Kaiah S. Brondo, a proud 2015 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School, embodies the spirit of resilience, compassion, and purpose-driven growth. Her journey from Pahrump to a burgeoning career in healthcare in the heart of Portland, Oregon, is one marked by thoughtful exploration, deep human connection, and a fierce commitment to helping others. Through a series of unexpected twists and heartfelt decisions, Kaiah found her calling in one of the most demanding yet rewarding fields imaginable—nursing.
During her time at PVHS, Kaiah was a familiar face not just in classrooms but across the community. She was highly involved in Key Club, ringing bells for the Salvation Army during the holidays, assisting with events honoring local veterans, and helping lead various school fundraisers. Her passion for service was clear even then—a drive to give back and make a meaningful difference wherever she was needed.
But Kaiah’s talents weren’t limited to organizing events or volunteering. She also had a voice that moved people. She performed at countless school and community events, singing the National Anthem so many times she’s lost count. One of her most cherished memories from high school was singing the anthem for the town’s Fall Festival parade—a moment that made such an impression she was featured on the local news. “It was a huge deal to me at the time,” she recalls. “I remember the pure excitement and pride I felt.”
Academically, Kaiah was equally accomplished. She earned an academic letter two years in a row and graduated with an advanced diploma, a testament to her dedication and work ethic. And beyond academics, high school gave her something else: resilience and relationship wisdom. “I learned that some people come and go, but others are meant to stick around and shape your journey,” she says—an insight that has stayed with her through every chapter since.
Kaiah continues to stay connected with PVHS, primarily through her family. Her younger sister now attends the school, and Kaiah takes pride in being a mentor to her, offering guidance and support as she navigates her own high school years. Though she’s moved away, her heart is never far from home. Visits to Pahrump are still regular, keeping her close to her roots.
Her friendships from high school also remain important. While life after graduation naturally leads people in different directions, Kaiah has held on tightly to a few of her closest friends—some of whom she speaks with daily. Yearly trips to Las Vegas for music festivals provide not only fun, but cherished opportunities to reconnect with those who feel like home.
After graduating from PVHS, Kaiah began a journey that was anything but conventional—and all the more rich for it. She moved to Southern Oregon and embraced a period of exploration and growth. Her first role was as a nanny for her nephew, where her caregiving instincts began to bloom in a natural, meaningful way. Soon after, she joined Dutch Bros., the beloved Pacific Northwest coffee chain known for its lively, people-first culture. For three years, she connected with customers through genuine conversation and warm coffee cups, learning firsthand the power of simple kindness and human connection.
Next, Kaiah became an assistant to a wedding coordinator, helping plan and execute weddings for two years. The experience taught her patience, precision, and how to function gracefully in the midst of chaos. Balancing emotions, logistics, and unpredictable moments became second nature—and these skills, though learned outside a hospital setting, would later serve her well in healthcare.
In 2020, like so many, Kaiah’s life changed dramatically. Amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was offered a state scholarship to pursue certification as a nursing assistant. She accepted—and in doing so, stepped into one of the most emotionally taxing and transformative seasons of her life. Working in a nursing home during the peak of the pandemic was harrowing. Kaiah witnessed devastating losses and experienced the crushing weight of understaffed and overwhelmed facilities. “Overcoming this challenge meant simply showing up and doing my best every day,” she says. “But I will never forget the lessons I learned during that time.”
From that crucible came clarity. Kaiah realized healthcare wasn’t just a temporary role—it was her calling. She accepted another scholarship to earn a license that allowed her to work in hospital settings, leading her into the world of cardiac telemetry and eventually, Labor and Delivery. It was there, in the delivery rooms of hospitals, where Kaiah truly found her purpose.
She describes the experience of working in Labor and Delivery as both magical and humbling—filled with moments of heartbreak and triumph that have forever shaped who she is. “I want to uplift and advocate for birthing individuals and provide compassionate care for newborns and their parents in their most fragile moments,” she says. That desire has become her mission.
Today, Kaiah is preparing to begin an exciting new chapter in her healthcare career. She’ll soon be starting a new job in either Pediatrics/NICU or Labor and Delivery in Portland, Oregon. The role is the perfect continuation of her passion for caring for women and children, and she looks forward to using her empathy, strength, and clinical skills to support families during some of life’s most vulnerable milestones.
Along her professional path, Kaiah has achieved several key milestones: earning multiple state-funded scholarships, receiving recognition for academic excellence during nursing school, and gaining invaluable clinical experience in multiple hospital departments. But perhaps her most important achievement is the impact she has made on people—whether offering comfort in a chaotic emergency room or a gentle hand in a maternity ward.
Kaiah credits her success to the incredible support system around her. Her circle of close friends—Skylar, Evan, Diane, Teddy—and her partner Roberto have been with her every step of the way. “From reading over my applications to encouraging me on tough days, they’ve made this journey so much lighter,” she says. Her colleagues in the birth center have become a second family, and her friendships from nursing school have become lifelong bonds built on shared challenges and unwavering support.
Kaiah’s commitment to serving others extends beyond her career. Despite the demands of nursing school, she still found time to volunteer, including with a program last summer that provided medical and hygiene services to individuals experiencing homelessness. From wound care to offering clothing and social services referrals, Kaiah poured herself into the work with the same compassion and dedication that defines everything she does.
In her personal life, Kaiah finds joy in the small things. She shares a home in Portland with Roberto—her partner of three years, whom she describes as endlessly supportive and kind—and their adorable Yorkie, Milo. Together, they care for over 100 thriving houseplants and a fish tank filled with elegant, colorful goldfish. She loves cooking, exploring Portland’s vibrant live music scene, and traveling whenever possible. One of her favorite adventures was a cruise through Mexico, but nothing quite compares to the breathtaking Pacific Northwest coastline, which she escapes to whenever she can.
Balance, for Kaiah, isn’t about doing everything—it’s about staying grounded. Whether it’s a quick trip to the beach, a quiet night in with her partner, or a spontaneous music festival, she makes space for joy, knowing how vital it is to her well-being.
Looking ahead, Kaiah hopes to specialize further in women and children’s health and eventually become a public health nurse, working with single mothers and underserved families. It’s a long-term dream that feels rooted in everything she’s already become: a caregiver, a listener, a fighter, and an advocate.
For those considering a career in healthcare—or just unsure of what comes after high school—Kaiah offers this advice: “Don’t be afraid to go out into the world and live for a little while before locking down your life path. Try new things, unlearn bad habits, get good at driving, dye your hair, get better at public speaking, and practice telling people no. As long as you’re moving toward your goals and holding yourself accountable, you’re doing just fine.”
Kaiah Brondo’s story is one of self-discovery, courage, and compassion. It reminds us that the road to purpose is rarely linear, but every stop along the way matters. Through it all, she’s led with heart—carrying with her the lessons of PVHS, the love of her community, and an unwavering drive to make a difference in the lives of others.
