Having trouble viewing The Loop? Click here to view as a webpage.

Aurora Value Words



• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous

• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive

Eugene Ellis was part of the Aurora Family for 19 years. He lived at Operation 011 in Menomonie and attended the Aurora Day Services Center also in Menomonie. Eugene was described as a quiet guy but if he had something to say, he said it with enthusiasm. He loved animals and being outside. Some of Eugene’s favorite things at Day Services were puzzles, games, joking around with staff and doing word searches. Eugene loved asking questions like "how short are you?" "How young are you?"

And no matter the answer, Eugene couldn't believe it! He would always get a good kick out of rediscovering his age. Staff would tell him he was 47 and be met with a mind blown Eugene. He was a young spirit. He enjoyed drumming on the table and scaring staff. Eugene was up for just about anything. Staff could ask him if he wanted to go out for a ride and his go to response was usually, "could I?" or "why sureeee." Anytime he heard or saw his name, he would announce that it was in fact him. "That's me!"

Eugene's playful spirit and enthusiasm will be sorely missed by those who knew him best, as well as throughout the Aurora community.

The featured owner of Aurora for this issue of The Loop is ACC's Abbey Dieckman, MS, LPC, CSAC, ICS. She is the Associate Director/AODA Services and Mental Health/AODA Therapist/Clinical Supervisor!

My passion for helping others began while working in the group home setting of Aurora Residential Services while I was completing my undergraduate work in psychology for UW-River Falls. This is where I fell in love with Aurora and the helping profession. The hands on experience I gained at Aurora within my junior and senior year while earning my Bachelor’s degree is what led me to pursue my dream of becoming a therapist. I went on to earn my Master’s Degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in Community Counseling with an AODA emphasis in 2011. I have been a clinical substance abuse counselor (CSAC) since 2012, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) since 2013, and an Independent Clinical Supervisor (ICS) since 2017. I returned to Aurora in 2015 within their counseling branch and am currently the AODA director of Aurora Community Counseling as well as a mental health and AODA therapist.

Other positions that I have held that helped better my therapeutic skills include-Student Conduct Officer for UW-Whitewater as a graduate student and an AODA/MH therapist for Mercy Hospital Addiction Treatment Services in Janesville, WI. At Mercy hospital I was able to work in all levels of care with the exception of residential.

There are many things I love about Aurora. The leadership at Aurora is exceptional, truly the best of the best. Aurora is a business that cares about each individual holistically. It is so important to me to always feel like I can be my genuine self and the leadership at Aurora pushes for you to be your very best while staying true to yourself. I love that Aurora is a unified team of professionals all working together to accomplish the same goals-to help and better the lives of others.

Each therapist has their own theoretic approach and style. Mine is solution-focused and strength based. I am able to utilize all 3 of my licensures within Aurora. The leaders of Aurora want to make sure each professional is happy, achieving their own personal goals, and enjoying their work.

Counseling is a career in which a ceiling never exists. You are in a constant state of growth, learning, and development. One of my favorite aspects of counseling is that I will never know it all and the opportunity for new growth is always within your reach.

Life is all about balance and making time for the things that you value. I make it a priority to balance what I value and find joy and laughter every single day. Happiness does not fall into your lap, I know what makes me happy and I make it my purpose to experience it.

Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a counselor. It has always been my dream to be established in a career where I could help others. It is pretty wonderful to be living out my dream.

Thank you for your commitment to Aurora and the people in you serve, Abbey!

At our July meeting, The Owner’s Team dug into the results of the survey that was sent out earlier this year. Owners, there were 176 of us that responded! That’s roughly a 40% return…outstanding! Overwhelmingly, Owners gave positive scores to feeling appreciated by their supervisors, feeling like they understood and delivered on Aurora’s mission, and look forward to going to work each day. Incredible! Owners said they enjoy their jobs, felt like there was opportunity for advancement, and felt pretty good overall. Other feedback noted issues with pay and benefits, which is pretty standard in these types of surveys.

Overall, Owner’s Team members agreed with the results. Several members who are long-time employees of Aurora shared the importance of understanding that this is not the first time that Aurora has buckled up for the long haul and gotten through it. For those of us who haven’t been around as long and haven’t ridden the waves with Dave don’t have the understanding that Aurora does what Aurora needs to do to weather the storm and make sure they can continually deliver on their mission. It’s really important to appreciate and understand the many non-compensation benefits we enjoy at Aurora.

