From swimming instructor to support worker: Jess’s story at Leora

Before she was a support worker, Jess Valentine spent her days poolside. As a swimming instructor, she helped kids and adults feel more confident in the water. It was less about stroke technique and more about trust, helping people feel steady, seen and safe.

That experience shaped how she works today.

Now with Leora Healthcare, Jess supports people with different needs, routines and goals. The days vary, but the heart of her role stays the same, offering calm, steady support and listening with care.

There’s one moment she always remembers.

“I worked with a 16-year-old boy,” Jess says. “He didn’t speak much, never said my name. But one afternoon, as we were driving to the beach, he turned to me and said, ‘Play Keith.’ It was the first time he made a request like that. We listened to the song ‘Keith‘ by Kaylee Bell on repeat. That was an amazing opportunity for both of us.”

For Jess, this work isn’t about big milestones but about that sense of fulfilment and satisfaction that comes from seeing someone grow in their own time.

Hear more from Jess by watching her interview:

“When they achieve a goal,” she says, “you smile on the inside because you’ve been their advocate, their friend, and you’ve helped them get there.”

It’s that feeling of shared progress that keeps her coming back to the work.

Jess says what sets Leora apart is simple: they put the client first. “They really care. That’s the most important factor.”

Outside of work, Jess keeps her days full—ocean swims, theatre shows, line dancing with her nieces, or reading when the weather turns. But it’s the connections she builds through her role that leave the deepest mark.

Support work isn’t always easy. It asks for patience, presence and a willingness to meet people where they are. But as Jess’s story shows, it also offers something rare: the chance to make a quiet, lasting difference in someone’s life and even your own.

Jess’s story is just one example of how meaningful this work can be. If you’re someone who values trust, empathy and building strong relationships, support work could be the meaningful next step you’re looking for.

Learn more about becoming a support worker with Leora.