Our Killeen Team - Mathnasium

Our staff is built to teach each student individually, to develop the skills they need to thrive in mathematics, and to foster a love of learning.

Math Centers / Killeen / Our Team

Lavert Rodgers

Owner

Lavert is the Owner of Mathnasium Killeen. As a kid he struggled with math and would have benefited from doing the Mathnasium Program. Lavert holds a degree in Theater and a Degree in Radio, Television & Film. He has worked in education and with children for over 25 years both in recreational and classroom settings. In addition to working with kids, he has been and is currently a radio personality and an avid stage performer. Lavert is married with no kids but has two Chihuahuas. He and his wife (an Electrical Engineer) have a passion for helping every child in the Killeen community to truly understand math by teaching it in the way that makes sense to them. When not at the Mathnasium Killeen Center or radio station - you may find Lavert at a Comic-Con or discussing the most AWESOME super-hero ever - The Flash! What is your favorite number? “My favorite number is 13. People always call it unlucky, but I have always been drawn to it. Maybe because there is only 1 me but am Lavert III?” Who is your favorite superhero? “The Flash! Well really I like any speedster, but Wally West Flash has always been my favorite!”

Joseph "JC" Cruz

Center Director

Mr. JC has coached and tutored children for over 15 years. When he's not at Mathnasium, you will usually find him on a family outing with his wife and kids. J.C. enjoys sports, gaming, and music. He loves working at Mathnasium Killeen because he loves to help mold the minds of the next generation. What is your favorite number? “My favorite number is 5 because it was my number when I played basketball.” Who is your favorite superhero? “I would have to say my favorite super hero is all time is Batman! I think he is THE best because he always gives 100% in everything he does.”

Zander Sullivan

Lead Instructor

Zander is a student at Texas A&M-Central Texas majoring in Biotechnology/Biochemistry. When he graduates, he plans on becoming a Neurology professor and researcher. Zander is skillful! He has a black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do and he is able to teach topics he just learned about! Not only that, but he was also inducted into Phi Theta Kappa before being in inducted into National Honor Society. He loves working at Mathnasium Killeen because he loves helping students find that spark of joy that they get when they start to understand mathematics. He finds it rewarding to help students unlock the fun and joy of mathematics. What is your favorite number? “6.02x10^23, as I find it humorous when people pronounce the numbers name as avocado’s Number.” Who is your favorite superhero? “Batflash so I do not anger either of my bosses.”

Henry Zhang

Lead Instructor

Henry is a student at Central Texas College majoring in Mathematics. When he graduates, he plans on becoming a Financial advisor or a math teacher. Henry is from China, speaks Chinese, and loves to cook! He loves working at Mathnasium Killeen because it is a fun and friendly environment while providing him with teaching experience for his future endeavors. What is your favorite number? “My favorite number is 8 because it is even and the quarter of this number is also even.” Who is your favorite superhero? “Jackie Chan because he makes great movies, he never gives up, he is funny, and sacrifices himself to better the world around him.”

Khitan L. DeVine

Senior Instructor

Mr. DeVine graduated from the oldest HBCU in South Carolina, Claflin University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science. As of 2022, he has been working at Mathnasium Killeen since it has opened back in 2018. However, he has instructed students for over 10 years! Mr. DeVine is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Go Eagles!). He takes pride in being dependable. Over his 10 years of teaching, he has taught at every grade level. He loves working at Mathnasium Killeen because he loves to help people. Mathnasium Killeen gives him a flexible schedule. He also loves the students! What is your favorite number? “My favorite number is 215⁰. The area code in Philadelphia is 215 and anything to the zero power is 1.” Who is your favorite superhero? “The Incredible Hulk. Is there really a reason as to why? He gets stronger as he gets angrier.”

Rebecca Mack

Instructor

Rebecca is a student at Harker Heights High school. She loves to sing, in fact, she is in two choir varsity groups at Harker Heights. Not only that, but she was a member of the 2022 TMEA All-State Choir. She loves the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, and Star Trek. Her favorite food is anything chocolate! She loves working at Mathnasium Killeen because she loves to share her long-time passion for math and use her knowledge to help students to grow as mathematicians. Mathnasium Killeen gives her the opportunity to create relationships with students to better her community. What is your favorite number? “My favorite number is 28 since it is the date of my birthday.” Who is your favorite superhero? “I can’t pick just one favorite superhero but some of my favorites are Captain Marvel, Black Panther, Spider-Man, the Flash, Thor, and Ant Man.”

Jasmine Rawles

Intructor

Jasmine is a student at Ellison Highschool. She is also a student at Central Texas College where she is earning Dual Credit. When she graduates from high school, she plans on attending college to major in Education. She aspires to become an Algebra teacher for middle school or high school. Jasmine is obsessed with the musical Hamilton. She also loves to play Animal Crossing New Horizons. She enjoys learning about new things and seeing things from new perspective! She loves working at Mathnasium Killeen because it has helped her expand her knowledge of math and strategies to teach it. Mathnasium Killeen allows her to create new bonds with people in her community. What is your favorite number? “My favorite number is 4 because it is simple, even, and several things in life come in groups of 4: cars have 4 wheels, most animals have 4 legs, US president term is 4 years, etc.” Who is your favorite superhero? “Iron Man because he was really smart, genuine (sometimes), and willing to help the people he cared about at the drop of a hat.”

ACE "Big A"

Ace, known at Mathnasium Killeen as "Big A," is the mascot for Mathnasium. He loves numbers, learning, and dancing. Big A participates in Mathnasium events, visits local schools and businesses, and is even a star on Mathnasium Killeen's YouTube show, Mathnasium & U! One can always catch Big A giving big hugs and math-tastic vibes in and out of center!

Larry Martinek

Creator of the Mathnasium Method

Larry has spent his entire career finding a better way to teach math. From inner city public schools, to acclaimed magnet schools, to leading private and parochial schools, Larry has served as both a classroom teacher and as an educational consultant. He has designed curriculum, teaching strategies, and teaching materials to help students and teachers learn math more effectively. He has trained teachers in the art and science of boosting students' ability to “do” math, thereby increasing students' math scores and feeling of self-worth. Larry is the developer of Mathnasium’s educational program – one of the most comprehensive and innovative curriculas ever produced for teaching math. While Larry is not an Instructor at our Center, he is a valuable asset we can call on to ask about specific students' scenarios for guidance and advice. This has helped to make visits more productive and enjoyable for many of our students.

Our Mathnasium Mission

Teach children math so they understand it, master it, and love it. Math can change their lives, and they can change the world.

What I love about Mathnasium is the ability to teach problem-solving skills and make math make sense, while also making a student smile.

Amber W., Mathnasium Instructor

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