The Owner’s Team talked about areas where little changes could have big impact, both on the financial side as well as the employee appreciation side:

Financial Wellness:

• Owners suggested that many of us are living paycheck to paycheck which causes stress and impacts mental health.
• Keep promoting the online financial course.
• Offer workshops to teach how money works, budgeting, saving
• Promote county specific resources available to everyone including food pantries.

Individual Impact on Aurora’s Financial Wellness:

• Owners suggested that better understanding of expenses and their impact on the bottom line would help us realize how everything we do on a daily basis makes a difference.
• Promote expense saving ideas like turning off the lights, moderate temperature settings on the air conditioning or furnace, wash full loads only of laundry or dishes
• Create challenges between offices or sites to save on expenses
• Work efficiently when planning trips with residents or to meet job seekers/IPS clients
• Accurate case notes that appropriately describe daily living to ensure proper coding for billing
• Shop wisely, buy on sale, buy in bulk, use groceries, adopt a zero-toss role rule!

Improve Employee Appreciation:

Owners suggested that there is a lack of connection throughout Aurora. There is value to connecting, not only with our immediate coworkers, but also those across town, departments or even the state.

• Create virtual interest groups
• Create a virtual Escape Room
• Plan special interest workshops
• Town Halls with Dave: ongoing, scheduled basis, and open to all employees including direct staff
• Promote the good works of all staff on social media

All Owners are encouraged to share ideas. As Owners, everyone should take pride and take action!

Hey, before you go…did you participate in the Summer Bingo game? Don’t forget to send in your pictures to share! A Fall Bingo game is in the works…just wait until you see the activities that will be included! Look for more activities that will promote connection and fun, fun, fun! But seriously…what’s bingo without a prize? Well, that’s been addressed too! Ian Rajek will perform a 2-hour, FREE concert for Bingo winners! 

Finances affect physical health as stress impacts mental health, which in turn affects physical health. Managing finances well is crucial for overall health.

Some of you engaged with our new Financial Fitness platform earlier this year. The platform has undergone a transition and is now called Enrich. The platform now offers enhanced features like meditations, gamification with monthly sweepstakes, and video options.

You will need to create a new log in for this great tool – we hope you will do so promptly to take care of your financial self!



Get started here ►►► https://auroraservices.enrich.org/

Our BEST Employees for the month of July are Brian Bender from direct support and Susan Buckley from management!

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

Nominees from June 21 - July 20 were:

Susan Buckley

Carli Stevens

Anna Holloway

Jessica Checkalski

Brian Bender

Kassidy Earhart

Caleb Fissette

Adam Huber

Amanda Lunde

Amber Zwick

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.

Managing Stress and Anxiety When Times Get Tough

Staying informed through overwhelming news can lead to stress and anxiety. External factors intensify these feelings, affecting well-being.

Stress is triggered by pressure on the mind or body, causing mental and physical symptoms. Anxiety involves persistent excessive worries and can impact well-being. Stress and anxiety are common emotions that can be motivating but may lead to long-term health effects if not managed. Both can be addressed with similar coping strategies due to their emotional nature.



Here are some general tips to help manage stress and anxiety effectively:

• Avoid "doomscrolling," which involves consuming excessive negative news, as it can harm your mental well-being. Limit social media use and focus on factual information rather than speculation.
• Stay physically active by engaging in activities like swimming, cycling, walking, or running to boost mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain.
• Practice mindfulness through activities like yoga and meditation to stay present and calm racing thoughts.
• Try breathing exercises with controlled deep breaths to lower heart rate and blood pressure, promoting relaxation.
• Make time for activities you enjoy, such as hobbies or creative outlets, to unwind and distract from stress.
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule for emotional balance and well-being.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains to support physical and mental health.
• Nurture relationships with friends and family to share experiences and improve mental well-being.
• Communicate openly with your manager if work-related stress is a concern, as they may offer support to ease the burden.
• Focus on what you can control to protect your mental and physical health during times of anxiety and stress.

