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Our Team

Edward Tkacz, Owner/Center Director
Edward graduated from Drexel University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. During his college days, Ed accepted a position at a government airport base conducting computer-based airport runway noise level studies, and then moved on to the actuarial department at a major insurance company. Over subsequent years, Ed embarked on a variety of successful business ventures in the recreation and restaurant industries, usually functioning in the role of general manager or proprietor. In his spare time, he worked for H&R Block preparing taxes. He even taught high school math for some time. Ed knows that whether it is taking inventories at his restaurants, performing cost-analysis at his bowling center, or grading student papers, it all involves working with numbers! Now, with over 30 years of experience under his belt, Ed can fully appreciate the importance of having a strong foundation in mathematics. Unfortunately, many kids today lack the basic math skills to grasp the principles of algebra and beyond. In 2006, the National Center for Education Statistics found U.S. students placed below average in math and science. Furthermore, the specialized instruction necessary for children who have a particularly difficult time with math is usually unavailable. This is where Mathnasium can help! Independent studies have shown Mathnasium’s methods can significantly increase your child’s math skills, understanding of math concepts and overall school performance. Ed always had a passion for math and, combined with his enjoyment of working with children, this opportunity seemed like a perfect fit. Winner of Mathnasium’s – Best Instructional Miracle Award 2010
Pamela Tkacz, Owner/Administrator
Pamela has been married to Ed for 32 years. In addition to raising three sons, Pamela has worked in the Medical field for over 30 years, and continues to provide private care for the elderly on a part-time basis. Also very fond of children, Pamela was a regular PTA member and home room mother at her son’s elementary schools. She assists Edward with the administrative functions of the business so he can fully dedicate his efforts to teaching. Through their Mathnasium Learning Center, Ed and Pam hope to make a difference in the futures of children for many years to come.
Tatiana Budimirovic, Tutor
Tatiana received a Master’s degree in Computer Science / Math in 1988 and another Master’s degree in Telecommunications in 1991, both from the University of Zagreb in Croatia. She worked as IT Research Engineer at Kosmos Institute in Bosnia from 1988 - 1993. She received IT certifications in Computer networking from the Connecticut School of Electronics in 2001. Tatiana was in the advanced G/T Mathematics program in high school and competed in the Math Olympics for six years from 7th thru 12th grade, up to an international level. Tatiana has tutored students in Math, Science, and French along the way. Tatiana was a girl-scouts troop leader for three years (1999-2002). She completed girl-scouts counselor training and did volunteer work in summer camps. She also volunteered as a coach for children’s sports teams in Howard County Parks & Rec. Tatiana completed Guilford, CT Public Schools Volunteer training and helped in elementary and middle schools since 1999.
Peter Bradford, Tutor
Peter earned a Master of Science degree in Solid State Physics from the University of London in 1970. He worked as a Senior Scientific Officer with the British Ministry of Defence through 1986.The later part of this period was as an Exchange Analyst with the U.S. Department of Defense at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Peter taught both Mathematics and Physics at a number of schools and colleges in the U.K., including West Heath in Sevenoaks and Kent College of Technology. Peter worked as a Financial Advisor for UBS Financial Services at their Baltimore offices for about 20 years until 2009. Peter became a US citizen in 1989 and lives with his wife in Ellicott City, MD. His interests are Motor Racing, in which he competed at the international level, Rugby, and creating and solving mathematical and logic puzzles.
Angela Wright, Tutor
Angela graduated from Towson University in January 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Pure Mathematics. Her course work included Calculus, Differential Equations, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra, Euclidean/Non-Euclidean Geometry and Statistics and Probability. She was a National Completer for the Academy of Finance at Patuxent High School in Lusby, MD. She also was a member of the National Honors Society in 2004-2006. Angela was a camp counselor for Kids & Teen College at the College of Southern Maryland in Prince Frederick, MD from 2006-2010. She assisted students in a variety of camps ranging from academic to leisure classes such as Algebra I, Note-Taking/Test-taking skills, memory and study strategies, Chemistry and Digital Photography. She is currently working towards her Masters of Art in Teaching at Towson U. and wants to become a high school math teacher. Angela’s hobbies include playing sports, piano, camping and boating. She played Varsity soccer and Lacrosse from 2004-2006 for the Patuxent Panthers and played club soccer at Towson U.
Amanda Harris, Tutor
 

Amanda graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in May of 2011. She is preparing to start her internship in Secondary Education as a middle school algebra teacher in a high needs Maryland school.

Amanda has been a math tutor for 5 years. She has worked for Frederick Community College in their Math Tutoring Center as well as previous tutoring at a Mathnasium Learning Center. Amanda has also done fellowships with KIPP Vjima Village in Baltimore and taught Environmental and Physical Science for the Upward Boumd Summer Program at UMBC through the Noyce Program.

In her free time Amanda enjoys participating in Major Inspiration, a club at UMBC designed to inform middle school and high school students about the opportunities in attending college. She also rowed on the UMBC crew team and won 1st place in the Seahawk Sprint race in 2010.

Aziza Talajawala, Tutor
Aziza earned her B.S. Degree in Mathematics in 2000. She is currently planning on completing coursework towards earning her M.S Degree in Applied Mathematics. While working for these degrees, she has completed course work that included Calculus, Differential Equations, Abstract, Linear and Computational Algebra; Geometry, Statistics/Probability, Finite Element Methods, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling. She has volunteered for a variety of positions on the Board of Running Brook Children’s’ Nursery in Columbia while raising two kids of her own. While in school, she was awarded 1st Place Gold Medals for top of the school achievements in Mathematics and Chemistry. She also possesses advanced proficiency in Urdu/Hindi.
Kevin Poole, Tutor
Kevin graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2010 with a degree in ocean engineering and also received a minor in mathematics. He also received a 780 on his math SAT's. His coursework involved structures, resistance and propulsion, dynamics, calculus and other related math courses. He was also part of Galileo, the freshman housing community for engineers. He was also a member of his high school's FIRST robotics team. He has also tutored for the past 2 years. He enjoys playing tennis, surfing in Ocean City, MD and following his two favorite teams, the hokies and steelers.
Bita Parniani, Tutor
Bita received a Bachelor of Science in Pure Mathmatics in 1998. She has 15 years experience teaching high school and college math. She was voted teacher of the year in two different high schools during the 2004-05 and 2007-08 school years. She also has done private tutoring to middle school and high school students since 1996. She is presently teaching math courses at Howard Community College in Columbia. In her spare time Bita has published an Advanced Placement Calculus textbook and APC I and II Practice Problems books. Her books are currently being used to help teach Calculus in various schools.