A new semester has begun at Cumorah Academy, and the excitement on campus is real! This Fall, we are blessed with a team of Student Leader Interns at Cumorah Academy—former students who have chosen to return and serve as mentors, friends, and coordinators.
Student Leader Interns (SLIs) play a vital role in campus life: they guide their houses, support daily operations, and set an example of service and leadership. Each one brings unique experiences, talents, and perspectives that enrich the entire community.
Inspired by Scripture: The Meaning Behind Our Five Houses
For those who are unfamiliar, our students on campus are divided into five groups, which we refer to as Houses. Each house is named after an important character from the Holy Scriptures, including the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Additionally, each house has a designated color to distinguish it from the others, allowing us to maintain a well-organized campus atmosphere.
The five Houses are:
- Isaiah;
- Nephi;
- Moroni;
- Ruth, and
- Esther.
With that in mind, each SLI will be responsible for one of these houses. They will make sure each student is cherished and happy. This semester, we have very talented SLI who are using their talents to make the experience of each student unforgettable.
Let’s meet the Student Leader Interns of Fall 2025!
Miguel Leitão
House: Moroni
Coordinator Role: Activities & Social Life
Miguel comes from the coastal city of São Vicente, Brazil, where city life meets the sea. With a background in project management at BYU and missionary service in João Pessoa, he brings energy, joy, and purpose to his role.
Why did Miguel return as a Student Leader Intern at Cumorah Academy? His answer is simple: “God has brought me here, and I’m here to bring joy.”
For him, leadership is about friendship: “Being a leader is being a friend, and being a friend means supporting others in their needs.”
Whether he’s planning activities, playing sports, or exploring the Czech countryside, Miguel is dedicated to helping others grow and feel uplifted.
Marcos Junior
House: Nephi
Coordinator Roles: AV & Tech Supervisor, Mentor & Guest Coordinator
From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Marcos is an interior designer and missionary alum from Belém. At Cumorah Academy, he wears many hats—managing technology, mentoring students, and helping with guest services.
He chose to become a Student Leader Intern because of a career transition: “This time away from home gives me space to reflect on what I should do with my life.”
Marcos is known for his positive spirit, clear communication, and ability to work across cultures. In his free time, he enjoys karaoke, great TV shows, and spreading good vibes wherever he goes.
Tayná Machado Ribeiro
House: Esther
Coordinator Role: Cleaning Supervisor
From São Paulo, Brazil—a city she describes as “big, diverse, and full of life”—Tayná brings her passion for communication, leadership, and service to Cumorah Academy.
Why return as a Student Leader Intern at Cumorah Academy? “Because it’s a new opportunity to learn, grow, and be part of new changes.”
Tayná wants to apply the leadership principles she learned as a student and use her role to support her house. Beyond her duties, she loves reading, music, and spending time with family and friends.
For her, Cumorah Academy is a place where she once again feels part of something bigger than herself—just like during her mission.
Maria Vaitovich (Marichka)
House: Isaiah
Coordinator Role: Health Coordinator
Marishka, from Ukraine, grew up in a small town surrounded by gardens and orchards. With a degree in Art History, experience in human resources, and volunteer work for international organizations, she brings a caring and global perspective to campus.
As a Student Leader Intern at Cumorah Academy, she serves as both house leader and Health Coordinator—caring for students and organizing medical support.
She recalls her decision: “I loved the people and the campus. When Don asked if I’d consider being an SLI, I said yes—if my visa worked out. I feel honored, accepted, and completely at home here.”
Marishka loves hiking, cooking, and theater. She sees Cumorah as a family: “Being here is like being part of a team where everyone contributes.”
Yuliia Hordiievska
House: Ruth
Coordinator Roles: Contribution Hours & English Teaching
From Poltava, Ukraine, Yuliia paints a poetic picture of her hometown: “Poltava isn’t just a city; it’s a feeling—the warmth of a community that feels more like an embrace.”
Her academic journey is impressive, marked by a bachelor’s degree in Philology, a master’s degree in Education, and experiences abroad through the FLEX and Erasmus+ programs. She also earned certificates in Business, Leadership, and Teaching as a Cumorah student.
At first, she hesitated to return, but prayer gave her clarity: “I am meant to be here during this specific Fall Semester.”
As a Student Leader Intern at Cumorah Academy, Yuliia coordinates contribution hours and teaches English while guiding her house. She enjoys painting, traveling, and exploring cultures.
For her, Cumorah Academy is like “a puzzle where every piece matters—and I am one of them.”
Why Student Leader Interns at Cumorah Academy Matter
We are grateful for Miguel, Marcos, Tayná, Marishka, and Yuliia. Their dedication, talents, and spirit of service ensure that this semester will be full of growth, joy, and purpose.
At Cumorah Academy, leadership isn’t just about responsibilities—it’s about becoming better people, serving others, and building a community rooted in faith and learning.
Want to experience this journey for yourself? Learn more about our programs and discover how you can grow, serve, and lead at Cumorah Academy.
Written by Catalina Roco
Collaboration with Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
