A heart for care: Tayla’s path to leadership as a Leora disability accommodation manager

It was easy for Tayla to find her path, as if disability support was always a calling. 

With a mother who worked in the disability sector for 30 years, she grew up with an early understanding of the impact that quality support can have on a person’s life. Seeing firsthand the difference her mother made in the lives of others, it wasn’t long before she felt the same pull toward the industry.

“As soon as I was able to drive, I applied for a casual support worker role with Family and Community Services while still in my final year of high school. I’ve always felt a strong pull toward helping people, and a big influence in my life has been my mother,” Tayla shares. 

Her mother’s passion and dedication to making a difference inspired Tayla to follow in her footsteps. “Watching the impact she had on the lives of others showed me the value of this work, and it cemented my desire to be part of an industry that’s all about empowering individuals and improving their quality of life.” 

That decision set the course for her career. As a disability Accommodation Manager at Leora Healthcare, she’s guiding Leora support workers and creating empowering home environments that continue to put participants first. 

Tayla spent her early years in disability support doing what she loved most—working directly with participants. Every day, she saw how her role helped people gain independence, build confidence and lead fulfilling lives. But as her experience grew, so did her vision for what she could contribute. 

Tayla explained that she had always loved the hands-on aspect of her work because of the immense fulfillment and joy it brought her: being able to directly support participants and witness the positive impact on their lives. 

When the opportunity arose to step into leadership, she saw a chance to amplify that impact. 

“I was given my first opportunity to step into a disability Accommodation Manager role and that’s when I realised I could make an even bigger difference. This role allows me to lead, coach and mentor people, enabling them to provide high-quality support to our participants.” 

Tayla currently serves as disability Accommodation Manager for several Leora Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation sites across Western Sydney. 

But even as a manager, she never wanted to be detached from the reality of support work. While her role focuses on overseeing broader operations, she still considers herself a very hands-on leader. 

“I still very much make it a priority to be present at my sites and work alongside my support workers and my participants so I can get a really good understanding of their needs and experiences while living with Leora.” 

This people-centered approach keeps her connected to the daily realities of both participants and support workers and has led her to become a leader who inspires and uplifts those around her. 

For Tayla, joining Leora Healthcare felt different from other organisations. It was the culture, the leadership and the values that made her confident she was in the right place. 

She shared that one of the first things that stood out about Leora Healthcare was its strong sense of care and connection not just in the way participants are supported but in how the entire organisation operates. 

“That sense of care and connection permeates throughout the entire organisation from the office staff to the support workers, and ultimately to the participants who are the ones who benefit most from it.” 

She also recalled one instance where Leora’s founder and co-CEO, Esha Oberoi, personally came out to host a yoga day with participants. According to Tayla, this hands-on leadership and commitment to creating meaningful relationships make Leora not just a provider but a community that prioritises both the wellbeing and happiness of everyone involved. 

“As an organisation, our leaders truly care about our clients and making sure that they have meaningful experiences within the homes, and I truly believe that that sets us apart from other providers,” Tayla points out. 

Recognition isn’t something Tayla actively seeks. Her focus is always on her work, her team and the participants she supports. But after one of the most rewarding years in her 11-year journey in disability care, she was named Leora’s North Star Champion of the Year at the Leora launch party in November 2024.

This award celebrates team members who exemplify Leora’s values, highlighting Tayla’s exceptional commitment to excellence in care. 

“I feel absolutely honoured to be named Leora’s North Star Champion of the Year,” Tayla reflects. For her, the award isn’t just a personal achievement but a reflection of the growth and progress she has seen in both her team and the organisation.

She says, “I’m incredibly proud of how far my team and our organisation have come over the past 12 months, and I’m grateful for the lessons this experience has taught me.” 

When she’s not leading disability support teams, Tayla is often outdoors making the most of nature. 

“Fishing and camping are two of my favourite things to do. We recently did a 10-hour trip off the coast of Mackay, and it was such an amazing experience. I’m still riding that high from that trip.” 

At home, her American Staffy, Ouzo, is never far from her side, quite literally. “He gets treated like a child. He’s very attached to people and will follow you into any room of the house. He might look big and a little scary, but he’s really just a big baby. I even leave calming music on for him during the day so he doesn’t miss me too much.” 

These moments outside of work help her recharge and bring fresh energy into her role. 

Finding the right workplace made all the difference. At Leora, Tayla was able to grow, lead and make a real impact with a team that shares her values and passion for high-quality support. 

If you’re looking for a career in disability support that offers more than just a job, Leora provides mentorship, leadership and community to help you thrive. Explore opportunities at Leora Healthcare Careers. 

Tayla’s approach to leadership is built on compassion, consistency and hands-on support. These are qualities that define the way Leora provides care!

With dedicated staff like her, participants receive personalised, high-quality support that prioritises their independence and wellbeing. 

If you or your loved one is looking for a supportive, comfortable place to call home, supported by people like Tayla, visit our accommodation page and request a tour of one of our homes!