Born and raised in 'Ewa Beach and 'Aiea, Kayla is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus and has served as a school counselor for the past 8 years. Starting her career in Bellevue, Washington, Kayla led multiple initiatives advocating for students of color to bring awareness to important conversations around racial equity. Moving home and now giving back to her roots in 'Ewa Beach, her work focuses on prioritizing students' mental and emotional health. Kayla's dedication at Ka'imiloa Elementary has contributed to the counseling department being a Recognized ASCA Model Program, which distinguishes school counseling programs across the United States. In addition, her counseling team continues presenting at a national level around their work creating systemic structures to support student attendance. Personally, Kayla fills her cup by dancing Tahitian for Ma'ohi Nui so that she can pour into her son Hausten's cup. Kayla holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Northern Colorado and a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Seattle Pacific University.