Meet the team.
Kyla O’Leary
Managing Director
Kyla O’Leary heads up the Pillar team. She has 25 years of experience in disability services, working in government and non-government leadership and direct allied health service provision roles. This includes working as an Area Manager in Local Coordination; supporting individuals and families with complex needs with individualised planning; and navigating times of crisis and transition from mainstream services. Kyla’s role sees her work alongside individuals and families to navigate their NDIS journey. She’s available with a friendly ear for any queries or problem-solving conversations.
Linda Willoughby
Participant Engagement Officer
Linda has a strong passion for supporting people and is always available with a friendly ear to help with any queries or referrals. Linda has over 10 years experience working within the disability sector in customer service and administration roles.
Sue Deering
Senior Support Coordinator
With 6+years’ experience in the disability sector, Sue enjoys helping people and has a strong sense of social justice. She has worked as the Pilbara Regional Coordinator for the Australian Government Departments of Health and Ageing / Family and Community Services, as well as in the WA Department of Communities as a Local Coordinator. More recently, her Support Coordination alongside individuals and families has helped them make the most of their NDIS plan.
Sharri Roepen
Participant Engagement Officer
Denise Laycock
Specialist Support Coordinator
Denise Laycock has 30+ years’ experience working with individuals with disability and/or mental health needs, assisting them and their families/carers to access funding, services/supports. Her vast experience and knowledge have seen her work across multiple sectors and roles across the globe. More recently, Denise has assisted individuals to transition to the NDIS and to navigate the system. She helps people understand how to access services and supports and plan for the future while enabling people to advocate for their own needs and wishes.
Nicole Crane
Team Leader
Nicole Crane has 20+ years working in disability services in various roles, including direct service provision for state, local and non-government agencies. She was recently part of the pilot program My Way and supported individuals and families through the transition to WANDIS and then NDIS. Her Local Coordination experience included individualised planning, development of goals and linkages with service providers from disability, health, justice and community agencies. Nicole has a keen interest in advocacy, training and development within the sector.
Sam Tully
Specialist Support Coordinator
Sam Tully has 6+ years’ experience in the disability sector and NDIS funding, working in support coordination, community supports, supported independent living, and therapy/equipment services roles. Sam has qualifications in Psychology and Counselling and is passionate about supporting individuals and families to access the services that meet their needs.
Chipo Zulu
Psychosocial Recovery Coach / Support Coordinator
Chipo Zulu has a passion for people and being able to make a positive impact in the lives of people living with disability. She has worked in the field for over 10 years with experience in direct support services, administration, coordination of staff resources and problem-solving such as matching staff skills to different support needs. Chipo links people with disability to the services they need while supporting them and their families to navigate their NDIS Plans.
Rachel Stuart
Psychosocial Recovery Coach / Support Coordinator
Rachel joins the team with a strong passion for inclusion, advocacy and empowering people to live their best life. Holding a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Social Science, Rachel brings a wealth of case management skills from working within the Thrive program to support people to maintain tenancies and improve their wellbeing. This experience in supporting housing tenure for people facing significant life challenges has equipped Rachel with a vast understanding of the barriers people face in dealing with complex systems. This is particularly valuable in connecting people with local support services and helping people to navigate the NDIS.
Naomi Manganaro
Support Coordinator
Naomi Manganaro has worked in disability for 8+ years. Her wealth of knowledge is grounded by having an adult son with disability. Naomi has vast experience in administration, health, the Disability Services Commission, and participation engagement. With her son being a part of the NDIS since the beginning, Naomi has managed the ins and outs of the scheme and ridden the highs and lows. Naomi recognises the importance of being given opportunities and not underestimating one’s abilities.
Saurav Chapagain
Specialist Support Coordinator
Saurav is passionate about providing holistic practice through person centred and strength-based supports that build independence and reduce barriers. Saurav holds a Diploma in Community Services and a Certificate IV in Mental Health. He brings years of experience working within the mental health and disability sectors where he has seen amazing stories of strength, inspiration, and achievement. Saurav sees the best in every person and views his role as supporting people to write their own story of hopes, dreams, and empowerment so they can form positive connections with community and live their best life. Saurav is also fluent in Nepali and Hindi.
Kylie Heavens
Specialist Support Coordinator
Kylie has 25+ years’ experience in human services in Australia and the US, working in the child protection, refugee and immigration, aged care, and disability sectors. In recent years, Kylie has supported people with disability and their families to transition to the NDIS. With a strong interest in supporting people to live independently, Kylie has supported people to move from DSC group homes to privatised supports and independent living. A qualified social worker, Kylie’s passion is supporting people to live the life they choose, never underestimating the diverse & unique gifts each individual has to offer.
Angela Kaaks
Senior Support Coordinator
Angie has a Diploma in Community Services Management and 20+ years experience in the disability sector as a support worker, team leader and Local Coordinator. She has worked with both government and non-government organisations and was part of the My Way pilot program, later supporting families to transition to the WA NDIS and NDIS. As a Local Coordinator, she has experience with individualised planning, advocacy, linking with service providers and connecting with community.
Angie is passionate about helping individuals and families to get the most out of life, build sustainable and meaningful relationships and be who they want to be.
Kelly Twartz
Support Coordinator
Renee Hesford
Specialist Support Coordinator
While studying her Bachelor of Psychology, Renee wasn’t sure what she wanted to do career wise. Following a recommendation from a friend she trialled working with a disability support provider. With no experience in the sector and despite being unsure she went in with an open mind and absolutely loved it! From that moment on, she was sure she wanted to pursue a career where she could make a positive impact on the lives of others and has now been working in the sector for 9 years. She joins Pillar with a wealth of experience in the provision of services and a strong commitment to support people to live their best life.
Ainsley Swankie
Senior Support Coordinator
Ainsley has over nine years experience working in the disability sector, having held many different roles, from support worker to team leader. She is passionate about advocacy and empowering the people she works with, recognising their goals, dreams and aspirations. She is a supporter of creative approaches, out of the box thinking and promoting independence. She trusts that the answer always sits with the person who she is supporting. Ainsley connects well with providers and has no doubt that collaboration equals success. She is easy to get along with and will always want to end any interaction with a laugh!
