Living with Enthusiasm
Cara Ferreira’s enthusiasm for life is the first thing you notice when you meet her. You may have encountered her at a Palm Valley Academy Festival, or perhaps she has sold you a home. Certainly, this single mom of Adam (11) and Abigail (8) thrives on staying busy and connected with the community.
Attending college at Brandeis University, Cara got her Bachelor’s in History with a minor in Elementary Education. She said, “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to become a teacher or go to law school, hence the choice of the history major. I ended up deciding on being a teacher and got a job offer teaching first grade in Georgia. Soon after, I relocated to Atlanta and began a remote program at Lesley University to get her Master’s in Education.
After she had her children, Cara took a break from her career and was a stay-at-home mom for six years until 2016. When she was ready to enter back into the workplace, she decided to try something new.
She says, “I got my real estate license in 2016, and the rest is history! I’ve been with Keller Williams Jacksonville for over four years and absolutely love my “new” career! My first listing and sale were both in Nocatee. In my first year, I sold 14 homes, which has increased yearly – and last year, I sold 52 homes. I love my job because I’m able to use some of the skills I learned as a teacher, like hand-holding, patience, and understanding and apply them to helping families' dreams come true. I don’t see this as a sales job; I see it as a way to help people.”
Cara’s kind heart and enthusiasm for life have become a legacy for her children. She says, “Both of my kids are kind with huge hearts. Our family mottos are, be kind and always try to be the bigger person and treat others the way you want to be treated.”
She says, “My oldest, Adam plays the piano. He is really interested in math and science, and of course, loves technology and video games. He’s always had an interest in animals, especially reptiles. Adam just started middle school this year, and he is enjoying his STEM class and computer-science class. He also loves to read. If it’s the right book, he can finish it in a day or two. Adam has a great sense of humor and keeps us laughing.”
“Abby is a dancer and has been since she was two. For the last two years, she’s danced competitively. She competed on stage with her first solo on her 7th birthday. She’s fearless! Her favorite dance styles are hip hop, jazz, and musical theater. Abby started second grade this year and has also developed a love of reading. She loves to draw, write, and has better handwriting than I do.”
The entire family is in love with the dog they rescued from Labrador Retriever Rescue. Cara says, “. Reesie is the sweetest dog ever. She has such a calming personality, and I have yet to meet one person who doesn’t love her, even people who claim they aren’t ‘dog people.’ It was a match made in heaven. After our success with her, I wanted to help other families find their special fur babies too, so I volunteered to do some home visits for Nocatee families looking to adopt a lab.”
Cara is passionate about being involved in her children’s education. She said, “I’m a platinum sponsor for Palm Valley Academy. Before the school officially opened, it was important for me to become a sponsor. My educational background, having both my children in the school, and my love for Nocatee were the driving factors for my sponsorship. It’s been rewarding, and the first year we made it possible for the school to buy books and other necessary supplies. My favorite part about it is that I get to hand out fun swag at the Fall and Spring festivals there.”
The Ferreira family has been living in Kelly Pointe for six years. Cara says, “We moved here because we liked the feel of a smaller neighborhood. I love Kelly Pointe! It’s Nocatee’s hidden gem. Now we have a golf cart path, and we have fun taking it to Publix or the Splash Park.
The neighbors at Kelly Pointe bring the community together for the holidays. Cara says, “The neighborhood has an annual Christmas caroling event that always ends with a block party and karaoke in the back cul-de-sac, and Halloween is always a fun night!
The family has always enjoyed cruises as their annual vacation. Cara says, “Before Covid - we used to take a lot of family cruises with my parents. Abby turned one on a Disney Cruise and had a chocolate Mickey cake to smash. The last cruise we did was over this past New Year’s. My dad turned 70 in January, so we took an extended family cruise.”
Cara wants you to say hello if you see her in the neighborhood. She says, “I hope everyone loves living in Nocatee as much as we do. If you see my family, please say hello. I love meeting my neighbors. People always tell me they see my name and face everywhere. If you don’t know me yet- you will, as I am always out and about!
