Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Temple

Jennifer Speer

Jennifer has a unique perspective that allows her to understand your kids and help them.

She is a successful business owner and homeschooling mom of 3! She has the perspective of an educator as well as a busy parent and knows the challenges of both. Jennifer knows how to engage the kids and hold their interest. She keeps them progressing in math in a way they will actually enjoy!

Jennifer has always had a strong grip on Mathematics, earning her B.B.A in Finance at Southwest Texas State University and then owning and operating a successful business for over 10 years in the Brazos Valley alongside her husband James.

After finding Mathnasium and seeing what it can offer kids, they made a tough decision to sell their successful business with its comfortable lifestyle and start all over again. As scary as that sounds, they knew that parents in the Brazos Valley wanted the best for their children at an affordable price. There was already so much available for the many college students in Bryan/College Station, but not for elementary, middle, and high school students. Now, after being open for several years and expanding to multiple locations, we have hundreds of amazing success stories as a result of our passionate instructors, inspiring learning environment, teaching style and curriculum at Mathnasium! Let us help your student! 

Favorite Math Joke: There are 3 kinds of people in this world... Those who can count, and those who can't.

Fun Fact: Graduated college in 3 1/2 years with a 4.0!

I love Mathnasium because: I get to be a part of a great organization that changes kids' lives! Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?!?

Larry Martinek

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.

Ethan Bruner

Ethan is a Texas native, born in Killeen and lived around the state his whole life. Though at home here in the Lone Star State, he aspires to experience the world and all it can offer with his best friend and spouse. After graduating from Texas State University with a degree in Music and Technology, Ethan has returned home to continue honing his teaching experience to educate and inspire new generations of inventors, artists, athletes, and more.

Favorite number: 299,792,458: the speed in meters per second of light in a vacuum. It is the theoretical speed limit of the universe! "We guarantee certainty, clearly referring to this light mnemonic."

Favorite math joke: Are monsters good at math? Not really, unless you Count Dracula!

In five years, I will be: A homeowner, continuing to build my future and forge my own path. I will have seen several countries and be planning my next adventure!

I love Mathnasium because: There exists countless opportunities to open students' eyes not only to beauty and necessity of math, but to learning as a whole. We're given the chance to understand our learners and inspire them to tackle problems with confidence and enthusiasm.

Randall Simpson

Randell is a 21 year old Temple native who is attending TAMUCT, majoring in mathematics. He comes from a long line of math educators, including his grandmother, father, aunt, uncle, and sister. He can often be found spending free time with his large family, consisting of 5 siblings, 8 nieces and nephews, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Favorite number: 159, because it is significant in my family.

Favorite math joke: 4 out of 3 people struggle with fractions.

In five years, I will be: Hopefully finished with my Bachelor's Degree, and beginning my Graduate Degree.

I love Mathnasium because: Everyday is a new adventure with the students. You never know what the day will bring, but it's always guaranteed that I will be able to help others.

Oliver Kwan

Oliver is a student at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. During his time in a math program for dual-credit students, he found a love for helping others develop confidence with math operations that they found intimidating. When he's not working or studying, he enjoys playing music, playing video and board games, and rock climbing.

Favorite number: 2, because it produces the same number when added, multiplied, or exponentiated to/by itself.

Favorite math joke: What do you call two dudes who love math? Algebros.

In five years, I will be: Settling down and starting a career in Occupational Therapy, possibly focusing on pediatrics.

I love Mathnasium because: It gives students a place to improve in math by developing an attitude that loves to overcome even the most formidable challenges.

Arun Rajendra

Arun is a student at Lake Belton High School. Arun has always been into math from a young age and loves to serve the community in meaningful ways. When he's not working or studying, he enjoys hiking, playing the guitar, playing basketball, and playing video games.

Favorite number: 7­ - it's the luckiest number!

Favorite math joke: I saw my math teacher with a piece of graph paper yesterday. I think he must be plotting something!

In five years, I will be: Hopefully graduating from college as a biology major and attending medical school.

I love Mathnasium because: It allows me to use my passion for math in a way that will leave a meaningful impact on the lives of young students.

Andrew Lanning

James McNeal

James is a student at Baylor University studying Finance and Spanish. He enjoys comics, video games, conspiracy theories, and his friends. He is always excited and ready to help anybody broaden their understanding of math! He has a passion for connecting with students and building deep relationships.

Favorite number: 13, because luck is a sham­ it's also prime!

Favorite math joke: "Have you heard the latest statistics joke?" "Probably."

In five years, I will be: Finishing law school and starting a career as an attorney in criminal, international, or immigration law.

I love Mathnasium because: The people and instructors are deeply invested and committed to helping anybody improve their math skills outside of a conventional classroom.

Samuel Kwan

Sam is a senior at Holy Trinity Catholic High School. At his high school, one of Sam's math teachers inspired him to teach others. Sam enjoys playing chess, playing/watching basketball, and playing video games.

Favorite number: 95 because of Lightning McQueen.

Favorite math joke: What did pi say to i? Get real. What did i say back to pi? Be rational.

In five years, I will be: Getting my degree in Electrical Engineering.

I love Mathnasium because: I really like math and I love helping people solve problems