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Aurora Value Words



• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous

• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive

This week we celebrate Independence Day. This holiday is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom. It's a day to reaffirm our commitment to these ideals and strive for a more perfect union, one that embodies the values of equality and opportunity for all.

Aurora has been known to “make the constitution real” for those we support.

July is also Disability Pride Month. Consider what you might do to help those we support to really live out their constitutional rights!

The featured owner of Aurora for this issue of The Loop is Carrie Bultman! She is a Direct Support Professional working in the Eau Claire area.

Carrie says she is 64-year-old grandmother and wife with a little furry companion named Miko, a Pomeranian. After relocating to Brooklyn Park and Baldwin, she worked as a Float in the Eau Claire and Menomonie areas. For 18 years, she has been part of Northwest Pathways, managing programs for 17 years in Chippewa. When the situation changed, she transitioned to Aurora, following a friend's recommendation, and it has been a job that she truly cherishes.

"Working at Aurora for almost four years now, I appreciate my 3-11 shift in Baldwin and the exceptional leadership of Abbey, who has made my work experience truly enjoyable," Carrie says.

Carrie explains that in her role, she finds fulfillment in assisting with meals and medications, engaging with consumers during quiet moments, and sharing activities like reading and watching the news. "Each consumer has their preferences; for instance, one enjoys writing letters, which we gladly support. Barbecuing with them is a favorite pastime."

The most rewarding part of her job is spending quality time with consumers and being part of a supportive team. While working with challenging behaviors can present difficulties, Carrie says staff collaborate closely to understand triggers and handle medication adjustments with care and compassion. Being alongside her consumers during difficult periods has been one of the most rewarding experiences.

"I highly recommend joining Aurora as it offers a deeply fulfilling experience. Making a positive impact on someone's life changes your perspective on work. Outside of work, I treasure moments with my family, attend Twins games with my husband, and indulge in gardening and outdoor activities."

Thank you for your commitment to Aurora and the people in your care, Carrie!

Send in your 4th of July photos! Send in photos and videos of staff and consumers (with permission) enjoying the fireworks, barbeques, water balloons, and any other engaging activities! The goal is to celebrate independence in every sense of the word—so consider any success stories that showcase the joy and determination of our consumers!

Email us your pics at LifeofAurora@AuroraServices.com.

Our BEST Employees for the month of June are Pat Wright from direct support and Justin Boiteau from management!

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

Nominees from April 24 - June 20 were:

Jenny Thomas

April Solberg

Jeanne Martens

Jim Showalter

Justin Boiteau

Pat Wright

Andrew Seever

Carrie Bultman

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.

We have Safety Winners for the month of June!

Congratulations to Jeremy Kiktavy from 302 in Colorado, and Sharon Moss from 115 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.

Sun Safety Tips — What's Your Skin Strategy?

Ultraviolet, or UV, radiation from the sun is the best natural source for vitamin D – necessary for strong bones, muscles and overall health – BUT UV radiation from the sun (and/or from tanning beds!) can also cause sunburn, which is strongly linked to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

What can you do about it? Plenty!

As with many cancers, there are different subtypes of skin cancer.

Non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common cancers. These cancers are very treatable and much less likely to metastasize, that is, spread to other parts of the body.

Melanomas are different, arising from another cell type. The cancers are more serious. Most melanomas are cutaneous, which means they affect the skin, often the skin that’s exposed to the sun. Ultraviolet rays are a major cause of cutaneous melanoma – the radiation from the sun damages your DNA; that’s why skin cancer prevention focuses so much on covering up and using sunscreen.

Using the right sunscreen is the first step.

• Go for a “broad spectrum” sunscreen. This will block two kinds of cancer-causing UV rays – UVA (think aging) and UVB (think burns). The sun protection factor, or SPF, should be at least 30 and higher SPFs offer even more protection. Adults should slather on about one ounce, or a shot glass-full, to cover any exposed skin.

