‘I love knowing we’re helping people do what brings them joy’
When Sarah Coughlan first joined Kalyra in our hospitality team, the part-time role fit perfectly with her university studies. However, Sarah soon discovered that Kalyra offered so much more than flexibility – it provided a pathway to a rewarding career full of learning, growth and meaningful impact. From Hospitality Assistant to Home Care Package Coordinator, Sarah’s inspiring journey illustrates why it’s so much more than a job at Kalyra.
Everyday care, extraordinary impact
Often, it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference. A warm smile, a friendly chat. A helping hand with the shopping or making a meal. These small yet powerful acts are key to helping people live happy, healthy, independent lives at home – and Sarah is there to ensure they happen.
“At Kalyra, we strongly advocate for people to stay at home for as long as possible,” Sarah says.
“It’s about enabling people to live their best life in their own environment and remain connected with their community.”
As a Home Care Package (HCP) Coordinator, Sarah facilitates vital services and support for people aged 65-plus with complex care needs – from personal care and domestic help to assistance with social activities, access to allied health services, and so much more.
It may seem a surprising career for someone who completed degrees in international business and commerce. Yet, it is the perfect fit for Sarah – a driven and compassionate professional who is inspired to make a positive impact for those who need it most.
“Growing up, I had a really great relationship with my grandparents. I see aspects of them in the clients I visit, which is really heartwarming. The difference we make at Kalyra is quite noticeable – even if it’s just helping with cleaning the house or organising a physiotherapist. This year, we took some clients to the Royal Adelaide Show and one of our clients was able to attend Comic-Con with a care worker. I love knowing we’re helping people do what brings them joy.”
A fulfilling change of direction
Sarah had initially planned on a career in international relations. She joined Kalyra in 2011 to support herself through university, but what started as a casual role as a Hospitality Assistant at Belair Residential Aged Care soon became a rewarding new path.
After stepping up to Rostering and Administration Clerk, Sarah’s interest in the care and community services sector grew. She progressed to Community Program Assistant with our expanding community services team, followed by a role as an Assistant CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme) Coordinator.
As part of her development, Sarah completed a one-week placement where she learnt about Social Role Valorisation – a social science framework focused on enhancing the lives of marginalised people.
“That was an amazing experience. Kalyra has provided me with a lot of opportunities for learning and growth. They’ve also been really flexible. I actually took 18 months off to travel overseas and work in aged care in the UK. Kalyra kept my position available and welcomed me back with open arms.”
Now, as HCP Coordinator with our metro Help at Home team, Sarah is dedicated to enriching the lives of clients across Glenelg, Brighton, Pasadena and Belair. While she’s part of a close-knit team of fellow HCP Coordinators, Program Assistants and clinical care professionals, she still feels connected with the greater Kalyra community.
“I like that we’re not a huge company. It’s more personal. We don’t have a call centre and we know our clients by name. It’s a friendly, stable environment.”
Wellness at work and beyond
Outside of work, you’ll usually find Sarah running after her young son or running for fun! In fact, she has multiple half marathons under her belt – and it all started with Kalyra.
“As part of our wellness program, Kalyra pays for our entry fees to participate in fun runs, including the City to Bay in Adelaide. I actually did my first half marathon at that event. We also get a team together to do the Memory Walk & Jog each year, which raises funds to help people living with dementia.”
Working four days a week gives Sarah the time she needs to focus on her family and wellbeing. And as someone who puts so much heart into supporting and advocating for others, she values that at Kalyra, she’s encouraged to prioritise what matters most to her.
“I’m really happy where I am at Kalyra. I love connecting with my clients and I have a really nice work-life balance. We’re a really friendly team. And as a not-for-profit, we put our money back into the organisation, so we can keep giving back to the community.”