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Aurora Value Words



• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous

• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive

At the beginning of this year, Senior Admin

was challenged to think outside the box

and explore new growth opportunities for our company.

Expanding Aurora Vocational Services

Erik Olson and Jeanne Martens collaborated to research Colorado's DVR scene and assess the potential for new service providers in the area. With Erik's leadership and ability to make great connections, Colorado's DVR confirmed that the need is great and invited us to join in! LuAnn Esko took the reins continuing to build relationships and get a team in order to provide employment services in Colorado.

Donna Como, Life Skills Coordinator with ARA in Colorado Springs, eagerly stepped up to partner with Wisconsin's AVS team to provide employment support services in Douglas County, Colorado. On August 15, Donna received her first referral, which was soon followed by a second on August 20! As AVS acclimates to the Colorado system, we plan to diversify our services to include Supported Employment and Youth Services, as these are also in high demand throughout the state.

Coloradans often say, "In Colorado, the altitude isn’t the only thing that’s high—so are the expectations for good service and a good brew."

Aurora Community Counseling debuted at National Night Out across six counties, offering free counseling sessions to promote new beginnings. Staff engaged with the community, showcased services, connected with organizations, and encouraged participation in therapeutic activities. The event fostered networking, shared experiences, and highlighted employment opportunities. The success of the debut sets the stage for future growth and positive impact.

Explored intensive outpatient services for substance use services, this service was ruled out due to the contract requirements we cannot meet.

REALiving is currently marketing our professional coaching options to the general public, not just our EAP clients.

Call Center developed new marketing material and have partnered with REALiving to launch 24/7 call center services to affiliate businesses. While there has been limited marketing response, we will continue to develop these services.

Residential Services investigated supported living alternatives for those with chronic mental illness, sober living, and youth, which remains an ongoing project.

Recently, a cross-company team was formed to thoroughly review current contracts and explore fresh, innovative service development opportunities and funding sources.

We continue to turn over every rock with existing contracts and to seek out new innovative service development options and funding sources. 

If you are interested in contributing to our company's mission of progress and expansion, please reach out to us to join a team or project.

The OT are coordinating some exciting new concepts to ensure Aurora’s BEST. Our meeting was held on August 29, and our agenda was full! Some topics of discussion:

• ACS Culture improvements
• How to keep growing and learning through efficient communication
• What’s next with the ACS clothing and merchandise line
• How can this owners team better understand what the owners want
• Who will take over as the facilitators of this team
• How will we continue to promote our mission and values

Additionally, with efforts to save money, the team will investigate “green initiatives” to implement in centers, sites, offices and more. This team is working hard to help ACS be their BEST. If you have any interest in joining the team or offering suggestions/ideas, please email

Jesseca - JErb@auroraservices.com, Linda- LAton@auroraservices.com, or Gina - GKrueger@auroraservices.com.

If you see any of the following current members: Angie Mandera, Hannah Abbiehl, Heidi Lang, Ian Rajek, Jim Showalter, Justin Boiteau, Kristen Shaw, LuAnn Esko, Phillip Schlosser, Mike Neary, Gina Martell, Susan Buckley, Wendy Jagoditsh, stop to let them know what it is you want for yourself at work! 

If you would like to be part of a team or have an idea, please let us know! We appreciate and value your ideas and help. 

DJ Rude is the Program Manager at #098 in Eau Claire, a residential site for two men who have been served by Aurora for several years. DJ started with Aurora in 2016 after leaving the retail industry. He was recruited to Aurora by someone who told him “you clean for 2 hours and then spend the rest of your shift doing whatever you want!” (Well, maybe not “whatever,” but you get to do some fun stuff!) DJ had goals of becoming a personal trainer so thought becoming a massage therapist was a good stepping stone along with supporting others who need assistance to gain some purpose in his life. He realizes everything he gains by helping others.

The men served at the site DJ works in have some behavioral challenges. DJ helps the team understand there are reasons people do what they do, living and sharing Aurora’s philosophy. He says when he’s experiencing tough times, the “work” is like therapy for him as it takes the focus off his personal stuff.

DJ believes it’s easy to bring your BEST to work when it doesn’t really feel like a job and views the consumers and team as an extension of his family. He promotes positivity at work and respects the perspectives others bring. When things don’t go so well, he asks himself what his role in the situation was to try to impact what happens next. Flexibility and consistency are key factors in creating a well-functioning team. When not at work, DJ loves his role as Dad!