Reach out for professional help if needed, either through your employer's resources or by contacting a healthcare provider or helpline for support.

5 Reasons It Is Important for Adults

to Get Vaccinated

Vaccines have saved lives for over 100 years – but serious disease is

still a threat.

Vaccines have greatly reduced diseases that once routinely harmed or killed babies, children, and adults. People all over the world – including the United States – still become seriously ill or even die from diseases that vaccines can help prevent. It is important that you stay up to date on recommended vaccines.

The protection some vaccines provide can fade over time, and you might need additional vaccine doses (boosters) to maintain protection. 

Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from preventable diseases.

By getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself and also avoid spreading preventable diseases to other people in your community. Some people cannot get certain vaccines because they are too young or too old or they have a weakened immune system or other serious health condition. Those people are less likely to catch a preventable disease when you and others around them are vaccinated against it.

Vaccines can prevent serious illness.

Some vaccine-preventable diseases can have serious complications or even lead to later illnesses. Vaccination provides protection not only against the disease itself but also against the dangerous complications or consequences that it can bring. Some examples would be the flu vaccination, Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination and Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

The vaccines you receive are safe.

Vaccine safety is a high priority. CDC and other experts carefully review safety data before recommending any vaccine, then continually monitor vaccine safety after approval.

Vaccines may be required.

Certain vaccines are required for school, work, travel, and more. Students, military personnel, and residents of rehabilitation or care centers must be vaccinated against diseases that circulate in close quarters. Health care workers and others whose job puts them at risk of catching and spreading preventable diseases need to be vaccinated against them. Because vaccination protects you and those around you, vaccines can be required for everyday activities as well as for extraordinary situations. 

It is important to stay up to date on recommended vaccinations!

It's National Eye Exam Month in August, reminding us that peeping at those eye charts is a crucial part of staying on top of our health game. Your vision isn't just about seeing clearly; it's your ticket to acing work projects, detecting sneaky health issues, and living your best life.

Why National Eye Exam Month is a big deal:

• Clear vision means bossing your to-do list. Don't let blurry vision hold you back at work. Sharpening up your sight can supercharge your productivity and help you conquer tasks like a pro.
• Eye exams are like health detectives. They don't just check your peepers; they can also sniff out health red flags like diabetes, high cholesterol, and more.
• Eye exams are like a superhero shield. Some eye problems sneak up silently, but catching them early can save the day for your eyesight.

Top tips for eye care:

• Keep your glasses or contacts up to date for top-notch screen time.
• If your eyes feel like they're in a wrestling match with screens, chat with your doc about computer glasses.
• Lift your screen to eye level to ease the strain.
• Beat the glare with anti-glare screens or shades.
• Give your eyes a timeout every 20 minutes by gazing into the distance for 20 seconds.

Erica Vangenferen

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point and Plover

Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job to have a fulfilling career and do something I enjoy.

What I will bring to the job: A positive attitude and a genuine desire to improve consumer quality of life.

My background: Pick N' Save and AMB (custodial)

Family: I have 5 boys and husband and a fur baby.

Hobbies/interests: Reading, crocheting and camping.

Jaanika Rosenthal

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, La Crosse

Why I applied for the job: I have done in-home support work before and it was very rewarding. I came to Aurora because of my social work internship with La Crosse County. I would be able to create closer relationships with the clients.

What I will bring to the job: I will brings years of working with individuals with special needs and a hardworking, passionate personality.

My background: I worked at home and community options in Winona, MN for a year. This summer I interned with Buffalo County division of Extension through UW.

Family: My family is the most important thing to me. My mom is a teacher and my dad works in corrections. My sisters are the reason I do what I do. They are 14 and 16.

Hobbies/interests: Outside of all my jobs I love to read and relax in my apartment, and watching a good show.

Samantha Sordahl

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, La Crosse

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

What I will bring to the job: Respect and readiness to help and care.

Family: I have two sisters and four brothers.

Hobbies/interests: I love being outside, skating and biking.

Joseph Orler

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Menomonie

Why I applied for the job: To be of service to my community and to help people overcome obstacles in their life.

What I will bring to the job: A good work ethic and a positive attitude.

My background: PCA work as well as auto-mechanic.

