Early Learning Center
Revisit Events

Bobbe Fernando

Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management
admissions-ny@avenues.org

Bobbe joined Avenues in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience in college admissions both at home and abroad. Prior to joining Avenues, served in a variety of roles at New York University (NYU), most recently as the senior director of global admissions, covering NYU’s campuses in New York, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi and various study-away sites around the world. In that capacity, she managed a highly-selective admissions review process for thousands of students. Under her leadership, NYU saw an increase in international enrollment and diversity and an increase from 13% to 25% over ten years in non-U.S. citizens in the incoming freshman class.

Bobbe earned a master’s degree in global affairs with a concentration in international relations from NYU and a bachelor’s degree in applied social studies and English from the University of York, UK.

Janie Ruiz Yang

Director of ELC and Lower Division Admissions
janie.ruizyang@avenues.org

Growing up between Taiwan and the United States, Janie was inspired by her mother, a Spanish-language educator, to pursue a B.A. in Spanish at Fu Jen University in Taiwan. After working as an early childhood educator in Taipei, Janie received an M.A. from Teachers College at Columbia University, followed by two years of teaching at an international school in Moscow, Russia. When Janie first learned of Avenues, with its global focus and emphasis on Chinese and Spanish language immersion, she knew this was the school and community for her. Janie started her Avenues career as a Chinese kindergarten teacher in 2013 and subsequently joined the admissions team in 2015. She's also now the proud mother of two children attending Avenues on the Chinese track.

Christina Chang

Associate Director of ELC and Lower Division Admissions
christina.chang@avenues.org

Christina was born in Boston and grew up in Taiwan attending international schools. As an undergraduate at NYU, she began teaching Chinese and music to young children of all backgrounds, which inspired her to pursue an M.A. in music education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Christina spent 10 years leading an early childhood Mandarin immersion program in Tribeca. Prior to joining Avenues in 2021, Christina also worked closely with the NYC Department of Education’s Early Childhood Education Department.

Beth Formidoni

Assistant Director of ELC and Lower Division Admissions
elizabeth.formidoni@avenues.org

Beth first joined Avenues in 2012 as a member of the parent community, and her three children currently attend Avenues. Since 2018, Beth has worked with the admissions office as a tour guide and parent ambassador, as well as a part-time interviewer. Previously, Beth worked as a chef and as an attorney, both in New York City.  Beth grew up in New Jersey and attended Washington and Lee University for both undergraduate and law school.

Brianna Busse

Assistant for ELC and Lower Division Admissions
brianna.busse@avenues.org

Brianna grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating with a BFA in musical theatre performance from Southeast Missouri State University, she made the drive from her college town of Cape Girardeau to New York City in 2021, continuing to pursue a career in the arts. She joined the admissions office as an assistant in the fall of 2023. Passionate about creating efficient patron experiences, she is grateful for the tools she's acquired, prior to joining Avenues, working in guest relations and production.