Alumni Stories
UMCA graduates have successfully completed high school with us and continued their studies at universities and colleges across Canada and abroad. Their achievements reflect the strong foundation built at UMCA—academic excellence, creativity, and resilience. We are proud of our alumni and the diverse paths they are taking as future leaders.
Nicole Farb
UMCA’s 2013 alumni. She graduated Schulich School of Business.
Life is a ragged, dotted-line journey that only makes sense in hindsight. Looking back, there are three pivotal points along my path that I owe to UMCA from a personal, professional, and self-development perspective. The community I built over 10 years ago, as both a student and camp counselor, has enriched my life tenfold. From personal to professional contacts, the network I’ve built spans across industries and generations. In 2012, I shared a desk in Miss Irina’s Advanced Functions class; in 2023 I married that person.
Outside of community, UMCA gave me the foundation to succeed in my career as an enterprise sales professional, and business owner. Post graduating I pursued an undergraduate degree at the Schulich School of Business, became a TedX speaker, and started a platform that educates women on how to invest. All of this was possible because years ago, someone planted a seed of hope in me, and told me anything you want to do is possible. Svetlana Pinsky planted that seed and was my first mentor. She taught me how to lead through kindness, how vital it is to invest in your people, and how to illuminate the light in others. Without her, and without UMCA. I would never be the leader I am today. I am forever grateful for founders of UMCA that walked, so that we could run.
Matan Winstock
UMCA’s 2014 alumni. He graduated from Waterloo University with a Nanotech Engineering diploma.
UMCA had an invaluable impact on my journey in high school. I experienced a significant amount of academic and personal growth during my time there which can be attributed to the dedicated faculty and the supportive community at UMCA. My teachers were like mentors for me – they not only pushed me academically but also taught me life skills that helped me throughout university and in my professional career.
The friendships I made during my time at UMCA endure to this day and I’m grateful for the memories both inside and outside the classroom. As UMCA approaches its 20th anniversary, I’m glad to have been a part of it and I look forward to seeing the impact they bring in the next 20 years.
Andrew Glyvka
UMCA’s 2014 alumni. Andrew graduated from Seneca College, completing his B.Sc in Nursing.
For me, UMCA is synonymous with family. It has been my home for over 10 years, starting from my days as a volunteer at the summer camp, gradually working my way up to managing the summer program. When I began my educational journey, there were only 10 students in total, and now the school has grown into something bigger than just the dream of three inspirational women, who have set an example for me from the very first day on campus. They have provided guidance and support through significant moments on my path.
Witnessing the growth and development of children into young adults as I guided them through sports classes and various extracurricular activities has been incredibly rewarding. Though it was time for me to move on, UMCA will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know that the connections and friendships I have made over the years will last a lifetime. Thank you, UMCA family, and here’s to another 20 years of prosperity!
Marina Krupnik
UMCA’s 2014 alumni. Marina has earned a B.A Honours Psychology in the University of Guelph.
I spent ten years growing up at UMCA, and it’s been almost ten years since I left. I’m as close as ever with the friends I made on the first day, I’m in touch with the teachers who raised us, and I carry the life lessons I’ve learned everywhere.
UMCA never felt like a school to me – it was a tight-knit, supportive, and genuinely loving environment. As cheesy as it is, it felt like my second home, and the people felt like family.
What other school would make the students eat soup before any other food or strongly “advise” against drinking cold water mid-meal? Where else is pi day the most important day of the year, or do you get to write an essay on the origins of оливье?
It felt impossible to pick just one memory or experience to share, but that shows just how special UMCA is and how big of an impact it left.
Kessem Saprikin
Kessem is a York University grad with a degree in Psychology
Growing up and attending UMCA Rich Tree Academy felt like a privilege. Beyond academia, we, as students, were surrounded by a tight-knit community that supported and recognized every student’s unique potential. One of our favorite aspects was how we learned and practiced traditions from our heritage. Through the different language courses, etiquette classes, and fun activities, we could continue to explore many different topics that helped us grow into the well-rounded individuals we are now.
Growing up in the UMCA community, we made lifelong friends and now forever have a community where we feel supported. Our grade has maintained our friendships, and we continue to be there for each other, no matter the different places we may be in life. For that, we are beyond grateful. It was always more than a school for us; it was a second home. It helped to build and set the foundation for who we are today. We feel fortunate to be still able to participate and interact with the community. UMCA gave us our second home and family.
