Lara’s Leap: Why One Nurse Swapped the Tools for Trust and Made High Hopes Her Home

There’s something magnetic about Lara. Ask anyone on the team and you’ll hear the same thing. She brings energy, heart, and a healthy dose of humour to everything she does.

But Lara wasn’t always behind the scenes. For years, she was out in the field as a nurse, hands-on, supporting people through their most personal and vulnerable moments. And while she loved it, something deeper called her in a new direction.

“What really inspired me to become an RM was witnessing the pure dedication and heart from my now colleagues. I’ve always loved being a nurse out on the tools, but I wanted to switch gears and experience the ‘behind-the-scenes’ magic.”

The more she saw of the High Hopes team, the more she realised it wasn’t just a workplace. It was a community. That’s when she made the leap.

“It was the passion, love, and empathy radiating from both my teammates and the company that truly inspired me to make the move.”

A Day in Lara’s World

There’s no sugarcoating it, Lara’s job as a Relationship Manager is fast-paced, unpredictable, and full of surprises. But that’s exactly why she loves it.

“Is this a trick question? Because honestly, every day is a brand-new adventure. I like to come in with a ‘plan of action,’ but that usually flies out the window by 9 AM. And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

From early-morning phone calls to late-afternoon home visits, Lara adapts on the fly. She connects, coordinates, problem-solves, and shows up in whatever way her participants and support workers need that day.

Because for her, the job isn’t about structure. It’s about presence.

The Power of Knowing People Deeply

Some people work in systems. Lara works with people.

“Getting to know people on a real, deeper level is hands down my favourite part. I love creating a space where participants can be 100% unapologetically themselves.”

It’s more than rapport. It’s the kind of relationship where a participant can laugh, vent, ask questions, or simply be and know they won’t be judged or rushed.

And that, Lara believes, is what makes the difference between service and support.

Moments of Pride. Big and Small

For Lara, proud moments don’t always arrive in the form of big wins or policy changes. Sometimes, they come in the form of four simple words.

“There have been plenty of proud moments, but honestly, sometimes a simple ‘thank you for all your work’ is enough to make my day. Big or small, that gratitude means the world.”

Whether it’s helping someone get back on track with their plan or just being the person who listened when no one else did, Lara knows that these moments add up to something powerful.

The NDIS Can Be Confusing. Lara Makes It Personal.

One of the things Lara is most passionate about is helping participants feel less alone in the often-overwhelming world of NDIS plans.

“So many participants get a plan and then feel completely lost. I reach out to the right people, support coordinators, LACs, advocates, to get everyone more engaged.”

If that doesn’t work, she takes it back to basics. She shows up. She asks questions. She gets to the heart of what the person needs and figures it out side by side.

“No one gets left behind on my watch.”

High Hopes Feels Like Home

Lara has seen a lot of workplaces. But High Hopes stands apart.

“I’m obsessed with what we offer here. I have complete confidence in our amazing support workers and management team. Plus, we have a strong leader who pushes us to be our best every day.”

But it’s not just about leadership. It’s about belonging.

“Honestly, it’s the family-like vibe that makes me love being part of High Hopes the most.”

Here, she knows that she’s supported, not just professionally, but personally.

Living with MS, Leading with Strength

What many people don’t know about Lara is that she lives with Multiple Sclerosis.

“Not everyone knows this, but I live day-to-day with a disability. In 2022, I was diagnosed with MS — proudly wearing my #MSWARRIOR badge every single day.”

Her experience brings a unique perspective to her role. It deepens her empathy, sharpens her advocacy, and fuels her belief that no one should be left behind or left unheard.

Advice for Those Just Starting Out

The NDIS can feel overwhelming at first. Lara gets that. She hears it all the time — and she meets it with patience and clarity.

“My go-to is empathy first. I do my absolute best to share every bit of info they need and make the process less daunting. Everyone deserves to feel supported and empowered right from the start.”

For anyone feeling unsure or hesitant, Lara wants you to know: you’re not in this alone.

Person-Centered, Always

If you ask Lara what “person-centered support” means, she’ll tell you it’s not a buzzword or a box to tick.

“It means putting the PARTICIPANT at the very heart of everything — no ifs, buts, or maybes.”

Every decision. Every plan. Every conversation. It all comes back to the person in front of her.

Looking Ahead: Paying It Forward

Lara doesn’t just want to do great work — she wants to help others do it too.

“I see myself stepping up as a trainer for the next generation of High Hopers. Helping the team become the best versions of themselves? Now that’s a goal I’m excited to chase.”

Her future is all about growth, mentorship, and sharing what she’s learned with the next wave of passionate, purpose-driven support professionals.

This Is Lara. This Is High Hopes.

Lara’s journey is proof that you don’t have to follow a straight path to make a real impact. You just need heart, commitment, and the courage to lead from wherever you stand.

👉 Want to learn more about our team and how Relationship Managers like Lara support NDIS participants with purpose and pride? Click here.

At High Hopes, we see the person behind every plan; and people like Lara are leading the way.