Executive Leadership Team

  • Chief Executive Officer + Artistic Director

    Robert Shields

    Rob Shields is an arts administrator, educator, actor, and director. Rob has worked in Arts Education for the last twenty years, ten of those working at The SAE.

    Robert holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Cal Poly Pomona in Acting and is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory Program in Hollywood. As a formally trained actor and director, Robert continues to work professionally while working as the Chief Executive Officer for The School of Arts and Enterprise. Rob has previously served as the Vice President of The Southern California Shakespeare Festival and was the founding Artistic Director of the theatre company, PlayUpStream.

  • Chief Academic Officer

    Paul Treesuwan

    Dr. Paul Treesuwan serves as Chief Academic Officer at The School of Arts and Enterprise, where he has dedicated more than two decades to helping the school grow and evolve while remaining true to its mission of integrating arts, scholarship, and entrepreneurship.

    A longtime member of the Pomona community, he joined The SAE as a U.S. History teacher in 2005 and helped establish the school's first 11th grade teaching team. The following year, he had the privilege of guiding The SAE's inaugural senior class to graduation. Throughout his career, Dr. Treesuwan has served in numerous teacher leadership and administrative roles, including Special Education Director and Chief Academic Officer. Among his favorite accomplishments are helping launch student-led traditions such as Poachella and PomComCon, which celebrate creativity, collaboration, and student voice. Dr. Treesuwan earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of California, Davis, an Administrative Services Credential through Cal Poly Pomona, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Educational Leadership from Claremont Graduate University. His research explored the relationship between arts engagement and student engagement, reflecting his longstanding belief in the transformative power of arts education. He remains committed to ensuring that every student has access to a rigorous, creative, and supportive public education.

Administration

  • Chief of Staff

    Kevin Gasio

    Kevin Gasio is an arts administrator, educator, and music director based in the Inland Empire. He has been serving The School of Arts and Enterprise community since 2018, starting as a part-time teacher in the Vocal Music program. In his current role, he oversees Admissions, Business Operations, and School-wide Systems.

    His educational credentials include two associate degrees from Citrus College, a bachelor’s degree in Music from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance (Music Theatre) and an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy from New York University. Mr. Gasio has previously held teaching appointments at New York University, Sam Houston State University, and Citrus College. Kevin is also an accomplished director, music director, and performer. His creative work has been seen in regional houses across Southern California and in educational institutions across the country.

  • Director of Culture + Climate

    Claudia (González) Witherspoon

    Bio Coming Soon

    More Coming Soon

Staff by Department

Kamal Abdul-Jabbaar, Special Education

Omar Bracamontes, English

Melody Cervantes, Social Science

Emily Flinner, English

Aaron Garcia, Social Science

Cristian Garcia-Espitia, Encore + ELD

Tony Granillo, Math

Sabrina Hanson, Science

Sean Hass, English

Alberto Hernandez, Math

Anthony Lu, Math

Andrew Marchant, Physical Science

Emmanuel Marquez, 6th Grade

Susana Marquez, 6th Grade

Daniel McKenzie, Social Science

Marcie Mercado, Science Chair

Dulce Munoz, Science

Mary Ortiz-Martinez, English

Robert Peeke, Social Science Chair

Jessica Ramirez, Special Education 

Natasha Reynoso, Special Education

Joseph Romero, Independent Study + Social Science

Branko Seretti, Special Education 

Shenise Stout, Math

Elaine Weaver, Languages Chair

Kellie Zidonis, Math Chair

Edmund Zambrano, Head of Creative Arts

Stephen Swintek, Photography Instructor

Candida Spahr, Head of Dance

Julia Moran, Dance Instructor

Kevin Gasio, Head of Enterprise

Mary Hill, Enterprise Instructor

Daniel Ambrosini, Head of Music

Ryan Jarvis, Recording Technology Instructor

Sofia Levi, Vocal Music Instructor

Gabrielle Maldonado, Vocal Music Instructor

Rafael Tapia, Instrumental Music Instructor

Miguel Cardenas, Head of Theatre Arts

Mary Hill, Enterprise + Theatre Instructor

Ray Jones, Production Manager + Live Events Arts Instructor

Emmanuel Marquez, Theatre Instructor

Carol Goldwater, Head of Visual Arts

Mark Bunner, Visual Arts Instructor

Aida Lugo-Cantu, Gallery Curator + Visual Arts Instructor

Irma Balandra, Registrar

Brenda Carpio, Senior Administrative Assistant (South Campus)

Sharon Garduno, Administrative Assistant (Admissions)

Michael Hollins, Lead Counselor

Marvin Oliva, Facilities Coordinator

Maresa Sandoval, Climate + Attendance Advocate (North Campus)

Jessica Silva, Executive Administrative Assistant + Office Manager

Yoana Vega, Director of Nutrition Services