Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Five Dock

Joshua Merline

Meet Joshua, the dynamic Centre Co-Director of Mathnasium Five Dock, where he teams up with his wife, Samantha, to offer top-notch maths tutoring. As a father of three, Joshua's dedication extends beyond the classroom, aiming to make Mathnasium the premier destination for maths education in the Inner West. While Samantha brings a passion for education, Joshua drives the centre's mission with a unique blend of motivation and commitment, focused on providing unparalleled learning experiences. He envisions Mathnasium as a place where every child can uncover their mathematical potential in a supportive and engaging environment. When he's not strategising the next big step for Mathnasium, Joshua is all about balance. Whether he's at the gym, engaging in various sports, exploring the outdoors with his kids on their bikes, or expanding his knowledge in the health industry, he embodies a lifestyle of activity and continuous learning.

Venessa Andreacchio

MEET VENESSA 👋 Introducing Venessa, a cherished mother of three and grandmother of five, soon to be 6. She finds joy in the bustling, beautiful life she leads. Venessa believes firmly in the importance of mathematics. Reflecting on the evolution from the maths of the 70s to today, she emphasises that understanding maths is crucial in a world where it's omnipresent; without it, one risks being left behind. Her culinary heart beats for seafood – a testament to her love for all things oceanic. When not indulging in maritime delights, Venessa enjoys the classic vibes of "Grease," though she's equally captivated by the investigative twists of CSI and NCIS. A quote close to her heart, "Family is the most important thing in the world," by Princess Diana, mirrors her life philosophy. For holidays, she's torn between the tranquillity of sun, surf, and sand and the exhilarating buzz of Las Vegas. Weekends for Venessa are about savouring good food and cherishing great company, embodying her appreciation for life's simple yet profound pleasures. At Mathnasium, Venessa feels right at home amidst the vibrant energy. She admires the dedication and intelligence of the tutors, the enthusiastic learning spirit of the children, and the exceptional leadership of Samantha, the centre's owner. Venessa's connection with Mathnasium is more than just academic—it's a testament to a community where everyone is inspired to learn and grow.

Lisa Evans

MEET LISA 👋 Introducing Lisa, a devoted mother to two wonderful adult children and one cherished fur baby. A lifelong resident of her scenic waterfront community, she finds joy and peace in the natural beauty that surrounds her. Lisa champions the importance of mathematics, advocating that it's essential in everyday life and noting that tackling math problems is like giving our brains a healthy workout. Her culinary tastes are as rich and varied as her interests, with Italian and Lebanese cuisines topping her list of favourites. "Marley and Me" holds a special place in her heart as her all-time favourite movie, embodying her love for animals and poignant life stories. Italy steals the spotlight as her ultimate holiday destination, with dreams of it becoming her second home one day. Embracing the mantra "Live life to the fullest and focus on the positive," Lisa embodies this sentiment in every aspect of her life. Weekends find her basking in family time, enjoying meals out with friends, and taking leisurely walks with her beloved Cocker Spaniel along the picturesque bays. At Mathnasium, Lisa's passion shines brightly as she revels in witnessing children's growth and their journey towards reaching their full potential. She lauds the commitment and support of the tutors and delights in the students' eagerness to share their academic triumphs. Lisa's involvement in Mathnasium is more than a role; it's a reflection of her dedication to fostering a nurturing and motivational learning environment.

Liam Young

MEET INSTRUCTOR LIAM 👋 Meet Liam, the Lead Instructor at Mathnasium, where his passion for maths comes to life! Liam isn't just your average maths enthusiast; he's a lover of sports, music, and an impressive 4th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo. His love for maths? It's beyond measure, and he channels this passion into helping our students excel and overcome their academic challenges. When he's not solving complex equations or helping students find their maths mojo, you might find him indulging in his favourite meal, pizza, or enjoying the serene beauty of winter. Currently, Liam is a third-year Architecture student at the University of Sydney, where he's honing his skills to design the future, one blueprint at a time. But what truly makes Liam's heart sing is witnessing the 'aha!' moments at Mathnasium. He thrives on seeing students break through barriers, improve their grades, and swell with pride over their accomplishments. Join Liam at Mathnasium, where maths learning is transformed into an adventure filled with endless possibilities!

