Manna Maniago- Kairos Care
CEO and Managing Director of Kairos Care, Manna Risa Maniago leads a NDIS‑registered disability and mental health service provider operating across Sydney and Brisbane. Originally from the Philippines, her journey reflects resilience, compassion, and purpose‑driven leadership. Through Kairos Care, she is transforming lives by ensuring individuals living with disabilities and mental health challenges feel heard, valued, and genuinely supported, ultimately being honoured as a finalist in the Small Business Category.
Q: What inspired Manna to migrate to Australia?
A: Manna migrated from the Philippines to Australia seeking greater opportunities, but adjusting to a new culture, workplace, and community was challenging. With overseas qualifications difficult to transfer, she rebuilt her career step by step while navigating homesickness and the need to form new support networks. These challenges shaped her resilience and fueled her dedication to helping others during vulnerable moments
Q: How did Manna begin her career in mental health?
A: Manna completed her undergraduate studies in the Philippines before earning her master’s degree in Counseling and Psychotherapy in 2015. She began her career in the corporate sector but felt a strong pull toward addressing the growing need for accessible mental health support. In 2019, she founded Kairos Counseling and Psychotherapy Australia to create a safe, stigma‑free space for individuals seeking help, and her vision soon expanded beyond counseling alone.
Q: How did Kairos Care evolve into a disability services provider?
A: Manna expanded into NDIS disability services later in 2019, establishing Kairos Care. What began with one support worker and one office staff member has grown to more than 60 team members supporting participants across Western Sydney, South Sydney, the Inner West, South West Sydney, Baulkham Hills, and surrounding areas. In 2024, the organisation reached a major milestone by opening a Brisbane office and launching in‑home aged care services, further extending its community impact.
Q: What challenges did she face building the business?
A: Launching a healthcare and NDIS‑registered organisation meant navigating strict regulatory requirements, compliance demands, and financial pressure, all while competing for qualified staff in a tight labour market. Balancing her responsibilities as CEO, counselor, wife, and mother required significant discipline and sacrifice. These challenges strengthened her resolve to build a service defined by empathy, professionalism, and genuine inclusivity.
Q: What makes Kairos Care unique?
A: Kairos Care brings mental health, disability care, and aged care together under one holistic, client‑centred model. The organisation is recognised for its culturally sensitive approach and its commitment to reducing stigma around mental health. Innovation also plays a key role, with telehealth services, virtual wellness programs, and online training platforms improving accessibility and strengthening support for both clients and staff.
Manna pictured with Joseph Assaf AO, Chariman and Founder of the EBA
Q: What other recognition has Kairos Care received?
A: Kairos Care earned the 2024 Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence (WSABE) in Excellence in Innovation, recognising its forward‑thinking approach to service delivery. The organisation has also been shortlisted for the Australian Financial Review Customer Champions List and AFR BOSS Best Places to Work, reflecting its strong client outcomes and positive workplace culture.
Q: What is Manna’s vision for the future?
A: Manna’s vision is to grow Kairos Care into a truly national provider, giving more people living with disabilities, mental health challenges, and age‑related needs access to high‑quality, personalised support. She plans to continue strengthening the organisation through technology‑enabled services, ongoing team development, and deeper community partnerships, all aimed at building a future where no one feels overlooked or unsupported.
