Her Story
About Kayla
Kayla Pinto is the founder and owner of Breathe to the Beat Community CPR, a Somerville, Massachusetts-based business dedicated to making lifesaving education accessible, engaging, and community-centered. Since launching the company in 2023, she has provided first aid, CPR, and AED training to individuals, businesses, childcare professionals, and community organizations throughout the Greater Boston area. As lead instructor, Pinto manages every aspect of the business—from client communications, scheduling, invoicing, and administrative operations to submitting certifications through the American Red Cross platform—while teaching classes nearly every day with a personalized, learner-focused approach that builds both confidence and practical skills.
Pinto brings more than 15 years of experience in CPR instruction and nearly two decades in early childhood education, where maintaining lifesaving certifications was an essential part of her career. After experiencing burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic, she made the decision to pursue entrepreneurship full time, transforming her passion for education and public safety into a thriving small business. She earned an associate degree from Bunker Hill Community College and a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Cambridge College, and she also completed significant graduate coursework in social work at Simmons University. A member of the National Association of Social Workers and a partner with the American Red Cross, Pinto is committed to meeting learners where they are and encouraging instructors to develop authentic teaching styles that resonate with their communities.
Deeply invested in giving back, Pinto offers free monthly CPR classes at Connection Church in Somerville to ensure lifesaving training remains accessible to local residents. She attributes her success to the resilience she developed through her own mental health journey and to the unwavering encouragement of the women who have shaped her life, including her wife, sister, parents, educators, mentors, and professional partners. Guided by the values of integrity, honesty, authenticity, commitment, and open communication, Pinto believes everyone has the ability to make a difference in an emergency. Through her work, she continues to empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence to save lives while fostering a stronger, more prepared community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the personal challenges I've overcome, particularly my journey with mental health, and to the incredible women who have influenced my life. My wife, sister, parents, educators, and business partners have each shaped my perspective, encouraged my growth, and inspired me to become a more resilient and compassionate leader. Their support has taught me the importance of perseverance, empathy, and staying true to my values.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to pursue work that genuinely makes me happy, not to fear making mistakes, and to be honest when they happen. Growth rarely follows a perfect path, and I've learned that embracing the challenges and uncertainty along the way is an essential part of building both a successful career and a fulfilling life.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to do your research, ask plenty of questions, build meaningful relationships through networking, and trust your instincts. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or take on new challenges, because every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Confidence comes through experience, and success often comes from embracing the imperfect process rather than waiting for everything to be perfect.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the rising cost of equipment and operating expenses, which can make growth more difficult. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities through community partnerships, collaborations, and pop-up events that allow us to connect with new audiences, expand our reach, and build lasting relationships. Being adaptable and engaged within the community continues to be a key driver of success.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me both personally and professionally are integrity, honesty, authenticity, commitment, and open communication. I believe in being genuine, following through on my commitments, and building trust through transparency and respect. These values shape how I lead, how I work with others, and how I approach every opportunity and challenge.
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