Shannex Excellence Awards 2025 
May 27, 2025
Every day, our Great People create exceptional experiences for residents and foster a positive, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and celebrated.
It is an honour each year to recognize those who help shape our communities, knowing that our actions leave a lasting impact on each other and those we serve.
The 2025 Excellence Awards recipients exemplify why Shannex and its Great People are Leading the Way to Better Living.
We’re proud to present this year’s recipients:
Shannex Cares Award For Community Impact
Presented to a volunteer, community group, Shannex Cares grant recipient, or partner who exemplifies passion, inspiration, and alignment with Shannex’s vision and priorities. They are trusted partners who bring compassion, professionalism, honesty, and safety to their work, supporting stronger, healthier communities.
Debby Manual
Volunteer, Miramichi Outreach Services (Meals on Wheels)
Debby, a cherished member of the Miramichi community whose nearly two decades of selfless volunteer work with Meals on Wheels have exemplified compassion, connection, and lasting impact.
Sales Excellence Award
Presented to individuals with the highest sales achievement in their region, with one recipient each for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario.
Linda Coleman
Lifestyle Consultant, Parkland Cape Breton
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Christine McGee
Lifestyle Consultant, Parkland in the Valley
Quispamsis, New Brunswick
Grace Miksa
Lifestyle Consultant, Parkland on the Glen
Mississauga, Ontario
Environmental Sustainability Excellence Award
Recognizes an individual or group who has developed initiatives that significantly enhance Shannex’s environmental sustainability.
Rob Hanscomb
Resident Experience Manager, Parkland Clayton Park
Rob’s creative, hands-on leadership in sustainability and community engagement has improved environmental practices and enriched resident experiences, fostering a greener, more connected community.
Care Excellence Award
Awarded to an individual or group committed to excellence in care, putting residents/patients first. Recipients of this award embody Shannex’s Guiding Principles, serve as role models, and inspire a culture of compassionate, honest, professional, and safe care.
Sydney Regional Behavioral Support Team
- Courtney Richardson, Manager Behavioral Health
- Mairibeth Reilley, Recreation Manager
- Nancy Beaton, General Manager
- Crystal MacSween, Community Manager
- Adrienne McMahon, Behaviorist
- and the team of MacDougall’s Court.
This team exemplified compassion and collaboration by providing personalized, dignified care to a resident with complex mental health needs, helping them regain independence and reconnect with life.
Innovation Excellence Award
Awarded to an individual or group who has introduced an innovative idea, solution, or service that positively impacts the lives of residents or team members.
LPN Enhanced Orientation Team
- Patricia Guy, Learning & Development Program Educator
- Colleen McKenna, NS Academic Program & Partnership Coordinator
- Ron Garcia, International and Campus Recruitment Lead
- Robert Burnett, NB Academic Program & Partnership Coordinator
- Kelley Hiltz-Cameron, Director, People and Culture
This team overcame LPN recruitment challenges with an innovative program that filled nearly all roles, now entering its 5th cohort and earning the Trailblazer Award for its leadership, growth, and impact.
Christopher Reinhardt Safety Excellence Award
Awarded to a team member or group who consistently leads in safety through participation in initiatives, innovation, education, and promotion, embodying the Guiding Principle of Being Safe by identifying risks, being cautious, and practicing self-care.
Cailey Gorman
Client Medication Assistant, Parkland at the Lakes
Cailey’s steadfast commitment to safety, leadership in emergency preparedness, and calm, collaborative approach has set a high standard for protecting residents, visitors, and team members.
Service Excellence Awards
Honours individuals who enhance the lives of residents and patients through professionalism, compassion, honesty, and commitment to safety, embodying Shannex’s Guiding Principles and inspiring others with creativity, leadership, and growth.
Aryan Arevalo
Maintenance Worker, Parkland at the Gardens
Since joining Parkland at the Gardens in 2021, Aryan has exemplified dedication, professionalism, and kindness, consistently going above and beyond to support others and embodying Shannex’s Guiding Principles through a strong work ethic, community involvement, and commitment to service excellence.
