Our Team

Mike earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1988. He pursued graduate studies in Materials Science & Engineering while on the Research Staff at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Mike has worked as a research scientist, as well as in marketing and management.

Mike and his wife, Mary Lou, co-founded the Knoxville Children’s Choir in 1996, providing a fun and wholesome atmosphere for children to learn about music and grow as individuals with joy and confidence. That experience, together with a 25-year history of teaching children and youth in local schools and church, led Mike to the conclusion that his passion lies in building character and confidence in young people.

Mike has had a life-long love of mathematics and teaching, and feels that math is not about learning to be ready for the next math class – it’s about learning to think. He feels that Mathnasium is a great vehicle to build confidence in kids. “When a child develops that ‘numbers sense’ that helps them succeed in math, a whole new world opens up to them. That, in turn, builds a confidence that is born of real accomplishment, a confidence that spills over into all aspects of their lives.” He’s excited to bring Mathnasium to the children of Knoxville, where he will continue to contribute to students in his community.

Jordan is a junior at the University of Tennessee pursuing a degree in mathematics and a master's in education. Initially Jordan wanted to teach math at the secondary level, but through Mathnasium she has discovered a love for the younger grades too! Jordan loves the unique personalities and learning styles she has seen at Mathnasium and feels blessed to be a small part in every student’s education.

Abbey is a student at the University of Tennessee pursuing a degree in mathematics and a master’s in education. She has worked at Mathnasium since April 2010. When not at Mathnasium, Abbey is very involved with community service through her sorority Gamma Sigma Sigma. Abbey loves working at Mathnasium because it is helping her become a more effective teacher & she loves the children she works with on a personal level.

Riley Exum is a senior in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tennessee. After she graduates this summer, she is interested in pursuing a job with a design engineering firm. She loves working at Mathnasium because it allows her to help students get over the frustration that math can sometimes bring, and help them have fun along the way!

Savannah is a senior at the University of Tennessee studying mathematics with a minor in secondary education. She loves working at Mathnasium not only because of the fun atmosphere, but also because it provides a place where students actually enjoy learning. For Savannah, everyday she walks into work, she can't help but smile!

Sara is currently a senior at Bearden High School. She is looking to become a mathematics or pre-med major in the future. In addition to her passion for math, she is one of three Drum Majors for the BHS Marching Bulldogs. She started at Mathnasium in August 2011. Even though she has only been with Mathnasium a short time, she has loved guiding the students through the intricacies of mathematics and coming to work with an open mind and letting the children be the real teachers.

Michael is currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee studying aerospace engineering. He hopes to work with a company such as Boeing or Airbus to design aircraft upon graduation from college. Michael loves being able to work with students at Mathnasium and help them through their struggles of geometry, trigonometry, and calculus in their high school years, while still having the opportunity to teach young children the basic principles of mathematics.

Connor is currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, majoring in Chemical and Environmental Engineering and minoring in both Math and Chemistry. In his free time he likes to camp, hike, and climb. He loves having the opportunity to help students understand and appreciate math at Mathnasium.

Hillary is a senior at the University of Tennessee, majoring in mathematics and minoring in both French and secondary education. She hopes to one day be a high school math teacher and enjoys the experience that Mathnasium has given her. She loves the fact that Mathnasium is a place where students can find joy in doing math and is grateful to be a part of their learning experience.

Jason is a senior at the University of Tennessee majoring in mathematics with plans of becoming a high school math teacher. He enjoys being part of a such a great atmosphere which makes learning math fun and encouraging. The most rewarding part for him is watching the students progress into confident individuals that no longer dread math.

Brandi is a junior at the University of Tennessee studying nursing. She is a native of Savannah, TN. She started working at Mathnasium in November 2010 and has learned so much in the process of teaching the students. She loves working at Mathnasium because she soon hopes to have a career in nursing specializing in pediatrics, and this has been an excellent opportunity to begin to working with children of all ages.

Megan is a junior studying aerospace engineering at the University of Tennessee. After graduating, she plans on teaching math or physics with the Peace Corps in Eastern Europe, and Mathnasium has provided just the medium for a great beginning experience in teaching. She loves making math easy for students who are struggling and she hopes to continue to improve her teaching methods with the enthusiastic learners at Mathnasium.

Stefanie is a junior at the University of Tennessee majoring in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology. After she graduates from UT Stefanie plans to go to medical school and become a neurochemist. She loves working at Mathnasium and helping students overcome their frustrations towards math by relating their math problems to everyday life and making it easier to understand because, after all, it’s not brain surgery!