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Aurora Value Words



• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous

• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive

What's an ESOP?

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a retirement plan enabling employees to own part or all of their company, typically without personal contributions, similar to 401(k) plans. ESOPs are regulated by ERISA and overseen by the IRS and Department of Labor.

How does Aurora’s ESOP work?

Well, Aurora’s original owners, Dave and Jim, sell their stock to the ESOP Trust, Aurora purchases the stock from the Trust and then distributes the stock to eligible employees:

Aurora established an ESOP for several reasons:

• Succession Planning: Founders can sell their shares to ensure the company maintains its mission and values.
• Employee Retention: Employees are more invested in the company's success, leading to higher retention rates.
• Company Culture: ESOPs foster a culture of ownership, enhancing productivity and job satisfaction.

As an employee owned company, Aurora values the input of all owners – it’s why our Owners’ Team was created! You’ve seen updates from this team periodically, but essentially, the team is representation from all companies, geography, and varied positions within our organization that makes recommendations, reviews and analyzes issues and policies, and speaks on behalf of all of our owners. Please reach out to the team at ownersteam@auroraservices.com with suggestions or ideas!

Time to Select Your Health Insurance Plan for 2025

For those of you who are eligible for health insurance, the enrollment period to select your health insurance plan is approaching: November 13-19, 2024. If you are satisfied with your current plan, you can select it again! If you wish to make a change to your plan, you have that option as well. If you haven’t enrolled, this is your chance.  

Watch your email and RTasks for updates!



Program Manager, Rayelle McCready from OP305 in Colorado Springs, was referred to Aurora from a friend and began her journey shortly after working with traumatic brain injuries. Rayelle's extensive experience in caring for diverse communities, including adults with severe mental illness, hospice care, Alzheimer's, and dementia, and says she was eager to expand her knowledge in a different field of care.

Her journey with Aurora has been remarkable, serving as both a program manager and a Bestologist. As November approaches, she celebrates seven years with Aurora. What she cherishes most is the familial bond she forms with her consumers, enriching their lives by helping them develop skills and live life to the fullest. She firmly believes that everyone deserves a chance, regardless of how challenging their circumstances may appear, and strives to offer everyone the same opportunities.

As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Rayelle has applied her skills to clients requiring higher acuity of care. Her background in barber styling has allowed her to volunteer by providing haircuts and makeovers, which she finds incredibly rewarding. She says she has gained invaluable insights, particularly in empathy, by placing herself in her clients' shoes and gaining a clearer understanding of their perspectives. Rayelle believes that compassion, honesty, patience, and empathy are essential qualities, as well as a sincere desire to help others reach their full potential.

Balancing work and personal life is crucial for Rayelle. She sets clear boundaries, prioritizes tasks, takes breaks to recharge, and delegates responsibilities to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Although she now resides in the city, Rayelle remains a country girl at heart, and enjoys activities such as milking cows and goats, collecting chicken eggs, barrel racing, and showing goats. She says as the saying goes, "You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl."

Happy Workversary Rayelle! Thank you for sharing your passion, outlook, and talents with us!

Our BEST Employees for the month of October are Kassidy Earhart from Direct Support and Linda Aton from management!

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

Nominees from Sept 20 – Oct 21^st:

Linda Aton • Justin Boiteau • Jill Mattson • Hayley Peterson

• Susan Buckley • Heidi Lang

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 August!

Congratulations to Janet Baker from 049 in Comstock, and Demetrius Banks from 107 in Onalaska!

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!!

Safety Tip: Winter slips and falls can cause serious workplace injuries and expenses. Request Salt and Sand shakers from area offices, which can fit in vehicle cup holders. These shakers should be filled with a salt/sand mixture to treat slippery surfaces, enhancing regular salting efforts. Together, we can prevent winter accidents!

Cultivate an Optimistic Mindset Gratitude Journaling

Evan Pretzer

Aurora Vocational Services

Employment Specialist (Job Coach), Schofield

Why I applied for the job: I have always enjoyed helping others, it brings me immense joy.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring wholesome enthusiasm.

My background: Reporting (staff and freelance)

Family: I have a wife, two cats and a dog.

Hobbies/interests: Reading and writing, television, coin collecting and video games.

Menay Her

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point

Why I applied for the job: I applied for the job so I can relearn and challenge myself in the healthcare/caregiving field.

What I will bring to the job: I am always willing to learn and be as much help as I can.

My background: I am a college student at UWSP and took CNA classes in high school. I am a business major and always full of excitement.

Family: I am the oldest child/daughter in a family of 6.

Hobbies/interests: I like reading and playing volleyball for fun.

Erica Hartel

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: I love to help people.

What I will bring to the job: Dedication.

My background: CNA.

Family: I have two brothers, mom and stepdad.

Hobbies/interests: Lifting weights.

Yareliz Decelis

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: I love to care for other people; I love making consumers laugh/smile.

What I will bring to the job: Be on time, dependable.

My background: Caregiver for 3 years, I would like to develop into the company and grow more.

Family: I have a husband, mother-in-law, dog and a cat.

Hobbies/interests: I love the outdoors, grilling, and enjoying family time.

Karl Garrett

Aurora Vocational Services

Program Assistant, Eau Claire Day Center

Why I applied for the job: I wanted to find another job opportunity in this field of work.