Carl Cassia

MEET INSTRUCTOR CARL 👋 Meet Carl, a dedicated and long-standing member of the Mathnasium team, who not only shares a new-found love for travel but also brings a world of knowledge to our maths learning centre. Carl believes that maths isn't just a subject but a vital part of our daily lives, essential for developing logical reasoning and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Carl isn't just all about numbers; he's a multi-talented individual who was his school's chess champion, enjoys playing football (soccer) on the weekends, and boasts an impressive travel log of over 15 countries, with Greece and its stunning islands holding a special place in his heart. When it comes to cuisine, he can't get enough of any type of seafood dish, a testament to his adventurous spirit and zest for life. Currently, Carl is in his fourth year studying Mechanical Engineering at UNSW, where he's not only sharpening his mathematical skills but also preparing to make significant contributions to the field. At Mathnasium, Carl appreciates the personalised learning plans that allow him to meet students right where they are in their educational journey. He thrives on the ability to tailor lessons to each student's unique needs, ensuring that every child finds confidence and success in mathematics.

Sofia Underwood

MEET INSTRUCTOR SOFIA 👋 Meet Sofia, a vibrant second-year university student with a deep-seated love for reading, music, crafts, and tennis. When she's not acing her studies in Astrophysics & Astronomy, Sofia unwinds by channelling her creativity into making toys and clothes, adding a touch of warmth and personality to everything she touches. For Sofia, maths isn't just a subject; it's the language of the universe, a tool that unlocks the mysteries of the world around us. Her passion for mathematics is matched only by her love for the stars, inspiring her favourite quote: “For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me want to dream.” It's this blend of curiosity and wonder that makes her weekends spent with friends in nature so fulfilling. But what Sofia cherishes most is her role at Mathnasium, where she relishes the opportunity to connect with students, guiding them through their maths journey. Witnessing their growth, as they improve and surmount challenges, brings her immense joy and satisfaction. Join Sofia at Mathnasium, where she's not just teaching maths but inspiring a generation to dream big and reach for the stars!

Zachary Zerafa

MEET INSTRUCTOR ZACH 👋 Meet Zach, the embodiment of positivity and enthusiasm at Mathnasium, where his super awesome vibes and happy demeanour make maths learning an adventure for every student. Zach's philosophy? Life, in all its complexity and simplicity, is deeply rooted in mathematics – it's an indispensable tool that everyone should have in their repertoire. What's so awesome about Zach? Well, aside from his infectious enthusiasm, he has a penchant for the diverse flavours of Italian and Japanese cuisine and loves to dabble in the intricate world of computer software and hardware. His favourite meal might be a hearty plate of pasta followed by some decadent chocolate (but definitely not at the same time!), embodying his knack for blending different elements, whether it's food or maths concepts. When he's not illuminating the minds of young mathematicians, Zach is immersed in his third year of Computing Science at UTS, unravelling the complexities of code and digital landscapes. Summer is his season of choice – a perfect match for his sunny disposition and the optimistic outlook he brings to Mathnasium. Zach lives by the mantra, "Why do we fall, sir? So that we may learn to pick ourselves up." This favourite quote of his not only fuels his resilience but also shapes his teaching philosophy. At Mathnasium, he thrives on creating meaningful connections with students from all walks of life, guiding them through the world of maths with patience, understanding, and a firm belief that every setback is a stepping stone to greater understanding.