• Double dip! Generally, you’ll need to reapply every two hours or every 80 minutes if you’re going into the water. If you tend to sweat a lot in the sun or are swimming a lot, you may want to pick up water-resistant sunscreen.

• Sensitive skin? Patch test! If you have sensitive skin, you may want to try something that sits on top of the skin and deflects the sun’s UV rays like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Pro tip: test new sunscreen on a small patch of skin before you apply everywhere.

• Be cautious with spray sunscreens. These can be difficult to apply evenly and they also raise concerns about inhalation of ingredients. If you use them, apply in a well-ventilated area and don’t directly inhale the spray.

Those who don’t feel like slathering chemicals on their skin can also simply cover up when out and about. Wearing tightly woven clothing and a wide-brim hat will do a lot to protect your skin. Also, seek out shade when outside.

Sunscreen, protective clothing and a decrease in tanning bed use have already helped reduce melanoma rates in recent years, especially in people under 30.

Be sun smart when enjoying your time outside!

Don’t leave $500 on the table!

Only 5 Aurora employees have claimed theirs... It’s easy!

Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services offers a certification program for Direct Support Professionals!

Here's how it works:

• Complete the free, 20-to-40-hour training and testing program online at your own pace.

• Receive your CDCP designation and a $250 completion bonus if you work for or are hired by a qualified provider (Aurora is one!).

• Work six months at a qualified employer (Aurora is one!) and earn a second $250 bonus.

• Grow into future positions and be recognized as a certified professional!

For more information and to register visit:

https://www.wiscaregivercdcp.com/signup/

Boost Your Sense of Belonging

Resilience

n. the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands. A number of factors contribute to how well people adapt to adversities, predominant among them (a) the ways in which individuals view and engage with the world, (b) the availability and quality of social resources, and (c) specific coping strategies. Psychological research demonstrates that the resources and skills associated with more positive adaptation (i.e., greater resilience) can be cultivated and practiced. Also called psychological resilience. See also coping behavior; coping-skills training. —resilient adj.

The term resilience is a common buzz word lately. The above definition from the American Psychological Association tells us there’s hope for honing our skills! Here are some tips from Psych Central for cultivating resilience:

1. Act. Even small steps add to a sense of accomplishment, of being proactive instead of reactive. Start with something you feel confident you can do and ask for help if you need it. There’s a lot to be said about self-empowerment when you act in your own best interests. After all, no one else can act for you.
2. Add to coping resources. Everyone can benefit from having a toolkit of effective coping resources. Combat stress, depression, anxiety and other emotional, psychological and physical issues and conditions through meditation, mindful yoga, exercise and whatever helps you relax, including reading, music, doing puzzles, painting, writing and more.
3. Embrace flexibility. Instead of regarding your situation as no-win, steer towards an attitude of flexibility. Learn the art of compromise, as in, “I may not be able to run a marathon, yet I can manage a walk in the neighborhood with friends.” In addition, when running into fatigue or pain that prevents you from continuing, congratulate yourself on your effort and the fact that you acted to improve your resilience. Over time, you’ll get stronger and be able to do more, thus adding to your resilience and helping to improve your overall physical and mental health.
4. Practice optimism. Science says that some optimism is genetic, while some is learned. You can train yourself with practice in positive self-thinking to see opportunity instead of a dead-end, to view a glass as half full instead of half empty. There’s also truth in self-fulfilling attitudes. If you believe you’ll be successful in overcoming adversity, you’re more likely to succeed. The opposite is also true: If you think you’ll fail, you probably will.
5. Take advantage of support. When you need help, it’s OK to ask for it. In fact, when you know you have support available and are willing to use it, you’re exercising prosocial behavior. Similarly, when you can do so, offer your support to others who may need it.
6. Avoid personalizing. There’s no point in engaging in blame or endlessly thinking about your situation. Besides being counter-productive, it makes you feel worse. Make use of some of the healthy coping measures you’ve successfully used before and stop ruminating about what happened to you.
7. Regard the setback/disappointment as temporary. Nothing lasts forever, not even life-altering events, trauma, adversity and pain. You can navigate through this turbulent and emotionally trying time by realizing that this is temporary, and things will get better with your active involvement in your healing process.
8. Write your new story. Psychiatrists and psychologists call this “reframing” and it refers to changing your story to focus on the opportunities revealed. For example, say you’ve returned from active deployment in a war zone with extensive physical and psychological injuries. Instead of remaining steeped in the negative aspects of your experience, allow yourself to center on other senses, traits, skills and resources you have at your disposal – your empathy, understanding, ability to solve problems, a wide support network, loving family and close friends.
9. Cultivate gratitude. When you are grateful and actively cultivate gratitude, you are taking advantage of a basic part of resilience and in contentment in life. The more you develop gratitude, the more resilient you’ll become.
10. Remind yourself of other victories. This may be an intensely challenging time for you, a time when failures and negativity seem paramount and inevitable. Now is when you must remind yourself of your past successes, examples of seemingly impossible hurdles you’ve overcome, victories you’ve scored. This serves as self-reminder that you’ve come back from adversity before. You can do it again.
11. Enhance spirituality. Religion and spirituality have been shown as predictors of resilience in various populations studied, including returning war veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma sufferers, children and adults who experience abuse or violence, patients enduring chronic pain. Prayer, self-reflection, communicating with a Higher Power serves as a healing balm to many who otherwise may resort to negative coping behaviors, such as drinking and drug use.

