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Angela Xu
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Head of School
Angela Xu brings a deep commitment to educational innovation and reform to her role as head of school at Avenues Shenzhen. Before serving on the founding team of the Shenzhen campus, she amassed more than a decade of experience working across different education systems in the United States, including at public, private and special schools. She first joined Avenues in 2012 as a member of the founding faculty of the New York campus. Until 2018, she served as the director of the Chinese immersion program, responsible for curriculum design, teacher recruitment and training, and student assessment. In 2018, she moved with her family to China to help establish Avenues Shenzhen, serving first as the founding director of the kindergarten program and then as head of the primary division. Working together with the Avenues R&D department, she led a faculty team to design a curriculum for Avenues Shenzhen that is at once locally rooted and globally connected.
As an expert in language immersion, Angela is passionate about helping students develop cultural competencies and flexible thinking through language acquisition. As the head of Avenues Shenzhen, she is committed to supporting students to develop cultural confidence, an international perspective, and the ability to understand and solve global-scale problems. Angela’s two children are currently studying at Avenues Shenzhen.
Wanted to be…
a film director
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Corey Watlington
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Deputy Head of School
Corey Watlington brings over 25 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership to his role as Deputy Head of School at Avenues Shenzhen. Before joining Avenues New York and Avenues Silicon Valley in 2021 as Deputy Division Head, Corey held teaching and leadership positions at prestigious international schools, including the American School of Bombay, the American International School of Dhaka, and the American School of São Paulo.
Corey holds a Bachelor's degree from Boston College and a Master's in Teacher Leadership from Northwestern University, with additional certifications from Harvard Graduate School of Education and Columbia University’s Teachers College.
Corey is dedicated to creating learning environments that offer students a global perspective and foster critical thinking and creativity. At Avenues, he continues to champion educational innovation and cross-cultural learning, helping students develop the skills to navigate and solve complex global challenges.
Corey Watlington
Deputy Head of School
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Ryan Baxter
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Director of Teaching and Learning
Ryan Baxter is the Director of Teaching and Learning at Avenues, bringing 18 years of experience in education, including eight years at Avenues—three in New York and five in Shenzhen. Throughout his career, Ryan has taught grades K-8 and held key leadership roles, including Head of Mathematics, Technology Integrator, and Instructional Coach. Known affectionately as "Mr. B" to his students, Ryan is a firm believer in the transformative power of exploration, expression, and problem-solving. He understands that these experiences not only build perseverance but also nurture the qualities necessary for students to become empathetic, globally-minded citizens.
In his current role, Ryan is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and innovative learning environment. He focuses on empowering both students and educators to engage with meaningful, real-world challenges, ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom and prepares students to thrive in an interconnected world.
Ryan Baxter
Director of Teaching and Learning
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Bernard Geoxavier
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Director of Student Success Teams
Bernard Geoxavier is the Director of Student Success Teams at Avenues Shenzhen, bringing a wealth of experience in education and leadership. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Middlebury College, as well as a Master's Degree from Nanjing University and Johns Hopkins University. Bernard began his educational career teaching Chinese in Boston and New York before transitioning into leadership roles. He has served as Dean of Students at Avenues New York and as Assistant Principal at a high school in Utah.
In his current role, Bernard is deeply committed to ensuring that every student at Avenues has the support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. He leads the Student Success Teams in developing personalized strategies to help students thrive, ensuring that all learners are empowered to reach their full potential in a dynamic, globally-minded environment. Bernard’s leadership focuses on fostering a supportive and inclusive community where students feel seen, heard, and valued.
Bernard Geoxavier
Director of Student Success Teams
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Megan Ou-Yang
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Associate Division Head, Early Learning Center
Megan Ou-Yang is in her second year as Associate Division Head at Avenues Shenzhen. With a rich background in educational leadership Megan has worked in Washington DC and New York NY as a teacher principal education director and consultant. She holds a Bachelor of Music from New York University and a Master’s in Educational Psychology from CUNY Hunter College.
Passionate about early childhood education Megan is inspired by the innate curiosity and boundless potential of young learners. Her approach is deeply rooted in the belief that play and exploration are essential to meaningful early learning experiences. Megan is also dedicated to language and literacy finding joy in nurturing a love of reading and empowering students to communicate with confidence and creativity.
