Nonprofit Attic Angel supports causes that affect seniors and children alike across Dane County. But the historic association is perhaps best known for its senior living community. It offers independent living and assisted living options with a focus on wellness and long-term care.
Caregivers and other staff surveyed for Top Workplaces described being drawn to the organization’s service-oriented mission. In return, they say, leadership creates a culture of caring that supports all who work for Attic Angel and give their time and talents to serving residents.
In addition to being a Top Workplace, Attic Angel won the special award for Meaningfulness. The distinction reflects how strongly employees feel about their work and their agreement with the statement: “My job makes me feel like I am part of something meaningful.”
That is certainly true for one of Attic Angel’s newer team members, Dylan Bergen, an administrative assistant who joined the organization in 2025. Bergen was interested in working for Attic Angel because of its stellar reputation for doing good in the community. He says his experience as an employee has only further confirmed his initial impressions.
People are also reading…
“I really appreciate the overarching mission, which is to give back to the local community. I think that’s really infused in how Attic Angel is toward their employees,” Bergen says. “There’s really a depth of care there that I don’t think is super common in a lot of organizations, especially when you get into more corporate operations.”
Bergen and other surveyed employees say they are encouraged and supported in finding a healthy work-life balance that allows them to best care for residents and themselves.
“I really feel deeply invested in my work,” says Megan Heiser, a social worker who has been with Attic Angel for more than 21 years. In that role, “you’re able to kind of walk along somebody’s journey and be present in their experience,” she says. “That is an honor to be of service in that way.”
Heiser reiterates that the organization takes care of its own so they can support community members. CEO Michelle Godrey emphasizes work-life balance; and the head of human resources, Jackie Aguilar — whose official title is “director of people and culture”— focuses on fostering on a healthy work environment that mirrors the organization’s caring reputation.
“I have a passion for local,” says Aguilar about what drew her to Attic Angel. “I’ve always worked for companies that contribute to the community.”
Heiser concurs.
“I feel as though we honor the human spirit,” Heiser says. “We support our residents’ journey and [help them deal with] adversity through their courage, through creativity, connection. That’s what we do here — and that’s what keeps me here.”
