"Leadership and learning are
indispensable to each other."
- John F. Kennedy
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Our featured Value Word of the month is:
Courageous—mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
Being courageous can be tiring, can't it? And yet, it's what we do—for those we support and for each other! Whose courageousness do you admire? Have you told them?
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Owners Corner
— by Colette Spielman —
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This month’s featured owner of Aurora is Holly Love.
Holly enjoys working with the consumers, making their lives better, and making a difference. In Holly’s spare time, she enjoys creating floral arrangements and also enjoys building Legos. Holly is a big fan of the TV show “Lego Masters.”
Thank you, Holly, for being a part of Aurora and for your many contributions to the consumers we serve!
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Featured Team
— by Stephanie Ischer —
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This month, we feature the services provided by the Admin Department.
This dynamic group does more than just greet people and answer phones. I like to say the admins are the magic behind the scenes. They are the people responsible for setting the tone in the office and keeping things running smoothly.
The goal of the admin department is to provide exceptional customer service to all who call or visit the offices, sites, and centers. Their “customers” include consumers, operations, vendors, and staff from all of Aurora’s departments and companies. They are responsible for ordering supplies, processing ledgers and monthly packets, sending out correspondence to guardians, case managers, and staff. They assist with the orientation and onboarding of new staff. They provide assistance with filing, data entry, audits, and licensing visits. When sites are short-staffed, they relocate to the sites so they can provide more support. They assist with grocery shopping, consumer transports, and medical appointments. Basically, if there is a need, admin are there to help in any way that they can.
Got a question or need help with something? Just ask. Admin are ready to jump in or know the person who can help with that.
Thanks, Admin Team, for all that you do!
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This month we want to remind you of the benefits you may have forgotten you have!
As an Aurora employee, you are eligible for discounts for Dell and Verizon products and services. You can find a link to those discounts on the Employee Web Page: www.employee.auroraservices.com.
Additionally, under the same “Benefits” tab, you can find great information about your health insurance, 401k, Rain Instant Pay app, and EAP resources.
If you have health insurance through Aurora and haven’t logged into the Medica website, you’ll want to check it out! You can find lots of tools and resources to help you understand your benefits and sign up for My Health Rewards, a tool to support you with your health goals.
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What should I do if I hear a coworker swearing at a consumer? (Or being rude, or name calling, or yelling...)
If you're comfortable, let your coworker know that swearing at a consumer is unacceptable and is considered verbal abuse. Then report the incident immediately to your supervisor or other member of the management team. If you're not comfortable speaking with your coworker about it, simply report it so it can be addressed and resolved.
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Our BEST Employees for the month of September are ... Olga Reinke from direct support and Jim Showalter from management! Congratulations!
Nominees for the month of September were:
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Kayla Benisch
Deb Brown
Jesseca Erb
Jessica Gossen
Jillian Hansen Pawloski
Mikael Luter
Amanda Rageth
Jacob Tappy
Ashley Tyler
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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Bullying Prevention Month |
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October is Bullying Prevention Month
We often think of bullying as something that kids do to kids, but did you know there is a Workplace Bullying Institute? It’s true! And in WBI’s 2021 National Survey, they learned that 79.3 million U.S. workers are impacted by bullying in the workplace!
Be courageous enough to speak up when you witness bullying. When we set the expectation that we won’t tolerate it, it will end.
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Congratulations to Heather Hooks from 301 in Colorado and Misty Herbst from 071 in Eau Claire!
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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Check out this snapshot of work-related injuries through August 2022. |
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What is your alarm telling you? Learn the sounds of fire safety!
Smoke Alarms
- A continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1 and stay out.
- A single "chirp" every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
- All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
- A continuous set of four loud beeps—beep, beep, beep, beep—means carbon monoxide is present in the home. Go outside, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
- A single chirp every 30 to 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced.
- CO alarms also have "end of life" sounds that vary by manufacturer. This means it's time to get a new CO alarm.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
For Aurora sites, continue to do fire drills once a month and a nighttime simulated fire drill once a year. Ensure everyone knows where the designated meeting place is as well.
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Tanishia Caston
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy working for/helping others.
What I will bring to the job: Positive attitude.
Family: Fiancé and three children and one on the way!
Hobbies/interests: Biking, hammocking, listening to my music.
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Charlzetta Byers
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: I love helping and taking care of people who need others' help.
What I will bring to the job: Love and a caring heart.
Family: I have three children: two girls and a boy.
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Ryan Overhouse
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: To make a difference.
What I will bring to the job: A variety of experience.
My background: Firefighter, first responder.
Hobbies/interests: Camping, fishing, kayaking.
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Chaylee Johnson
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wausau
Why I applied for the job: I highly enjoy making a difference, but unfortunately due to medical reasons, I could no longer work in bigger facilities. I enjoyed working here in the past.
