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.

Melanie Woods

Assistant Center Director
Hello! My name is Melanie. I have a strong STEM background with degrees in computer science and physics along with 10 years of software development experience. This may seem an unusual outcome for someone who struggled with math in elementary school. That changed with the encouragement of a 7th grade math teacher who made class fun. Math finally began to make sense! This experience has motivated me to help others develop a good attitude toward math and problem solving in general. I believe that with patience and positive feedback anyone can gain a better understanding of math. I have two college-aged daughters currently pursuing degrees in science and engineering.

Nathan Digweed

Instructor
Hello! My name is Nathan Digweed. I am a graduate from Illinois Institute of Technology, where I earned my Bachelor's of Science degree in physics. From a very young age, I have had a passion for learning math and science, and that passion grew into a love for teaching others mathematical and physics related concepts. Having been homeschooled up through high school, I understand that patience and adding fun to learning can go a long way in helping a student's potential be realized. In my spare time, I enjoy playing piano and composing music.

Aaron Minh

Instructor
Hello! My name is Aaron Minh. I graduated with a B.S. in Physics from the University of Illinois-Chicago and am also a recent graduate of the University of Florida's ProTeach program with a Master's in Education in Secondary Science Education. From a young age, I have always been interested in math and science. In school, and at home, I have always been the go-to guy for friends and family who needed help in math. As an instructor at Mathnasium, I hope students will develop problem solving skills that will help them throughout their entire educational careers. In my spare time, I enjoy visiting theme parks and riding all the roller coasters in the world (100+ and counting!). Having been raised in the Chicagoland area, I will also always root for the Chicago Cubs. A fun fact about me is that I was once on the gameshow "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"

Paul Eldridge

Instructor
Hello! My name is Paul. I am 20 years old and currently a student at College of Dupage, studying meteorology. I learned french in high school and have been speaking fluently for a few years. I love Mathnasium because it feels good to see students finally understand a topic. Outside of school I enjoy hanging out with friends to watch baseball and basketball!

Harish Pai

Owner
Hello, my name is Harish Pai. I have an Electronics engineering degree from Mysore University, India and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern) with majors in Finance and Entrepreneurship. I am a seasoned IT professional with significant experience in the areas of IT consulting and Application Design. Math has always been a favorite subject of mine since my childhood. During my engineering days I took it upon myself to coach and guide my fellow students, especially in Math. I staunchly believe that developing a certain comfort level in Math will play a pivotal role in the future success of all children regardless of what path they choose. I eagerly look forward to a fun and interesting Math experience for your child.

Sabrina Huang

Instructor
Hello! My name is Sabrina Huang. I love cats and want to get one day, but I have a bad cat allergy. I also have two birds named Stan and Yerb, I’ve raised them since they were little eggs. My favorite thing to do in my free time is to draw, read, or do a bit of coding. One of my goals in life is to learn how to make banana bread.

Favorite number: 7

Favorite Math Joke: What’s a math teacher’s favorite tree? Geometry

Where do you see yourself in five years: I see myself graduating fresh from college and looking for jobs

Why is Mathnasium fun? You get to meet a lot of nice people

Fun Fact: I have 2 birds

Simren Mehta

Instructor
Hi! I’m Simren Mehta, I recently graduated from Waubonsie Valley high school. I was an active member of clubs such as Key Club, the Aspiring Medical Professionals Club, and I was the Vice President of the Red Cross Club. It’s always been a passion of mine to give back to the community in a way that not only helps people, but helps me learn and grow from those experiences. Some extracurriculars I actively participate in outside of school are martial arts and piano. I plan on pursuing a career in medicine. In the fall I’m going to Lewis University. In five years I see myself entering medical school. I love Mathnasium/ being a part of the Mathnasium community because it really focuses on ensuring that each student succeeds in a way that works best for them. The learning environment is engaging and focuses on each student’s needs separately.

Favorite number: 44.

Funny math joke: what did the mean triangle say to the circle? You’re pointless!

Fun fact: I’m currently working towards my second-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Harish Shankar

Instructor
Hi! My name is Harish Shankar, currently a Senior at Metea Valley High School.
Throughout my years in school, I've been involved in the leadership of a plethora of activities and societies such as Math Team, Robotics.
I am especially interested in the applications of Human-Computer interaction and hope to pursue a degree in the same.
In my free time, I enjoy playing/watching sports.
Math and problem-solving are two skills that are extremely important to the world, and I hope to impart my knowledge of these skills to the community through kindness and empathy.

