crosse

Why I applied for the job: I love supporting and helping others.

What I will bring to the job: A positive attitude and a smiling face.

My background: I worked at Aurora 5 years ago!

Family: My family is from Northwest Wisconsin, and I have a cat named Jellybean.

Hobbies/interests: Reading, nature, and thrifing.

We Have the BEST Staff

During the month of February, we are celebrating these anniversaries!

Aurora Management

James Tangen-Foster (8 years), Sonya Casey (6 years),

Dustin Doornink (21 years), Julie Lifto (29 year), and Jessica Checkalski (12 years).

Aurora Direct Care Staff

Amanda Seever (1 year), Olga Reinke (14 years),

Bernadine Wendt (18 years), Ondreea Marin (7 year), William Selenske (21 years), Cara Hagen (1 year), David Furst (27 years), Marina Woolums (3 years), and Amber Jenson (2 years).

When we combine all of these years of service,

we get 170 YEARS of experience at Aurora!

Thank you for sharing your time, talents and wisdom with us!