Originally from Kansas City, this multi-talented actress/singer/writer/producer began her journey at the age of 4 with voiceover work, commercials, and modeling.  Her formal training at the University of Missouri gave her a multitude of opportunities to stretch her artistic muscles.

After graduating, she launched her professional career in Los Angeles with the world premiere of Bare: A Pop Opera.  She originated the role of Nadia for which she won the Los Angeles Critics Circle Award, the Robby Award, and was nominated for an Ovation Award – Best Lead Actress in a Musical.  The show became an off-Broadway and worldwide hit.  Also notably, Keili made her mark once again on the stage in the hit L.A. production of Stephen Adly Guirgis’ The Motherf**ker With The Hat.

In feature films, she nailed a sexy and violent turn in Michael Bay’s film, Pain and Gain, starring opposite Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, and Anthony Mackie.  Her must-see portrayal of Monster alongside Jamie Kennedy in Warner Brother’s Malibu’s Most Wanted, brought her plenty of global fans.  Her starring role in From Zero to I Love You directed by Doug Spearman left audiences reeling from her gut-wrenching performance.

In television, Keili has guest-starred on many shows including The Office, The Big Bang Theory, and Pen15 for Hulu.  Keili’s also forged a strong niche in the voiceover world.  For nearly 8 years, Keili enjoyed a campaign for the GAP in the U.S. and Canada.  She’s also worked for Wondros Global (directed by Barbra Streisand), multiple indeed.com spots, a powerful PSA for “Break the Cycle” and “The Redhead” book series by Alice Clayton. 

In addition to her acting career, Keili (and her husband, Shane Johnson from Starz’s Power) have established a production company, which has had deals with Beacon Television and Fremantle Media on a variety of scripted and reality programming.  Currently, she is juggling multiple productions at various stages.  From a gritty western that pits the forces of good vs. evil to a claustrophobic horror flick to an animated feature.

Keili and her husband live in Los Angeles with their two incredible sons, Shep and Gunner. 

“It’s an absolute honor and privilege to teach alongside Richard Lawson.  He’s been my teacher, mentor, and supporter for close to 22 years!  Out of all the studios that I’ve studied at, and teachers who have guided me, his technique has resonated with me the strongest.  His encouragement to not wait and get control of my own career is directly related to all the projects I’m creating and have created.  He is a loving, exceptional, brilliant, funny, non-judgmental, bad-ass with unbelievable life experience.  I want to bring the same love, support, passion, and knowledge to others that he’s given to me.”