Brittani Kathryn Smith, a proud graduate of Pahrump Valley High School’s Class of 2012, has maintained a strong connection to the school and community that shaped her early years. Some of her favorite high school memories include playing on the girls’ soccer team during her freshman and sophomore years. Unfortunately, knee surgeries prevented her from continuing, but the friendships and experiences from those seasons remain meaningful.
Academically, one of Brittani’s standout experiences was participating in the CNA dual enrollment program during her senior year. This opportunity provided her with invaluable insight into the medical field and firsthand experience working in a hospital setting. She also enjoyed being part of the yearbook class, where she could express her creativity and contribute to preserving memories for the school community.
Even before becoming a PVHS staff member, Brittani made a conscious effort to stay engaged with the school. She followed the progress of sports teams and occasionally attended games. Social media also played a significant role in keeping her connected with former classmates and friends. While many interactions occur online, she enjoys the moments when she can reconnect with familiar faces around town.
One of the biggest lessons she carries from her time at PVHS is understanding that not everyone will get along, and that’s okay. She believes in maintaining respect while navigating different personalities.
After high school, Brittani moved to Las Vegas to attend the College of Southern Nevada. In 2013, she relocated to Montana to enroll in the University of Montana’s Speech and Language Pathology Program. However, unexpected changes brought her back to Pahrump. She reassessed her goals and shifted her focus to psychology, earning a bachelor’s degree from Nevada State College.
In 2023, becoming a mother inspired Brittani to return to school to pursue a Master’s in Psychology at Grand Canyon University. She is now balancing her academic work with her role as the registrar at Pahrump Valley High School, allowing her to stay involved with the school that played a significant role in her earlier years.
Brittani’s career has included various roles, from restaurants to medical offices, behavioral schools, and the court system. Each job has added to her experience, leading her to the position she holds today at PVHS.
Choosing a degree in psychology came with challenges, particularly balancing full-time work and coursework. She found that online education suited her best, allowing her to complete her bachelor’s degree in 2017. She now works toward finishing her master’s in December 2025.
Through her professional journey, Brittani has learned the importance of using past experiences to assist others. Her family has been a major source of encouragement, with her parents always offering support. Now, as a mother, she is even more focused on setting an example for her son.
Mrs. Desiree Veloz has been a key mentor, continuing to offer guidance beyond high school. Brittani now has the opportunity to work under her leadership and learn from her daily.
Finding the right career fit has been one of Brittani’s biggest challenges. While working in the courts, she met people from all walks of life, which reinforced the importance of empathy. She believes it’s crucial to remember that everyone has their own struggles, even if they aren’t immediately visible.
One of the most valuable lessons she has taken from her experiences is that mistakes happen, but they do not define a person. She believes open communication and problem-solving are key in any workplace.
For those considering a similar path, she encourages them not to stay in a job that makes them unhappy. She believes everyone has something to offer, and sometimes it takes time to figure out where that fits best.
Outside of work, Brittani is an active part of the community. She has been involved with the Pahrump Jr. Trojans Soccer Club for five years as a board member and coach. She enjoys sharing her love for soccer and watching young athletes develop their skills.
Family time is also a priority for Brittani. She and her spouse, Richard, enjoy watching their son, Ryder, grow and supporting their nieces and nephews in their activities. The couple also runs a local business, Mobile Locksmith Too, where Brittani handles Facebook marketing.
She loves outdoor activities, especially camping and RZR rides, with dune season being a highlight of the year. Any chance for a quick adventure in between busy schedules is always welcomed.
Balancing work, school, and family life requires careful planning, and she has created a structured schedule to ensure she meets all her responsibilities while still making time for her loved ones.
Looking ahead, Brittani hopes to apply her master’s degree in education, aiming to support students in Pahrump as a school psychologist or counselor. She is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the local schools and make a difference in students’ lives.
Currently, she is looking forward to the Pahrump Jr. Trojans Soccer season, where she gets to watch her nieces, nephews, and players develop their skills on the field.
A dedicated Disney fan, Brittani lives by a favorite quote from Christopher Robin in Winnie the Pooh: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” This sentiment serves as a daily reminder that challenges can be faced with a positive outlook and that perseverance leads to growth and success.
