Kayla Arend is a writer-director whose work has found recognition both nationally and internationally. With her roots still embedded in the nature of the Rocky Mountains but her creative voice being sculpted by New York City, it is clear that her work commands attention. Kayla Arend has earned her MFA in film and television writing and directing from the graduate film program at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. With Spike Lee as her mentor, he executive produced her graduate thesis film - Leaving Yellowstone.