Administrative Team
About Dr. Sarena
Dr. Sarena attended East Carolina University with the NC Teaching Fellows Scholarship and upon graduating, taught high school dance, gymnastics, and healthful living for over 10 years. Dr. Sarena earned her National Board Certification, a Master’s of School Administration, and was honored as Burke County’s Teacher of the Year. She obtained her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University, with a research focus on innovative public charter schools.
After leaving the classroom, Dr. Sarena served as an Instructional Coach, Principal, and Director. While at the North Carolina School for the Deaf, she was recognized as the STEM Administrator of the Year by the NC SMT Center. This invaluable experience deepened her love for comprehensive, integrated studies and culturally-responsive leadership.
When she can, Dr. Sarena enjoys reading, traveling, and seeking new adventures with her husband and twin daughters.
About Mr. Esteve
Mr. Esteve was born in Spain, near Barcelona. He moved to the USA in 1995, lived in California, and finally settled in the mountains of WNC. He has a degree in Economics and Finance from UNC-Asheville and came to ArtSpace in June of 2019 after a 15-year career in banking. His connection to ArtSpace goes back to 2008 when his son started in Kindergarten. Mr. Esteve enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities, from hiking to mountain biking, as well as cooking Spanish food.
About Mr. Rob
Rob has been at ArtSpace since the fall of 2011. During his time here he has worked as an EC Assistant Teacher, and EC Teacher, the Student Support Coordinator, and now as the Middle School Director. He completed his undergraduate degree from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and completed the Master's Level Teaching Certification Program at Western Carolina University with an emphasis in Special Education. Rob also performs regularly as a musician outside of school hours and also enjoys spending time with his wife and their two dogs.
About Ms. Edie
Edie McDowell, a native North Carolinian, is thrilled to join the ArtSpace school community. Over two decades of educational leadership experiences have afforded her invaluable training in innovative, experiential education. Within the past decade, she has helped establish four local alternative schools, most recently serving as Director of Mountain Discovery Charter School, a K-8 Expeditionary Learning school located near the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Swain Co, NC. Edie attended Mars Hill University for her BA in English and Art, graduated Cum Laude, and continued with graduate studies in English and Experiential Education at Wake Forest University.
About Ms. Tina
Tina Sneed is a proud alumna of Clemson University, married to Chip, and a mother of adult children who live in Manhattan, San Diego, and Portland {OR} – which gives her a great excuse to travel. She enjoys reading, traveling, walking, knitting, and eating. Education: B.A. English & Education | UNCG, M.Ed English & Secondary Ed | Clemson University, M.S.A | UNCC