Northwood Lodge Team

Michelle Spencer

CEO & District Administrator

I was born in Winnipeg, MB and returned to my parent’s hometown in 1988. This is when I was officially introduced to District of Kenora Home for the Aged. My mother worked for our Community Support Services program, which provided me with the opportunity to spend many hours volunteering with the seniors from our community and the residents within Pinecrest Home.

After completing my post-secondary education in Human Resources, I returned to Kenora to start my career and a family of my own. I married my best friend and high school boyfriend, Todd in 2003. We have two amazing children Sam, eighteen, who has started her post-secondary education in healthcare and my son Jaxon, fifteen, who looks forward to becoming a police officer.

I started my career with Kenora District Homes in 2005, holding various roles. Throughout the years, I continued to grow and demonstrated fundamental leadership skills, which resulted in accepting the CEO & District Administrator position in July 2023.

I look forward to continuing to enrich the lives of those we serve.

Lisa Oakes

Director of Finance

I have fond memories of my childhood growing up on a small hobby farm in Lac Du Bonnet, Manitoba with my parents and brother.

With passion for the lake life, my spouse Darcy and I found a way to make Kenora our home and moved here in 2011. We have been together for over 14 years and we absolutely fell in love with the area.

After getting settled in Kenora, I found my way back to the work I love. Inspired by my mother’s lifelong commitment to compassionate care, with 44 years in the healthcare environment, I have integrated those values into my own professional journey. After working 6 years in the regional healthcare system in Manitoba and now over 6 years at the District of Kenora Home for the Aged; I have cultured the lessons of empathy, patience, and dedication, shaping my approach to creating meaningful and supportive environments for our seniors.

My relaxations outside of work are fishing, gardening and winter escapes when I am not spending time with family, friends or our two cats.

Ashley Hoffmeister

Director of Human Resources

I was born and raised in Kenora, and after leaving for a brief period of time for post secondary education, realized that being near my family is what matters most to me.

I’ve had a very diverse career starting out in IT, and transitioning into leadership roles, where I found a passion for system transformation, quality improvement, and strategic human resources.  I’ve worked in various healthcare streams over the past 16 years.

I met my husband Matt in 2004 and got married in 2008.  We welcomed our son Decklan into our family in 2009 and our daughter Annika in 2013.  We are a very active family, spending as much time as we can doing outdoor activities in all seasons.  In my spare time, you can find me lifting weights, or cheering my children on (loudly) at whatever sport they are participating in.

I’m excited to be part of a compassionate team who is dedicated to family and resident care.

Kandice Henry

Administrator / IPAC Lead

I married my husband Rob Henry in 2006 and reside in Ear Falls. We have three children, Brenden (28), Hope (19) and Liam is 12 years old.

I obtained my RPN license in 1999 and have spent the majority of my career working with the elderly, as this has been my favourite specialty and that I have enjoyed the most. Prior to working with Kenora District Homes, I worked in Thunder Bay as the head nurse at Chartwell Retirement Homes, and found this to be a very rewarding experience. In 2014 my family moved from Thunder Bay back to Ear Falls and I have worked with Kenora District Homes for the last 10 years as the administrator.

Debbie Larson

Director of Care

Debbie Larson is married with two grown daughters, two sons-in-law and a 7-year-old granddaughter as well as a very cute 17-year-old dog named Nacho. Debbie graduated from Lakehead University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She has been employed in a wide variety of nursing positions throughout her 43-year nursing career.  Debbie started out her career working on a pediatric unit and has also worked as a nursing co-ordinator of a home care program, occupational health nurse, public health nurse, nurse manager, chief nursing officer and nurse educator with Confederation College. Debbie has retired twice, returning to work as Director of Care, a part-time position at Northwood Lodge Long Term Care Facility where she is currently working.

Adam Gray

IT Manager

Born and raised in Kenora, only leaving to attend post-secondary at Lakehead University, I have always enjoyed living in Kenora and the small town atmosphere that comes with it. I met my wife Jenn in Thunder Bay at university and we have raised two amazing daughters. I have been working in the technical support service industry for almost 19 years as a Communications Technician with KMTS/Bell and for the last 11 years as an IT Administrator. My spare time includes stepping away from the computer screens to enjoy adventures with my wife and kids camping, hiking, enjoying the lake and turning wrenches on various vehicles and projects.

What brings a smile to my face and motivates me daily, is knowing that when I am doing a good job it makes my colleagues jobs easier and more enjoyable.