Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Ann Arbor

Vera Chiu

Vera Chiu excelled in math and science growing up in China, where she got her B.S. degree in Biological Sciences and Biotechnologies from the prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing. In 2000, she received a Ph.D. in Human Genetics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. While in graduate school at U of M, she enjoyed her first teaching experience as a teaching assistant for introductory biology courses, leading laboratory and discussion sessions for undergraduate students. Being a parent gave Vera the chance to find her passion in educating young minds. After 10 years of a successful and rewarding scientific research career in the pharmaceutical industry, she is excited to embark on a new journey with Mathnasium, to instill a love of math in children and help them develop critical thinking skills in the process. She believes that mathematics is an important building block for a strong foundation for problem solving and success in various careers and fields for our future generation. Vera believes the top two things that distinguish the Mathnasium program include: The comprehensive and age-tested Mathnasium curriculum. Because it has been developed from 35 years of first-hand math teaching experience, and it is based on the perspectives of how children learn naturally, it makes math make sense to them. The delivery of the Mathnasium curriculum. The Mathnasium Method involves a completely customized learning plan for each student, with a teaching methodology that encompasses all senses and encourages students to build Number Sense, mathematical thinking skills, and independence. Vera is excited about opening a Mathnasium center in Ann Arbor. She looks forward to making learning math fun and exciting for all students and helping them develop the skills and confidence they will need to succeed in the future.

Grace Wang

Grace's educational background includes both a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree and an MBA, from Beijing University and Fordham Business School. Grace got a couple of years of teaching and education management experience before she moved to the business management position. She worked for one of the largest Telecommunications Companies for many years and had a very successful career in sourcing, planning, and supply chain management. Grace loves kids and feels very happy to help kids in math. She believes "More Math = More Possibilities".

Abby O'Meara

Abby recently graduated from the University of Michigan. She has been teaching at Mathnasium of Ann Arbor since 2018. She was enjoy working with kids!

Lizzy Sandru

Hi, my name is Lizzy Sandru. I am a junior at Saline High School and dual-enrolled at Washtenaw Community College for more advanced math courses. I grew up with the Mathnasium family, first coming here as a student and now as an instructor! I have loved math since elementary school, and I hope to share my love of math with the students I tutor!

Fiona Shangguan

Hi, I am Fiona, and I am crazy about math! Some of my favorite games are "24", connect four, and solving Rubik's cubes. I would like to help the students develop a passion for math!