There is no denying that music brings people together. Regardless of age, gender or race, music is a force that connects us all. At Room 217, music and a desire to help others is what has brought us all here. Each face of Room 217 comes from a different background, bringing their own unique stories and experiences to achieve one common goal: to help others with music, just like every person who is touched by and touches others through Room 217. In the coming weeks you will get to meet the faces of Room 217. Here’s Kenna’s story.

Meet Kenna Kozak. Kenna is the Operations Manager at Room 217. With her multifaceted and diverse career background, she provides operations support, and plans and coordinates events for Room 217. I asked her some questions about her life before Room 217 and how these experiences shape her role at Room 217.

Kaitlyn: How has music impacted your life?

Kenna: Music has been an integral part of my life, as far back as I can remember. Both of my parents had a true love for music and we always had music in the background around the house, whether it was the classics on CBC radio, my mom’s favorite albums, or us kids tinkering away on the ivories. I completed exams with the Royal Conservatory in both piano and singing, competed in the local and regional Kiwanis Festivals, performed in local plays, and I was a member of the Hamilton Children’s Choir for several years. I even had the opportunity to sing on an album with Bob Schneider, a well-known children’s artist. Later on I discovered that my dad’s mother was a singer featured on the local radio in Ireland. So, I guess you could say that music is in my blood.

Kaitlyn: What did you do before Room 217?

Kenna: I have been very fortunate over my working career to have held positions that afforded me to grow and expand my knowledge in so many areas and industries. I was in the broadcast industry for 15 years working on shows like the Juno’s and the Skydome’s opening ceremonies. I worked full time at TSN for many years creating graphics, shooting and editing. Under the same umbrella company I assisted in the launch of a new Discovery Channel Canada, where I was the head editor and a resource producer for a number of years. Later on my husband and I moved to Alberta. I worked for a production house, and I was part of launching an inaugural national sports franchise in Canada. I then transitioned over to work for a high-tech company called Dynastream Innovations which was acquired by Garmin GPS, in the small town where we lived, finding myself to be Human Resources, Office Manager and the Accounts Payable Department. What an amazing learning curve. When we moved back to Ontario nine years later, I became the Executive Director of the Port Perry BIA and Scugog Chamber of Commerce, along with running the Visitor and Business Centre within the community – which became one of the top five places to visit in Ontario. To say I’m a multi-tasker and a person who likes variety is an understatement.

Kaitlyn: What led you to join Room 217?

Kenna: My parents' failing health brought us back to Ontario. In 2008, they both passed away within 23 days of each other. We got to experience first-hand our long-term care homes and health systems in Ontario. During this period of my parents decline, there was a noticeable absence of music in health care spaces. All you could hear were the beeps, buzzers and hissing noises of machines. The lack of music was deafening. Along the way Bev Foster and I had the opportunity to talk about the Room 217 Foundation. The mission immediately struck a chord with me. In the first few months of Covid, Bev reached out to see what I was up to. Still in the position I had held for 13 years, and like many during Covid, I thought it was time for a change. So here I am, and I will be celebrating three years with Room 217 next August.

Kaitlyn: Is there anything else you want others to know about you?

Kenna: I am a cancer survivor (before my time at Room 217). While in treatment, there was one time when a tech played music in the radiation treatment room. I remember it immediately took away all the anxiety I did not know I was carrying, and it put me in a completely different headspace of relaxation. Unfortunately, this only happened once, and when I asked why, they told me it was because it was not allowed or encouraged. I thought to myself, if people were able to enjoy their own personal playlists as they navigate their way through a life changing event, this could make a difference to many.

Kenna’s story teaches me that we are the sum of our experiences, and that we can always use them to make a difference in the lives of others.