Shannex Excellence Awards 2026 
October 19, 2026
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 2026 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 and/or Great People Give recipient, partner, etc. that demonstrates excellence through their passion, inspiration to others and connection with Shannex’s vision and strategic priorities. The individual or group is a trusted partner from the greater communities who has made significant contributions toward Shannex’s commitment to create stronger, healthier communities.
Jack Smith, Lynne Smith, and Debbie McKean
Volunteers, Ryan Hall
Jack, Lynne, 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.
Mentorship Awards of Excellence
Presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to guiding and supporting the growth of others. They are champions for professional and personal development, exemplified through their actions: providing guidance and advice, sharing knowledge, and acting as a positive role model in everything they do.
Donna MacDermid
Continuing Care Assistant, Cedarstone Enhanced Care
Donna has been the go-to mentor at Cedarstone Enhanced Care for over 12 years. Her patient guidance and thoughtful orientation set new team members up for success time and time again.
Theresa Girouard
Dietary Aide, Losier Hall
Theresa’s guidance shapes the success of every new team member she supports. She is a patient teacher who leads with kindness and integrity. She is a change management champion who inspires a culture of teamwork.
Margit Cirillo
Food & Beverage Manager, Parkland on Eglinton West
Margit’s mentorship extends beyond her team. She develops talent, celebrates the achievements of others, and supports new managers across her division, strengthening the culture of excellence across Ontario.
Sales Achievement Award
Awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in sales, as determined by their sales achievements, annual planning and bringing to life Shannex’s Guiding Principles as they carry about their work.
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
Environmental Sustainability Excellence Award
Recognizes an individual or group of individuals who demonstrate and/or have developed impactful initiatives resulting in enhancements to Shannex’s overall environmental sustainability.
Kathy Sullivan
Support Services Attendant, Arborstone Enhanced Care
Kathy has been leading the way and making that 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, 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.
Care Excellence Award
Awarded to an individual or group who demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the provision of care while putting residents/patients first. This individual evaluates their care practice through the lens of our Guiding Principles and is a role model to others. They are always compassionate, honest, professional, and safe and inspire a culture of care excellence among those in their midst.
Justine Newman
Physiotherapist, Sydney Region
Justine’s clinical leadership and resident-centered approach have helped strengthen care across Cape Breton. She has used her vast knowledge in fall 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.
Innovation Excellence Award
Awarded to an to an individual or group that has inspired or implemented an innovative idea, way of working, solution, product or service that has had significant positive impact on the lives of residents or team members.
Brandon Christen
Lead for Data Platforms & Business Innovation, Shannex Home Office
Brandon has transformed how Shannex uses data to plan, allocate resources, and support 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.
Christopher Reinhardt Safety Excellence Award
Awarded to a team member or group that consistently demonstrates safety leadership through participation in health and safety initiatives, innovation, education, and promotion. The recipient consistently demonstrates our Guiding Principle of Being Safe by recognizing and identifying risks, being careful and demonstrating self-care.
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.
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.
Matt Cronkhite
New Development Lead, Shannex Home Office
As New Development Lead, 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 team members 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. There are no limits to his acts of kindness.
Jessica Caserta
Recreation & Wellness Manager, Parkland on Eglinton West
Jessica consistently goes above and beyond to create meaningful experiences for residents and team members. 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 leads by example through her willingness to do whatever is needed to support the team. She anticipates issues, responds quickly, and approaches every task with care and professionalism. Her significant efforts during the opening of Garraway Hall played a key role in ensuring operational readiness.
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. 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 team members, 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
For 16 years, Mike has been the person everyone can count on, known for his reliability, positive attitude, and willingness to help wherever needed. Whether he’s improving resident spaces, adapting equipment, supporting colleagues, or promoting safety, Mike consistently goes above and beyond to make life better for residents and team members.
Breanna Wentzell
Licensed Practical Nurse, Ryan Hall
Breanna’s compassion, professionalism, and dedication to resident-centered care make a meaningful difference every day. Whether advocating for residents, removing barriers to care, or supporting colleagues through mentorship and guidance, she consistently goes above and beyond to improve the lives of those around her.
Chef Dennis MacDonald
Executive Chef, Parkland on the River
Chef Dennis’s commitment to quality, resident satisfaction, and community building sets him apart. Through his innovative spirit, positive attitude, and willingness to go the extra mile, he creates memorable experiences that enrich the lives of residents and strengthen the culture at Parkland on the River.
President’s Leadership Excellence Award
Presented to an individual that demonstrates excellence in leadership by inspiring others through their positive example and promoting a work environment that is respectful and supportive. They demonstrate a desire to develop their skills and supports the growth and development of others.
Cayla Wierstra
Senior Executive Assistant, Shannex Home Office
Cayla joined Shannex in 2017 and, throughout her time, has been a trusted advisor and partner to leaders across the organization. Anyone who works with Cayla knows that she brings positive energy, professionalism, sound judgment, and a commitment to excellence to every interaction.
Founder’s Seal of Excellence Award
Awarded to the community excelling in Resident/Patient Satisfaction, Health and Wellness, Financial stability, and Employee Engagement/Satisfaction.
Parkland Clayton Park
Clayton Park, Nova Scotia
For 25 years, Parkland Clayton Park has been setting the standard for excellence. As the first Parkland community, it has played an important role in shaping who we are today, combining a strong tradition of leadership, innovation, and engagement to create a community where residents thrive and team members are proud to work.
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.
