Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Company: Stepping Stones College Educational Advisors LLC
Location: Garden Grove, California, United States
Roman Bernard Fernando, President and Chief Executive Officer at Stepping Stones College Educational Advisors LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in College Admissions Advisory and Educational Leadership.
Mr. Fernando, a foremost professional in college admissions advisory and educational leadership, has excelled in his role as the president and chief executive officer of Stepping Stones College Educational Advisors LLC in West Hollywood, California, since 2022. In this capacity, he mentors teachers to better support students, assists families in navigating the complexities of college applications, and meets weekly with both students and their families to ensure success. Mr. Fernando is dedicated to developing customized roadmaps for college success, adapting his guidance to meet individual student needs, including those with learning disabilities or on the autism spectrum, and advising students on college admissions as early as junior high school. Under his leadership, Stepping Stones has become known for its personalized approach and commitment to student achievement.
Before founding Stepping Stones, Mr. Fernando was the executive director at the American Academy for Strategic Education in Costa Mesa, California, from 2019 to 2021. There, he oversaw academic programming and organizational strategy, further honing his expertise in educational leadership. Earlier in 2019, Mr. Fernando excelled as a registered behavioral technician with Centria in Orange County, California, where he provided direct support to students with behavioral challenges.
Mr. Fernando’s distinguished career in education dates back more than 30 years. He began as a junior high and high school mathematics and science teacher in 1993 before advancing into school administration as a vice principal and a principal of kindergarten through grade eight schools. Mr. Fernando’s transition into administration was motivated by a desire to broaden his impact beyond the classroom. After the birth of his children, he returned to direct teaching to better balance professional responsibilities with family life, a decision that reinforced his dedication to student development.
In preparation for his career in education, Mr. Fernando obtained a Bachelor of Engineering, summa cum laude, from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He also earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration, summa cum laude, from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, in 2005.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Fernando is deeply committed to professional membership and community service. He is a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling and PDK International, reflecting his ongoing commitment to professional growth and industry engagement. He also volunteers regularly at food banks, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, and contributes actively to charitable causes through the Knights of Columbus. These efforts reflect Mr. Fernando’s values of service and compassion while allowing him to build meaningful relationships within the community.
Throughout his 35-year career, Mr. Fernando has established himself as an expert in college admissions advisory and educational leadership. His most meaningful achievements have not been defined by awards but by the enduring impact he has had on his students. Mr. Fernando considers it his greatest accomplishment to witness their success over time and maintain meaningful relationships with them long after graduation.
Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Mr. Fernando spent his formative years living in the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada before settling in the United States. His father’s career in the aerospace industry during the Cold War led to an international upbringing that instilled in Mr. Fernando a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and a profound respect for human connection. These early experiences also shaped his worldview and laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to education and service.
Mr. Fernando attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of family, friends and colleagues. He believes that this strong support system has been essential throughout his journey. Looking ahead, Mr. Fernando plans to continue leading Stepping Stones College Educational Advisors LLC while expanding its reach globally. His goal is to help students pursue admission to leading international universities, such as Oxford University or the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, or at top Canadian institutions like the University of Alberta or The University of British Columbia. Ultimately, Mr. Fernando’s vision is to become a global voice in college admissions advising, sharing American values of culture, ethics and integrity while learning from other countries, and extending Stepping Stones’ services worldwide.
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