We are pleased to be able to provide employees with a 2.5% wage increase this year. The increase will be effective the 1st of the month following your employment anniversary. Thank you for your continued commitment to the consumers we serve! | |
Our featured Value Word of the month is:
Passionate—showing or caused by strong feelings or a strong belief.
There's no question that Aurora team members have a strong belief in the right of all people to live meaningful lives in their chosen communities. It's the heartbeat of our organization!
| |
Owners Corner
— Jesseca Erb —
| |
This month’s featured owner of Aurora is Gina Krueger.
As a college student, Gina Krueger realized her passion for the direct care field when she worked every other weekend supporting people with differing abilities. After graduation, Gina started working for other companies in the training and education field. She soon realized that her true mission in life was to work with the population of people she supported while in school. While looking for new employment opportunities, her dad found an ad in the paper for a program director position in Eau Claire, working with adults with disabilities. Thus began Gina’s career of 19 years (and counting) at Aurora.
For the first 4-5 years, Gina’s position as program director entailed many responsibilities. Not only did she oversee 25 sites, but she started the PMII program, which aimed to teach program managers additional responsibilities and skills. Gina explained that trainings were held at the Menomonie Day Center and often included consumer participation, which was so much fun for everyone involved. Her role changed when she moved into the HR Department as the Assistant HR Director, where she worked primarily on employee performance issues. After two years, Gina missed working with the consumers and transitioned into the ARA training director, which allowed her more frequent interaction with them. In this position, Gina coordinated, managed, and facilitated new hire orientations, staff development, crisis prevention/intervention, and CBRF trainings for both Aurora employees and outside provider organizations. In 2013, Gina eventually segued from the ARA training director to REALiving’s training director, which focused on teaching employee leadership skills rather than direct support skills. In 2021, Gina accepted the leadership position of REALiving Director, where she gets to employ her passion for helping people be their BEST every day.
Gina explained that as the daughter of a basketball coach and restaurateur, the Be Your BEST mantra was modeled and instilled in her growing up. “We were raised to be our best.” “Helping people focus on solutions rather than problems hits me right in the guideposts.” “I love working for a company that I can whole-heartedly get behind, support and believe in,” Gina says. Her current role as REALiving Director has allowed her to utilize the solid foundation of knowledge and experience she has gained over the years. Gina said, “I love my job here and can’t imagine my life any other way.”
During her free time, Gina enjoys being outside, walking, snowshoeing, and gardening. She just recently created an art studio in her basement where she loves to paint. She also enjoys crocheting, sewing, and knitting. Her old Pomeranian dog and new golden retriever puppy keep her busy, too. “I’m never bored,” Gina says.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication over the years, Gina! You’re truly the BEST!
| |
Featured Team
— Jana Hansen —
| |
This month, we feature the Call Center.
The Call Center provides a diverse range of services to those in need. They provide 24/7 telephonic support to clients who are needing wellness support to help them continue to live on their own and thrive in their communities. They support clients through varies types of technology to ensure they are taking their medications and provide check-in calls to ensure they are feeling supported and heard. The Call Center works with REALiving providing support and completing authorizations for clients utilizing their EAP benefits services provided through their employer. They also work with multiple companies to complete 1st Reports of Injury for employees who are injured on the job as well as provide on-call support for Aurora Residential staff and consumers.
The goal of the Call Center is to provide the BEST support to all clients. Their services allow clients to have 24/7 telephonic support when in-person support is limited or not available to them. The Call Center’s priority is to provide short-term problem resolution and wellness support, ensure clients’ safety, and connect them with other supports when needed.
| |
I’m having trouble getting along with a coworker. She always criticizes or corrects my work. We even yelled at each other last week. I want to tell my DSC I won’t work with her anymore. How do I do that?
