Tava moved to Los Angeles after completing a degree in communications at the University of Missouri. She began to land guest-starring roles on such shows as Beverly Hills, 90210, Nash Bridges, The Pretender, Baywatch and Pensacola: Wings of Gold. In addition, Tava hosted the music program, Inside Tracks, for a start-up cable network, and Wild Chicago, a local variety magazine show in Chicago. Tava also appeared in the Mike Figgis film, One Night Stand, before snagging the role of Chloe Morgan on GH. 

Tava recently finished shooting a supporting role in the independent feature film, Solid Ones. 

Smiley enjoys "anything that is a new experience." Her hobbies include writing poetry, playing poker and sampling any and all kinds of chocolate. For exercise, she enjoys yoga, hiking and playing tennis. Tava and her cat Marina Bean reside in Los Angeles.