When one passion leads to another

Fernanda has travelled the world touring as a professional jazz singer. But one concert at the International Jazz Festival in British Columbia changed her life forever. It’s how she discovered her second passion, which led her to make a life-changing decision to work in long-term care.

As part of that jazz festival, she performed for seniors in a long-term care home on Vancouver Island. At the end of the concert, residents came up to her, sharing how the music impacted them. For one resident, it brought back memories of going to concerts with her husband. For another, it was a reminder of a life-long dream to be a singer. With their genuine enjoyment of the music and the rich experience it brought to the residents, Fernanda was incredibly moved by the powerful impact of her music. This is the moment she knew she could touch the lives of people in a much deeper way.

Even though Fernanda was already an established professional singer in her home country of Brazil, where she had also worked as a psychologist, before her musical career turned full-time, she returned from B.C. and started researching how she could put her psychology degree and passion for music to work with seniors.

She decided to move to Canada and pursue a diploma in Recreation Therapy. Two years later, Fernanda graduated as a recreation therapist and started working at Tullamore Care Community in Brampton in 2021.

Engaging with residents is extremely rewarding, says Fernanda. “They are so open to hearing different music, sounds and instruments. Together we are moving and talking and singing. I also get to know what the residents like to hear and incorporate songs that remind them of their youth.

Taking on a new career and relocating to another country is never easy, but for Fernanda, it has been the best decision. She continues to perform on her days off, fulfilling both her love of music and as well as her passion for work. “I feel so lucky to be a part of my residents’ lives. I am grateful that my music and the programs we run at Tullamore help us find purpose and meaning together.”