Senior Leadership

A Message from Our President & CEO

Welcome to Atikokan Health and Community Services.

Whether you are a patient, resident, client, caregiver, visitor—or a member of our broader community—it is our privilege to care for you. At AHCS, we believe that exceptional care begins with compassion, connection, and a commitment to doing our very best, every day.

Rooted in the heart of Northwestern Ontario, we are proud to serve the people of Atikokan and the surrounding Rainy River District—a remote and ruggedly beautiful region where resilience runs deep and community ties are strong. We may be small, but we are mighty. Our dedicated team works as one, offering a broad spectrum of care and prevention programs to ensure individuals and families have access to what they need, close to home.

Together, we are one team—united by a shared vision of Optimizing Quality Care for YOU.

Our mission is simple but powerful: Inclusive, Compassionate, Quality Care. This means listening with respect, acting with integrity, and recognizing the dignity and worth of every individual we serve. We are equally committed to caring for our staff and strengthening the health of our organization because a thriving team is essential to providing the best possible care.

If you’ve had a positive experience with AHCS, we would love to hear about it. If there is something we can do better, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Your feedback helps us grow and improve.

Thank you for placing your trust in us. On behalf of our entire team, welcome—and know that we are here for you.

Warmly,

Jennifer Learning, RN, HBScN

President, CEO and LTC Administrator

A Message from Our President & CEO

Welcome to Atikokan Health and Community Services.

Whether you are a patient, resident, client, caregiver, visitor—or a member of our broader community—it is our privilege to care for you. At AHCS, we believe that exceptional care begins with compassion, connection, and a commitment to doing our very best, every day.

Rooted in the heart of Northwestern Ontario, we are proud to serve the people of Atikokan and the surrounding Rainy River District—a remote and ruggedly beautiful region where resilience runs deep and community ties are strong. We may be small, but we are mighty. Our dedicated team works as one, offering a broad spectrum of care and prevention programs to ensure individuals and families have access to what they need, close to home.

Together, we are one team—united by a shared vision of Optimizing Quality Care for YOU.

Our mission is simple but powerful: Inclusive, Compassionate, Quality Care. This means listening with respect, acting with integrity, and recognizing the dignity and worth of every individual we serve. We are equally committed to caring for our staff and strengthening the health of our organization because a thriving team is essential to providing the best possible care.

If you’ve had a positive experience with AHCS, we would love to hear about it. If there is something we can do better, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Your feedback helps us grow and improve.

Thank you for placing your trust in us. On behalf of our entire team, welcome—and know that we are here for you.

Warmly,

Jennifer Learning

RN, HBScN

President, CEO and LTC Administrator

Meet the Leadership Team

Jennifer Learning, RN HBScN

President and CEO

Phone: 1-807-597-4215, ext. 284

Email: learningj@aghospital.on.ca

Although I left Atikokan a few times to explore other communities and job opportunities, the call of the small community with a big heart in which I was born and raised was too strong to ignore. Before returning with my family to settle down in my hometown, my travels took me to American cities in Texas and Michigan. I met my husband in Atikokan after returning but moved to Winnipeg, Fort Frances and Thunder Bay before everything aligned to permanently return to Atikokan. 

I earned my honours degree in nursing and have worked in many different fields of health care, including hospitals, home care, public health and primary care environments. I’m grateful that my role at Atikokan Health and Community Services encompasses so many areas of this meaningful work. It is even more rewarding to be able to serve the people of Atikokan and the Rainy River District—where so many health-care providers collaborate to improve outcomes for all. I love the sense of community that Atikokan provides and how welcoming they are to newcomers, as well as those who left and felt the pull to return. 

I have worked in all different aspects of health care in two different countries, but I have been in Atikokan at the same job the longest of my 30-year career and this is where I will retire.

Stacey Wood, BScN

Chief Nursing Officer

Phone: 1-807-597-4215, ext. 311

Email: woods@aghospital.on.ca

Born and raised in Atikokan, I have chosen to build both my career and family in this wonderful community. Earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakehead University, I began my healthcare journey at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre surgical unit but made the choice to return home to Atikokan only one year later. 

For the past 17 years, I have had the privilege of serving in many areas of our hospital. Each role has deepened my appreciation for the unique needs of our patients and the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care. Now, as Chief Nursing Officer, I am honoured to lead and inspire our dedicated team of healthcare professionals with an opportunity to give back to the community that shaped me. Here, health care is personal. Our close-knit relationships foster trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to excellence. Atikokan is more than just a workplace for me; it’s a quiet, friendly town where neighbours look out for one another and families thrive. I am grateful every day for the chance to serve my community, both professionally and personally. Atikokan is truly a special place, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of those we care for.

Blake Homer, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Phone: 1-807-597-4215, ext. 350

Email: homerb@aghospital.on.ca

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer after joining the senior executive team in early 2023, I am responsible for the plant and infrastructure management, procurement, and financial planning and reporting for hospital operations. I hold a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, specializing in Financial Accounting, and a majoring in economics.

My career began at Deloitte Canada in their public auditing practice, where I developed foundational knowledge in financial reporting with a primary focus on financial institutions. I gained additional experience in the private sector before transitioning to my current role here at home. Originally from Atikokan, I chose to return to Northwestern Ontario to be closer to family and give back to the community where I was born and raised. I also appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor activities and natural surroundings that were not as accessible to me when he lived in urban centres.

