Meet Dr. Fernanda Marchi, mom of 14-year-old daughter Alice and owner of Fairfield County Orthodontics! Juggling a career and motherhood since 2009, she has been able to grow her practice and evolve as an orthodontist, as well as be present for her daughter thru the elementary and middle school years – even volunteering to be on the PTA at her school! Prioritizing what is important in every season of life has allowed her family to maintain some balance between career and family life. The best part is that she was able to find the perfect town and community to both live and practice orthodontics. It has allowed both her and her daughter to become active members of the community and happy to be able to give back!
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Fairfield?
I was born in Brazil and then moved all over the world every 4 years or so- ended up in Michigan for High school and college and dental school at the University of Michigan. I have lived in Fairfield for 23 years- the longest I have ever lived anywhere.
Tell us about your Family!
I have a 14-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old Labradoodle.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a certified scuba diver!
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
Fairfield has so much to offer for families. I love the downtown and beach area, the libraries are amazing and have interesting programming for all ages. I also appreciate the proximity to NYC.
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
Ordering groceries online once in a while and picking up- saves a lot of time and money because I don’t buy extra stuff!
Tell us about your business Fairfield County Orthodontics, and when & why you decided to start up this business.
I moved to Fairfield after graduating from my Orthodontic residency and knew that I wanted to not only live here but work here too. I worked for a few orthodontists in CT and NYC for a while, gaining experience and waiting for the right opportunity to buy a practice in Fairfield. Since there were no practices for sale, I decided to open my own. I was pregnant with my daughter while planning it and after she was born it was evident I could no longer commute to NYC every day for work, so I made the switch to being in Fairfield and growing my practice, Fairfield County Orthodontics.
Why did you decide to go into this field?
When I was in dental school we were exposed to all specialties of dentistry, and orthodontics was my favorite. The results can be life-changing, and the process is also interesting and challenging. I really enjoy working with kids and teens and seeing how much they grow and how they change over the years in treatment.
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family?
Be present in what you are doing. If you are at the park with your kids then try to be there without distractions from work, so your kids see they are a priority too.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
My mom. She was a working mom throughout my childhood and beyond. She started multiple businesses and still made time for her family.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
I would say ask for the help you need. I think a lot of moms want to do it all and it ends up being too much. It’s okay to ask for help, especially as a new mom.
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Fairfield to
Have Dinner with Family: Thai Kit
Grab a Drink with Friends: Barcelona
Have a Date Night: Paci restaurant
Spend time together as a Family: Penfield or Jennings beach
Outside Activities: Hiking at Lake Mohegan
Grab coffee: Shearwater coffee