Maleeka Prabhakar

MEET INSTRUCTOR MALEEKA 👋 Meet Maleeka, a Five Dock local and a vibrant member of our Mathnasium family, who brings her boundless enthusiasm and love for maths into every session. Maleeka sees maths as more than just numbers and equations; to her, it's a fundamental cornerstone of the universe, built on pure logic and indisputable truths. Her passion is not just in solving mathematical problems but in unravelling the mysteries they hold. Maleeka's love for learning extends beyond mathematics; she's a polyglot in the making, with a special affinity for Romance languages. Having studied Latin at university, she's proficient in French and has dabbled in Italian and Spanish, aiming to weave these beautiful languages into her everyday conversations. When she's not immersed in the world of axioms and theorems, Maleeka enjoys the adrenaline rush of a good action movie and the comforting flavours of her mum's home-cooked Indian curries. Currently, she's deepening her knowledge and understanding as she pursues a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies, majoring in mathematics and philosophy at the University of Sydney. Her academic journey reflects her diverse interests and her belief in the power of learning, encapsulated by her favourite quote from Albert Einstein: "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." Maleeka's love for maths was evident early on, having excelled in extension 2 mathematics in school and choosing it as her major in university. But what truly lights up her day is the camaraderie she experiences at Mathnasium and the joy of witnessing students grow and succeed. She finds immense satisfaction in contributing to a positive learning environment where kids are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and discover the joy of maths.

Isabella Zhang

MEET INSTRUCTOR ISABELLA 👋 Meet Isabella, a dynamic and enthusiastic Mathnasium Instructor with a unique blend of passions that span the creative arts and the analytical world of maths/STEM. Her vibrant personality and passion for teaching make learning an exciting adventure for her students. Isabella’s not-so-secret obsession? A master strategist at Connect Four, she brings the same level of dedication and fun to every session at Mathnasium. When it comes to cuisine, she’s all about the vibrant flavours of Korean food, a testament to her adventurous spirit and love for diverse experiences. Currently, she’s diving deep into the world of Medical Science in her second year at UNSW, blending her love for science with her innate curiosity and drive to make a difference. Her favourite quote, “You must be the change you want to see in the world,” perfectly encapsulates her proactive and positive approach to life and teaching. Weekends for Isabella? You’ll find her immersed in the world of crafts, especially painting, where she expresses her creative side and unwinds from the analytical rigor of her studies and teaching. Isabella's love for maths is immeasurable, fuelled by the joy and challenge it brings into her life. At Mathnasium, she cherishes the centre's carefree environment, where making mistakes is part of the learning process, not something to fear. This philosophy helps her students embrace challenges, learn from their mistakes, and grow in confidence and ability.

Ben Anthony

MEET INSTRUCTOR BEN👋 Meet Ben, a warm and dedicated Mathnasium instructor with a special knack for making maths fun and accessible. Ben's journey with maths has been a lifelong adventure – it was his shining star in school, providing him with a sense of achievement and purpose. But there's more to Ben than just numbers and equations; he's also a talented musician, capable of playing four different instruments! This blend of analytical and creative skills makes his teaching style uniquely effective and engaging. When it comes to refuelling his energy, Ben can't resist the crispy, savoury delights of KFC, a simple pleasure that complements his straightforward and genuine personality. Summer is his preferred season, mirroring his warm, sunny disposition and the positive energy he brings to every tutoring session. Ben recently celebrated a significant milestone, having graduated from UTS with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. This accomplishment has not only deepened his analytical skills but also enhanced his approach to teaching mathematics, making him a valuable asset to the Mathnasium team. What truly excites Ben about working at Mathnasium is witnessing the transformation in students as they conquer maths challenges. He thrives on the fun, interactive learning environment and takes great pride in seeing his students grow in confidence and ability.

Taasha Cahill

MEET INSTRUCTOR TAASHA 👋 Meet Taasha, not just a bright smile and beacon of positivity at Mathnasium, but her deep-seated passion for maths lights up the room! Taasha isn't just any instructor; she's a polyglot, fluent in five different languages, which not only makes her an incredible communicator but also adds a rich, multicultural depth to her teaching style. When she's not deciphering complex equations, Taasha indulges in her love for pasta, a simple yet delightful pleasure that mirrors her straightforward yet effective approach to maths tutoring. Summer is her season of choice, embodying her warm, bright spirit and endless energy. Taasha lives by the mantra, "Maths gives us hope that every problem has a solution," a belief that she instils in each of her students, encouraging them to approach challenges with optimism and determination. Over the weekends, you can find her exploring nature and embarking on long walks with her dogs, embracing the beauty and tranquillity of the outdoors. Her love for maths? It's boundless, extending beyond all the digits of pi, a testament to her unwavering enthusiasm and dedication to the subject. But what truly sets Taasha apart is her appreciation for Mathnasium's unique approach to education. She's a staunch advocate for the centre's personalised learning plans, which ensure that every child's individual needs are met, fostering an environment where students don't just learn—they thrive.