At Avenues Megan is committed to fostering a learning environment where children’s language skills are not only developed but celebrated as a means to connect express and explore the world around them. She values the opportunity to collaborate with a team of exceptional educators and to partner with families in providing innovative and enriching experiences for students.小时候的梦想……
Megan Ou-Yang
Associate Division Head, Early Learning Center
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Yongyi Wang
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Associate Division Head, Early Learning Center
With 13 years of experience in early childhood education, Yongyi brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Yongyi holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her career has spanned teaching roles for children aged 0-5 in both China and the United States, including at Avenues New York. Yongyi joined Avenues Shenzhen in 2018 as a founding homeroom teacher and later served as the ELC Community Coordinator.
Passionate about early childhood education, Yongyi believes that every child is unique and possesses the potential to thrive in their own way. In her new role, she is focused on supporting both teachers and students to foster meaningful, impactful learning experiences. She is committed to guiding each child’s growth and development, working alongside a team of exceptional educators to create an enriching learning environment.
Yongyi Wang
Associate Division Head, Early Learning Center
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Mariana Sollér
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Associate Division Head, Primary and Secondary Divisions
Mariana Sollér Associate Division Head, Primary and Secondary Divisions A multilingual educator with a passion for innovation and global education, Mariana holds a Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Leadership Certificate. She joins Avenues Shenzhen from Avenues Silicon Valley, bringing with her a wealth of experience in teaching and leadership across diverse educational settings.
Throughout her career, Mariana has focused on creating dynamic, inclusive, and student-centered learning environments. Her commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding aligns with Avenues' mission to prepare students for a rapidly evolving global landscape. Mariana is deeply invested in empowering both students and educators, guiding them through transformative educational experiences that emphasize creativity, collaboration, and meaningful engagement with the world around them.
In her new role at Avenues Shenzhen, Mariana is excited to work with faculty, students, and families to continue nurturing an environment where learning is not only innovative but deeply connected to the real world. She is committed to supporting the growth and development of students, ensuring that they have the tools, confidence, and mindset to succeed as compassionate and forward-thinking global citizens.
Mariana Sollér
Associate Division Head, Primary and Secondary Divisions
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Irene Zhang
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Associate Division Head, Primary Division
A founding teacher of Avenues Shenzhen, Irene has been a pivotal part of Avenues' growth and development since its inception. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Beijing Normal University and a Master’s Degree in Childhood Education, Special Education, and Bilingual Multicultural Education from Columbia University in the U.S.
With a deep commitment to inclusive education, Irene’s teaching philosophy is centered on nurturing the unique potential of each student. She is passionate about fostering a learning environment that embraces diversity, encourages curiosity, and promotes critical thinking. Her background in bilingual and multicultural education enriches her ability to create dynamic, globally-minded learning experiences for students from diverse backgrounds.
Throughout her career, Irene has focused on creating learning experiences that are not only academically rigorous but also socially and emotionally enriching. At Avenues Shenzhen, Irene is dedicated to supporting both students and educators, fostering an environment where innovation, collaboration, and meaningful engagement are at the forefront of every learning experience.
As Associate Division Head, Irene works closely with faculty, students, and families to ensure that each student’s journey is filled with opportunities for growth, discovery, and the development of a global perspective. She is committed to empowering students to become thoughtful, compassionate, and confident individuals who are ready to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world.
Irene Zhang
Associate Division Head, Primary Division
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Coral Liang
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Associate Division Head and Dean of Students, Secondary Division
A founding member of Avenues Shenzhen, Coral joined Avenues in 2019 and has since played a crucial role in shaping the academic and student experience. With over 13 years of experience in education, Coral is deeply passionate about fostering both the academic and personal growth of students, helping them thrive in a fast-paced, interconnected global environment.
Coral holds a degree from Sun Yat-sen University, and her career has spanned various educational roles, where she has focused on cultivating students’ intellectual curiosity, emotional resilience, and leadership potential. Her approach is student-centered, emphasizing the development of critical thinking skills, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate and contribute to an ever-changing world.