Thank you, DJ, for sharing your time and talents with the consumers and team at #098 and with the rest of us!

Survey says….

Many of you participated in a brief survey we sent out a few weeks ago. Aurora’s leadership teams are reviewing your feedback and we will keep you updated about solutions here, in the Loop, as we have developments to share! So here’s your first update. The survey link was sent to all employees (462) and with a response rate of 40%, which is really quite fabulous! Well done!

Your comments have been categorized as follows:

• Career Development/education
• Technology
• Pay/Benefits
• Communication/Information
• Recognition/appreciation
• Training/onboarding of new hires

We have many departments and teams reviewing these results. In future editions of the Loop, we’ll be updating you on new strategies to boost the good things we heard and to improve the not so good things.

Stay tuned and thanks for owning Aurora!

Financial Wellness is important no matter what stage of life you’re in. Please take advantage of these resources to educate yourself and build good goals and habits!

1) Access the new Elevate Wisconsin platform for educational courses, tools for budgeting and other financial help at https://auroraservices.enrich.org/

2) REALiving provides all Aurora employees (and their families) with access to a financial consultant. Get help by calling 877.256.9302

3) Financial well-being resources - Solutions for our workforce from Marsh and McLennan (MMA), Aurora’s insurance agency MMA provides access to a variety of financial well-being content including live and on demand financial well-being webinars. MMA Prosper Wise provides employees with a personalized financial platform and access to a team of advisors and coaches. To learn more and access on demand financial education, click the link below! https://www.marshmma.com/us/lp/retirement-participants.html

Our BEST Employees for the month of August are Emily Schafer from direct support and Adam Gilson from management!

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

Nominees from July 21 - August 20 were:

Adam Gilson

Rebecca Hagen

Cara Hagen

Emily Schafer

Amanda Seever

Elizabeth Shomila

Shelby Vetrone

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.

Safety Winners

We have Safety Winners for the month of July!

Congratulations to Maria Mafurutu from 118 in Waupaca, and Shaina Gagas from 059 in Stevens Point!

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!!

Can Feelings Be Wrong?

"Feelings just are" became a popular saying some years back, emphasizing the acceptance of emotions like frustration, disappointment, and hurt.

Pendulums

Pendulums have a tendency to swing too far. Back in my childhood (born in 1958), emotions were not encouraged or allowed to be expressed, which was unhealthy. However, the pendulum swung to the extreme with the feelings-are-everything movement, leading people to be governed by their emotions. Surprisingly, sometimes...our feelings can be inaccurate.

Fear the Karen

Imagine my wife of 44 years, a petite yet mighty woman, accidentally punches me in the nose during her aerobics boxing routine. Naturally, I would feel angry and upset, given the circumstances. However, what if it was an unintended incident as I walked by unnoticed? In my view, getting mad would be unjustified in this scenario.

Feeling Too Many Emotions

How often do you find yourself feeling hurt, offended, or "harmed" by others? When these emotions arise, question the validity of your reaction. This requires self-reflection on whether you are resilient or fragile when faced with such situations.

The Healthier Approach

There is a growing trend to seek opportunities to be offended, fueled by societal and digital influences. Instead, I believe in forgiveness, moving forward, and choosing not to take offense. I advocate for personal growth, focusing on becoming less sensitive and channeling energy into making a positive impact in the world.

(Article by John G. Miller, QBQ, Inc., Denver, Colorado USA QBQ.com)

Alisa Payne

Aurora Integrated Management

Administrative Assistant, Central Region

Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job because I love helping people and I wanted to make a difference in my community.

What I will bring to the job: My personality and my compassion.

My background: I worked for a dental insurance company that provided care to residents in skilled nursing facilities.

Family: My fiancé and I have been together for 3 years and getting married in September 2025. My mom and I are also super close.

Hobbies/interests: I like to take the top off my Jeep. I also like to take my dog Bear on walks.

Ashley Emerson

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, River Falls

Why I applied for the job: I wanted to gain experience helping others.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring kindness, honesty, and a positive attitude.

My background: I am interested in radiology.

Family: I grew up in Lake City with my parents, my little sister, and two dogs.