Abigail Ong

MEET INSTRUCTOR ABIGAIL 👋 Meet Abigail, a vibrant Mathnasium instructor who brings her whole heart into supporting kids in their learning journey. Abigail finds her balance in the logical precision of maths, which stands in fascinating contrast to her other more subjective interests, such as reading and exploring different cultures and ideas. Abby isn't just about books and numbers; she's a seasoned athlete, having competed in state and nationals for water polo, showcasing her dedication, teamwork, and competitive spirit. When she's not making waves in the pool, you might find her on the basketball court, hitting tennis balls, or delving into the world of mathematics and mentorship. Her love for engaging and heart-warming narratives shines through her favourite TV shows, like the family dynamics in "Modern Family" and the mystery-solving adventures of "Scooby Doo." These shows reflect Abigail's approachable, fun-loving nature and her ability to connect with people (and kids!) from all walks of life. When it comes to food, Abigail has a penchant for the flavourful and the exotic, with Pad See Ew ranking as her top meal choice. This Thai dish mirrors her appreciation for diverse experiences and her adventurous palate. Abigail lives by the words of Dr. Seuss, "The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” This favourite quote of hers encapsulates her belief in the power of education and the endless possibilities that come with knowledge. It's this belief that she brings to Mathnasium, creating an environment where kids are encouraged to explore, question, and grow their mathematical skills.

Emma Swan

MEET INSTRUCTOR EMMA 👋 Meet Emma, a dedicated student and an all-around friendly soul who brings her warmth and enthusiasm to Mathnasium. Emma's love for maths is just as strong as her love for summer and sushi – a unique combination that reflects her diverse interests and vibrant personality. Her favourite quote, "You can have excuses or results, not both," speaks volumes about her determined and proactive approach, both in her studies and while guiding students at Mathnasium. This philosophy not only drives her personal growth but also inspires those around her to strive for their best without holding back. When she's not solving mathematical puzzles, you can find Emma soaking up the sun, embracing the joys of summer, or enjoying a delicious sushi roll – her ultimate go-to meal for any occasion. Weekends for Emma are all about connection and relaxation; she loves spending quality time with friends, exploring new places, and creating memorable experiences. At Mathnasium, Emma treasures the positive and encouraging environment that allows kids to thrive. She is passionate about helping students not just improve their maths skills but also gain confidence, ask questions, and take charge of their learning journey.

Lisa Vo

MEET INSTRUCTOR LISA 👋 Meet Lisa, a vibrant Mathnasium instructor with a passion for education and a heart for kids. As a second-year university student, she's not just about books; she loves to travel, dive into melodies, and share her joy of learning. For Lisa, maths isn't just numbers; it's a way of life. It sharpens her logical thinking and is a daily tool, from ensuring precision in cooking to making smart shopping choices. Her mantra? "Understanding maths means staying one step ahead!" Something awesome? Lisa's a linguistic marvel, fluent in four languages and didn't stop there; she's self-taught in Chinese Mandarin through gaming and is currently mastering Korean. Talk about dedication! When it comes to food, Lisa's all about the warmth and communal joy of a hotpot or the sizzling comfort of a homemade steak for dinner. As for her studies, she's immersing herself in the world of commerce and marketing at The University of Sydney, with an eye on international horizons, having already explored Korea on a study trip and eagerly anticipating an exchange program. Lisa's favourite quote, "Good things take time," reflects her patient and optimistic outlook. Weekends are her time to shine, whether she's networking at university society events, snagging some free food, or getting lost in a music jamming session. Her love for maths? It's off the charts – let's just say it's as infinite as her enthusiasm for learning and teaching at Mathnasium.