As the holiday season arrives, we asked a group of Northwoods employees what they’re most thankful for — in their lives and in their work. What came back wasn’t just a collection of responses; it was a reminder of who we are as a company: a community of people who care deeply about one another, the work we do, and the people we serve.
This year, their reflections center around three themes: gratitude for the people who anchor them, pride in the work they get to do, and traditions—big and small—that keep them grounded.
Nearly every response began with what matters most: the people who shape our lives.
For some, that meant family. “My daughter just turned one, and watching her grow this year has been such a joy,” shared Caitlin Naber (Developer) who’s especially grateful for the family support that made those early months a little easier.
For Lindsey Goodman (Lead Product Manager), this season carries a different kind of gratitude. It’s her first Thanksgiving without her mom, yet she’s holding onto a cherished tradition—making her mom’s pumpkin roll, step by step, just the way she taught her in one of their final conversations. “I’m thankful I can carry on that tradition,” she said.
Others shared appreciation for the communities that surround them. Bethany Abbott (Account Manager) described her strong local network—volleyball leagues, volunteer activities, and friends who feel like family. It’s that sense of belonging, she said, that has kept her grounded through health challenges and big life transitions.
And for Sophie Chase (Chief of Staff), gratitude looks like stability: “The people who support me through both stressful and joyful moments—my boyfriend, my family—are what I’m most thankful for this year.”
Travel, adventure, and unexpected moments of joy also made the list. Jess Bowers (Manager of Solution Delivery) talked about walking from Minnesota to Wisconsin, seeing the Northern Lights from a plane, and watching her husband experience his first NFL game. Jimmy Baker (Principal Developer) mentioned family Turkey Trots (with love… and a little reluctance). Gia Philips (Manager of Commercial Enablement) is most thankful for another year spent with her husband and their dog, Luna! And Michael Rasmussen (Associate Systems Administrator) highlighted the simple joy of traveling with his wife—and the not-so-simple challenge of keeping Roy, the cat, from destroying the Christmas tree.
Finding Meaning and Purpose at Work
Our team also shared what they’re grateful for professionally—and the thread across every answer was purpose.
For Ryan Sherry (Director of Case Aide Services), it’s the privilege of supporting Northwoods’ mission in a role that directly connects him to customers. Bethany loves that every day she gets to partner with organizations whose work directly improves the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Being able to contribute to outcomes that truly matter gives my role a purpose. And Gia added that she is most thankful for getting to shape the future of social care with a supportive team around her.
Others highlighted their teams. “Even in stressful moments, we support each other,” said Gail Smiley (QA Manager), who appreciates being able to stay close to hands-on testing and problem solving while collaborating with a group that values quality and teamwork with the random moments of laughter filtered in.
Jess talked about how after 13 years at Northwoods, she still comes to work excited, not just about the meaningful work we do but about doing it alongside people she genuinely enjoys.
And Jess summed up what many expressed in their own way: the privilege of doing work together that makes a tangible difference. “At Northwoods, we win together, and we lose together, and that sense of unity is something I truly appreciate.”
Traditions That Bring Us Home
Thanksgiving traditions ranged from heartfelt to humorous.
For Lindsey, it’s that cherished pumpkin roll. For Jess, it’s slowing down after a year filled with travel and big moments. For Jimmy, it’s the annual Turkey Trot. For Amber Young (Director of Northwoods), it’s football, family time, and the magical moment when the Christmas tree is set up overnight while the kids sleep—something they run straight to the next morning to start decorating.
Bartek keeps things classic with his mom’s homemade Polish babka, while Ryan expressed enthusiastic gratitude for University of Michigan football victories (opinions may vary internally).
Whether funny, emotional, or deeply personal, these traditions reflect the team behind Northwoods—their warmth, their humanity, and the many reasons they show up for this work every day.
A Season of Gratitude
What stood out most wasn’t any single answer, but the collective theme: gratitude for connection.
Connection to family.
Connection to colleagues.
Connection to the mission we serve.
Connection to the communities and agencies doing life-changing work every day.
This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for a team full of people who care deeply about one another and the customers we support. Their reflections remind us what this season is really about: holding tight to what matters, noticing the small moments that carry fond memories, and showing appreciation for the people who make the hard work worth it.
From all of us at Northwoods—thank you for being part of our extended community.
Happy Thanksgiving!
