People of Perley - Musonda Mushiki

Personal Support Worker and Best Practice Champion Musonda Calista Mushiki describes Perley Health as a dynamic, multicultural, and inclusive place, where people from different parts of the world come together with one common goal.

“We all speak one language when we come to Perley Health,” she says. “We come from different backgrounds, different cultures, different countries, but meet in this beautiful place and have that one goal, to provide quality care to residents and support to families.”

Musonda's own journey spans continents. She grew up in Zambia and came to Canada as an international student studying to become a personal support worker. When Algonquin College sent her to Perley for a placement, she didn't realize it would shape the next chapter of her life. Almost immediately, she felt the pieces falling into place.  

“It was a wonderful experience,” she recalls. Staff welcomed her and helped her find her footing. Even before Musonda finished her placement, she was called in for a job interview. “I must have done something right,” she says with a smile. 

She officially joined Perley Health in October 2021. The role offered welcome stability while Musonda worked to become a permanent resident, but to her, it offered something even more meaningful: purpose. 

“Knowing I am there to help somebody have the quality of life that they deserve, gives me that happiness and zeal and the will to come to work every day,” she says. 

Her work on the Specialized Behavioural Support Unit (SBSU) has brought moments that have stayed with her. On a day when she arrived at work feeling low, a resident's spouse stopped her in the hallway to express her gratitude. The support and the care Musonda had showed her husband, who was in late stages of dementia, made a deep impression. “I just want to tell you that you are a miracle worker,” the spouse told her. 

Musonda still carries that with her. 

Continuing education has helped her grow, not just professionally, but personally. Through Perley's learning programs, supported by generous donors, she has earned more than ten certificates and is now working towards becoming a registered practical nurse. She recently earned a national certificate in palliative care, and IPAC professional training. “Knowledge is something that nobody can take away from you,” she reflects. The educational opportunities available at Perley, she adds “have really pushed me knowledge-wise and increased my skillset.”

When she thinks about newcomers to Perley, whether it's staff, residents, or families, her message is simple: “This is the right choice. Being here is like having an extended family.”

“We all speak one language when we come to Perley Health. We come from different backgrounds, different cultures, different countries, but meet in this beautiful place and have that one goal, to provide quality care to residents and support to families.” Musonda Calista Mushiki, PSW