As Dean of Students, Coral is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students are empowered to reach their full potential. She believes that education extends beyond the classroom, encompassing experiences that promote well-being, character development, and global citizenship. Her work emphasizes balancing academic excellence with personal growth, helping students to become confident, compassionate, and thoughtful individuals who are ready to engage meaningfully with the world.
At Avenues Shenzhen, Coral collaborates closely with faculty, students, and families to ensure a holistic educational experience that is both challenging and nurturing. She is passionate about guiding students through their secondary years, equipping them with the tools, mindset, and experiences they need to succeed academically and personally in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Coral Liang
Associate Division Head and Dean of Students, Secondary Division
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Nico Wu
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Associate Division Head | Secondary Division
A founding member of the Avenues Shenzhen Secondary Division, Nico brings over 15 years of experience in education to her role. She holds two master’s degrees, one in Linguistics and another in Education, both from the University of Edinburgh. Nico’s career has spanned diverse educational settings, where she has honed her expertise in both the academic and developmental needs of secondary school students.
Nico is deeply committed to fostering a learning environment that is intellectually stimulating, inclusive, and student-centered. Her approach integrates a passion for language and communication with an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. She is dedicated to empowering students to think critically, engage meaningfully with their learning, and develop the skills necessary to thrive in an interconnected and rapidly changing world.
At Avenues Shenzhen, Nico plays a pivotal role in guiding the growth and development of the Secondary Division. She works closely with faculty, students, and families to ensure that each student’s academic journey is filled with opportunities for both intellectual challenge and personal growth. Nico is passionate about cultivating a supportive and dynamic community where students are not only academically prepared but also equipped to navigate complex global issues with confidence and empathy.
As Associate Division Head, Nico is focused on nurturing the holistic development of students, supporting their intellectual, emotional, and social growth. She believes that education is about more than just acquiring knowledge; it is about developing the mindset and skills that enable students to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
Nico Wu
Associate Division Head | Secondary Division
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Allison Kang
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Associate Division Head, Secondary Division
A dedicated educator with a strong background in English language and literature, Allison joined Avenues Shenzhen in 2021 as a founding teacher in the Upper Grades program. She holds a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature from Renmin University of China and has extensive experience in international education. Prior to joining Avenues, she was also a founding member of another AP school in Shenzhen, where she played a key role in shaping its academic programs and fostering student success.
With a passion for innovative and student-centered learning, Allison believes in creating an engaging, rigorous, and supportive environment where students can develop critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and a strong sense of global citizenship. She is committed to empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to navigate an ever-evolving world with confidence and adaptability.
As Associate Division Head for the Secondary Division, Allison works closely with faculty, students, and families to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive learning community. She is dedicated to academic excellence while also emphasizing personal growth, well-being, and character development. Through collaboration and thoughtful leadership, she strives to ensure that every student’s learning journey is meaningful, transformative, and aligned with Avenues’ mission to develop future-ready, globally-minded individuals.
Allison Kang
Associate Division Head, Secondary Division
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Xuefei Zheng
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Dean of Students, Secondary Division
A founding member of Avenues Shenzhen, Xuefei Zheng has been an integral part of the school community since 2019, dedicated to fostering both the academic and personal growth of students. She holds a degree in Electronic Engineering from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and an MBA from Peking University, bringing a unique interdisciplinary perspective to education.
With a strong background in both STEM and leadership, Xuefei is committed to guiding students through a transformative educational journey that balances academic excellence with character development. She believes that true learning extends beyond the classroom, encompassing critical thinking, resilience, and a global mindset. Her approach emphasizes empowering students to take ownership of their learning, equipping them with the skills and confidence to navigate an ever-evolving world.
As Dean of Students, Xuefei works closely with faculty, students, and families to create a supportive, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment. She is passionate about nurturing a school culture where students feel valued, challenged, and encouraged to explore their potential. With a deep commitment to student well-being and success, she strives to cultivate a community where every student is prepared to become a thoughtful, innovative, and responsible global citizen.