What I will bring to the job: Leadership, commitment, dependability.
My background: I have been a caregiver my whole adult life since I turned 18.
Family: I have 4 children, and I am married.
Hobbies/interests: Hiking, swimming, traveling, fishing.
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Samuel Scarpaci
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: Through prior employment, I saw the quality care given and wanted to be part of the process. I also was looking for more consistent scheduling.
What I will bring to the job: I bring experience on conflict de-escalation, floor management, and personal care practice.
My background: ODC Day Services; assistant director, teen programming, Boys & Girls Club; teen group home; Inclusa, case management.
Family: Brother, Mario Scarpaci; fiancé, Loren.
Hobbies/interests: Movies, video games, TV, making food with my partner.
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Keyanna Skadsberg
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Baldwin
Why I applied for the job: I missed the residents and my coworkers.
What I will bring to the job: My experience that I previously had with Aurora.
My background: I have been a caregiver for almost 9 years. I love advocating/caring for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Family: I live with my boyfriend of two years and my wonderful 5-year-old daughter.
Hobbies/interests: Hiking, traveling, art.
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Kathleen Brill
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: To work with people.
What I will bring to the job: Teachings on how to make their life better.
My background: Over 18 years working with adults with disabilities or seniors with dementia.
Family: Husband of 26 years and 3 adult children, all girls.
Hobbies/interests: Camping, reading, being with family.
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Michael Giovanoni
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: I like working with people and giving back to the community.
What I will bring to the job: Integrity, compassion, and dedication.
My background: 17 years of customer service in hospitality, 10 months PCW, 18 months lead advocate at SA homeless shelter.
Family: 23-year-old son, 9-month-old silver lab.
Hobbies/interests: Anything outdoors.
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Morgen Neubauer
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Float Staff, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: I am looking for a position where I can connect with my residents, coworkers, and management and have a family feel.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring a sense of love for my position, empathy, and my love for helping people.
My background: I am currently going to school/college for clinical laboratory sciences/plan and fungal biology and minoring in chemistry and instrumental music performance.
Family: I currently live with my mother and younger sister, but I am in the process of moving in with my boyfriend in Plover.
Hobbies/interests: I love to read and knit. But I LOVE plants and fungi and gardening and foraging.
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Matthew Katka
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: To get experience in this field and to have something meaningful to do while in school.
My background: I'm a psychology major at UW-La Crosse. I previously worked at a sports club in Milwaukee.
Family: My dad is a software developer for GE Medical. My mom is a preschool teacher with a psychology degree
Hobbies/interests: I play guitar, sing, and play basketball.
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Patty Reynolds
Aurora Vocational Services
CCS Provider, Ladysmith
Why I applied for the job: Wanting to make a difference, seeing people meet their goals by working with them to find their strengths.
What I will bring to the job: Compassion and really listening to the clients so I can help them to find the best counseling/support team that will bring them the most success.
My background: The last 23 years I've worked as a Health Unit Coordinator in an ever-changing nursing home environment. I've worked closely with residents and staff offering support and care to both.
Family: I come from a family of 13 children. I am married, and we have 4 children, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
Hobbies/interests: Flower gardening, crafting, crocheting, spending time with the family.
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Jordana Shervington
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: Because I love to help people and want to make a positive impact on people's lives.
What I will bring to the job: A positive attitude and all my effort.
My background: I am a manager at McDonald's in Baldwin and worked at a daycare.
Family: I live with my mom. I have a brother who is 16. I have 2 dogs and 1 cat.
Hobbies/interests: I like to draw, color, and shop with my best friend.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of October, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Kevin Crowell (2 years), Jennifer Thomas (1 year), Abbey Dieckman (3 years), Cynthia Smith (28 years), Gina Krueger (19 years), Rocio Seise (6 years), Courtney Goff (3 years), Jill Mattson (18 years), Sarah Scheeringa (22 years), and Wendy Jagoditsh (18 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Nicole Polhamus (1 year), Patricia Ellefson (14 years), Megan Lew (12 years), Jessica Baltzell (9 years), Shawna Feist (4 years), Michelle Balijo (12 years), Ashley Tyler (1 year), Misty Herbst (13 years),
Savannah Bursey (3 years), Braedon Masterson (1 year),
Erica Hergert (3 years), Robin O'Connor (2 years), Jamie Weidler (9 years), Betty Cangi (5 years), David Tommet (2 years), Jenifer Stainbrook (14 years), Trisha Hanson (7 years), Jerica Ryan (3 years), Sierra Schindler (2 years), Jasmine Keller (2 years), Donna Como (6 years), Seth Yun (4 years), Sarah March (1 year), Jazmyn Mobley (2 years), Christina Strom (2 years), Julie Bahr (5 years), Louis Echavarria (5 years),
Chelsi Knorr (1 year), and Elizabeth Green (8 years).
That's a combined total of 273 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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