Where everything started:
My name is Priscilla Kerr Hatae, and my journey in Canada began on February 4, 2007—a day I will never forget. My husband, Decio Hatae, and I arrived through the Manitoba Skilled Worker Program, sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg. It also happened to be the coldest day in 65 years, with a wind chill of -55°C! We stepped off the plane into a new life, filled with hope, uncertainty, and the determination to build something meaningful.
Back then, it was just the two of us. Today, our family has grown with the births of our two sons, Kevin and Jimmy, who have been raised in this incredible country we now call home. Last year, Kevin celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in our backyard, a milestone that filled our hearts with pride. Next year, Jimmy will have his at Shaarey Zedek Temple, marking another significant chapter in our family’s journey.
This year, on the 18th anniversary of our arrival, I signed the lease for my new wellness center at Unit A, 103 Scurfield Boulevard—a dream that began when I was still a medical student. The number 18 holds special meaning in Jewish tradition, symbolizing life (“Chai”), and I can’t think of a more fitting way to honor this journey.
The road here has not been easy. Coming to Canada as a Brazilian-trained Family Doctor meant facing immense challenges, adapting to a new healthcare system, and carving out a path in a field that I am deeply passionate about. But every obstacle shaped me into the practitioner I am today, allowing me to create a space where Eastern and Western medicine come together for the well-being of our patients.
The Challenges and Triumphs of Immigration
Starting out in Canada was not easy. We arrived with no jobs, no guarantees, no licenses, and no credentials. It was difficult to envision a future where I could build a business that would not only support my family but grow into a potential $1.5 million enterprise, working alongside 10 different healthcare and holistic professionals. Yet, through perseverance and determination, I have reached this point.
I am grateful that 18 years ago, I made the choice to leave Brazil in search of a better future. My husband and I were in full agreement to embark on this journey, seeking a safer environment and better quality of life.
During my childhood, Ted and Harriet Lyons, a wonderful couple from Winnipeg, became my second family and guided us through the immigration process. I will forever be thankful for their kindness and support.
I am also immensely grateful to The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, which made our immigration possible, allowing us to become the first Brazilian couple to immigrate through their sponsorship program. Today, I am honored to give back by contributing to our growing Brazilian-Jewish community in Winnipeg. We felt incredibly supported, with so many people coming to our aid when we were lost in the process of documentation, applications, opening a bank account, and even navigating the city. The level of personal assistance we received was unheard of, and we are forever thankful.
Overcoming Barriers in Medicine
Even though I could not revalidate my Family Medicine credentials in Canada, I have found great fulfillment in my work. I have provided over 27,000 acupuncture treatments, earned the respect of the medical community for my specialization in Pain Management, and collaborated with fertility clinics worldwide—including Heartland Fertility—helping nearly 961 babies be conceived through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture.
I was also deeply honored to be invited, two years ago, as a guest speaker at a Canadian citizenship ceremony during National Physician Week. Even though I am not practicing as an MD here, I was chosen to represent Manitoban doctors and serve as an inspiration for the 400 candidates receiving their Canadian citizenship certificates that morning. It was an incredibly meaningful experience that reinforced the impact I have been able to make in my new home.
The Next Chapter: Priscilla Kerr Wellness
After Manitoba Clinic applied for creditor protection in 2021 following years of financial struggles, I had to make a tough decision. When my rent was increased fourfold, I had just one week to find a new location and one month to relocate. I settled at 1112 Notre Dame Avenue, where I have been for the past two years. Now, I am preparing for another exciting move—this time to a larger space at 103 Scurfield Blvd., where I will launch my dream wellness center in the south of the city, closer to many of my Jewish friends and my home, allowing me to bike to my new office in the summertime.
This transition has not been without challenges. Securing my occupancy permit was an ordeal, requiring intervention from City Councilor Janice Lukes. Thanks to her efforts, we finally obtained the necessary approvals, and we are moving forward!
Moving Day: March 26, 2025 
Grand Opening: Early April
We are also expanding our team and seeking professionals who are passionate about integrative healthcare.
Our Future Wellness Team Will Include: 
Massage Therapists Acupuncturists Physiotherapists Athletic Therapists Psychologists/Social Workers (specializing in trauma & couples therapy) Meditation Coaches Diet & Lifestyle Coaches Chiropractors
This center will be more than just a clinic—it will be a collaborative movement toward holistic patient care. This new chapter isn’t just about me—it’s about creating a space where healthcare professionals can collaborate under one vision of holistic care. It’s a chance to uplift others, build a community of healing, and truly make a difference.
This is more than a clinic—it’s a legacy I hope to leave for my children and the community of South Winnipeg. I hope to support many Jewish clients, as I always have, by providing them with even more healthcare options. My kids are already dreaming of careers in healthcare, and I want to create a space they can someday take pride in continuing. This endeavor is a leap of faith—it is everything I have, and I will make it successful. I deeply appreciate referrals and visits, and if you know of an exceptional practitioner who could make a difference in this space, please reach out.
Honoring My Father’s Legacy
This journey is also deeply personal. My father, Dr. Elias Rodrigues de Mendonça, was a radiologist and a dear friend of the Lyons family, where my Canadian journey began. To honor him, I incorporated his spirit into my clinic’s new logo—a cherry blossom-inspired design representing growth, resilience, and renewal.
Losing my father on March 1, 2022, was one of the hardest moments of my life. But his belief in my potential continues to drive me forward. In his honor, I planted a cold-hardy Evans Cherry tree in my backyard—since the Oshima cherry tree he loved could not survive Winnipeg winters. And that is why our logo features a cherry blossom from the Japanese sakura tree.
My Golden Rules as an Immigrant
- Do not let fear control you—it paralyzes action.
- Never stop learning, or you will stop growing.
- Be kind—kindness always comes back to you.
- Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
- Be a good friend; your friends will become your family.
- Respect your roots, and honor others’ cultures and identities.
- Be tolerant—treat others as you wish to be treated.
- Get involved in your community. Know your MP, MLA, city councilor, and mayor. Use your voice for positive change—in Canada, your voice matters!