Kayla Thompson is an education and restorative justice professional with a passion for equity-centered work. Returning to St. Louis in 2020, Kayla joined Alive & Well Communities (now the Community Health Commission of Missouri), where she trained educators and community members in trauma-informed care. Currently, as the Senior Manager of Training and Technical Assistance of the CHCM, she leads the design and delivery of high-quality, equity-centered training programs, bringing her extensive background in education, restorative justice, and community care.
Past Work
Kayla has a passion for education and restorative justice. After graduating from Webster University, Kayla was accepted to the Teach for America Program and went on to teach in St. Louis Public School District for 3 years. After leaving the St. Louis Public School District, Kayla worked at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis as a tutor, youth development professional, and Site-Coordinator. In 2019, Kayla moved to Atlanta to work as a Director of Creative Youth Development at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta.
Kayla moved back to St. Louis in 2020 to act as Manager of School Programs at Alive & Well Communities. Much of her work at Alive & Well included training area educators and community members on trauma informed care, racial & historical trauma, providing community care, and more. She has facilitated over 100 training sessions to over 1000 participants during her time with the organization.
In 2022, Kayla became the Director of Programs at Freedom Community Center. While leading Freedom Community Center’s (FCC) Free Us – Sponsored Recognizance Group Track Program, Kayla was tasked with fighting against mass incarceration by sponsoring release for individuals who would otherwise be held in pretrial detention until their trial. Kayla led this innovative community-based program and supported individuals with gaining access to group and individual therapy and mentoring. During her time at FCC, Kayla led restorative justice circles, and equipped individuals accused of committing serious harm with strategies for nonviolence to begin their healing journey.
Education and Involvement
Kayla Thompson is an education professional, activist, and creative artist from St. Louis, MO. Kayla graduated from Webster University with a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and a certificate in Identity and Diversity in the United States from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a Masters in Education.
Academic, leadership, and volunteer honors include: Webster University Dean’s Service Award, Webster University WebsterLeads Certificate, Webster University Campus Voice Award, Webster University Mission Critical Award, St. Louis American Salute to Young Leaders Award, Delux Magazine Power 100, Delux Magazine 30 under 30 award, and Webster University’s Young Alumni Award.
Kayla is an alum of the Regional Arts Commission’s Community Arts Training Program, and board member of the Village Activists. Outside of professional work, Kayla is also a writer and artist. Known in the creative community as “KVtheWriter,” Kayla is a published author, rapper, and public speaker