Nat'l Cell Phone Courtesy Month

National Cell Phone Courtesy Month during July encourages us to evaluate our cellular habits and consider others before we reach for our phone. Our phones have become an integral part of our lives. We schedule events, organize shopping lists, order birthday presents, and communicate all from this one, small device. Do we even make a phone call any more? Phone courtesy has always been in fashion, but when they became smart, it seems we lost a few brain cells. The month strives to bring polite phone usage back in style.

Here are some courtesy tips:

1. Silence the phone whenever you're spending time with anyone. That includes work, a meal, meeting or with family. If you are attending a performance of any kind, turn the phone off. There are exceptions to this rule for medical professionals or other expectant emergency situations.

2. Hidden phones are forgotten phones. We pay attention to the people in the room, the performance, or the meeting. It's also a signal to the people we are with that they are important to us.

3. Step away if you do need to take a call. No one needs to hear your conversation while trying to enjoy a meal for two.

4. Shhh! Monitor the volume of your voice. Even when you step away, voices carry.

5. Pause before sending emails, texts, or social media posts. Consider the content, especially if it is posted in haste. Sometimes the need to ask will be all the answers you need before deleting the comment or text. Ask yourself the following questions before sending:

• Will I regret sending this later?
• Am I angry?
• Will this hurt someone?
• Is this appropriate?
• Will this affect my job or relationship?

6. Don't use your phone and drive. Many states prohibit cellular use or limit it to hands-free only. Any message can wait until you arrive at your destination. If it truly is urgent, pull to a safe stopping area to receive the message or call.

7. Don't let your mobile device become a social hindrance. We often look to our phone for social engagement when we don't know what else to do. Meet new people when you are in a new circle of people and begin networking with the people near you. Expand your social circle face to face and broaden the world around you.

Policy reminder:

All staff are reminded that ARA Policy 2.B.05 provides this guidance:

• Employee personal calls, outgoing or incoming whether using ARA phones or personal cellular phones must be limited to emergency situations only.
• Employees are not allowed to use cell phones to take pictures of consumers, staff, or ARA/consumers’ property.
• Using a cell phone while operating a vehicle is strictly prohibited. If an emergency call is required, the vehicle must be parked off the road way.

Megan Gallagher

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Wausau

Why I applied for the job: Great experience for my future career, and I like to help people.

What I will bring to the job: Work ethic, kindness, support.

My background: Majoring in social work with a criminal justice minor, graduating a year early with hopes to work in mental health social work.

Family: One older brother, mom and dad. Very close with my family, not much we don't do together.