Atikokan became home for me when I was 10 years old, with my family making the move from an even smaller town in Saskatchewan. It didn't take long for Atikokan to feel like home to me. I chose to raise my two daughters here because of the strong community bonds and a sense of security Atikokan offers. 

I have now worked at Atikokan Health and Community Services for the past 11 years, starting as a casual employee in housekeeping and laundry after working mainly in the food service industry.  Joining the Dietary Department team part-time, I realized I needed to upgrade my education to gain a full-time role there and took a three-year course for certification in Food Service and Nutrition Management. After working in the Lead Hand position for a few years I applied for my curent role and the journey continues. 



In my spare time, I enjoy golfing and playing piano.

I was born in Atikokan and, although I didn't grow up here, it has always been the town that I come back to. With easy access to the outdoors and friendly people who work hard to make it the best town that it can be, Atikokan has so much to offer as a place to live.

As Chief of Staff, I am responsible for credentialing and supervising physicians working in the hospital, as well as providing a medical perspective to the executive and board.

I have worked in a number of hospitals over the years and Atikokan General has always stood out to me for its friendly and dedicated staff and its exceptional person-centred care. It is a place where neighbours take care of neighbours.

Another member of the team who is proudly born and raised in Atikokan, I could not imagine calling anywhere else home. While remaining in Atikokan, I was able to further my education by obtaining a Business Administration Diploma through Confederation College. Continued growth and a dedication to improving health care inspired me to continue to add to my skills, and I finished a Health Records Technician diploma through Canada Healthcare Association and then earned my degree in Health Administration through Toronto Metropolitan University. 

Atikokan may be a small town but is full of caring and passionate individuals who work together to ensure there are plenty of opportunities for all, and never-ending outdoor adventures only minutes from our doorsteps.

Atikokan has always been a 'home away from home' for me and, having moved back, it has provided a great opportunity to explore the outdoors and continue to pursue photography as a hobby. There are a lot of beautiful lakes and wildlife within the community, and even more only a few minutes’ drive outside of Atikokan’s borders.



With a diploma and two honours degrees in nursing and social work, I’m a full-time therapist and Manager of Community Counselling at Atikokan Health & Community Services. 

The best part about working for AHCS has been interactions with the staff members and residents, finding ways to best serve our community.

With a deep connection to my hometown and a lifelong commitment to helping others, I do my best to bring warmth, dedication, and professionalism to everything I do. I began working at the age of 15, gaining a wide range of experience through various roles that shaped my people skills and work ethic. I’m in the perfect place to let my passion for supporting patients, families, and staff members shine through in my everyday work. - whether assisting the CEO or helping someone feel welcome on site at the hospital.

A proud wife and mother of two - including a daughter who is a nurse at the hospital - I’m also a grandmother to two wonderful grandsons. I value family above all else and believe in treating others the way I wish to be treated and always has a smile to share.

Deeply rooted in the community I was born and raised in, I treasure the closeness of small-town life, where fishing is just around the corner and neighbours look out for one another.

Atikokan Health and Community Services is committed to accommodating the needs of our patients, clients, residents, visitors and staff members through accessible care and an environment of inclusivity.

We understand that delivering the highest quality of care possible is incumbent on ensuring our policies and procedures are consistent with principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equality. We believe in integrating the provision of services to persons with disabilities whenever possible, or exploring alternate measures when necessary, and giving equal opportunities to people with disabilities. 

AHCS is continually working to make all of our spaces more accessible to create a barrier-free and fully accessible facility. Our multi-year Accessibility Planning has helped us identify, remove and prevent barriers to individuals with disabilities who live, work in or use our hospital and community sites, including clients and their family members, staff members, health care practitioners, volunteers, residents of and visitors to our community.

Emergency Department

The Emergency Department entry is typically locked and visitors must lift the phone handset at the entrance, where a nurse will respond and assist with entry. If the door is already open, please check in at the registration desk before proceeding to visit a patient.

While you’re here, we care for you, too. You can access refreshments in multiple locations:

• A coffee maker and water dispenser are located in the acute care patient kitchen
• The long-term care wing also has a water dispenser
  

A nurse will be happy to help you find what you need. 

Please Note: Temporary Restrictions May Apply

To keep our patients, residents, staff, and community safe, visiting hours or access may change during times of increased risk—such as respiratory illness outbreaks or other health emergencies.

We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we encourage you to call ahead or check our website or social media channels for the most up-to-date visitor information before arriving.

Emergency Department

The Emergency Department entry is typically locked and visitors must lift the phone handset at the entrance, where a nurse will respond and assist with entry. If the door is already open, please check in at the registration desk before proceeding to visit a patient.

While you’re here, we care for you, too. You can access refreshments in multiple locations:

• A coffee maker and water dispenser are located in the acute care patient kitchen
• The long-term care wing also has a water dispenser
  

A nurse will be happy to help you find what you need. 

Please Note: Temporary Restrictions May Apply

To keep our patients, residents, staff, and community safe, visiting hours or access may change during times of increased risk—such as respiratory illness outbreaks or other health emergencies.

We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we encourage you to call ahead or check our website or social media channels for the most up-to-date visitor information before arriving.

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