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

My background: Before this job I worked at New Beginnings and before that I worked at McDonalds.

Hobbies/interests: My hobbies include arts and crafts.

Lindsey Keller

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Mental Health Technician, Chippewa Falls

Why I applied for the job: I've seen my family make a positive impact on people's lives and it inspired me to want to make the same positive impact.

What I will bring to the job: Patience, communication and empathy.

My background: Test Center Administrator, Research Assistant.

Family: Parents, sister, Siberian Husky and a cat.

Hobbies/interests: Reading, painting, hiking, and petting the fur babies.

Kelly Johnson

Aurora Community Services

Administrative Specialist, Ladysmith

Why I applied for the job: I am at a place in my life where I need to take my emotional health back. Aurora is a very positive work environment with a strong leadership team.

What I will bring to the job: Years of experience working with persons who suffer from mental health and substance abuse concerns. My goal is to make everyone who walks through the door feel comfortable.

My background: My most recent employment was a Service Facilitator for the CCS Program. This is my 3rd time back with Aurora and in total I have 17 years with this amazing service agency.

Family: I have a very small but close family. My mom is my best friend and she also worked for Aurora. She was a PCW for 18 years.

Hobbies/interests: In my free time I enjoy cooking. I spent hours Googling recipes and then trying them. I also enjoy reading and hanging out with my family.

Maria Harding

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, La Crosse

Why I applied for the job: I love to work with new people, getting to know them, and giving joy in their lives.

What I will bring to the job: Good team work and happiness to clients.

My background: I've worked in healthcare for 4 years.

Family: I have a dog Bailey, 3 children, and a fiancé.

Hobbies/interests: Anything outside, book and dogs!

Breanna Rodriguez

Aurora Vocational Services

Vocational Coordinator, Chippewa Falls Office

Why I applied for the job: Interested in serving my community.

My background: Worked with the day program serving young adults for 2 years.

Hobbies/interests: Baking/reading.

Noelia Carrera-Medina

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: I just moved here and I needed a job. This job caught my attention. I also think it will help me in my future career of going into the medical field.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring joy and make the consumers comfortable to the best I can.

My background: I worked in an arcade. I like painting and going out.

Family: Mom, dad and two brothers.

Cassandra Kleinhans

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: I enjoy taking care of people.

What I will bring to the job: Empathy and compassion.

My background: Currently in school for a bachelors in social work. I enjoy hanging out with my kids and husband!

Family: 2 kids, 2 bonus kids and a loving husband.

Hobbies/interests: Outdoors, loving on my puppers!

Selena Moten

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, River Falls

Why I applied for the job: A chance to do something different.

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

My background: Housekeeping child care, personal caregiver.

Family: 3 daughters, 1 son.

Hobbies/interests: Coloring, singing, and watching movies.

Mason Rose

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: It gives me the opportunity to get work experience for my degree in healthcare admin.

What I will bring to the job: Positive attitude and a strong work ethic.

My background: Worked at Walmart and manual labor.

Family: My brother is a office of Rome Police Department.

Hobbies/interests: Hunting fishing, gym and golf.

Delaney Klambrowski

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Altoona

Why I applied for the job: I loved the idea of helping people live their most independent life.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring an open mind ready to learn.

My background: I'm currently a student at UWEC majoring in biology with a plan to become a pediatric oncologist.

Family: I have 1 brother who is in the U.S. Army, and 2 sisters; one who is attending UW Oshkosh and the other is in high school.

Erica Smith

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Altoona

Why I applied for the job: I love working with others and thought this would be a great opportunity to gain "patient care" experience.

What I will bring to the job: Team player and great communication skills.

My background: I love going to the gym, I used to be a CNA, student at UWEC-psychology major, and bartender.

Family: 2 sisters and 2 step sisters.

Hobbies/interests: Gym, walks, movies, dinner dates, and shopping.

Victoria McAllister

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Comstock

Why I applied for the job: I've always wanted to help people as it's been a calling to me.

Family: 6 sibling and the oldest. Grew up with a single mom.

Hobbies/interests: Reading, swimming, four-wheeling.

Welcome!

(Left to right) Breanna Rodriguez, Austin Niedere, Noelia Carrera-Medina, and Vicky McAllister

We Have the BEST Staff

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

Aurora Management

Paula Mickelson (20 years), Jessica Kautter (3 years),

Nicole Vande Kolk (3 years), Danielle Toman (1 year), Pam Kegley (7 years, Jennifer Faught (3 years), Carli Stevens (1 year), Mandi Mouw (15 years) and Heidi Lang (20 years).

Aurora Direct Care Staff

Natania Sault (2 years), Abby Hamilton (5 years),

Ashley Lyons (2 years), Janell Card (23 years), Susan Wheeler (4 years), Jesse Korbal (12 years), Erin Gentz (1 year), Tanya Herrin (3 years), Kyle Weidler (10 years), Joanne Jones (2 years), Roy Parker (13 years), Randall Shumway (10 years), Elvin Stoner (14 years), Bintu Kamara (6 years), Holly Love(15 years), Teresa Monjaraz (6 years), Lee McCready (7 years), and Jena Harrup (2 years).

When we combine all of these years of service,

we get 210 YEARS of experience at Aurora!

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