Atlantic Canada's Top Employers (2026) Magazine - Magazine - Page 34
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ATLANTIC CANADA’S TOP EMPLOYERS (2026)
Northwood is deeply rooted in purpose and compassion
A
side from the clients
Gayla Kiley helps
every day in their
homes, the next most
rewarding part of her
job as a continuing care assistant
with Northwood is 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 finds deep satisfaction in
supporting the students training
alongside her, guiding 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,
whether it be respite care or meal
preparation, as she might be the
only person some clients see on a
given day.
There is a strong sense
that the work we
do truly matters to
residents, clients,
families, and to one
another.
— Jennifer Tucker
Senior Director, Long-Term Care
To ensure new hires feel
supported, Kiley shares her phone
number and encourages them to
reach out with questions or for
help, reflecting the same support
she has received throughout her 22
years with Northwood.
Northwood provides therapeutic horticulture programs to support the well-being of employees and residents.
“I have a fantastic supervisor
who listens to me,” she says.
“Everyone at Northwood is very
willing to help.”
Kiley joined Northwood —
one of Atlantic Canada’s largest
providers of continuing care, longterm care, community outreach,
home care, independent living,
and wellness services — after
working for a smaller homecare
provider. With its head office in
Dartmouth, N.S., Northwood drew
her in with its stellar reputation
in the community, competitive
benefits, guaranteed eight-hour
workdays and extensive learning
opportunities.
In 2009, the opportunity to
work at Northwood drew Jennifer
Tucker, senior director, long-term
care, back home to Nova Scotia.
Working as a registered nurse in
Ontario, she had developed a love
for geriatric services and dementia
care.
“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.
“Northwood’s 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.”
After joining Northwood as a
registered nurse, Tucker took on
increasing responsibilities with
the support of her supervisors,
becoming a nursing manager,
then director and last year senior
director responsible for all longterm 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.”
With the guidance of
Northwood’s team of educators,
she accessed clinical training
on everything from wounds to
dementia care and leadership
training both on-site and through
a local university where she
completed an executive leadership
certificate.
“I can’t think of another
organization that provides so
many educational opportunities
and support for professional
development,” says Tucker.
Building a culture where
diversity is celebrated and people
feel like they belong is equally
as important at Northwood.
