Alumni Updates

Our Alumni are an important part of our TMS Community and we’re always excited to hear about how they are making an impact in whatever they pursue. Here are some TMS Alumni that connected with us to share what they’ve been up to!

Hermann Pasha (TMS’21)

After graduating from TMS in 2021, I embarked on my medical school journey at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland. The program is rigorous, but the various learning opportunities such as anatomy labs, patient-simulated history taking, clinical skills, and case-based learning allows me to understand the content. Living in Dublin affords me the opportunity to explore different cities in Europe on a monthly basis adding to my cultural and social experiences. Additionally, I actively participate in several clubs and societies, enabling me to pursue my passions while staying committed to my studies. I am currently involved in various research projects revolving around heart failure with the hopes to gain an internal medicine residency in Toronto and to further specialize as a cardiologist.

Ario Sarafraz (TMS’06)

As the manager of our family's food service business, I oversee sales and operations, servicing the supply needs of some of Toronto's finest restaurants. Despite the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, I embrace the journey with positivity, social skills, and ambition - all traits that TMS helped cultivate during my 11 years there. The strategies and support I received from teachers, friends, and staff were invaluable and instrumental in my success today. Without their guidance, I wouldn't be where I am now. It's a hectic job, but one that I truly love, and I owe much of my success to the foundation TMS provided.

Chase

Drieberg (TMS’18)

I just completed my first year of law school at the University of Ottawa, after receiving my undergraduate degree at Arizona State University. After a competitive 1L Toronto recruitment I landed a job with Davies, Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP. I will summer at the firm for the next two years, with the hopes of joining the firm as an associate at the end of law school. This summer I will work in the practice areas of Insolvency, Competition and Corporate law. I look forward to bringing the values TMS instilled in me from 18 months to Bay Street this summer.

Cassandra

Ko (TMS’21)

I graduated from TMS in 2021 and recently completed my second year at the Parsons School of Design in New York City. Throughout these two years, I was able to explore new mediums within the field of digital technology, such as physical computing, coding, 3D asset creation, and game design. In my free time, I volunteer at the Giant Room as a Creative Tech Resident, and encourage children to explore creative potential through the use of technology such as coding, laser cutting, and 3D printing. This summer, I'll be working at Scotiabank as a UX Designer to further enhance their innovation sector. I can't wait to apply my design skills and gain real-world experience in this role.

Chris Ruhland (TMS’89)

I am the CFO of a family operated transportation company that is a leader in its market segment. I also serve as a board member and treasurer for the Canadian International Air Show. My past experiences involved repositioning companies on their journey through a variety of M&A transactions as well as working with real estate/lending organizations. I am thankful for being part of the TMS family as it has been pivotal in laying the necessary foundation for my career.

Ankit Mehra (TMS’11)

I completed my BBA from the Schulich School of Business and am also a CFA Charterholder. I actively manage stock selection, research, portfolio rebalancing, option trading and tax efficiency - as Portfolio Manager with Mehra Wealth Management, CIBC Private Wealth, Bay Street Branch. We are the top option traders in the country, actively using defensive option strategies to protect client investments and grow wealth. My team won the very first award as Best Active Manager Exchange Traded Derivatives in 2019, sponsored by the Montreal Exchange, TMX Group. The practice has organically built through educational seminars on multiple financial topics and word of mouth.

Jay

Yoo (TMS’16)

After graduating from TMS, I completed a BASc in Engineering Science from the University of Toronto. During this time, I had the opportunity to develop deep learning-assisted methods for protein reconstruction. I have since transitioned my focus to artificial intelligence for precision medicine using medical imaging. For my MSc at the University of Toronto's Institute of Medical Science, I researched non-invasive solutions to brain tumor diagnosis in affiliation with Sick Kids hospital. I will soon graduate and have accepted an offer to pursue a PhD at the University of Toronto's Department of Computer Science where I will expand upon this research.

Great Learning Experiences This Summer

Immersive Activities for Children

From walking or cycling your favourite trail, to teaching your child outdoor games you played as a child to drawing pictures and mailing them to relatives. These ideas may seem simple, but they are things that we forget to do when our lives are so rushed and hurried with the demands of everyday life. Your children will benefit from the connections you are strengthening, enhanced fine and gross motor skills, the love of books, and a deeper knowledge of our world.

Carolyn Reid, Head of Toddler and Children’s House

Food Festivals Across the City

Food is a great way to help children immerse themselves into different cultures and cuisines. It provides a great, enjoyable avenue to immerse oneself, learn and understand different people and what makes them who they are within Canada’s ever growing melting pot. Food adventures from The Taste of the Danforth to local farmers markets to exploring the St. Lawrence Market on a Saturday all help expose children to new food experiences.

Rakesh Tripathi, Director of Alumni and Community Relations

Library Summer Programming

Libraries across various municipalities have dozens of summer activities for children of all ages. This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse children and their families in interactive programming, one that helps to discover new interests and skills. Events can range from summer reading clubs, STEM workshops, language development activities and the creative arts.

Adnan Mohamedbhai, Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing

Summer Camp!

While it’s a staple reaction for many to suggest camp over the summer, the reality is that the camp experience offers children an opportunity to develop valuable leadership and interpersonal skills, various valuable life skills, and a deeper understanding of nature and the world around us. TMS’s Discovery Day Camp, for example, provides a multitude of program offerings that immerse our young folks to the creative arts, athletics, technology, science and much more. Not to mention a pool! It’s a great way to help kids enjoy the summer months, while still learning in a fun way.

Andrea Tomaso, Camp Director, TMS Discovery Day Camp

Nature Excursions

“The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the earth” Maria Montessori.

Young children are sensorial learners. They learn by experiencing various sights, sounds, and smells, touching objects and tasting. As adults we must provide rich and varied environments for them to explore, so they can stretch all of their senses. Many studies have indicated that time outdoors in a natural setting “is a vital element for healthy childhood development” (Jennifer Ward). For inspiration to engage in activities in nature, I Love Dirt - 52 activities to help you and your kids discover the wonders of nature by Jennifer Ward is a great resource.

Jelena Gacesa, Toddler Teacher

Enjoy a Staycation

If you can’t get away this summer, plan a Staycation where you explore your town or city as a tourist. Visit a local museum or zoo, explore regions around the great lakes, take the GO train downtown to see a baseball game or pack a picnic of local goodies and enjoy an afternoon at a park. The time provides your family with a low stress activity while being together and trying new things.

Kirsten Eastwood, Executive Director, Community Development