Sometimes it’s tough to get along with others. We work with so many different people with different backgrounds, experiences, and personalities. Assume the best in all interactions and ask for clarifications or explanations when necessary. Ask your coworker if you can talk privately to learn more about any concerns they have and hopefully the door will be opened for you to share with them. And don’t forget your resources—you can reach out to your Supervisor, HR staff, or REALiving, our EAP provider for assistance!
| |
Congratulations to Abby Hamilton, PM at #023, and Sarah Scheeringa, PD in the NW region in Wisconsin! These hard-working ladies were nominated for Inclusa’s PROPs award! Inclusa is one of the MCOs that ARA contracts with. This award is in recognition of Abby and Sarah’s efforts above and beyond as Outstanding Providers. Care Manager Kim Davis had this to say about Abby and Sarah:
"I have two members that live at this Aurora home that were both diagnosed with cancer that resulted in multiple medical appointments, ER visits, hospitalizations, changes in medications, physical therapy, and extra cares/monitoring from staff. Abby was on top of scheduling, attending, or following up on the appointments, making sure transportation was set up, updating IDT and Guardians. Abby's updates are always very detailed. Aurora has gone above and beyond making sure these members' needs were met."
Well done, Abby and Sarah! We are proud of you!
| |
Our BEST Employees for the month of January are ... Mike Neary from direct support and Anna Bobb from management! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees for the month of January were:
| |
Grace Anderson
Anna Bobb
Erica Mortensen
Orlando Simon
Katie Andresen
Demetrius Banks
Laura Holstein
Mike Neary
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.
| | We need you, so take heart in taking heart! | |
Congratulations to Caitlin Thomey from 118 in Waupaca and Tiffany Kuklinski from 062 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.
| |
Winter driving—avoid skidding and spin-outs
Stay alert to changing conditions
Winter weather makes for slippery road conditions which can lead to skidding and spin-outs. Being alert to road conditions and driving accordingly can help you avoid a dangerous and potentially deadly crash.
Slow down to avoid skidding
You're more likely to skid while turning or going around curves. Slow down well in advance, accelerate slowly, and avoid sudden braking or changes in directions.
Skid safety
Sometimes a skid cannot be avoided. Remember two rules when your car vehicle starts to skid:
- Don't steer away from the skid. Take your foot off the gas pedal and steer into the skid until you recover traction, then slowly straighten the wheels until you regain complete control.
- Avoid braking. Sudden braking can lock the wheels, making it more difficult to regain control. If you must brake before regaining traction, brake cautiously without slamming down.
Watch for slippery conditions
- Pay attention and look for hidden patches of ice especially on ramps and overpasses.
- Drive with extra caution when there is any kind of precipitation during cold weather. Wet ice can be more dangerous than ice that's frozen solid. Be especially careful on sun-warmed ice.
- Be wary of black ice or glare ice, which may not always be visible.
Additional safety tips
- Go slow. Plan for extra time to get where you are going.
- Anticipate stops. Slow down gradually and allow enough time to come to a safe stop.
- Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Allow extra time and room for lane changes. Check your mirrors and blind spots and use your turn signals. Gradually shift lanes with as little direction change as possible.
- Go easy on the gas, especially in heavy snow. Don't over-accelerate; use light touches and low gear to get your vehicle moving.
| |
Emotional Regulation
— Jenny Thomas —
| |
Conflict resolution and the development of healthy relationships depend heavily on emotional intelligence and emotional self-regulation. There are a myriad of studies to emerge over the past decades on how emotional intelligence and self-regulation function in the workplace, especially among leaders. This is due to the significant influence that leaders' emotional states have and apparent trickle effect it has on others.
The idea of altering emotional reactions and behaviors in order to accomplish a desired result is known as emotional self-regulation. It's a crucial idea for leaders to understand because their emotional states and reactions have a direct impact on how a team feels, thinks, and acts. This holds true for both good and negative emotions, as happy feelings frequently motivate employees to be happy and upbeat, while sad or angry feelings have a comparable effect.
Make the decision to maintain your composure or stay calm
Studies confirm that an initial negative feeling or emotion dissipates after waiting just 90 seconds. So if you receive an email that initially makes you angry or annoyed, before responding, wait 90 seconds so you can approach the situation differently. Whether it’s the 90-second rule or another you’ve created, creating a formal self-communication rule to swear by supports the growth of positive interpersonal interactions. These guidelines for emotional display are referred to by researchers, and they have discovered that adherence to them is essential for emotional self-regulation at work.
