2026

Lynne Smith, Jack Smith & Debbie McKean

Lynne, Jack and Debbie are exceptional volunteers whose dedication enhances resident life at Ryan Hall. They run programs and celebrations year-round that spread joy and positivity. They are long-standing volunteers who are consistent and generous, and they make a truly excellent team.

Javiera Krenz

Lifestyle Consultant, Parkland Truro

Truro, Nova Scotia

Alison Baxter

Lifestyle Consultant, Parkland Riverview

Riverview, New Brunswick

Pawan Grewal

Lifestyle Consultant, Parkland on Eglinton West

Etobicoke, Ontario

Kathy Sullivan

Support Services Attendant, Arborstone Enhanced Care

Kathy has been leading the way and making an impact at Arborstone Enhanced Care since she joined the housekeeping team in 1987. She has continually worked to improve the recycling, waste reduction, and energy conservation at her site, encouraging her colleagues and creating change across departments. Her passion and almost 40 years of unwavering commitment embody excellence and continue to create a cleaner, greener workplace.

Justine Newman

Physiotherapist, Sydney Region

Justine's clinical leadership and resident-centered approach have helped strengthened care across Cape Breton. She has used her vast knowledge in falls prevention, rehabilitation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to bring in new ideas that improve resident outcomes, and she shows a strong spirit of mentorship that helps her team succeed. She continually raises standards and inspires excellence across the communities she serves.

Donna MacDermid

Continuing Care Assistant, Cedarstone Enhanced Care

Truro, Nova Scotia

Donna has been the go-to mentor at Cedarstone for over 12 years. Her patient guidance and thoughtful orientation set new team members up for success time and time again.

Brandon Christen

Lead for Data Platforms & Business Innovation, Shannex Home Office

Brandon has transformed how Shannex uses data to plan, allocate resources, and support frontline teams. He is endlessly curious, and he has a talent for solving complex challenges. Through his work, he is helping ensure that Shannex can make decisions more efficiently and is growing as an organization that is ready for the future.

Brian Johnson

Maintenance Manager, Parkland Station Yards

Brian has proven himself to be the heart of Parkland Station Yards' safety culture. He leads with vigilance, empathy, and unwavering dedication. From steady crisis responses during fires boil water advisory to everyday empowerment of his team members, he keeps the team communicating, which in turn, helps keep them safe. 

Matt Cronkhite

New Development Lead, Shannex Home Office

Matt delivers exceptional value by keeping projects on time, on budget, and focused on quality and safety. Through his collaborative approach, he strengthens teams, supports innovation, and helps create dependable spaces that better serve staff and residents.

Grant Pardy

Client Services Assistant, Parkland Truro

Grant's kindness and commitment have helped shape the heart of his community. He knows residents as individuals, earns their trust through genuine connection, and consistently provides support with care and respect.

Jessica Caserta

Recreation & Wellness Manager, Parkland on Eglinton West

Jessica consistently goes above and beyond to create meaningful experiences for residents and staff. Through her exceptional leadership, creativity, and genuine compassion, she delivers innovative programs and memorable events. Her impact extends beyond her site, across Ontario.

Trina Vautour

Regional Administrative Coordinator, Moncton Region

Trina brings kindness, steadiness, and exceptional professionalism to everything she does. She mentors with patience, supports colleagues without hesitation, and steps up in moments of need, supporting our frontline operations during the pandemic and recent labour disruptions. Her positivity uplifts everyone around her.

Kristeena Graham

Licensed Practical Nurse, Vimy Court

For 15 years, Kristeena has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to residents, families, and colleagues. Through her leadership and dedication to quality care, she has made a lasting impact at Vimy Court and across the region, embodying excellence.

Vinti Ahlawat

Lifestyle Consultant, Parkland West Bedford

Known for her warmth, patience, and infectious energy, Vinti makes every resident and family feel supported from the very first conversation. She builds trust through genuine care, listens deeply, and helps people find a place where they can truly thrive. 

Jason Gawley

Resident Experience Manager, Parkland Ajax

Jason is an accomplished operations leader whose dedication to resident care and team development has made a lasting impact at Parkland Ajax. Whether supporting residents, mentoring staff, or stepping in during unexpected challenges, he consistently leads with empathy.

Wunmi Tosin-Ojuri

Health Services Manager, Gordon Hall

Known for her calm leadership and resident-first approach, Wunmi consistently goes above and beyond to enhance care quality and team performance. Her innovative vision-setting initiative, commitment to recognizing her team, and ability to inspire continuous improvement make her an outstanding leader and role model. 

Mike Swindells

Support Services Attendant, Blomidon Court

Mike has been a dedicated member of the Blomidon Court team for 16 years, known for his dependability, positive attitude, and willingness to help anyone in need. He goes above an beyond to improve comfort, safety, and quality of life through creative problem-solving and compassionate care. A valued teammate and champion of workplace safety, Mike's commitment, initiative, and sense of humour make a lasting impact on residents and colleagues alike.

Breanna Wentzell

Licensed Practical Nurse, Ryan Hall

Breanna's kindness, advocacy, and commitment to resident-centered care make a meaningful difference every day. She consistently goes above and beyond to improve residents' quality of life, removing barriers to care and providing thoughtful support tailored to individual needs. Through her clinical excellence, mentorship, and dedication to others, Breanna embodies the values of service, compassion, and teamwork. 

Chef Dennis MacDonald

Executive Chef, Parkland on the River

Chef Dennis consistently goes above and beyond to enhance the lives of residents through exceptional culinary service, creativity, and meaningful engagement. His resident-focused approach, commitment to safety, and willingness to help wherever needed make him a valued leader and champion of service excellence.

Erin Harnish

Executive Assistant, Shannex Home Office

Erin brings kindness, steadiness, and exceptional professionalism to everything she does. She mentors with patience, supports colleagues without hesitation, and steps up in moments of need, supporting our frontline operations during the pandemic and recent labour disruptions. Her positivity uplifts everyone around her.

Cayla Weirstra

Senior Executive Assistant, Shannex Home Office

Cayla has been a trusted advisor and partner since joining Shannex in 2017, bringing professionalism, positivity, and sound judgement to every interaction. As Senior Executive Assistant, her dedication, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex priorities have helped leaders and teams across the organization perform at their best.

Parkland Clayton Park

Clayton Park, Nova Scotia

Parkland Clayton Park has achieved outstanding results in resident satisfaction, employee engagement, safety, and quality of life. As Shannex's first Parkland community and the birthplace of our continuum of service model, it continues to set the standard for excellence through innovation, teamwork, and a deep commitment to residents. Its strong culture, exceptional performance, and lasting legacy make it a truly deserving recipient of this honour.

 Your dedication to enriching our communities and making them vibrant places to live, work, and visit is truly inspiring. We're so proud of you.