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Aurora Value Words

• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous

• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive

The best way to find yourself is in service to others.



Mahatma Ghandi

Did you know that volunteering not only helps others, but is good for you too? Studies consistently show that volunteering makes people feel good and leads to better physical and mental well-being. Millions of Americans volunteer every year, and the opportunities are endless. Animals shelters, schools, hospitals, food banks, clubs, community gardens, museums, and a variety of other organizations. 



After working in the substance abuse field, and co-owning a landscaping business for ten years, Jesseca Erb was ready for a change. In 2016, she accepted a position as the Employee Development Specialist in Menomonie where her primary responsibilities were facilitating new hire orientations, CBRF certification classes, outside provider trainings, and creating staff development trainings. Little did she know at the time that Aurora would provide her with numerous opportunities to learn, grow, and work in different areas of the company.

In the following years, Jesseca moved into the roles of HR Generalist, and later HR Director. In these positions, she took on increasing responsibilities, including conducting critical investigations, managing employee performance issues, and developing staff training initiatives. Her work often involved navigating complex situations to find solutions that were consistent with Aurora’s philosophy and values. During this time, Jesseca discovered her passion for professional coaching. She found fulfillment in helping employees recognize their unique contributions to the organization’s mission, as well as helping them realize and develop ways to be their personal and professional BEST.

In January of 2024, Jesseca was provided the opportunity to transition into working full time in REALiving as an Account Advisor. She is now responsible for several outside organizations and school districts that utilize REALiving’s Employee Achievement Program (EAP), as well as the Student and Family Assistance Program (SFAP). In addition, Jesseca also manages all REALiving’s professional development training and the BESTology Coaching Certification Program, where she teaches employees and leadership the skillset necessary to become a professional coach.

As a REALiving Professional Coach, she feels incredibly fortune to be able to help people uncover their strengths, and achieve their goals. Jesseca explains that because of her HR background, she’s able to help people work through very challenging issues, and come out the other side with a clear, solution-focused perspective. Being able to guide individuals toward achieving their own personal and professional success is a dream come true for her. She feels grateful every day that Aurora is the kind of organization that sees the strengths in its employees and provides the necessary opportunities to reach their potential.

Jesseca has also enjoyed being a co-leader of Aurora’s Owners Team since early 2023. Being able to collaborate with other Aurora owners has been inspiring, motivating, and fun for her. She feels grateful to be able to give back to our organization, and help it grow successfully into the future. In her free time, Jesseca enjoys spending quality time with her family, renovating real estate properties, working on design projects, traveling, and reading. 

Thank you, Jesseca, for all that you do for Aurora and REALiving!

3^rd Row from left: Jesseca Erb (Co-leader), Wendy Jagoditsh, Angie Mandera, Ian Rajek, Jim Showalter, Justin Boiteau, Mike Neary

2^nd row: Deena Black, Kristen Shaw, Hannah Sarauer, Linda Aton (Co-leader), Gina Krueger (Co-leader), LuAnn Esko

Seated: Marni Waznik, Heidi Lang, Gina Martell

Missing from photo: Susan Buckley, Phillip Schlosser

The team bids a grateful farewell to the following members:

Jesseca Erb, Wendy Jagoditsh, Ian Rajek, Justin Boiteau, Mike Neary, Gina Krueger, LuAnn Esko, Heidi Lang, Gina Martell, Phillip Schlosser

And enthusiastically welcomes:

Jessica Lyberg, Melody Jorgenson, Pete Johnson, Rose Seise, Caitlin Thomey, Jocelyn Holder, Abby Hamilton, Brett Mesner-Nayes, Ian McAllister, April Solberg

We engaged a marketing firm to assist us with updating Aurora’s website and making it more informational and functional! We think it looks great and is an accurate representation of Aurora – take a look and let us know what you think!

You’ll notice updates to most of our other publications and materials very soon to reflect our new look. The employee webpage has also been updated and can be found at employee.auroraservices.com. Stay tuned for more good stuff to be added just for you at that page!

