Svetlana Winward – Mountainville Academy

May 3, 2011, 2:57 PM | Updated: Jan 15, 2021, 6:15 am

Rarely in one’s journey on this planet do we find/associate/learn from someone as extraordinary as Svetlana Winward.

Svetlana, originally from Russia has an incredible story that makes our burdens seem insignificant, and one that makes her a teacher of life skills as well as academics. At the time of her first trip to America, Svetlana had it all as a very successful educator and businesswoman in Russia. She and her young son determined to make a trip to Disneyland for some time away. Little did she know that following weeks would change her life forever.

During their flight to Orange County California, Svetlana came down with pneumonia, forcing a emergency landing in Salt Lake City. After an extended hospital stay, Svetlana and her son set off to pick up where they left off. Since Svetlana had not returned to Russia as expected, all of her personal funds were “locked down” or frozen. Without money, they found themselves homeless in Salt Lake City, in February, without funds to return home. Through a series of remarkable problem solving and miracles, Mrs. Winward found kindness from an LDS ward, and was able begin rebuilding her life here in Utah.

With much effort, humility, and persistence, Svetlana has adapted to her new life here in Utah. She now teaches 2nd grade at Mountainville Academy in Alpine, where she is an amazing teacher. She instills in her students a desire to find strengths within themselves, while learning to watch for virtues in others. She has a cheer for every complimentary word you can think of, and encourages the children to congratulate each other for being “awesome” or “amazing”. Her unique life experiences provide the children with perspectives on the world that you don’t often see in Utah. The children in Mrs. Winward’s class love her, and you can always tell that she loves them too. How lucky our second grader is that many years ago, a plane dropped Svetlana Winward off in Salt Lake City!

-Brooke (daughter of Greg & Samantha) Collier

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Svetlana Winward – Mountainville Academy