Receptionist

Melody Arsenous

Originally from California, Melody Arsenous relocated to New Orleans in early 2025 with her husband. A true Jill of all trades, she grew up immersed in the body shop industry; often helping her father in the office before eventually managing her own shop in Southern California. She also gained years of experience working in museums, including at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, where she worked along side astronauts and engineers. Melody also has experience teaching junior kindergarten and running craft booths at various children’s events, which further deepened her love of creativity and community. A lifelong art lover, she enjoys expressing herself through tattoos and makeup and values the way art brings people together.

As NOAFA’s first receptionist, Melody is excited to welcome and assist students, families, and visitors each day with a friendly face and a helping hand. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the beach, exploring different parts of the city with her husband, and spending time with her cat Milo; who happily runs the household.

Feel free to reach out anytime at frontdesk@noafa.org or info@noafa.org.

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Staff

Andrew Rodgers

Executive Director

The Executive Director of the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, Andrew Rodgers is an arts administrator, arts educator, and artist.

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Natasha January

Development Director

Natasha January joined the NOAFA team as Development Director in fall 2024.

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Brooke Carter

Accounting Administrator

Brooke Carter has been part of the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts since 2021, bringing a warm and dependable presence to her role as Accounting Administrator.

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Esther Boone

Marketing Specialist

Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, Esther Boone first moved to New Orleans in 2019 to pursue her undergraduate degree at Tulane University.

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Sandra Scoggins

Administrative Aide

Sandra Jurisich Scoggin has been a part of The Academy in many different capacities for over thirty years.

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Tamara Grayson

Night Security Officer & Administrative Aide

Born in Texas and raised in South Africa, Tamara is a three-time All-American in the 4x400m relay.

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