Hobbies/interests: On track & field team at UW-SP. I love hunting and fishing. I am in the Army National Guard as a military police.

Hannah Barnard

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Mosinee/Wausau

Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job because I am passionate about working with people and positively impacting their lives.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring a positive, friendly, and warm vibe for all of Aurora's consumers and employees.

My background: Most of my employment background is in cleaning; however, my interests are in the human services, which is why I am so excited to be here!

Family: I have a 6-year-old son named Phoenix who is my best buddy!

Hobbies/interests: Kayaking, fishing, music, poetry, arts and crafts.

Beatrice M. Tepp

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point

Why I applied for the job: Stay-at-home mom wanting to get back to the workforce.

What I will bring to the job: I work hard at work, love to make people smile/laugh.

My background: Competitive knife & axe thrower, loving gardening, have 4 kids, huge animal lover.

Family: My husband, four kids, two snapping turtles, one tortoise, one dog.

Hobbies/interests: Sewing, gardening, interested in going back to school.

Bryan Dettmann

Aurora Vocational Services

Employment Specialist I, Wausau

Why I applied for the job: I have special needs children, so I have a deep and profound understanding of the support needed, and I want to do everything I can to support those efforts.

What I will bring to the job: A positive attitude and willingness to help.

My background: Years of customer service experience. B.S. degree in math from UW-Platteville.

Family: 3 adult children: Noah, 20; Saige, 24; and Zachary, 23.

Hobbies/interests: Fishing, boating, off-roading.

Jade Sales

Aurora Vocational Services

Vocational Coordinator, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: I was looking for a career that aligned with my values.

What I will bring to the job: An open, ready-to-learn attitude, patience, and compassion-driven ethic, and encouragement.

My background: A decade of customer service, in-home caregiving for children and adults, and background in the music therapy sector.

Hobbies/interests: I write, sing, play various instruments, compose, play open mics, research my special interests, craft, read, and listen to stand-up comedy.

Rachel Jackson

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Menomonie

Why I applied for the job: I am hoping to find more ways to help out my community. I believe that Aurora will suit me, my experience, and skills.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring a good attitude, selfless values, healthy lifestyle habits.

My background: I mostly have a background in the food/coffee industry.

Family: My family includes my sisters (older and younger), mom, dad, grandma, my friends who are dear to my heart, and my two cats, Chicken and Sage.

Hobbies/interests: My interests include self-care, which may fall under walking, yoga, etc. I enjoy making coffee drinks, watching movies, cooking, baking sourdough bread, interior design, and color theory.

Courtney Taves

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Program Manager, River Falls

Why I applied for the job: I really enjoy assisting others and I'm always striving to make the lives of consumers happier and more fulfilling.

What I will bring to the job: Leadership, and I'm a team player. Always willing to learn new things. A good attitude.

My background: Human service degree. I have worked with disabled consumers, elderly for some years.

Family: I'm married and have 4 grown kids, grandson, and another grandson on the way.

Hobbies/interests: Hanging out with family and my dog.

Taylen Lundequam

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: I really like to help people.

What I will bring to the job: Empathy, understanding, and a listening ear.

My background: I worked at a group home in the past. I also worked for a nonprofit helping unhoused individuals find housing. After that, I was a job developer and helped consumers find employment.

Hobbies/interests: I really like music. I listen to it as much as I can. I also enjoy traveling and doing photography.

Dylan C. Worzella

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Schofield

Why I applied for the job: A new experience as well as more hours for experience.

What I will bring to the job: A happy personality willing to assist anyone.

My background: I love skiing and job-wise I love assisting and helping others.

Family: I am a middle child with a younger and older brother.

Lybbi Bartsh

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, La Crosse

Why I applied for the job: I wanted experience for when I complete my CNA class.

What I will bring to the job: Kindness, responsibility.

Hobbies/interests: I enjoy being outside and nature.

Madison Vale

Aurora Vocational Services

Employment Specialist I, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: Wanted to get my feet wet while I work towards my social work degree.

