Our Team

Conceptual Understanding + Visualization = Deep Mathematical Knowledge Laurie is both an MSU and U of M fan holding degrees from both universities. In her undergraduate work, she majored in math/science and minored in English. Her M.A. degree from MSU is in Reading Instruction K-12. Although the majority of her thirty-three years of teaching has been in math instruction, she has found her reading and English background very beneficial for concept and vocabulary development as well as comprehension needed for understanding story problems. Laurie’s seasoned career is extensive in the educational field. In the Troy School District, she taught thirty-one years at the middle school level. She was also their K-12 math consultant. Laurie also had lead advisory experience in a charter school setting and currently does math coaching/consultant work for Oakland, Wayne and Macomb County. Laurie is actively involved at the national, state and local level for mathematics and is a member of NCTM, MCTM and DACTM. She was MCTM’s (Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics) middle school vice-president for six years and is currently on the DACTM board (Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics.) She has been conference chair for state mathematics conferences, has written numerous articles and been part of many publications at the local, state and national level. There is more pressure than ever before for all students to be successful in math and leave high school with at least a firm grasp of Algebra 2. Their math skills and scores are critical for college placement and scholarships and to compete in our global business world. The foundation for this math success lies in the roots of Number Sense. Mathnasium Learning Centers build Number Sense, and with it, a deep understanding and lifelong love of mathematics. Just as gymnasiums develop the body, Mathnasium develops the mind. Besides teaching academics, Laurie has also coached highly successful volleyball and cheerleading programs. Her two children, Jackie and Jimmy, were also actively involved with numerous sports, especially travel basketball and hockey and continue to play and coach as adults today. The discipline required to practice and improve one’s skills are as important for mathematics as they are for sports. Believing in yourself, strong work ethic, and a “practice makes perfect” attitude brings success. With success - comes FUN!

With over twenty years of marketing and sales management experience, Bill Sobolewski has a proven ability to deliver truly effective training programs. He can quickly identify needs and develop workable action plans that deliver the results people are looking for. His excellent communication skills enable him to easily build rapport with everyone. Over the years he has supervised and trained his own employees as well as customer employees and end users. An expert at integrating technology into everyday processes that improve performance, Bill creates excitement with his clients when their goals and objectives are met. Bill’s passion for success and helping children achieve their potential will have your children excited about math. As a student, Bill remembers classmates complaining about the math concepts being taught and asking, “When are we ever going to use this?” As a business professional Bill sees math being used in every career, everyday. It doesn’t matter what career you pursue, a strong math background is critical to succeed in the information age. Bill has experienced first hand with his own two daughters, Sarah and Katie, problems that occur when children don’t grasp and master the math concepts. Something as easy as being able to compute discounts or make change can limit a child’s early employment opportunities. Bill and Laurie were married in 2003. They have dreamed of working together and see Mathnasium as a perfect opportunity to fulfill their dream. They are excited about being able to create an attractive and supportive setting for children to develop much needed math skills and build confidence in their own abilities. In work and in life, Bill and Laurie, share similar philosophies and interests. They enjoy outdoor sports like sailing and golfing and love the competition that sports delivers.