Kayla began their journey as a teaching artist in the summer of 2017 at Hermosa Beach’s Family Theatre. For the next three years with this company, Kayla helped to produce, choreograph, and direct Annie, Aladdin, The Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka, and Peter Pan. They fell in love with the curiosity and ambition of youth theatre actors, who throw themselves fully into every task, every role, every dance.

As an instructor and classroom leader, they appreciated the focus and interest that young artists have for performance. As a director, teacher, and choreographer, they found joy in supporting the growth of students, helping them to find confidence in themselves, their abilities, and their place in a company.

Kayla’s teaching artist path had led them to participate as a director, writer, and choreographer in the 2021 adaptation of The House on Mango Street, spearheaded by Professor Dani Bedau. This adaptation of Mango was created with middle school audiences in mind, focusing on diversity, cultural, and maturation education. Kayla has also taught singing lessons, acting lessons, and dancing lessons privately to students throughout her collegiate career.

Currently Kayla teaches for Character Kids, Scripps Theatre Arts, Project Performer, and The Theatre School @ North Coast Rep.