Kayleen Smith

Meet Miss Kayleen Smith, another wonderful young lady on this mission team!!

Kayleen grew up in Anoka, MN.  She graduated from Totino-Grace High School in 2008. She has recently graduated from The University of Wisconsin Stout with a degree in Vocational Rehabilitation and concentrations in Independent Living and Occupational Therapy.  Kayleen has been very passionate about working with people with disabilities and volunteering since she was in junior high.  Kayleen works as a Personal Care Assistant for Lutheran Social Services, as a Respite Coordinator for Friendship Ventures, and as a Travel Leader for Ventures Travel.   As a Personal Care Assistant, Kayleen teaches independent living skills and advocates for persons with intellectual disabilities.  As a Respite Coordinator, Kayleen provides respite services to families and persons with disabilities by providing weekend excursions and camps for people with disabilities throughout the year.

 This summer, Kayleen will spend the majority of her time working with Ventures Travel as a Travel Leader taking individuals with developmental disabilities on vacation.  Ventures Travel travels all throughout the United States, and Kayleen will have the opportunity to traveling to San Francisco, Wisconsin Dells, The Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, The Black Hills.... and MORE!  Kayleen stated, “I absolutely LOVE my jobs, especially Ventures Travel because it gives me the opportunity to experience two of my favorite things in life in one job: working with persons with disabilities and traveling.  I love being able to promote the independence of persons with disabilities and being able to provide the opportunity to travel to someone who may not have otherwise had the chance.  I learn so much from the clients I work with and value the relationships I form with them. Our memories and experiences are priceless!" In October, Kayleen will be heading to Thailand to work for a non-profit organization called the Father Ray Foundation for 6 months where she will volunteer with 850 children and adults with disabilities in Pattaya, Thailand.  During this time she will teach English, teach vocational skills, work in the school for the blind, teach independent living skills, and help the Thai teachers. Kayleen's passion for living a life serving those in need is evident through the life she has chosen to live.  

Kayleen’s passion for volunteering began when her junior high curriculum required her complete some volunteer hours at Sharing and Caring Hands in Minneapolis.  Once she transitioned into high school and college, she was active in the volunteer organizations and participated in several mission trips throughout the years.  Kayleen had the opportunity to go to Alabama to build houses...New Orleans to do Katrina Relief... Camden, New Jersey to work with several different organizations.... to Galveston, Texas to do hurricane relief....and to Louisiana to repair and build homes.  Through these short term mission trips and other various volunteer opportunities Kayleen has taken part in, she believes God has been preparing her heart for the trip to Haiti with Healing Haiti. 

I am very blessed to have Kayleen be apart of this short term mission trip to Haiti. Kayleen and I got to know each other pretty well in high school when we were in a small group together. At that point when our paths had crossed, Kayleen and I were going through similar troubles and were able to use each other for support.  Our paths separated for a short time throughout college, but have come back together for this wonderful mission trip experience in Haiti. I am so thankful that God has called Kayleen to serve beside me in Haiti.. and look forward to watching God use Kayleen in many incredible ways! 


Please lift Kayleen up in prayer as she continues to prepare her heart and her mind for Haiti! May God provide for Kayleen's needs at this time of preparation!!!