Languages: English, Bengali, Hindi

Languages: English, Jaluo, Swahili

Maya Sarno is thrilled to join Rutgers Global as the Assistant Director of International Student Services. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, she has always had an interest in different cultures. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Butler University in Indiana and studied abroad in Spain. After spending years at different higher education institutions in Texas and Ohio, Sarno eventually moved to New Jersey in order to attend graduate school at Montclair State University, where she ultimately completed her master’s degree in Counseling with a concentration in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Prior to joining the team at Rutgers Global, Sarno had the privilege of advising F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars at Rutgers University – Newark. 

Languages: English, Spanish
 

Trevor Cook completed his undergraduate studies at Miami University in Ohio and his master’s degree at Indiana University. He found a passion for global education through studying and working abroad in China, Scotland, and Bulgaria, and began his work in international services while pursuing his master’s at Indiana University. In addition to international services, Cook has developed experience in academic advising, research and assessment, study abroad, residence life, and orientation.

Gina Antonatos joined Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services in September 2016. As a child of immigrant parents, she has a solid foundation and love for cross-cultural and international affairs. Prior to her coming aboard at Rutgers, she developed a strong background in customer relations and most recently was employed as a substitute teacher and school secretary for a local public school system. Antonatos is a graduate of Rutgers with a bachelor's in communications.

Languages: English, Greek, Russian

Carissa McCarthy joined Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services in 2006. She grew up on Long Island, New York, and has always enjoyed learning about different cultures. She received her bachelor's in graphic design communications from Philadelphia University. During her undergraduate studies, she studied abroad in Florence, Italy, for a semester and decided to pursue a career in international education when she returned. She later received her master's degree in intercultural communications from the University of Pennsylvania. McCarthy has also conducted English conversation groups at the International House in Philadelphia.

She is a student adviser for F-1 and J-1 short-term nondegree students.

Languages: English, French, Darija/Moroccan

Jinling Quan is an ethnic Korean minority  born in China. She grew up in a bilingual/bicultural community called Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in China, where she was exposed to both Korean and Chinese languages and cultures at an early age.

Quan came to the United States during her high school years. Her unique ethnic background helped to develop her interest in learning different languages and cultures. She attended the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill and studied abroad at Waseda University in Japan. Quan recently received her master's in international education development at Teachers College (TC), Columbia University. While studying at TC, she also worked at the Columbia University. International Students and Scholars Office. Through her personal and work experiences, she understands the challenges that many international students may face as newcomers to the United States. Quan is passionate about being part of a diverse community and supporting support international students in reaching their personal and professional goals during their time at Rutgers.

She is a student adviser for graduate F-1 and J-1 students in animal science, chemical and biochemical engineering, chemistry and chemical biology, clinical psychology, communication and information studies, comparative literature, endocrinology and animal biosciences, English, history, interdisciplinary majors, landscape architecture, library and information science/library sciences, linguistics, medicinal chemistry, philosophy, physics and astronomy, political science, psychology, public policy, religion, toxicology, United Nations and global policy studies, urban planning and policy development, and women's and gender studies.

Languages: English, Korean, Chinese

Languages: English, Spanish

Jacqueline Huang grew up in Taiwan and moved to the US in 2005. Her experience studying and living in the US inspired her and motivated her to explore different cultures, traditions, and beliefs across the world. During her undergraduate studies, she took the opportunity to study abroad in Spain and England. She enjoys meeting and working with people from diverse backgrounds.

She received her bachelor's degree in Global Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara and her master's in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Languages: Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese, English

Leigh Ellen Johnson serves as an International Student Adviser for RBHS Piscataway students and other graduate departments in New Brunswick She is a graduate of Rutgers University, having received her bachelor of arts in Spanish, along with a master’s in foreign language education and a second master’s in Spanish translation. She has a significant experience working in the fields of both Residence Life and Global Education. Leigh Ellen is passionate about travel, learning about different cultures, and working with International students. She has studied and worked abroad in Spain, Costa Rica, Italy, Germany, Brazil, South Africa, Mauritius, India, China, Japan, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Meghan graduated from Moravian College with a bachelor's in English before earning her Master's in Educational Leadership and Policy from Boston University. Meghan has previous experience in student advising and working with international students, and is excited to continue her journey at Rutgers.