Hobbies/interests: I like to go on walks, go shopping, and read.

Kimmy Doll

Aurora Vocational Services

IPS Vocational Coordinator, Chippewa Falls

Why I applied for the job: I recently graduated from UW Stout with a Masters in clinical mental health counseling. Aurora seemed like a great fit for me because I gain supervision hours for licensure.

What I will bring to the job: A bubbly positive attitude, kindness, respect, and good teamwork.

My background: I just completed a year long internship with Eau Claire County in the outpatient clinic. I have interests in working with trauma, substance use, and children.

Family: I grew up in Rice Lake and I am an only child. I have a kitty named Pistachio.

Hobbies/interests: I love kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, skiing, and spending time with family and friends.

Cassandra Sonsalla

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, La Crosse

Why I applied for the job: When I started working with children with disabilities I fell in love with the work.

What I will bring to the job: Willingness to always help others when I was able to, compassion and understanding.

My background: I worked at Chileda, a variety of children and adults.

Family: I have four sisters and one brother.

Hobbies/interests: I spend time with my dog, going to the dog park, and spending time with friends.

Cassie Johnson

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, La Crosse

Why I applied for the job: I always wanted to help others in any way I can.

What I will bring to the job: Compassion, understanding and loyalty.

My background: I am currently in school for nursing at Western Technical College. I have worked in hospital settings providing food and laundry services.

Family: I have two dogs named Gracie and Arrya. I also have a loving and supportive boyfriend.

Hobbies/interests: I love to travel and spend time with friends and my dogs.

Kelliann Clapero

Aurora Vocational Services

DVR Vocational Coordinator, Chippewa Falls

Why I applied for the job: To help others fulfill their life and help them achieve their goals.

What I will bring to the job: Experience and passion in helping others.

My background: Healthcare and experience working with clients/residents with disabilities. 30 years experience.

Family: Collin Clapero, military/Army, 27; Caitlyn Clapero, 16, HS; Carson Clapero, 14, HS.

Hobbies/interests: Horses, camping, kayaking, reading, and spending time with family.

Brenda Popp

Aurora Vocational Services

IPS Vocational Coordinator, New Richmond

Why I applied for the job: I have been working in the vocational rehabilitation field for a couple years and I love helping people find jobs.

What I will bring to the job: I bring compassion, integrity, and empathy to my fellow employees and clients. I have a son with (high functioning) autism, who is continually improving/healing.

My background: I ran a couple of home-based businesses and home educated my children, taught piano and worked with a variety of ages.

Family: I have 6 grown children ages 19-31. 5 boys and 1 girl.

Hobbies/interests: Reading, kayaking, biking, cooking from scratch, natural health.

Cara Johnson

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Mental Health Technician, Chippewa Falls

Why I applied for the job: I'm very interested in the mental health field. I think I will be good in this position I have a strong desire to help people.

What I will bring to the job: Empathy, compassion, ability to stay calm, a desire to help others.

My background: Former Direct Support Professional. Interested in mental health and substance use. Currently, Executive Director of Wellness Shack.

Family: I am a single mother of a special needs daughter, and have two cats.

Hobbies/interests: Arts, crafts, swimming and boating.

We Have the BEST Staff

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

Aurora Management

Theodore East (6 years), Kristen Shaw (21 years),

Anne Lupo-Gundwe (2 years), Susan Buckley (14 years), Richard Jaramillo (3 years), Jennifer Scherff (6 years), Ian McAlister (3 years, Rachel Racchio (1 year), Ian Rajek (13 years, Anthony Mesner-Nayes (3 years), and Nichole Hartung (3 years).

Aurora Direct Care Staff

Racheal Rohde(1 year), Sarah Sheb (4 years),

Katelyn Lenk (3 years), Deanna Jeffers (15 years), Brian St Arnauld (7 years), William Montgomery (1 year), Amanda Quintana (1 year), Paul Okoroji (3 years), Ashley Mayer (1 year), Noah Stephenson (1 year), Oppong Kyeremeh (10 years), Laura Holstein (6 years), Tyler Curtain (1 year), Maria Mafurutu (1 year), Melinda Ziesman (3 years), Lindsey Gregory (1 year), and Sean Nelson (1 year).

When we combine all of these years of service,

we get 135 YEARS of experience at Aurora!

Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!