Influential Woman · Mental health case management in supportive housing
Kayla Olivera
Case Manager, The DOE Fund
New York, NY 10029
Her Story
About Kayla
Kayla Olivera serves as a full-time Case Manager for Supportive Housing at The DOE Fund, a role she has held since 2021. She works directly with residents experiencing mental health challenges and individuals recovering from substance use disorders, providing essential support to help them navigate daily responsibilities and achieve greater stability. Her responsibilities include connecting residents with day programs, employment opportunities, housing assistance, and rental resources while helping them build the skills and confidence needed to participate more fully in their communities.
Driven by personal experiences and a passion for helping others, Kayla has dedicated her career to creating meaningful change through compassionate advocacy and client-centered care. She believes that trust, honesty, and transparency are the foundations of effective support, especially for individuals who have faced significant challenges or setbacks. Through her work in supportive housing and mental health case management, she strives to empower clients by providing guidance, resources, and encouragement as they work toward independence and improved quality of life.
Kayla earned her bachelor’s degree in 2025, graduating cum laude with a 3.8 GPA, and was recognized with the Key Award for Outstanding Leadership in 2023 for her commitment and contributions on campus. She became a member of the Honor Society of Leadership and Success in 2025, an affiliation that has supported her continued growth and development as a leader. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology, expected to be completed in June 2027, Kayla plans to continue her education by earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology and ultimately establishing her own practice dedicated to serving individuals with diverse mental health needs.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my own resilience and the strength I gained from my mother’s experiences. Growing up, I witnessed my mother endure a difficult and abusive relationship, which shaped my perspective on perseverance, compassion, and the importance of helping others. During challenging moments in my own life, I learned how to overcome obstacles, find my inner strength, and keep moving forward. Those experiences inspired me to dedicate my career to supporting individuals who have faced hardships similar to my own. I believe that my purpose is to make a positive impact by empowering others, providing support, and leaving a meaningful imprint on the world through service and advocacy.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never let one difficult day distract me from my mission and purpose. In this field, challenges are inevitable, and there will be moments that test my patience, resilience, and determination. However, I have learned that staying focused on the bigger picture and remembering why I chose this path allows me to continue moving forward. By remaining committed to my purpose of helping others, I can overcome obstacles, grow professionally, and continue making a meaningful impact.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering this industry is to lead with dedication, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others. This work requires more than just skills and knowledge; it requires empathy, patience, and a commitment to supporting people through some of their most challenging moments. If you have a passion for improving mental health, helping others navigate everyday struggles, and making a positive difference in people’s lives, this field can be incredibly rewarding. Approach the work with an open heart, stay committed to learning, and remember the meaningful impact you can have on the individuals and communities you serve.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is building trusting relationships with individuals who have experienced repeated disappointment, trauma, or setbacks in their lives. Many of the people I work with have been let down by those they trusted, which can create emotional barriers and make it difficult for them to accept support. Building that connection takes patience, consistency, and genuine compassion. However, it is also one of the greatest opportunities in this work to show people that they are valued, supported, and capable of positive change. Being able to break through those barriers and help individuals regain confidence, stability, and hope is what makes this field so meaningful.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, integrity, transparency, and respect. In my field, being truthful and transparent with clients is essential to building trust and creating meaningful relationships. I believe that strong ethical principles and doing what is right, even when it is challenging, are the foundation of effective service and personal growth. Family is also a core value in my life, along with supporting others and celebrating their success. I am passionate about personal development and continuously improving myself while maintaining self-respect, strong workplace ethics, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.