Of Courage and Purpose: How Kimberly Reed is Forging Her Trail

Kimberly Reed, '04 M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, loves a challenge.

When she’s not teaching five AP classes at Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon, advising seniors, or coordinating student clubs, she runs competitively and mountain bikes.

That’s not all. 

She is also pursuing her doctoral degree, managing a fitness coaching business, and parenting two children. 

Kim’s journey came with struggles, but it is anchored in her resolve to live a life of courage and purpose. 

Choosing a Direction

Although her mother, also a UNLV alumna, had been a teacher since 4th grade, Kim wanted to take a different path. She earned her undergraduate degree in anthropology at UNLV in 2000 and worked as an archaeologist at the Desert Research Institute. 

“It was interesting, but I was often away from home and spending hours in an office with very little human connection.”

In search of a more stable and interactive career, Kim turned to substitute teaching. Right away, she realised she wanted to be a high school teacher, and 25 years later, she is still on track. 

Becoming Coach Kim

A tragic loss left her scared and anxious for years. She put her running shoes on and hit the road, hoping to find some peace and a path forward. 

Her sister, Amy-Mathis Leonard, ‘10 ‘26, UNLV Gateway Senior Math Placement and Support Programs coordinator and two-time alum, issued a new challenge to Kim–trail running, where she took on more risk and unknown terrains. The adrenaline rush was worth it.

“Running through the desert was exactly where I belonged,” Kim shared.

Over time, trail running strengthened her physically and mentally, rebuilding her sense of discipline and desire to connect.

“I wanted to help people change their lives through outdoor exercise,” she said. 

So she started a fitness and wellness coaching business. 

Taking a Detour

After a severe knee injury, Kim chose to challenge herself by using strength training and nutrition to recover rather than undergo invasive surgery. This path took her away from one of the things she loved most about her life–community. So, instead of high-impact trail running, she saddled up and hit the trails on a mountain bike.

Now, she is training for her second 100-mile mountain bike race, and her mantra through it all is “do things and the things get done.” A philosophy she instills in her students and coaching clients.

What Lies Ahead

Today, Kim is pursuing a doctoral degree in educational psychology with an emphasis on kinesiology and health psychology. Her research interests combine her passions: how outdoor exercise affects teachers’ ability to manage stress and, in turn, student engagement. She hopes that the degree will equip her with the credibility to speak and write as an expert. 

“I want people to have science-backed information on how to transform their lives for the better,” Kim said. 

One thing is certain, though: Kim’s legacy will be living life without fear.

Written by: Sakinah Musa