bio

Kaleena [Persyn] Grasela is an artist and teacher that calls California and Kansas home. She earned her BFA degree in filmmaking and photography from the Kansas City Art Institute, and later completed her MA degree in art curriculum and instruction for K-12 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Currently, she is teaching art at her high school alma mater in Kansas, implementing a choice-based approach to guide students as they problem-solve and experiment through art. While she challenges each student to think like an artist across subject areas, Kaleena creates a safe space for students to express themselves. Most days, you will find her working alongside her students, sharing stories, and finding comfort in creating together.

A freelance artist of all trades, Kaleena has lately been working as a designer, photographer, and videographer in various capacities. She tends to wander and wonder: traveling wherever she can and telling stories to whoever will listen.