What I will bring to the job: Empathy and some knowledge as to what the job entails.

My background: Worked for Home Depot for 5 years while pursuing my associates degree in corrections/comm advocacy, working towards my bachelor's in social work.

Family: 4 older siblings and a 4-year-old little sister.

Hobbies/interests: Music, hanging with friends and family.

Jesse Kistner

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Menomonie

Why I applied for the job: I love helping people, went to school for bachelors degree in criminal justice.

What I will bring to the job: My positivity and ideas.

My background: I worked a lot in management and/or case manager.

Family: My partner Jeff and I have a hound mix Bobby; cats, Squirt, Gypsy, and a kitten, Trouble.

Hobbies/interests: I like to knit, collect movies for my movie/theater room. I'm big about friends/family get-togethers.

Rebecca Hagen

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Plover

Why I applied for the job: I love helping people! I have family in similar situations. It will help motivate me to finish my HS degree! I wanted a job I could keep moving up in.

What I will bring to the job: Positivity, love, empathy.

My background: No employment background of caregiving, but many family members in same situation.

Family: Mom & dad, sister, boyfriend, cat!

Hobbies/interests: Fishing, hiking, mini golf, and art.

Jayden Thiel

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Mosinee

Why I applied for the job: My mom told me about this job, and I was interested because I'm good with people.

What I will bring to the job: I will be on time and make sure everyone's needs are met.

My background: I've worked at a few fast food places.

Family: I live with my mom.

Hobbies/interests: Basketball, working out, and being around friends.

Caryleen Yang

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point

Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job because I wanted to try something new out and get more experience working in this field.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring my positive attitude and willingness to help each and every one.

My background: I am a student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point majoring in international studies and minoring in biology.

Family: I have 8 people in my family, plus a cat and a bunch of chickens.

Hobbies/interests: I like to read, write, draw, and watch movies.

Melissa (Missy) Perez

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: Enjoy working with others to help make their lives better.

What I will bring to the job: Knowledge, support, kindness, understanding, dignity.

My background: Program manager, 5 years; caregiver, 1 year.

Family: 1 son, 2 brothers, mom and dad.

Hobbies/interests: Movies, gardening, my dogs.

Mikayla (Kayla) Nocchi

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Mental Health Technician, Chippewa Falls

Why I applied for the job: To help further my career, interested in working in mental health.

What I will bring to the job: My best self, positivity, kindness, and an understanding attitude.

My background: Bartending and customer service.

Family: Mom, dad, and younger brother.

Hobbies/interests: Spending time outside, spending time with friends/family/boyfriend, volunteering.

We Have the BEST Staff

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

Aurora Management

Linda Amundson (17 years), Juan Gordillo (17 years),

Jennifer Harder (3 years), Gao Vang (1 year), Jessica Lyberg (1 year), Deena Black (32 years), Jeanne Martens (9 years), Lisa Bechel (5 years), Emily Mujwid (25 years), Jocelyn Holder (4 years), and Katherine Andresen (5 years).

Aurora Direct Care Staff

Gina Martell (12 years), Elizabeth Shomila (1 year), Caylyn Copeskey (1 year), Stacey Hamm (2 years), Brenda Kannenberg (2 years), Sara Dorr (9 years), Camie Teerink (6 years), Melisa Galligan (5 years), Jeremy Nevin (3 years), Guadalupe Sault (17 years), Betty Johnson

(6 years), Stephanie Johnson (14 years), Ashton Mack (3 years), Chase Welsch (4 years), Rachel Johnson-Barton (3 years), Douglas Sessions (26 years), Dennis Rude (8 years), Justin Allen (11 years), Philip Schlosser (8 years), Olivia Stevens (8 years), Sally Reed (1 year), Brian Bender (5 years), Renea Andreski (3 years), Melissa Koncel (1 year), and Noah Faught (2 years).

When we combine all of these years of service,

we get 280 YEARS of experience at Aurora!

Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!