Trena was born in British Columbia on the Sunshine Coast. She studied Stagecraft and Textile Art in Vancouver BC, graduating at the top of her class in both disciplines. She went on to study tapestry weaving with Ruth Jones, a renowned tapestry weaver, where she learned the art of weaving in the French Aubusson tradition. Trena has studied drawing and painting and uses these skills to plan out her Tapestries. Each tapestry begins as a sketch, then goes to paint and finally that painted image is used as the guideline for the tapestry weaving process. Trena also enjoys working in theatre where she uses her skills in textiles to design costumes for the stage. In addition to her studio work Trena works as the technician for the Textile Art department at Capilano College.