Kasey Portanova

About Kasey Portanova

I’m a medical illustrator, designer, and art educator. I graduated with a BFA in Medical Illustration from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2025.At RIT’s Reporter Magazine, I spent three years as a designer and illustrator before stepping into the role of Executive Print Coordinator, where I led a team of designers, restructured production workflows, and increased print output by 300%, producing ten 24-page magazines in one academic year. I also gained professional newsroom experience as a visual journalist intern at The Scranton Times-Tribune, where I published illustrations, a map, and written features under the mentorship of medical illustrator Kevin O’Neill.My love for art began early, after nine years of training at The Art School of NEPA under Colleen Munley, I returned as an instructor, teaching children ages 5-15 the fundamentals of art and design. I later served as a 2D Design II classroom assistant at RIT under Gina Ferrari for over 70 college freshmen. Now teaching art to over 400 students in grades K–2 at Wallenpaupack Area School District, I am inspiring the next generation of creatives, helping young artists build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Through my freelance pursuits, I continue to explore new creative projects through commissions, murals, and brand/logo design projects. I am also a four-time national scholar of the Taco Bell Live Más Foundation. I’m dedicated to using art and design to educate, connect, and make a lasting impact.

Experience

1. Art Director

   Wallenpaupack Area School District

   Jan 2026 — Present · Hawley, PA, US

   Oversee curation, installation, and rotation of student artwork for a 450-student elementary school throughout the academic yearPlan and manage second-semester exhibitions, including thematic displays and school-wide showcasesPrepare visual and written updates for school board meetings, documenting exhibitions and program impactCollaborate with administration and faculty to align displays with curriculum goals and school eventsMaintain professional presentation standards for all student exhibitionsServe as point person for school art exhibitions and public-facing visual displays

Education

• Rochester Institute of Technology

  Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA, Medical Illustration/Medical Illustrator

  2021 — 2025