Kayla Smith
Bumpass,VA
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Veteran and Family Advocate
Volunteer Service
10.2023 - Current
- Empower veterans and their families by providing them with resources needed to make informed decisions about their futures.
- Provide mental health resources to veterans diagnosed with PTSD.
- Identify available resources and organizations to assist veterans on trips to commemorative events for their military service.
- Coordinate trips for U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps veterans to attend ceremonies in Arlington National Cemetery.
- Facilitate communication between organizations to promote positive experiences for veterans.
- Organize community outreach opportunities for isolated veterans online and in person.
- Veteran Advocacy success highlighted in the Washington Post, The Bulge Bugle, and CBS 6 news.
- Guest Speaker at the Battle of the Bulge Association Commemoration, Daughter's of the American Revolution events and Private Schools.
- Design presentations on military history on an educational level appropriate for specific audiences.
Equestrian Competition Record
Competitor
Virginia
01.2013 - Current
- Competition Record with:
- USHJA-United States Hunter Jumper Association
- USEF-United States Equestrian Federation
- VHSA-Virginia Horse Show Association
- BHSA-Battle Field Horse Show Association
Working Student
Contracted
Virginia
01.2013 - 08.2021
- Assisted youth and adults with foundational skills with horses.
- Monitored individual's progress while mounted and performing ground work.
- Educated students on proper care of horses and maintenance of tack and farm equipment.
- Assessed riding skills and formulated lesson plans to meet student's goals in and out of the show ring.
- Worked closely with equine industry professionals to develop well rounded horses and riders.
- Assisted with routine vet and farrier appointments.
Equestrian Trail Guide
Contracted
Virginia
01.2014 - 01.2021
- Ensured rider safety by providing thorough pre-ride instructions and assessing each rider's skill level and matching riders to appropriate horses.
- Provided historical lectures on equine military history and american history on horseback to riders of varying age and ability.
- Managed horse care tasks, including feeding, grooming, and tacking up, ensuring optimal health for the horses.
- Provided care for injured or ill horses, working closely with veterinary staff and farriers to monitor their recovery and return to work.
- Assisted in the physical and mental rehabilitation of horses.
- Supported the head trainer with riding lessons, grooming, improving student's skills and confidence levels.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
Randolph-Macon College
Ashland, VA05-2023
No Degree - Certified Personal Trainer
National Academy of Sports Medicine
06-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Archaeology
Randolph-Macon College
Ashland, Va05-2023
Skills
- Veteran advocacy
- Riding Proficiency
- Equitation principles
- Horse care fundamentals
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Historical preservation
- Public education
- Organizational skills
Timeline
Veteran and Family Advocate
Volunteer Service
10.2023 - Current
Equestrian Trail Guide
Contracted
01.2014 - 01.2021
Equestrian Competition Record
Competitor
01.2013 - Current
Working Student
Contracted
01.2013 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Arts - History
Randolph-Macon College
No Degree - Certified Personal Trainer
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Bachelor of Arts - Archaeology
Randolph-Macon College