Kayla is originally from small town Galena, IL. She is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University, where she studied BFA acting and sociology. Her desire as a performing artist is to combine her love for acting with her love for humanity and to share her views on the meaning of social justice; the acceptance, freedom, and celebration of all humankind. She aims to challenge and inspire, while being challenged and inspired through the magic of human movement and connection, both on the stage and on the screen. Notable film credits include the LEAD in Lifetime’s Lethal Desire, Lethal Altitude, and Murder in Paradise, as well as a LEAD role in indie dark comedy, The Clutterbucks, from the brilliant Rich Ronat. Chicago theatre credits feature works at Writers Theatre, Remy Bumppo, Victory Gardens, TimeLine, Sideshow, First Floor, Redtwist, and more. Voice Over credits include National McDonalds radio/television.

Her passion for creative teaching and collaboration has manifested itself through her work as Director of The Theatre School’s Summer High School Training Program, as well as a prior teaching artist the children's theatre/circus group, Circo Fantazztico in San Isidro del General, Costa Rica, and Northwestern University's "Cherubs" program, where she was a cherub herself. She is also a member of the Illinois Leadership Seminars, a non-profit organization that focuses on unleashing the leadership potential of Illinois youth.

Aside from acting and advocating for youth leadership, she harbors a deep passion for writing in various styles, world traveling, moving to music, and cooking dishes that bring the heat.