Xuefei Zheng
Dean of Students, Secondary Division
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Francis Miller
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Dean of Students and College Counselor
With a deep passion for guiding students through their academic and personal journeys, Francis brings extensive experience in college counseling and student development. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has dedicated his career to helping students navigate the complexities of higher education admissions with confidence and clarity.
As the founding co-chair of the China Institute of College Admission Counseling (China ICAC), Francis has played a pivotal role in fostering best practices in college counseling across China. He also serves on the Advisory Board for UCLA’s College Application Reviewer program and contributes to the development of international student resources through the Cialfo System. His expertise in global college admissions allows him to provide Avenues students with invaluable insights, ensuring they are well-prepared to pursue higher education opportunities worldwide.
Francis believes that the college application process is not just about securing admissions but about self-discovery, growth, and finding the right path for each student’s unique aspirations. He works closely with students, families, and faculty to offer personalized guidance, empowering students to make informed decisions that align with their academic goals, personal interests, and future ambitions.
At Avenues Shenzhen, Francis is committed to cultivating a supportive and enriching environment where students are encouraged to think critically, embrace challenges, and take ownership of their learning. His approach emphasizes holistic development, helping students build the skills, mindset, and confidence needed to thrive in college and beyond.
Francis Miller
Dean of Students and College Counselor
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Bing Han
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Director of Athletics and WAM Coordinator
Bing Han is a dedicated and experienced international school leader, educator, and coach, bringing a wealth of expertise in athletic programming and student development. He joined Avenues Shenzhen in 2023, bringing with him a strong background in sports leadership, school administration, and coaching at international schools. With a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Education, Bing combines analytical thinking with a deep passion for holistic student development.
Throughout his career, Bing has been instrumental in shaping athletic programs that emphasize not only physical excellence but also character building, teamwork, and personal growth. He is the founder of the Canadian International Schools Sports Association and has played a key role in fostering athletic excellence and sportsmanship in international education. Additionally, he served as chairman of the Pearl River Conference for five years, where he championed interscholastic athletic development and collaboration among schools in the region.
At Avenues Shenzhen, Bing is committed to cultivating a dynamic and inclusive athletics program that encourages students to challenge themselves, build resilience, and develop lifelong healthy habits. He believes in the power of sports to instill discipline, leadership, and a strong sense of community. As the WAM (Wellness and Movement) Coordinator, he works closely with students, faculty, and families to integrate wellness, physical education, and competitive sports into a comprehensive program that supports students' overall well-being.
With a vision of inspiring students to reach their fullest potential—both on and off the field—Bing is dedicated to fostering an environment where athletic participation is not just about competition but also about personal growth, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence.
Bing Han
Director of Athletics and WAM Coordinator
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Roberta Ferraz
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Director of Technology
Roberta Ferraz is an experienced leader in educational innovation and technology, dedicated to transforming learning environments through strategic vision and cutting-edge solutions. A founding member of Avenues São Paulo, Roberta joined Avenues Shenzhen as Director of Technology in August 2023. She brings a wealth of experience in implementing global technology initiatives that enhance collaboration, streamline operations, and foster future-ready learning experiences.
With a background in educational technology integration, strategic program development, and operational leadership, Roberta has successfully led high-impact projects across diverse educational settings. Her expertise lies in empowering teams to embrace innovation, navigate change with agility, and leverage technology as a catalyst for meaningful learning. She is deeply committed to strengthening Avenues' global ecosystem, ensuring that technology serves as a bridge for interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-campus connectivity.
Roberta’s leadership philosophy is rooted in fostering a culture of accountability, adaptability, and continuous growth. She champions the power of strategic simplicity—crafting solutions that are both innovative and pragmatic to drive sustainable, scalable advancements across the school. With empathy and cultural awareness at the core of her leadership, she creates inclusive and dynamic environments where students and educators alike can thrive.
As Director of Technology at Avenues Shenzhen, Roberta is committed to shaping a future-focused, technology-enhanced learning experience that empowers students to become creative problem-solvers and global citizens. She is excited to build upon the learnings from Avenues São Paulo and to contribute to a technology ecosystem that not only supports academic excellence but also cultivates curiosity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning.
Roberta Ferraz
Director of Technology
