Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Lyla Chamberlain

Summary

Hi there! I am currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and minoring in Criminology at The University of Otago. I'm a family-orientated, positive person who loves getting out and about and connecting with people. I bring a warm, friendly presence to all the work I do-whether I'm supporting someone one-on-one, working within a team, or engaging with the wider community. I'm very passionate about helping people live fulfilling lives and feel genuinely rewarded by the work I do in support roles. My academic studies have strengthened my understanding of mental health, neurodiversity, trauma, and brain function, as well as how people experience the world through their own developmental, cultural, and social situations. I find it incredibly valuable to apply this knowledge in my work, especially when it comes to communication, emotional regulation, and building trust. Having been fortunate enough to travel to many places around the world, I've gained meaningful insight into the lives of people from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. These experiences have deepened my understanding of both privilege and hardship, and helped shape my compassionate, open-minded approach to working with others. With hands-on experience supporting people with physical and intellectual disabilities, I bring empathy, professionalism, and adaptability to every role. I thrive in caring environments and feel confident supporting people of all ages and backgrounds. I have seen first-hand and understand just how complex but also deeply rewarding mental health support work can be. I hope to continue developing my skills in this space and be a part of supporting people with high and complex needs to live fulfilling lives in the community.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Community Support Worker

Health Vision
Dunedin
07.2024 - Current
  • Support people with intellectual and physical disabilities, as well as injury recovery
  • Assist with personal care, hygiene, household tasks, and daily routines
  • Meal preparation
  • Offer friendly, emotional support, and build trusting relationships
  • Maintain regular communication with health providers
  • Document care details and monitor well-being

Childcare

01.2020 - Current
  • Extensive experience caring for children aged 6 weeks and up, including overnight care
  • Supported families with Kindy/school pickups, meal prep, activities, and routines
  • Confident with infant care, nap schedules, and creative engagement
  • Child First Aid trained

Health Care Assistant

Aspiring Care (formerly Enliven)
Wānaka
11.2024 - 01.2025
  • Supported elderly and disabled residents in a full-time residential care facility
  • Assisted with mobility, toileting, bathing, dressing, and medication reminders
  • Observed and reported health concerns to registered nurses
  • Helped to create a safe, calm environment and provided reassurance to anxious residents
  • Helped with meal prep and routines while providing compassionate social interaction
  • Maintained dignity and respect in all aspects of personal care

Cleaner

Wanaka Home Selection
Wānaka
12.2023 - 03.2024
  • Cleaned and maintained high-end properties to professional presentation standards
  • Strengthened time management, organisation, and attention to detail

Retail Assistant

Gifted Design Store
Wānaka
11.2022 - 02.2023
  • Opened and closed store independently, managed stock, and assisted customers
  • Developed confidence managing customer needs and multitasking solo

Front of House

Francesca's Italian Kitchen
Wānaka
11.2021 - 02.2023
  • Waitressed large group bookings, provided full table service, and led team support
  • Confidently addressed customer needs and ensured a welcoming dining experience

Front of House Roles

Florence's Food Store and Café / Wanaka Gourmet Kitchen / Albert Town Fish n Chip Shop
01.2019 - 12.2022
  • Developed excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills
  • Gained experience in high-pressure service environments

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Majoring in Psychology, Minoring in Criminology

University of Otago
11-2025

Skills

  • Enthusiastic and empathetic
  • Strong understanding of mental health conditions and brain injuries
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Academic knowledge in Neuropsychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology and Criminological theory
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Ability to build rapport
  • Ability to maintain professional boundaries
  • Experience with personal cares and hygiene
  • Experience with household support and daily living assistance
  • Great time management
  • Responsible and takes initiative
  • Confident using Microsoft digital tools
  • Confident using work portals for documentation and scheduling
  • Strong team player with leadership experience
  • Ability to work in fast-paced environments
  • Full driver's licence

References

  • Sharyn Mathias, 021 549 486
  • Hails Richmond, 0275354878, Hello, My name is Hails Richmond, and I'm delighted to have been asked to write a reference for Lyla Chamberlain. We have had the pleasure of having Lyla look after our children for the last 4 years. She has done a combination of evening 'babysitting', daytime care and also overnight stays. She is mature (beyond her years when she worked for us even as a schoolgirl!), reliable, prompt, bubbly, kind, fun and very well organized. She always ensures the house and kitchen are clean upon our return, and any extra jobs or requests have been done to a high standard. She is wonderful with the kid's ensuring routines are followed if required whilst making it fun and enjoyable for the kids who adore her! She is capable of having additional kids (she has also looked after my sister's larger families) and is great with any age from babies to teens. We have a son who is anaphylactic to nuts and she is always committed to his safety and educated in first aid. We trust her to drive our kids around town and take them on fun missions away from our home! I am happy to talk further if required but hope this sums up for you what a great human she is, and how she would quickly settle into any family. Kind regards, Hails Richmond

Timeline

Health Care Assistant

Aspiring Care (formerly Enliven)
11.2024 - 01.2025

Community Support Worker

Health Vision
07.2024 - Current

Cleaner

Wanaka Home Selection
12.2023 - 03.2024

Retail Assistant

Gifted Design Store
11.2022 - 02.2023

Front of House

Francesca's Italian Kitchen
11.2021 - 02.2023

Childcare

01.2020 - Current

Front of House Roles

Florence's Food Store and Café / Wanaka Gourmet Kitchen / Albert Town Fish n Chip Shop
01.2019 - 12.2022

Bachelor of Arts - Majoring in Psychology, Minoring in Criminology

University of Otago
Lyla Chamberlain