Double Recognition for Northwood: Celebrating Our Top Employer Awards and the People Behind Them

At Northwood, our mission has always been to provide exceptional care, but we know that delivering the best support starts with taking care of our own people. That’s why we are incredibly proud to announce that Northwood has been named both one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers and one of Nova Scotia's Top Employers for the 14th straight time.

These awards highlight our consistent dedication to creating a workplace that supports, engages, and empowers our team members. From comprehensive benefits—including an $1,800 mental health practitioner benefit —to the everyday perks of our community, we strive to make Northwood a place where people love to work. We are especially proud of our Staff Morale and Recreation Team (SMART), which keeps our community connected by organizing activities throughout the year.

But beyond the benefits, it is the passion of our frontline staff and our leaders that truly makes Northwood a top employer. The recent award announcements featured interviews with two of our own who embody this spirit perfectly: Gayla Kiley and Jennifer Tucker.

Mentoring with Compassion on the Frontlines

For Gayla Kiley, a continuing care assistant who has been with Northwood for 22 years, the reward is in the connection. Aside from the clients, she finds deep satisfaction in mentoring the next generation of caregivers in the Halifax area.

"One of the first things I tell the students is that it's not just about what you do for our clients, it is how you make them feel," says Kiley. She guides them not only in their tasks but also in the way they treat clients. She emphasizes that their presence often means more to clients than the services they provide, as they might be the only person some clients see on a given day.

Gayla credits Northwood's supportive environment for her long tenure, noting, "I have a fantastic supervisor who listens to me... Everyone at Northwood is very willing to help".

Leading with Purpose and Support This culture of support extends through every level of the organization. In 2009, the opportunity to work at Northwood drew Jennifer Tucker, Senior Director of Long-Term Care, back home to Nova Scotia from Ontario.

"Northwood's values from day one aligned with my values, particularly that people come first and the mindset that we can always do better," she says. She notes that the culture is deeply rooted in purpose, compassion, and accountability. "There is a strong sense that the work we do truly matters to residents, clients, families, and to one another".

Jennifer's own career path is a testament to the growth opportunities Northwood provides. After starting as a registered nurse, she advanced to nursing manager, then director, and is now the senior director responsible for long-term care facilities in Halifax, Bedford, Beaver Bank, and Chester. "They trusted me and gave me opportunities to stretch and learn," she says. "I wouldn't be who I am today without their support".

Supported by Northwood's team of educators, she accessed comprehensive clinical and leadership training. "I can't think of another organization that provides so many educational opportunities and support for professional development," Tucker notes.

A Community That Stays Together

Ultimately, these interviews beautifully capture why Northwood is recognized as a top employer both in Nova Scotia and across Atlantic Canada: it is a place where diversity is celebrated, people feel like they belong, and employees are encouraged to grow.

As Jennifer perfectly summarizes, "Northwood is a special place. People come here and they stay". "We do special things because of our people".

Winning these awards is a milestone, but it is the dedication of staff like Gayla and leaders like Jennifer that makes Northwood a true community. We are honoured by this recognition and remain committed to fostering an environment where our staff can thrive both personally and professionally.

Read the full interview in the Atlantic Canada's Top Employers 2026 Magazine.