Utilize a mantra
It can help to keep repeating a straightforward instruction to yourself when you start to feel defensive, judgmental, and the impulse to react emotionally arises. You may take your dedication, like the one mentioned above, and turn it into a mantra. Breathe for 90 seconds, listen to relaxing music, go for a short walk, or meditate before circling back to reassess and respond from a different emotional state. Make certain to phrase it as a self-directed mandate.
Make a note of it above your desk or computer
It can be helpful to have a written reminder of your commitment or motto. But making such things visible can seem a little odd. Instead, think about writing down a few encouraging reminders for yourself about the mindset, attitude, or general demeanor you want to project. For instance, I use the words "Calm, Caring, and Curious"—the three components of a peacebuilder's mindset—above my desk as a reminder. I learned this concept from Natalie Johnson, award-winning leadership coach and keynote speaker at the 2023 Wausau Women’s Leadership Conference which I was delighted to attend, and from whom I’ve learned these “common sense but not common practice” models of mindfulness.
Pay Attention to Your Breathing
Recent studies have emerged that demonstrate a relationship between emotional control at work and mindfulness, particularly in relation to workplace conflict. Breathwork, or the focus on intentional breathing for the aim of self-regulation, is a crucial part of the mindfulness practice. If you're feeling tense and fear that you might lose control or lose it altogether, try concentrating on your breathing. Try to 90-second rule. Consider an imaginary balloon that is just above your waist and that expands and contracts as you breathe in and out. You can utilize a wide variety of visualizations. To find what works best for you, look for and test a few. Your body and mind can be brought into the present moment by focusing on your breathing.
| |
Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
| |
Victoria Mott
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Spooner
Why I applied for the job: I love taking care of people and making them feel good about their lives and success.
What I will bring to the job: A positive attitude and a smile.
My background: CBRF certified. I've done a various amount of work from being a PCW, working at a lumbermill, to bartending.
Family: I'm a single mother of 3. I was divorced by 21 with 2 kids.
Hobbies/interests: I love being outside, gardening, fishing, playing hockey.
| |
Christi Edin
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Baldwin
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy working with individuals.
What I will bring to the job: Positivity.
My background: Also work in the Special Ed department at Viking Middle School.
Family: Married to Dave Edin, have 2 children—Ian who is 19 years old and Sophia who is 12.
Hobbies/interests: Enjoy spending time with family, watching movies, reading, camping, and being outside.
| |
Samantha Olson
Aurora Vocational Services
Vocational Coordinator, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping people in need. It brings me joy to see someone who was struggling, succeed.
What I will bring to the job: Experience, positivity, honesty, and fun.
My background: I have worked with many people who are either in AODA counseling or just leaving incarceration find employment. Also help to reintroduce them back into the community.
Family: Me, my son, our 5 cats, 2 bearded dragons, and a snake that we rescued. Also my boyfriend of 5 years, Cody.
Hobbies/interests: Gardening, reading, camping, art, music.
| |
Leo Fulkerson
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Float Staff, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping people.
My background: I have worked for other behavioral health facilities and nursing homes.
Hobbies/interests: Skateboarding.
| |
Amanda Lunde
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Family: Husband and 2 daughters.
| |
Christopher Weier
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: Looking to get more patient care experience.
What I will bring to the job: Good communication skills and enthusiasm.
My background: Worked at Aurora for 3 years during college.
Family: One younger sister and a 7-year-old beagle.
Hobbies/interests: Sports, fishing, and traveling.
| |
Rebecca Bryngelson
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Mental Health Technician, New Richmond
Why I applied for the job: My interest, talent, education, and continuing education was a good fit. I have finally found my niche in life and feel privileged to use natural talent and empathy.
What I will bring to the job: Positive attitude with an open mind. Caring and kindness for others.
My background: Interned at Exodus House in Hudson and Arbor Place in Menomonie. Employed with Exodus House for a year helping individuals acclimate into society that struggles with SUD. Continued on at Eau Claire Comprehensive Treatment Center. Continuing education in the mental health field.
Family: I have four grown children with families of their own. I am now a grandmother of 5.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy doing a craft at times. Enjoy the outdoors during warm weather.
| |
Maya Anderson
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: A friend told me about it and I needed a flexible job I could do along with going to school. I enjoy helping and being around people.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring good energy and a personable attitude.
My background: Bartender, janitor, wedding videographer.
Family: I have two sisters, 16 and 13, my mom and dad, and a cat and a dog.
