Eight years ago, Carlie’s world changed in a moment. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, the same degenerative eye condition her father had, she was told she could no longer drive—and just like that, she lost her job, her independence, and the life she had built.
“I’d always found it easy to get work,” Carlie recalls. “But suddenly I couldn’t drive, I was going through a divorce, and I didn’t know what to do. I knew I wanted to work. I needed purpose. I needed to feel independent again.”
That’s when Carlie connected with WISE Employment, and met Katie Thomas, a WISE Business Manager who saw something in her from the very beginning.
“Carlie had this incredible drive to get back into a role where she could support others,” Katie says. “She had a background in social work, and a passion for people. It was clear she had so much to offer.”
Katie connected Carlie with Pure Insights, a values-aligned employer committed to inclusive work. They saw the same potential—and an opportunity.
“We had an over-55s women’s group we wanted to trial, and Carlie was the perfect person to lead it,” Katie explains. “It was a hit. That group is still running today.”
What began as a pilot evolved into something lasting. The women from that first group still meet regularly for tea and conversation, their connection sparked by Carlie’s care and leadership.
Now, Carlie facilitates a four-week program with WISE clients, helping people identify their transferable skills and regain confidence as they return to work.
“Carlie is inspiring,” says Katie. “She lights up a room. She brings out the best in people, and helps them see their own strengths—sometimes for the first time.”
For Carlie, the work is personal.
“Someone held space for me when I needed it most,” she says. “And it changed everything. Now I want to do the same for someone else.”
With the support of WISE Employment and Pure Insights, Carlie has gone from navigating deep uncertainty to creating space for others to grow.
“I’m fully supported,” Carlie says. “It’s like me and Tyson (her support dog) are sitting in the good seat now—and I want to bring others into that seat with me.”
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