Kelly Jo Smith

Kelly Jo Smith is a graduate of Missouri's Truman University with a degree in theatre and holds a Master's Degree from Adams State University in English/Theatre. Having performed since the age of 7, Kelly has a number of productions on her resume. "Big River", "Vanities", "Oklahoma", "Steel Magnolia", "Grease", "Grace and Glorie" and "Mame" are a few of her favorite acting experiences. Active with the Miss America program, Kelly competed after college in the Miss Missouri pageant earning the Talent Award and in 2000 produced and directed the Miss Colorado pageant. Kelly was the director of the high school theatre program at La Junta High School and was named H.S. Theatre Educator Of The Year in 1995 for the State of Colorado. In 2001, LJHS's Fine Arts programs earned the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Outstanding Achievement Award in Art Education. Having directed over fifty productions, Kelly finds something new and wonderful in the creative process. She has coached state champions in high school speech and debate and students to the national level as well. She also served as the Chairman of the LJHS's English Department and on the Board of Director of the Picketwire Center For The Performing and Visual Arts.

Kelly is creating social media content for the La Junta United Methodist Church and directing the social media outreach.  She is a published author and is currently writing other theatrical endeavors. She has served as an adjunct faculty member and concurrent instructor at Otero Jr. College and makes her home in La Junta, Colorado with her daughter, Hannah.