Avenues São Paulo | Top International School | Ages 1-18 - Home
Global
Request info
Request info
Language
Menu
Search
en
Admissions
Academics
Student Life
Our Community
Global
Language

College Counseling

Avenues graduates are bold thinkers, nimble learners, and easy collaborators–a natural fit for the 200+ renowned colleges where they’ve gained admission. Our holistic approach to college counseling supports students to chart a bold path to higher education, whether in Brazil or overseas.
Apply now
2.7.2_2column_stacking_card_b
OUR APPROACH

Preparing every student for a life of passion and purpose

Our approach to college counseling–and education more broadly–is premised on the idea that colleges are looking for more than strong academics in applicants. They want to see students who demonstrate passion and purpose in their learning, and who have the potential to make an impact in college and beyond. Our rigorous global curriculum and dual diploma program, coupled with our comprehensive system of college counseling, make Avenues students especially competitive on these measures.

We treat the college process as an important rite of passage. Students learn to take initiative, advocate for themselves, and manage responsibilities with integrity and self-awareness. They develop essential skills—organization, research, and time management—that will serve them well beyond high school. For parents and guardians, this is a moment to provide steady encouragement as their child navigates the full spectrum of emotions—anticipation, uncertainty, joy—ultimately preparing them for independence and success in college and beyond.
DEANS AND COLLEGE COUNSELORS