Our BEST Employees for the month of March are Joe Orler from Direct Support and Jesseca Erb from management!

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

Nominees from Feb 21st – Mar 20th:

Susan Buckley • Nancy Campbell-Kelz • Nathan Carlsen • Bill Duerkop

• Kristen Dusek • Ted East • Jesseca Erb•

Narda Gardillo • Juan Gardillo • Kelly Johnson • Candy Kapperman-Wolf • Teresa Lien • Jessica Lyberg • Paula Mickelson • Carly Nelson • Joe Orler • Ian Rajek • Lisa Schumacher • April Solberg

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.

Stay Focused, Stay Safe: April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted Driving Awareness Month encourages us to reflect on how we can prevent unfortunate accidents caused by unavoidable distractions behind the wheel. Every life is precious, and by staying mindful, we can protect ourselves and others on the road.

Tips to Stay Safe on the Road:

• Put Your Phone Away: Activate driving mode or keep your phone out of reach to remove the temptation to check it.
• Plan Ahead: Set up navigation, playlists, and any essential communications before you embark on your journey.
• Take Breaks: If you need to make a call or send a message, find a safe spot to pull over and handle your business without rushing.
• Lead by Example: Inspire others by prioritizing safety and encouraging passengers and fellow drivers to do the same.

Let's all stay vigilant and focused on safety--our policy 4.A.1 emphasizes:

• No Texting, Emailing, or Browsing: Employees should not engage in these activities while driving any vehicle, whether it's a company or personal vehicle used for company business.
• Short Calls Only: Keep calls brief, not exceeding 30 seconds, unless the vehicle is parked safely off public roads.
• Use Driving Mode: Enable your phone’s driving mode to help reduce distractions and maintain focus on the road.

By remaining vigilant and adhering to these safety tips, we can all contribute to a safer driving environment. We encourage everyone to practice distraction-free driving this April and beyond, ensuring the safety of everyone who shares the road with us. Together, we can continue making a difference!

We have Safety Winners for the month of March!

Congratulations to Cara Hagen  – 071 (Eau Claire), and Shelby Walbeck – Wausau Day 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!

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

Elizabeth Bower

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Spooner

Why I applied for the job: To try a new field of work, and experience new things.

My background: Two sport athlete; wrestling and softball. I was also a waitress at Shell Lake Lunchbox.

Family: I am the youngest of 5 kids.

Hobbies/interests: Sports, bowling with friends, and human anatomy.

Katherine Thibado

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Baldwin

Why I applied for the job: I like working with people.

What I will bring to the job: I will have an outgoing and friendly personality.

My background: I have done persona care work in the past. I'm currently in customer service at Fleet Farm,

Family: I have 5 kids and 8 grandchildren.

Hobbies/interests: Crocheting, walking, reading, going to concerts and car shows.

Mike Smith

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: I applied for day shift--I have doing this kind of work for over 15 years, and I love helping people with special needs.

What I will bring to the job: Hard work, honesty, and I love to interact with consumers.

My background: I have worked at Northwest Pathways.

Family: I have a wife; Georgia, and daughter.

Hobbies/interests: Sport and fishing.

Jennifer Wood

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Mental health Technician, Chippewa Falls

Why I applied for the job: Appreciation for what the company does and stands for. Better pay and benefits, and a better environment than where I'm at currently. I wanted the opportunity for more experience.

What I will bring to the job: Open-mindedness, sympathetic and empathy, and an ability to relate and understand someone needing help.

My background: I have been versed in many areas I guess. Cosmetologist for 17 years and still practicing. Bartender, Pharmacy Tech (which was my favorite), and a caregiver. I really enjoy the medical field.

Family: My mom, who is my best friend and who I always describe as my "earth-bound angel. My father passed away but he was a well known, Grade A gunsmith for 50+ years. I'm a single child.

