Kaylar Evans
Kaylar is an inspiring woman whose maturity and wisdom draw in those around her. A compassionate yet fierce campaigner for mental health support, Kaylar channels her life experiences to advocate for the best quality of care for Victorians facing mental health challenges.
Kaylar’s journey into the mental health field started when she enrolled in a Certificate IV in Mental Health at Chisholm.
As a single mother of three, balancing parenting, work and study was tough. She had previously started courses in the past, but it wasn’t until Kaylar enrolled at Chisholm that she discovered the right program and learning environment to fuel her determination to succeed. With the support of her teachers and collaborative classmates, Kaylar found it was the right time - mentally, emotionally and professionally – for her to learn and build a career as a mental health professional.
As Kaylar progressed through her studies, she began to see her experiences in a new light. Rather than seeing her past as a barrier, she recognised it as a strength, helping her advocate for others experiencing similar challenges. During the course, she gained many skills that complemented her goals and emerged as a collaborative leader with her compassionate, people‑centred processes.
Applying her learning in real‑world contexts further strengthened her confidence. Being able to guide and advocate for others gave Kaylar a strong sense of purpose and reinforced her commitment to the field.
Kaylar consistently demonstrated professionalism, resilience and exceptional capability. Interacting with peers in a respectful and non-judgmental manner, she drew on theory and elements of her background to enrich discussions and support her peers. Her emotional intelligence and steady encouragement helped create a positive learning environment where others felt confident to contribute and grow.
Now, Kaylar is already making a difference in the community through casual employment and volunteer work. She currently serves as a Narcotics Anonymous Australia facilitator, championing safe, non‑judgmental recovery spaces. As Kaylar says “through my training at Chisholm, my career goals actually changed a lot - my dreams have become a lot bigger”.
With a strong interest in youth dependency and justice system reform, she hopes to continue her education through Youth Work and a degree in Community Services.
Kaylar’s journey shows how resilience can evolve into professional excellence. No matter your circumstances, you can achieve great things.
Kaylar is a finalist in the 2026 Chisholm Education Awards – Vocational Student of the Year.