The Sarnia Journal has partnered with local photographer Art Connolly to feature his captivating “Humans of Sarnia” series as he delves into the lives and experiences of everyday people in Sarnia.
“I really like how people are with each other here, and the view of the water is beautiful. We’re lucky—it’s like a pocket of peacefulness.”
Though Cynthia Fay wasn’t raised in Sarnia, she speaks of the city with deep affection. Born in Windsor to a close-knit Filipino-Trinidadian family, Cynthia is the oldest of three children. Her family lived in Toronto before moving to Sarnia, where her maternal grandfather, Lolo Fredo, had settled. While she grew up mostly outside the city, Sarnia has always held a special place in her heart.
When Cynthia eventually moved here as an adult, she was surprised by how quickly she felt at home. “The pace of life, the access to nature, and the closeness of the community gave me a sense of belonging I hadn’t experienced in larger cities,” she says. “I didn’t expect to feel so connected here.” One of the unexpected joys was discovering just how much creativity thrives in the area. “I thought I might miss that part of big-city life,” she admits, “but I found it right here in Sarnia. There are so many talented people— painters, musicians—and it’s inspiring to be a part of that community.”
Her own creative journey began with her grandfather, Lolo Fredo. “As a kid, I loved music because my Lolo Fredo loved to sing,” Cynthia says. She remembers how he would pick her and her brother up after school in Toronto, take them to Wendy’s for a treat, and then bring them home for karaoke. “That’s where I learned all his favourite songs.”
Music was woven into the fabric of her family life. “Everyone plays piano, and we even had a saxophone player in the family. My grandmother had ten children, and she made sure everyone had the chance to learn piano. We were really lucky and were given one from her so I could start learning.” Cynthia not only plays piano but also picked up the ukulele and guitar along the way.
Those early influences stayed with her. What began as lessons on her grandmother’s piano evolved into a lifelong passion that would eventually become her career. Cynthia went on to pursue a bachelor's degree in voice performance, along with certificates in jazz performance and composition. Later, she earned her master's degree in music therapy (MMT) and became a board-certified Music Therapist, an accredited MTA, and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).
Her introduction to songwriting came during high school, when she attended one of the few self-directed learning schools in Ontario. The unconventional environment suited her creative spirit. “I would just go to art and music,” she says with a laugh. During that time, she entered a songwriting competition, won, and was able to record her first EP. “That’s how I first started writing songs.”
Songwriting became a way for Cynthia to process her own emotions, but over time, she realized that music had an even greater power. “Music is more than just something that helps me handle difficult things,” she explains. “It can actually help someone else. That was the motivator for me to go beyond just songwriting for myself or singing for other people—because it could bring them some kind of comfort or peace.”
As a therapist, Cynthia uses music in many ways to meet the needs of her clients. Music therapy, she explains, has four primary methods: improvisation (spontaneous music creation), receptive (listening to music), re-creation (performing existing music), and composition (songwriting or creating music). Whether it’s a child struggling with anxiety, an adult recovering from trauma, or an elderly person facing memory loss, Cynthia finds ways to use music as a bridge.
Her creativity extends beyond therapy. Cynthia is also a visual artist who has created a colouring book titled “The Filipino Parol Colouring Book” available on Amazon. She was a finalist in the Canatara Beach Lifeguard Station mural competition with her submission titled Where the Water Sings, a piece that reflects the natural beauty and peaceful spirit of Canatara Park.
Now, Cynthia and her family are preparing for a new venture in downtown Sarnia – a restaurant and live music venue called “In the Pocket” at 106 Christina St. North. The concept combines two of the family’s passions: music and family. “It’s the live music venue where I want to invite all the musicians I know to come and play and jam,” she says with excitement. “And on the other side is the restaurant and kitchen. My mom is known for her Pad Thai noodles.”
The restaurant is more than just a business for Cynthia and her family. “By creating a space where food and live music come together, our family hopes to give people in Sarnia a place to connect, create, and celebrate culture.”
Looking back, Cynthia can trace the thread of her story all the way to her grandfather’s karaoke machine. What began as playful afternoons singing along to his favourites has grown into a career dedicated to helping others through music, and a life filled with creativity, family, and community.
In everything she does—whether guiding clients through therapy, painting visions of Sarnia’s natural beauty, or opening her family’s restaurant—Cynthia radiates warmth and passion. Her story is a reminder of how music can shape a life, heal a heart, and strengthen a community. Sarnia is lucky to have her voice, her vision, and her heart adding to the city’s creative rhythm. You can learn more about Cynthia by visiting her website for Bluewater Therapy Services.