Hobbies/interests: Movies, I'm a HUGE animal lover, diamond painting, doing hair services (cut/styling--I won National in 2008 for Artistic Color + Makeover).

Audra Bohman

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Program Assistant, Schofield

Why I applied for the job: This is the job I am happy at. When I wake up in the morning to go to work I want to be at this kind of job.

What I will bring to the job: Friendship, hard-working, and laughs.

My background: Lincoln Industries, North Central Health Care, and spending 18 years with my disabled daughter.

Family: I have 3 children, 1 passed. I have 3 grandchildren who are my world, 3 large puppies, 1 small dog, 3 cats, and lots of chickens.

Hobbies/interests: I love to camp, and spend time with my grandchildren, mudding with SXS and trucks.

CeAnn Drehmel

REALiving

EAP Coordinator, Chippewa Falls

Why I applied for the job: I applied because of Aurora's reputation within the community and the challenges this change will bring.

What I will bring to the job: My enthusiasm and passion to make a difference.

My background: 10 years at Mayo Clinic Health System Home Health and Hospice, and 6 years at Community Health Partnership.

Family: I have a husband, Jeffrey, and kids; Ruger, Jocelynn and Arabella. I also have dogs; Daisy and Ally.

Hobbies/interests: Spending time with my family, gardening, baking, and reading.

Gabby Lehman

Aurora Vocational Services

IPS Vocational Coordinator, Menomonie

Why I applied for the job: I have a passion for people, and I love being surrounded by good intentions. This has been a dream position I've worked towards and cannot wait to become a part of the Aurora community.

What I will bring to the job: Laughs, support, kindness, and awareness.

My background: Working with a variety of individuals in different settings accomplishing the same goals.

Family: Mom (Diane), dad (Pat), brother (Nick), and sister (Erin).

Hobbies/interests: Finding golf balls, sand volleyball and coed softball.

Myla Toms

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire

What I will bring to the job: Smiles, hard work, care, and compassion.

My background: I worked in lots of different places, waitressing, cooking, and retail.

Family: I have daughter who is my absolute world.

Hobbies/interests: Fishing, hiking, movies, cooking, and singing.

Autumn Rygg

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Comstock

Why I applied for the job: I applied because I moved back to my hometown, and wanted a similar job to the ones I been at previously.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring kindness, leadership, and good teamwork.

My background: I have been a caregiver for almost 3 years. I have a background in psychology, and group home work. My interests are specifically in psychology, and how we as humans work.

Family: I have my mom, stepdad, and dog named Stan.

Hobbies/interests: Hiking, attending concerts, fishing, and anything fun outdoors.

We Have the BEST Staff

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

Aurora Management

David Barnard (39 years), Pamela Barnard (39 years),

Deborah Neuman (39 years), James Neuman (39 years), Megan Bauer (4 years), Tiffany Fesemaier (1 year), Matthew Dux (1 year), Steve Lauer (7 years), Jesseca Erb (9 years), Jacob Tappe (3 years), Erica Mortensen (3 years), Narda Gordillo (3 years), and Lindsay Pittman (12 years).

Aurora Direct Care Staff

Donald Ford (1 year), Deborah Fisher (6 years),

Branda Kolve (2 years), Renae Greisen (7 years), Bobbi Schick (2 years), Amber Estepp (1 year), Ciara Owen (5 years), Joshua Jumbeck (3 years), Danielle Daluise (1 year), Tiffany Williams (1 year), Felipe Ramirez (1 year), Margaret Wojtalewicz (3 years), Jazmine Daniels (5 years), Jennifer Reese (6 years), Joyce Swenson (7 years), Rhonda Bungartz (20 years), Gregory Davis (10 years), Anna Johnson (19 years),

Caleb Fissette (2 years), Emily Schafer (1 year), Sherri Krueger (13 years), Gerald Whipps (2 years), Laura Kostecki (1 year), Denise Garrett (1 year), and YoonJung Hur (2 years).

When we combine all of these years of service,

we get 321 YEARS of experience at Aurora!

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