Our Team

John graduated from Drury University, majoring in Physics, Mathematics and Education. Having worked in both the public schools and industry for many years, John has spent the last ten years working to improve Math and science education in Illinois. He has worked for The Teacher’s Academy for Mathematics and Science, Waubonsee Community College and the University of Illinois as a specialist in science and mathematics education. He has developed instructional programs, trained and supported teachers in improving instructional techniques, developing curricular materials and created many successful delivery strategies for the classroom. John has extensive experience in teaching children at all grade levels, scoring of state standards tests (ISAT), evaluation of instructional programs, and project management. He earned his master's degree in education with an emphasis on instructional design from Northern Illinois University. He brings this experience, expertise and enthusiasm to Mathnasium. John has chosen the Mathnasium Method as the best solution for students in schools who need to catch up, keep up or get ahead in Math. “The Mathnasium Method is the best process I have ever seen to address the needs of Math students at all levels of understanding. I am excited to be able to utilize the extensive strategies and materials developed for Mathnasium to teach students math in a way that makes sense to them.”

Karla grew up in Plainfield, IL and graduated from Plainfield Central High School. She is currently attending Joliet Junior College. Karla will be transferring to a 4-year University where she will major in Mathematics. Her goal is to become a high school math teacher, and track coach. She speaks English and Spanish and hopes that this skill will help some students learn math more proficiently. Karla gained experience in tutoring with her brother and friends while attending Central. Karla knows the Mathnasium experience and training provides a tremendous boost to her skills. She wants to apply these skills and practice when she becomes a teacher. Karla is excited to start tutoring the kids and show them the importance of understanding mathematics.

Zach is currently attending Joliet Junior College were he is pursuing courses for transfer to a four-year university where he will earn a Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering. At Joliet Junior College Zach has tutored in the Math Center, is a student ambassador, and part of Phi Theta Kappa’s Honor Society. Zach is also volunteering his free time to the Dupage County Area Project which is an after school mentor/tutor program for elementary and middle school students. As an engineering major, it is essential to have skills in math and problem solving. At Mathnasium Zach, hopes to give students the skills to make math something the students look forward to learning.

Matthew is currently a senior enrolled in Minooka Community High School. He is holding a 4.0 GPA and is ranked very high in his class. Matthew is very technically oriented and so we have been keeping him busy with all of the technical setup for the center. Matthew is also musically talented with playing guitar and piano and is studying the romance languages with his focus presently on French.

Paulina graduated from Joliet Junior College with honors, earning an Associate degree. Paulina is currently a student at Benedictine University where she is majoring in Math Education. Her goal is to become a Middle School Math Teacher and she sees Mathnasium as an opportunity to put the skills she is learning to work helping students. Paulina is proficient in Algebra and Calculus and will be working with students in these areas. Paulina worked for two years in an after school program which assisted students with homework and provided athletic coaching. Paulina is Bi-lingual in Polish and English. She enjoys skiing, table tennis and travel. About teaching children at Mathnasium, Paulina says "I'm so happy to share the Mathnasium program with children! It's exciting to see a child's reaction when they really understand a concept."

Ron was born and raised in Joliet,IL. He is a proud Steelman graduating from Joliet Central. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in Mechanical Engineering. Ron and his wife Jodi raised their three children in Plainfield. All three children graduated from the Plainfield High Schools. The older two are college graduates and now live in Denver while the youngest is a senior at Elmhurst College. He also has a granddaughter living in Denver. Ron’s 31-year career has consisted of progressive engineering and management positions at Olin Corporation and Nalco Company. He early retired from Nalco in 2009 as the Facility Director of North and Latin American Facilities. Since retirement, Ron and Jodi spend as much time as possible with their children and granddaughter in Denver and love to travel. They have been finding their roots with trips to Scotland, Italy and Sweden. Ron’s engineering background helps him to demonstrate the importance of various math skills in everyday applications. “Helping kids is very rewarding when you see the light go on in their head the moment they realize that they now understand the concepts.”

Sam Gerges has a bachelor's degree in secondary education with a teaching major in mathematics. Sam loves to teach math and has been doing so since 1998. He grew up in Cairo, Egypt, and graduated from Ain Shams University. He went on to teach for several years in Cairo -- general math at the middle school level, and algebra and statistics at the high school level. Since coming to the United States in 2006, Sam has been a teaching assistant and math tutor in middle schools in the Aurora area. He has also been a professional tutor of calculus and advanced mathematics. He is currently working on requirements for his Illinois Teaching Certificate and looks forward to returning to the classroom. Sam and his wife were proud to become United States citizens in 2011. They have three young sons and are active members of St. George's Coptic Orthodox Church. Sam is happy to be doing what he loves at Mathnasium Learning Center.

Mitchell Nahikian, also known as Mr. Mitch. Currently is a high school senior at Plainfield Central. He is currently enrolled in AP Calculus. In school, math has always been his favorite subject and he has excelled in it. Since 6th grade Mitch has been a part of the accelerated and honors prgrams for math and science. Mitch is very much a people person he likes talking with people and they also like talking with him. Mitch has tutored in programs at school for several years. He has learned that good instruction takes a lot of patience when and a willingness to try different methods because "I know everyone learns differently and at a different pace".