The team of experts in every Avenues student’s corner

Deans are full-time advisors whose sole focus is the social-emotional wellbeing and academic success of their students. In grade 9, students are assigned a dean with expertise in college counseling–both in Brazil and internationally–to guide them through the application process.
avenues_sp_dominique_paladini_2
Dominique Paladini
Director of Student Wellbeing
2.7.4_profile_stacking_card
Sabrina Steyer
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12 and Career & College Counseling Lead
2.7.5_profile_stacking_card
Samuel Gama
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
2.7.6_profile_stacking_card
Brenda Velázquez
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
2.7.7_profile_stacking_card
Josh Bolland
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
2.7.8_profile_stacking_card
Patricia Adolfs
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
2.7.9_profile_stacking_card
Revelyn Fernandes
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
avenues_sp_dominique_paladini_2
Dominique Paladini
Director of Student Wellbeing
2.7.4_profile_stacking_card
Sabrina Steyer
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12 and Career & College Counseling Lead
2.7.5_profile_stacking_card
Samuel Gama
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
2.7.6_profile_stacking_card
Brenda Velázquez
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
2.7.7_profile_stacking_card
Josh Bolland
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
2.7.8_profile_stacking_card
Patricia Adolfs
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
2.7.9_profile_stacking_card
Revelyn Fernandes
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
avenues_sp_dominique_paladini_2
Dominique Paladini
Director of Student Wellbeing
+55 11 2838 1800
Dominique Paladini
Director of Student Wellbeing
+55 11 2838 1800
Dominique joined Avenues in 2018 and has served as a teacher and associate division head before stepping into this role. With a background in psychology and over 15 years in education, she is deeply committed to supporting students’ growth, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.
2.7.4_profile_stacking_card
Sabrina Steyer
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12 and Career & College Counseling Lead
+55 11 2838 1879
Sabrina Steyer
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12 and Career & College Counseling Lead
+55 11 2838 1879
Sabrina Steyer is a seasoned professional in the field of education, with a diverse skill set and 17 years of experience. Her background in Psychology and Neuropsychology has honed her holistic understanding of her students and families. Over the past fifteen years, she has dedicated herself to Career Coaching, School Management, and College Counseling, guiding teenagers to follow their passions and follow paths to a fulfilling future. She was a member of the founding team at Avenues São Paulo in 2018, where she played an important role in creating the dean's program at this campus.
2.7.5_profile_stacking_card
Samuel Gama
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
+55 11 2838 1800
Samuel Gama
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
+55 11 2838 1800
Samuel is a passionate educator and student-life leader with experience in bilingual and international school environments in Brazil, supporting adolescents through their academic journeys and personal development. As a Dean, he prioritizes relationships, care, and clear expectations, fostering a strong connection between wellbeing, belonging, and learning. Born and raised in São Paulo, he values reflection, meaningful conversations, and opportunities for connection and growth.
2.7.6_profile_stacking_card
Brenda Velázquez
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
+55 11 2838 1800
Brenda Velázquez
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
+55 11 2838 1800
Brenda Velázquez is a psychologist with more than 13 years of experience working with teenagers. Born in the United States and raised in Mexico, she has lived in Brazil for over a decade. Since joining Avenues in 2019, Brenda has been dedicated to supporting students’ emotional well-being and guiding them as they reflect on their academic and personal paths after high school. Her work is driven by a passion for helping young people discover their strengths, interests, and aspirations, fostering both personal growth and future readiness. Brenda is also the proud mother of Amanda, a joyful Avenues student.
2.7.7_profile_stacking_card
Josh Bolland
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
+ 55 11 2838 1926
Josh Bolland
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
+ 55 11 2838 1926
Josh Bolland is in his fourth year as a Dean of Student Wellbeing at Avenues Sao Paulo. Previously, he worked for 4 years at Beit Yaacov school, Sao Paulo, as a guidance counselor and IB History teacher. He also worked at St. Paul's British School of Sao Paulo as the Head of History Department, Head of Form 4 and as an IB History teacher for 12 years. Josh graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in History and from Framingham State University with an M.Ed. He is also a certified professional life coach from the International Coach Academy.
2.7.8_profile_stacking_card
Patricia Adolfs
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
+55 11 2838 1800
Patricia Adolfs
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
+55 11 2838 1800
Patricia joined Avenues as a Dean of Student Life in 2023. She graduated as a veterinarian in Brazil and completed her Master's degree in Animal Reproduction at the University of Queensland in Australia. However, it was working in education that she found her passion, after working as an Educational Advisor at EducationUSA and College Counselor at Sant'Anna International School. Patricia completed the College Counseling Certificate Program at the University of California - Los Angeles. Patricia roots her success as an international school counselor and leader to her own international education having lived in 4 different countries. Her diverse educational experiences allow her to aid students of diverse backgrounds, personalities, cultures, and socioeconomic conditions and has prepared her to excel in this role.
2.7.9_profile_stacking_card
Revelyn Fernandes
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
+55 11 2838 1800
Revelyn Fernandes
Dean of Student Life, Grades 9–12
+55 11 2838 1800
With a background in Psychology and specialization in Career and College Counseling, Revelyn has spent more than a decade helping students discover who they are, develop their strengths and interests, and find the right fit for their future studies and careers. As both a psychologist and a global college counselor, she is dedicated to creating personalized, transformative counseling experiences that nurture the whole person academically, emotionally, and socially. Her approach centers on self-understanding, personal growth, and informed decision-making, guiding students toward success with confidence and purpose.
FAST FACTS

College counseling by numbers

Avenues São Paulo graduates from our classes of 2021–26 have matriculated at a range of top universities and colleges on five continents. 
2.1.8_statics_cards
120+
University and college destinations worldwide
12
Countries where our graduates are currently studying
73%
Graduates enrolled at one of their top three choices
78%
Graduates attending one of the world’s top 50 universities
43%
Graduates choosing higher education in the US
~40%
Graduates choose to pursue undergraduate studies in Brazil

For College Representatives

We warmly invite you to reach out to individual members of our team, who will be happy to answer your questions and help schedule a campus visit. Please click below to download the School Profile.
São Paulo School Profile

For college representatives

We warmly invite you to reach out to members of our team, who will be delighted to answer your questions and help schedule a campus visit.
SEND AN EMAIL
sabrina.steyer@avenues-sp.org
About
Explore
© 2026 Avenues: The World School All rights reserved