Katie Munro knows nothing is as it seems.

Viewing life through the eyes of an artist - colour, form and composition strike her with a force that demands to be captured and shared.

“I’ve been creative my entire life,” she confirms from her workplace on a late spring afternoon in June.

Dressed in scrubs for her work as a Residential Aide at Helen Henderson Retirement Lodge, the 32-year-old spends her spare time creating art and music.

Photographs of breathtakingly beautiful landscapes line her social media page. Music comes as naturally to her as breathing.

“I taught myself the piano, fiddle and saxophone,” she says with a hint of pride.

Laughing at the memory of her first attempt to play the violin, Katie appears awestruck at the tolerance of the people in the retirement home.

“I give these folks a lot of credit because they put-up with my playing from day one,” she says with a chuckle, gesturing towards the seniors who have become her audience.

“They’re the best crowd. Thanks to them, I’ve become a lot better and my confidence has improved. They’re the one crowd I’ll play for.”

Standing within earshot, Kim Beavis smiles at the conversation.

“The residents are really enjoying the performances,” the nurse says kindly to Katie. “You’re getting a lot better.”

A descendant of Celtic heritage, Katie is proud of her endeavours professionally and personally. She talks with the passion of someone who finds meaning, purpose and satisfaction in their work.

“I love it,” she says about the assisted living she has provided at the accredited home for the past four years.

“My coworkers are awesome and the residents are amazing. That’s what makes me stay here. I did homecare for a bit and it led me here. I like helping someone who can’t help themselves. At the end of the day, that’s the best part of the job.”

Known for her kind and helpful nature, Katie is the home’s Employee of the Month for July.

She was nominated by her supervisor, Deborah Warren.

“It is a pleasure to have Katie on staff,” says the Lodge Manager with a smile. “It’s clear Katie loves her job and the residents. She’s always cheerful and outgoing. She is also willing to share her musical talents and comes in on her day-off to play the violin. Katie will play the piano for residents when she has a few spare minutes in the afternoon or when she is finished her shift and waiting for her ride home. Katie is an asset to our home.”

“I come-in on my days off and play music for the residents,” confirms Katie sheepishly about her contributions to the home.

“I’m comfortable here,” she continues with her trademark grin. “The residents are like family. I feel like I’m here so much, I live here. I might as well get a room.”

Describing herself as a free-spirited country girl, Katie’s dream is to own a hobby farm. She also wants to master the violin.

“If I could play the fiddle without reading music, I would be happy,” she says with a smile.

Grateful for the workplace recognition, Katie admits she has no regrets in life.

“You have to live each day to the fullest,” she says happily.