Family: I have five children and five nieces and nephews.

Hobbies/interests: Helping others and fishing.

Nancy Larson

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, River Falls

Why I applied for the job: To work in a people helping people setting.

What I will bring to the job: People skills, kindness, sense-of-humor, organization.

My background: Driver for Handi-Lift. I wanted to do more to help people with life's challenges.

Family: I have a sister, brother, one niece and two nephews.

Hobbies/interests: I collect post cards.

Victoria Gilson

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: I want to help others. : )

What I will bring to the job: Patience, care, and a smile.

My background: I work as a daycare teacher and I love it.

Family: My husband Adam Gilson is a counselor with the Chippewa location, and I have a three year old son who is the center of my universe.

Hobbies/interests: Houseplants, yoga, gym, playing with my dog, and learning new things.

Niki Quillman

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Program Assistant, Wausau

Why I applied for the job: Something different for me. I have always loved working with kids two years ago began working with people with different needs.

What I will bring to the job: Positive and caring attitude and openness to learn new things.

My background: I have been working with people with different needs for the last few years and it makes me feel great that they catch on to something I taught them.

Family: I have dad, mom, and younger brother. I live with my boyfriend and three cats.

Hobbies/interests: I love camping, reading, gardening, spending time with family and animals.

Rose Armstrong

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point

Why I applied for the job: I have always wanted to work in the medical field. Specifically, I wanted a job that would help my community and be impactful in someone's life.

What I will bring to the job: I am cool-headed and calm. I am ready for anything that I am presented with.

Hobbies/interests: Reading and collecting books.

Diamon Riley

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Weston

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

What I will bring to the job: Smiling face.

My background: I have always worked in health care.

Family: I have three kids, 14 years old, 7 years old, and 6 years old.

Hobbies/interests: I love shopping, bowling, and spending time with family.

Brian Garrett

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Program Assistant, Eau Claire Day Center

Family: I have a wife and two sons.

Hobbies/interests: Fishing, camping, and hunting.

Daniel Deegan

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Weston

Why I applied for the job: I like working with and helping people with special needs.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring a good attitude and a willingness to work hard.

My background: Customer service and home healthcare.

Hobbies/interests: Fishing.

Isaac Rayfield

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, New Richmond

Why I applied for the job: I really like helping others.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring positivity and kindness.

My background: I absolutely love customer service and learning new things! I want to make a difference!

Family: I have four great kids.

Hobbies/interests: Fishing, nature, horseback riding, hiking, and Minnesota Vikings!

Rajinna Barber

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Program Manager, River Falls

Why I applied for the job: I'm excited to to try out my skills in leadership and work experience.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring new ideas, understanding, compassion, empathy, and cool vibes.

Family: I have a son and a best friend who are family.

We Have the BEST Staff

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

Aurora Management

Jacqueline Perro (16 years), Hayley Petersen (3 years),

Hannah Goss (1 year), Shannon Larson (5 years), Katharine Barnard (4 years), Jessica Gossen (3 years), Carol Peterson (1 year), and Jana Hansen (22 years).

Aurora Direct Care Staff

Bethany Cerutti (2 years), Jayda Turchen (1 year),

Alana Piller (1 year), Peyton Williams (1 year), Jacob Brunberg (7 year), Jessica Hills (10 years), Darrian King (2 years), Elijah Arceneaux (2 years), Jamie Stickney (1 year), Patrice Fissette (4 years), Sandra Ming (8 years), Dolores Claridy (2 years), Ryan Culbreth (1 year), Meajah Adams (1 year), Jeremy Kiktavy (3 years), Morgen Buhler (7 years), Mary Wolfgram (1 year), Caitlin Thomey (6 years), Ashley Miller (1 year) and Debra Huggins (5 years).

When we combine all of these years of service,

we get 107 YEARS of experience at Aurora!

Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!

Have you shopped the online Aurora store yet? As we wave goodbye to July and transition into the month of August, it’s the perfect time to start gearing up for fall and updating your wardrobe and cozy essentials. Whether you’re looking for long sleeve polos, T-shirts, hoodies or anything in-between, we have a wide range of options to suit your needs and preferences. Embrace the seasons with our selection of warm and comfortable Aurora apparel.