Ashley Williams
Resident Experience Coordinator, Parkland Ajax
Ashley exemplifies dedication, compassion, and excellence, making a profound impact through exceptional leadership, attention to detail, and tireless support for residents, families, colleagues, and the broader community.
Ben Burlock
Human Resources Manager, Home Office
With 15 years of exceptional service, Ben has become a cornerstone of Shannex’s Human Resources department, earning deep respect through leadership, integrity, and dedication to team member well-being, while fostering a culture of trust, inclusivity, and empowerment across the organization.
Bojana Radosavljevic
Director of Care, Parkland on Eglinton West
Bojana exemplifies exceptional leadership, compassion, and dedication to resident-centered care, consistently fostering a culture of excellence through inclusivity, continuous improvement, and a strong commitment to Shannex’s values.
Brittney Davis
Administrative Assistant, Caritas Residence and DePaul Hall
For six years, Brittney has been a vital presence at Caritas and DePaul Hall, embodying Shannex’s values through her warmth, professionalism, and dedication as an Administrative Assistant, consistently creating a welcoming environment and supporting others with compassion and care.
Cynthia Hachey
Regional Manager, Shannex Enhanced Care Fredericton
Cynthia, a dedicated leader in long term care, exemplifies excellence, compassion, and continuous growth, with a career marked by high standards, empathetic leadership, and impactful contributions, such as the Nursing Homes Without Walls program, which is supporting more seniors living at home across New Brunswick.
Katherine VanBuskirk
Director of Strategic Communications and Partnerships, Home Office
Katherine is a compassionate connector and trusted advocate who, through her roles as Resident and Family Liaison and Chair of the Resident Advisory Committee, consistently ensures resident voices are heard and respected, making a lasting impact across Shannex communities through her empathy, professionalism, and meaningful leadership.
Logan MacNeil
Application Administrator, Home Office
Logan exemplifies service excellence with a people-first mindset, consistently delivering proactive, forward-thinking solutions that enhance operations and user experience, while embodying Shannex’s guiding principles through his approachable, responsive, and collaborative support.
Marc Katryk
Executive Chef, Parkland Cape Breton
Since 2020, Marc has elevated dining experiences with creativity and innovation, demonstrating leadership and adaptability by mentoring staff, supporting other departments, and contributing to community events, making a lasting impact across the organization.
Nancy Laforest
Wellness Coach, Parkland Riverview
Since joining Parkland Riverview in 2022, Nancy has brought creativity, compassion, and dedication to resident life, fostering connection and joy through inclusive programs, deep relationships, and a strong embodiment of Shannex’s Guiding Principles.
Remina Ayson
Registered Nurse, Cedarstone Enhanced Care
Since joining Cedarstone in 2018, Remina has demonstrated dedication, professionalism, and compassionate leadership, earning deep respect as she advanced from Personal Support Worker to Clinical and IPAC Lead, where her calm presence, clear communication, and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact, particularly during the pandemic.
Vicki O’Brien
Dietary Aide, Cedarstone Enhanced Care
With over 24 years of service as a Dietary Aide, Vicki exemplifies warmth, compassion, and professionalism, going above and beyond to ensure residents feel respected and cared for while consistently demonstrating punctuality, reliability, and strong communication, making her an inspiration to her team and community.
President’s Leadership Excellence Award
Presented to an individual who exemplifies leadership excellence and embodies our core values and Guiding Principles in people, events, programs, and projects, inspiring others to do the same.
Vanessa Quigley
Director of Transitional Health, West Bedford Transitional Health
Since joining Shannex in 2019, Vanessa has demonstrated strong, compassionate leadership and a commitment to resident care, playing a key role in establishing West Bedford Transitional Health and fostering a vital partnership with Nova Scotia Health.
Founder’s Seal of Excellence
Awarded to the community excelling in resident satisfaction, health and wellness, financial stability, employee engagement, and team member satisfaction.
Parkland Riverview
Riverview, New Brunswick
Under Tania Stote’s strong leadership, the dedicated and high-performing team at Parkland Riverview exemplifies exceptional service and community pride, ensuring every resident feels valued and celebrated.
Congratulations to this year’s Excellence Awards winners! 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.
Ready to join our team of Great People? Explore meaningful and rewarding careers at Shannex today.
