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.

Rebekah Padilla

Instructor

Rebekah enjoys teaching math because it allows for creativity and problem-solving. She loves that while there may be many ways to approach a problem, there's usually only one right answer. At Mathnasium, she finds joy in helping students change their perspective on math and grow in confidence. 

Her favorite number is 21 since it looks like a prime number but isn’t, and it’s also her birthday. Outside of teaching, Rebekah enjoys being outdoors, playing tennis, reading, and trying new recipes in the kitchen.  

Mary Debellina

Instructor

Maya Iyer

Instructor

Maya loves math because it challenges her to think creatively and explore a variety of concepts. She enjoys sharing her enthusiasm with students and finds it rewarding to help them build confidence in their skills. 

Her favorite number is 11 because it's her birthday. Outside of Mathnasium, Maya runs cross country and is training for a half marathon. She also enjoys playing soccer with friends, especially during warm weather. 

Alex Drews

Instructor

Alex enjoys the challenge and logic of solving math problems and puzzles. He’s excited to make math fun for students and help them approach problems with confidence and curiosity. 

His favorite number is 42, famously known as the "answer to life, the universe, and everything." When he’s not teaching, Alex enjoys playing chess and is currently studying at Harper College. 

Krish Raval

Instructor

Hi I’m Krish! I love math because it challenges me to think logically and creatively at the same time. I enjoy how math connects ideas in unexpected ways and shows how reasoning can explain a lot about the world around us. I enjoy teaching at Mathnasium because I love seeing students truly understand math as a whole rather than just memorization. My favorite number is phi (φ) because although it is an irrational number, it represents the golden ratio that is found in nature, art, and more, representing proportion. A fun fact about myself is that I have performed at the Chicago Symphony Center as well as the Ravinia Music Festival. If I’m not doing math, you can find me playing along to songs on my drum set or playing basketball with friends!

Maya Joshi

Instructor

Hi! My name is Maya and I like math because it challenges me to think of problems conceptually and is applicable to everyday life. I enjoy working at Mathnasium because it is rewarding to see students gain knowledge and confidence in various concepts. My favorite number is7 because I can write it so many different ways but the number always means the same thing. A fun fact about me is that I have been to over 30different countries! When I'm not instructing, I enjoy playing golf and spending time with my friends and family.

Aranab Piya

Instructor
My name is Aranab Piya. I like math because I like to do problem solving and it works my brain.  I like instructing at Mathnasium because I enjoy talking to students and helping them grow in their math skills. My favorite number has to be 7, he just seems like a cool guy. An interesting fact about me is that I like to try different foods from different cultures. If I am not teaching math you could find me playing basketball with my brother.

Shiven Venigalla

Instructor

My name is Shiven Venigalla. I like math because I like the challenge it gives me to think and use my problem solving skills to find solutions. I enjoy teaching at Mathnasium because I like working with other people and showing them how to figure things out. My favorite number is 12 because it’s my birthday. A fun fact about me is that I can speak 3 different languages. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my friends and playing sports like basketball and pickleball.

Egor Iakovlev

Instructor

Math is more than numbers to me. It is a way of seeing and understanding the world. It teaches me to look for patterns, think logically, and solve problems step by step instead of guessing. Whether I am studying, making decisions, or facing everyday challenges, math helps me break complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. I enjoy teaching math because I like helping people understand concepts that once seemed difficult. It is rewarding to see someone become more confident after solving a problem on their own. I want to work at Mathnasium because it focuses on building understanding instead of just memorizing formulas. I like that every student learns at their own pace, and I would enjoy being part of a team that helps students develop confidence and a positive attitude toward math. A fact that not many people know about me is that I participated in several national-level math and economics competitions while growing up in Russia. These competitions challenged me to solve complex problems and helped develop my analytical thinking from an early age. My favorite number is 888 because I’ve always liked how it looks. It’s simple, easy to remember, and in many cultures it’s considered a lucky number.

Madhumitha Manivannan

Instructor

To me, math isn't just about memorizing formulas or calculating answers, but also the fact that math teaches logic, patience, and how to break down complex challenges into manageable steps. I love turning difficult learning moments into the moment where the concepts simply click! Mathnasium lets me help kids build real confidence, master math through fun, customized learning, and genuinely enjoy every step of their journey. A fun fact about me is that I used to do Quiz Bowl in high school, and Speech and Debate in college! My favorite number is 11 because it connects my entire family—every single one of our important dates features 11!

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.

Quote Quote
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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Student using math cubes to solve fractions
Student working with a math tutor at a local math learning center

Want to join the Mathnasium team?

Are you interested in changing lives through math? We're looking for outstanding individuals with a high level of commitment who are passionate about teaching math. Find out if there's a Mathnasium position that's just right for you!

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