Executive Leadership Team
Interim Co-Director + Artistic Director
Robert Shields
Rob Shields is an arts administrator, educator, actor, and director based in the Pasadena area. Rob has worked in Arts Education for the last eighteen years, eight 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 Artistic Director 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.Interim Co-Director + Chief Academic Officer
Paul Treesuwan
Dr. Paul Treesuwan serves as Co-Director 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, Chief Academic Officer, and now Co-Director. 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
Associate Artistic Director
Kevin Gasio
Kevin Gasio is an arts administrator, educator, and music director based in the Inland Empire. He returns to The School of Arts + Enterprise as the Associate Artistic Director after a few years away to further his own higher education.
His educational credentials include two associate degrees from Citrus College, a bachelor’s degree in Music from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, He is a recent graduate of New York University, where he earned a Master of Music in Vocal Performance (Music Theatre) and an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy. 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.
Staff by Department
Kamal Abdul-Jabbaar, Special Education
Timothy Aguilar, Math
Florenta Bezim-Acevedo, Spanish
Omar Bracamontes, English
Gina Canape, Encore + ELD
Tom Culver, Social Science
Emily Flinner, English
Aaron Garcia, Social Science
Cristian Garcia-Espitia, Encore + ELD
Tony Granillo, Math
Sabrina Hanson, Science
Sean Hass, English
Sascha Hoemke, Physical Education
Jennifer Lapham, Social Science
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
Esperanza Rubalcava, Biology
Branko Seretti, Special Education
Shenise Stout, Math
Elaine Weaver, Languages Chair
Ashleigh Zeile, Math
Kellie Zidonis, Math Chair
Edmund Zambrano, Head of Creative Arts
Stephen Swintek, Photography Instructor
Candida Spahr, Head of Dance
William Miller Jr., Lead Choreographer + Dance Instructor
Julia Moran, Dance Instructor
Kevin Gasio, Head of Enterprise
Mary Hill, Enterprise Instructor
Daniel Ambrosini, Head of Music
Jessica Hayes, Vocal Music Instructor
Ryan Jarvis, Recording Technology 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
Maria Alejo, Senior Recruitment Specialist
Jazmin Ayala, Administrative Assistant (South Campus)
Irma Balandra, Registrar
Brenda Carpio, Senior Administrative Assistant (North Campus)
Sharon Garduno, Administrative Assistant (Admissions)
Michael Hollins, Middle School Counselor
Francis Justo, Senior Administrative Assistant (South Campus)
Marvin Oliva, Facilities Coordinator
Yvonne Pena, Community Recruitment Specialist
Krystal Roland, High School Counselor
Maresa Sandoval, Climate + Attendance Advocate (North Campus)
Jessica Silva, Executive Administrative Assistant + Office Manager
Yoana Vega, Director of Nutrition Services