Supreeti Kompalli

Instructor
Hello! My name is Supreeti Kompalli and I’m a senior at Metea Valley High School. In my free time, I’m pursuing music, volunteering as a coding member at Crafts for Charity, and volunteering at Dupage Children’s Museum. In school, I am the Co-Chair of the Student Voice Committee and participate in choir. I believe that developing a strong math foundation will allow you to pursue any discipline. I’m happy to be a part of this initiative to help students grow!

My Favorite Math Joke:

What is a butterfly’s favorite subject? Mathematics.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years:

I see myself graduating college and pursuing a master's degree.

Why is Mathnasium fun?

Mathnasium is fun because it incorporates an incentivized method of learning and fosters friendly relationships towards students.

Fun fact:

I have owned 6 birds growing up!

Vishnu

Instructor
My name is Vishnu, I am a senior at Neuqua Valley High School and some of the things that I like to do in my free time are watch sports, and spend time with friends and family. Currently, I do enjoy watching Formula 1, supporting Ferrari, and have plans of traveling and following them throughout their season. My family and I enjoy traveling. We recently roadtripped to California from Chicago and stropped at many places along the way such as Yellowstone, Black Hills, Mount Rushmore etc. Some of the things that I enjoy about Mathnasium is that it is a great place for anyone to come in to get help with math. It provides learning in a fun atmosphere. In my life, I have learned that when a task is fun, I feel more motivated towards completing it. We at Mathnasium work very hard towards making math fun thereby making it a very fun place to work.

Favorite #:16

Favorite math joke: How do you make seven even? Ans: subtract the s

Where do I see myself in 5 years: finished college and in med school

Why is Mathnasium fun? It is a great place to strengthen important math skills that are extremely useful in life

Fun Fact: I have a dog

Dhruv Jaison

Instructor
Hello! My name is Dhruv Jaison and I am currently a senior at Waubonise Valley High School. I enjoy listening to various genres of music, such as Rap and R&B, and take a strong personal interest in technology. I am a proud student instructor who is eager to share my passion of math with others around me. I am excited to teach students everything I know!

Favorite number? 10

Favorite Math Joke: Why did the obtuse angle go to the beach? Because it was over 90 degrees!!

Where do you see yourself in five years? After completing a Computer Science degree, I aspire to start a business which will change the way people interact with social media. I am currently learning more about programming so I can make my dreams a reality!

Why is Mathnasium fun? Mathnasium is fun because I am able to sharpen my math problem solving, while being able to interact with excellent students! It excites me that I am able to come to work and learn many ways to explain math.

Anya Acharya

Instructor
Hi, my name is Anya Acharya and I am a junior at Neuqua Valley High School. At school, I am the class president and I'm involved in Business Professionals of America, the Indian Student Association, and the Neuqua Valley Model UN. I enjoy reading, painting, and cooking during my free time.

Favorite number: 1

Favorite Math Joke: What is the butterfly's favorite subject in school? Mothematics!

Where do you see yourself in five years? I see myself in college studying data/computer science.

Why is Mathnasium fun? Mathnasium allows kids to learn about math in a group setting while winning prizes and playing games.

Fun Fact: I love to bake! I bake cakes for family birthdays.

Diya Gowda

Instructor
Hello! My name is Diya Gowda, and I am a senior at Neuqua Valley High School. In my free time, I enjoy reading books and baking cookies. At school, I am in the marching band, and I play on the badminton team. Outside of school, I play the piano and dance, and I volunteer at a hospital. My favorite subject in school has always been math because there are so many different ways that a problem can be solved or taught.

Favorite number: 36

Favorite Math Joke: Where should you do your math homework? On a multiplication table!

Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I plan on being in medical school as I want to pursue a future in medicine.

Why is Mathnasium fun? Mathnasium is fun because students are surrounded by a positive environment that encourages them to learn!

Fun Fact: My favorite Disney movie is Mulan!

Januly Fernando

Instructor
Hi, my name is Januly Fernando and I am a senior at Neuqua Valley High School. At school, I am the Chief Services Officer of the Mu Alpha Theta National Math Honors Society, help lead the GIDAS research club, and am involved in the orchestra program. Some of my hobbies include dancing, playing the violin, volunteering, and listening to music. I look forward to meeting new students and sharing my passion for math!

Favorite number: 25

Favorite Math Joke: How do you make seven even? Answer: Subtract the "s"

Where do you see yourself in five years: I see myself starting medical school.

Why is Mathnasium fun?: You get to learn important math skills and win prizes with your friends!

Fun Fact: I love to make puzzles! The biggest puzzle I have done so far is 3,000 pieces.

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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