Hobbies/interests: I love creating videos and want to make that my career one day. I'm a sophomore at Stout going for video production. I also love playing basketball and being with my family.
| |
Ashley Tyler
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I missed the consumers that I worked with and needed a job where I can pick up hours as needed.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring a positive attitude, compassion, and an honest effort to always do my best.
My background: I previously worked for Aurora but am currently working at an elementary school as a special education aide. I love helping others and making a difference.
Family: My little family consists of my fiance Justin and our beautiful little boy, Elijah. He'll be turning 1 already this month!
Hobbies/interests: I love poetry, music, and coloring. I'm also very interested in psychology. Lately my hobbies consist of reading board books and watching Veggie Tales! LOL!
| |
Matthew St. Ores
Aurora Vocational Services
Quality Assurance Specialist, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: Passionate about working with and helping people, especially those who need it.
What I will bring to the job: I'm outgoing and pretty funny to be around, but I understand you have to do your job in order to have that fun.
My background: Stable living, event production.
Family: 2 older siblings. Both have lived in Eau Claire as well.
Hobbies/interests: Music—listening mainly, but I sing and play percussion as well as I'm trying to learn a few more instruments.
| |
Avery Erb
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Program Assistant, Eau Claire Day Center
Why I applied for the job: To have a position I am more interested in and to help others. It brings me a sense of fulfillment making an impact on people's lives.
What I will bring to the job: Loyalty.
My background: Window cleaning technician, having no two workdays be exactly the same.
Family: Jesseca Erb.
Hobbies/interests: Visual art and music production.
| |
Laura Anderson
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: Found (the position) on Indeed. After reading, I felt the company would be a good place for me to work. It offered what I was looking for.
What I will bring to the job: The knowledge and experience I have acquired from 40 years as a caregiver. Being a caring and compassionate person.
My background: Started caregiving at 18 years of age. Have worked in CBRFs, hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, worked with nursing agencies as a travel CNA, which has given me the opportunity to gain a lot of knowledge. Now enrolled at North Central Technical College to obtain my associates degree in human services.
Family: I am a mother of 3 boys, two of which have passed away in the last 14 months. I have 4 grandsons, which I spend a lot of time with.
Hobbies/interests: Fishing, camping, family get-togethers. Enjoy spring, summer, and fall. Do like ice fish in winter.
| |
Jennifer Denzine
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Program Manager, Weston
Why I applied for the job: I was wanting to return to my field and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
What I will bring to the job: I have a background in mental health with numerous skill sets in facilitation and a "forever learner" positive attitude.
My background: Browns Living, program manager; Innovative Services, Marathon/Lincoln County youth program manager; NCHC - CCS/CLTS/CST case management; Attic Correctional Services, community service coordinator and group facilitator.
Family: Husband since 9/18/19; son, 18, youth pastor; daughter, 16, DC Everest; grown son, 25; 2 grandbabies.
Hobbies/interests: Outdoors, kayaking, motorcycle riding, camping, billiards.
| |
Rusevelt Johnson
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Plover
Why I applied for the job: I've been out of direct care work for a few years and wanted to get back to helping people.
What I will bring to the job: A lot of energy and hard work. An out-of-the-box thinker.
My background: I've always worked in direct care, but I was in law enforcement at one time.
Family: My family mostly lives in ATL. I have 7 siblings.
Hobbies/interests: I coach football for a men's team in Stevens Point during the summer, and I just became a coach for UW-SP. I also enjoy just listening to music.
| |
We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of February, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Colette Spielman (18 years), Teresa Lien (11 years), Stephanie Polenz (10 years), Mindy LeMere (6 years), and Brett Mesner (9 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Abigail Watson (2 years), Albert Phelps (3 years), Gordon O'Flanagan (29 years), Joy McMullen (1 year), Jason Retzlaff (5 years), Jessica Helland (4 years), Bonita Miller (3 years), Heather Chaney (8 years), Miranda McCarron (18 years), Momolu Grant (3 years), Sandie Acquissa (1 year), Anna Hutz (1 year), Kevin Anderson (6 years), Michael Ottum (14 years), and Shelby Walbeck (3 years).
Combined, that's a total of 155 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
| | | | |