Lamar Nero is a Rutgers graduate (B.A. Psychology, Ed.M. Counseling Psychology) with a passion for global and multicultural awareness and a desire to serve students and underrepresented populations. He has recently joined the Rutgers Global-International Students and Scholars team and is looking forward to serving students as well as obtaining insight into the experiences of students from diverse backgrounds. Lamar has studied and traveled to Brazil, Puerto Rico, Germany, and the Dominican Republic.

Languages: Spanish, Portuguese

Susan Maldonado joined Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services unit as the front desk adviser in 2006. Born in New Jersey, she grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, speaks fluent Portuguese and Spanish, and still has strong family ties to South America. After graduating with a degree in history from Skidmore College, Maldonado returned as an adult to live in Brazil, teaching English and building a small software company together with her husband. After returning to the United States, she lived in New Mexico and has traveled as frequently as possible. Her prior work experience in the private sector provided her with a strong background in customer service and administrative matters, which she is putting to good use at the office.

Languages: English, Portuguese

Eirinn Jones joined the Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services in November of 2006. Born and raised in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Jones attended Rutgers and graduated with a bachelor's in anthropology. Prior to joining the staff, she managed the Busch Campus Center Convenience Store, and also worked for several years as customer service manager and accounting clerk at the Rutgers University Bookstore.

Languages: English, French

Caroline Foga was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and came to the United States in 1990. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Thomas Edison State College. She worked at Middlesex County College prior to joining Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services in December 2008; one of her jobs at Middlesex County College was in international student admissions. Foga is also a licensed real estate agent and a member of the National Association of Realtors.

Languages: English, Spanish

Carol Long joined Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services in February 2004 in a data entry support position and is currently a part-time front desk coordinator/client assistant. During her many years of employment at Rutgers, Long has worked in the central administration as secretarial assistant for the executive assistant to the president for community affairs and for the associate vice president for computer and information services.

Carlo Santoro graduated from Rutgers with a bachelor's in Italian and furthered his studies of Italian at Rutgers in the graduate program. Santoro has a very diverse background that includes experience in advertising and public relations, trade promotion, government relations, and business development, among others. Previously, he was the deputy secretary general of Italy-America Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in New York; there, Santoro launched the organization’s successful J-1 Exchange Visitor Trainee Program and was its designated responsible officer, overseeing its implementation, management, and program growth. He was responsible for providing immigration counseling and advice to students and trainees, assuring positive and successful experiences and outcomes. He is also credited with cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with U.S. government agencies—such as USCIS, the State Department, and the Italian embassy and consular office—and with colleagues at other sponsoring organizations and schools to assure the effective functioning of the visa programs.

His career highlights include his role in establishing the US subsidiary of a European renewable energy company where his responsibilities included business development, public relations, and outreach with universities and research institutes. As an independent consultant, Santoro has served clients in diverse fields including immigration law, food and wine industries, manufacturing, import/export, chemicals, and construction.

He advises international faculty and scholars on matters pertaining to J-1 nonimmigrant status.

Languages: English, Italian, French, Spanish

Ruimin Zhang joined Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services in 2013. Her interest in the field of international education began about 23 years ago, when she entered the United States as a visiting professor from China. She holds a bachelor's and a master's in English language and literature from Wuhan University and an educational specialist (Ed.S) degree in bilingual/ bicultural education from Seton Hall University.

Prior to joining Rutgers, Zhang had served for seven years as the senior coordinator of the Office of International Services at the former University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) advising international students, faculty and scholars on H-1B, J-1, and F-1 matters. She also held the position of assistant director of the International Services Office at George Mason University, also handling similar types of visas, seven years before joining UMDNJ. 

She primarily advises international faculty and scholars on H-1B visas.

Languages: English, Chinese