C. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School Appoints Arpi Avanesian as Principal, Shogher Shanoian to Serve as Assistant Principal
Sherman Oaks, CA – The Board of Directors of the Charlotte and Elise Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mrs. Arpi Avanesian-Idolor as the school’s new principal, effective July 1, 2025.
Joining her in this exciting new chapter is Mrs. Shogher Shanoian, who will remain in a key leadership position in her new and expanded role as assistant principal. Mrs.Shanoian will continue to serve as interim principal until Mrs. Avanesian-Idolor formally assumes her new role.
With more than 20 years of experience in school leadership and a strong commitment to academic excellence and cultural inclusion, Mrs. Avanesian-Idolor brings a wealth of expertise to Merdinian. Most recently, she served as an educational consultant, helping schools with strategic planning, staff development, accreditation curriculum, and financial planning. Her work has strengthened dozens of institutions and advanced student-centered outcomes.
Previously, Mrs. Avanesian-Idolor led AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School, overseeing a Pre-K–12 campus of 1,000 students. During her six-year tenure, she spearheadedenrollment increase, launched impactful cultural and academic initiatives, and implemented systems that improved teacher satisfaction and student achievement. She also served as director of the Los Angeles Family School, focusing on community engagement, fundraising, and strategic development.
Earlier in her career, she taught high school history at Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School before transitioning to administrative and advisory roles within LAUSD. There, she evaluated the curriculum, observed instruction, and led professional development efforts district-wide.
A product of Armenian education in Los Angeles, Mrs. Avanesian-Idolor attended TCA Arshag Dickranian Armenian School and later served on its Educational Committee and Board of Trustees. She holds a B.A. in history and political science from the University of Southern California; an M.Ed. in educational, instructional, and curriculum supervision from California State University, Northridge; and a certification in early childhood special education from the University of California, Los Angeles.
The board thanks Mrs. Shanoian for her outstanding leadership during this transitional year. Her dedication, warmth, and steady presence helped guide the school through a pivotal time. The board is thrilled she will remain in a leadership role and looks forward to seeing a dynamic principal/assistant principal team take Merdinian to new heights.
“On behalf of the board, I could not be more confident that Mrs. Avanesian-Idolor brings the knowledge, experience, and vision to help us navigate today’s and tomorrow’s educational landscape,” said Mr. Nerses Aposhian, chair of the Merdinian Board of Directors. “She is poised to set the school up for long-term success. We are also deeply grateful to Mrs. Shanoian for her incredible service. Together, they will form a strong and inspiring team to shape Merdinian’s bright future, and the board is excited about where Merdinian is headed.”
Mrs. Avanesian-Idolor’s appointment reflects Merdinian’s enduring commitment to its Christian faith, Armenian heritage, and academic excellence. After a thoughtful and prayerful selection process, the board is confident in her ability to lead with integrity, unite the school community, and guide the next chapter of growth and purpose.
The board invites the school community—parents, faculty, alumni, and supporters—to warmly welcome Mrs. Avanesian-Idolor and celebrate Mrs. Shanoian as she continues her leadership journey.