5028 First Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034, United States
FOUNDERS STORY
Why I Started Canopy Way
By Kim Kelly-Speranza – Founder, Canopy Way Adult Day Care
When I moved to Palm Bay, Florida from Atlanta in 2010 to begin a new life with my husband, opening an adult day care center was the farthest thing from my mind. I was working remotely in advertising, newly married, and adjusting to working from home for the first time. It didn’t occur to me that I’d meet people who were home during the day — let alone that one of them would change my life forever.
Her name was Lunette Reid, a sweet, 85-year-old neighbor from Jamaica who quickly became a dear friend. Her children lived out of state, and though she had a devoted niece, Yvonne Williams, nearby, Lunette was largely on her own. I began helping her with errands, doctor visits, and meals — not as a caregiver, but as a neighbor and friend. But before I knew it, I had become an informal caregiver, supporting Lunette’s independence and forming a bond rooted in trust and love.
Lunette’s niece happened to own River’s Edge Adult Day Care & Education Center, and after witnessing our connection, she invited me to volunteer. That experience — helping with crafts, exercises, lunches, and simply bringing joy to those in her care — changed everything. It opened my heart and clarified my purpose: I was meant to create a safe, loving space for adults who need support during the day.
From 2011 to 2015, I immersed myself in the world of adult day care and special needs education, supporting individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities, and learning that joy and dignity are possible no matter the diagnosis. I returned to school at 50 years old, earning my Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration so I could one day open my own center.
After relocating to Amelia Island in 2015, I volunteered and interned at local senior communities while finishing my degree. I wasn’t ready to launch just yet — so I turned to my other passion: wellness. I became a Jazzercise franchisee and launched AmeliaFit, a low-impact fitness center offering programs for seniors including Silver Sneakers, Chair Yoga, and Barre. Our programs became an essential part of life for local seniors — and even extended to The Lakeside at Amelia, where we were honored to lead fitness for residents across all care levels.
Even during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, we kept going. AmeliaFit streamed daily live classes to keep seniors moving, connected, and emotionally supported.
But in 2021, the time had finally come. I signed a lease at 5028 First Coast Highway, and renovations began. It took nearly two years to fully bring the vision to life — and on July 5, 2023, Canopy Way Adult Day Care officially opened its doors.
Our Mission, Then and Now
Today, Canopy Way Adult Day Care is proud to be a Florida-licensed specialized adult day care center, serving adults with dementia, cognitive decline, physical disabilities, autism, cancer, and other special needs. We are one of only 46 facilities in the state with this designation — and we do not take that responsibility lightly.
Our mission is simple but powerful:
To provide a person-centered, compassionate environment that upholds dignity, inclusion, and independence for every client we serve.
Whether your loved one needs care due to Alzheimer’s, Down syndrome, cancer, or another condition, Canopy Way offers a structured, loving space — built from experience, fueled by compassion, and grounded in community.
