Fernanda grew up in Brazil and earned her bachelor's in Performing Arts from Universidade Estadual de Londrina. After moving to the U.S. in 2011, she worked as a stage manager for children's musical theater and later transitioned into teaching Zumba Kids and Zumbini. After her children started their journey at the Young Children's Community, her appreciation for Montessori education grew and she began taking Early Childhood Education classes at Cabrillo College in 2024. She taught Zumba Kids at Santa Cruz Montessori and served as a substitute assistant before becoming a full-time assistant for the Fireside class. Today, she guides young children through their early developmental stages with intention and warmth.