For Michaline, caring for others has never been just a profession. It's a lifelong commitment that has guided her through career changes, personal challenges and countless opportunities to support people when they need it most.

Today, Michaline is a Client Services Coordinator with Seniors Community Care team, helping older Australians access the support they need to remain independent and continue living safely and comfortably at home. Her warmth, empathy and genuine dedication have made a lasting impact on clients, families and colleagues alike.

But her path into community care has been far from conventional.

Following a passion for helping others

Before entering the care sector, Michaline spent seven years working as a butcher. While it may seem like a world away from aged care, her desire to help people had always been part of who she was.

"My mum was a nurse, and ever since I was a child, I've always been helping people," says Michaline.

Inspired by her mother's example, she began studying nursing with dreams of one day becoming a Nurse Practitioner and travelling overseas to support communities in need.

After first joining Seniors Community Care in 2014, Michaline later moved into aged care, where she spent five years building her skills as a carer while continuing her studies. However, an injury sustained while working in the sector ultimately led to two knee replacements, forcing her to reconsider the physically demanding career path she had planned.

"It was an adjustment," she says. "I had to accept that I couldn't continue doing the physical work I loved in the way I had imagined."

Rather than stepping away from care altogether, Michaline found a new way to make a difference.

Making every client feel heard

Drawing on her frontline experience, Michaline transitioned into an office-based role coordinating services for clients across Seniors Community Care.

Her role involves matching older Australians with the right carers and services to meet their individual needs, whether they require support with daily living, respite care, recovery after surgery or specialised care at home.

Having worked directly with clients herself, she understands the importance of finding the right fit.

"I know our carers and I get to know our clients," she says. "Sometimes it's trial and error, but it's about finding the person who's going to make that client feel comfortable, supported and understood."

That commitment to person-centred care has helped her build meaningful relationships with many clients over the years.

One client, Joan, remains particularly memorable.

When Michaline first met Joan, she had recently lost her husband and was struggling with grief and isolation. Rather than focusing solely on practical support, Michaline recognised what Joan needed most was companionship and understanding.

She suggested they take a drive to the beach.

"We sat looking at the water and there were dolphins swimming nearby," Michaline recalls. "She started talking about her husband and how much he would have loved to see that. I just sat with her and listened."

That simple act of kindness became the beginning of a trusted relationship and helped Joan reconnect with the community around her.

Today, regular outings remain an important part of Joan's wellbeing and independence.

"Sometimes people just need someone to listen," says Michaline. "They need to know they're not alone."

Supporting the whole family

Throughout her career, Michaline has also become passionate about supporting family members and caregivers.

With training in advanced dementia care and palliative care, she understands how emotionally challenging caring responsibilities can be.

"People often forget about the caregiver," she says. "They're carrying so much and sometimes they just need someone to listen, support them and point them in the right direction."

Whether helping families navigate complex situations or connecting them with community resources, Michaline believes that support should extend beyond the individual receiving care.

It's a philosophy that extends well beyond her role at Seniors Community Care.

Connecting clients with the right support

One of the aspects Michaline enjoys most about her role is helping clients and families navigate the wide range of services available through Seniors Community Care.

As a Client Services Coordinator, she works closely with clients, carers and families to ensure support evolves as people's needs change over time. What may begin as assistance with daily living can often grow into a broader network of support designed to help clients maintain their independence, wellbeing and connection to the community.

"Every client is different," says Michaline. "My role is about understanding what matters most to them and making sure they're connected to the right services at the right time."

Beyond providing support with everyday tasks such as cleaning, gardening and meal preparation, Seniors Community Care offers a wide range of services that help older Australians live independently and stay connected to the people and communities that matter most to them.

Whether it's clinical support through nursing and allied health services, assistance with personal care, respite care, transport, or other tailored services, the team works closely with clients to ensure they receive the right support as their needs change. At the heart of every service is a commitment to supporting the whole person, promoting wellbeing, independence and quality of life.

Drawing on her experience as both a carer and coordinator, Michaline understands how important it is for clients and families to know where to turn when circumstances change.

"Sometimes people don't realise what support is available," she says. "Being able to guide them through their options and help them access the services they need can make a real difference to their confidence and quality of life."

For Michaline, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing clients continue to live independently while remaining connected to the people, activities and communities that bring them joy.

A life built on connection

Outside of work, Michaline is a proud mother of four and grandmother of five. She treasures time with her family and is especially proud of her grandchildren, including one grandson training for the Special Olympics.

She also prioritises her own wellbeing, spending time with friends, staying active and embracing what she calls her "adventure days" exploring new places and making memories.

As she approaches her 60th birthday next year, her focus remains on staying strong, healthy and connected to the people and causes that matter most.

When asked what continues to motivate her after all these years, her answer is simple.

"If I can put a smile on someone's face, that's enough for me."

It's a philosophy that shines through in every conversation, every act of kindness and every client she helps.

For Michaline, caring has never been about recognition. It's about making people feel seen, supported and valued.

And through her compassion, resilience and commitment to helping others, she is doing exactly that every day.