Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Augusta

Emma

Nice to meet you, I'm Emma! I graduated from Augusta University with a bachelor's degree in mathematics- the best subject, of course. Math and I really get along, because nothing is more satisfying than finding the right answer. Joining the Mathnasium team has taught me so many useful skills, and I can't wait to share them to make math more enjoyable for our students. I look forward to seeing you at our center!

Alex

Nice to meet you, I’m Alex! Growing up my mom was a math teacher, and we always bonded over our love for the subject. I graduated from the inaugural class of Aiken Scholars Academy and shadowed under math professors at USC Columbia. I can't wait to meet you soon at Mathnasium!

Jeff Rucker

Jeff LOVES forecasting success for your child's future! Before opening the first area Mathnasium (in 2011), Jeff was the Chief Meteorologist at NBC Augusta for 12 years. His decision to bring Mathnasium to the CSRA is a logical follow-on to all his previous work as a Navy and broadcast meteorologist. Jeff often jokes that meteorology is 70% math, 20% science and 10% art. “I think I took more math classes in college and grad school than I did weather classes.” Since beginning his broadcast meteorology career back in 1996, Jeff has made school visits and weather education outreach a top priority. From pre-K to high school, Jeff has spoken to hundreds of classrooms all over the CSRA. Anyone who has ever seen one of Jeff’s weather talks (or weathercasts) knows that Jeff loves to teach. Besides making regular visits to area classrooms, Jeff teaches elementary kids at his church, Stevens Creek, and college students at Augusta State. Mathnasium affords Jeff the wonderful opportunity to expand his gift of teaching. “Now I can be in my own classroom all day!” Jeff also believes that math and science expos and fairs are critical to helping all kids understand how important and fun math can be. Jeff has played critical roles in the Middle School State Science Olympiad, SRS Technology Days, and Science Education and Enrichment Day at USC Aiken. “If kids can learn how to think, they will gain confidence to solve problems. Mathnasium is all about building a rock-solid mathematical foundation – we call it number-sense – that leads to confidence and accomplishment in all areas of life, not just in math!” Jeff holds a B.S. in Physics from the U.S. Naval Academy and an M.S. in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA. Jeff’s love for math started early! He even earned his high school varsity letter on the math team!

Christine Rucker

Christine, Jeff's wife, is his biggest cheerleader and is so excited to be involved with MATHNASIUM here in the CSRA! She is the behind-the-scenes staple that keeps it all together. Christine holds a B.S. in Communications from Old Dominion University. She has worked as a news producer at NBC and CBS in Norfolk VA and at NBC here in Augusta. Her experience line producing local news helps her juggle all the ins and outs of the Centers. As a mother to two college students, Christine knows how to make kids feel comfortable, encouraged and welcomed! She's excited to see you at the center very soon.

Rachel

It's nice to meet you, I'm Rachel! I graduated as Valedictorian from South Aiken Baptist High School. I am enrolled at the University of South Carolina-Aiken to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. I love working with school aged children and teenagers. I am thankful for the opportunity to help the students at Mathnasium. In high school, I tutored my classmates in math and helped them study for big tests and I loved each and every "lightbulb" moment they experienced. See you soon!

Esha

Hi, I'm Esha! I'm studying cell and molecular biology at Augusta University, with hopes to go to medical school. I love teaching at Mathnasium! It is a joy to watch our students really progress and actually ENJOY math! I look forward to seeing you at the Center soon!

David

Hello, my name is David! I am a student at Augusta University and I am majoring in physics and minoring in music. Having previously worked as a physics tutor at Augusta University, I enjoy seeing students learn and grow in their understanding of math. I think math can be really fun because it helps explain the world around us through equations and numbers! I enjoy reading, playing the piano, and spending time outdoors. I look forward to seeing you!

Sam

Hi, I'm Sam! I am currently studying physics at Augusta University, and I'm thrilled to be tutoring in Mathnasium. I am endlessly fascinated by the applications of mathematics outside the classroom. My goal is to not only help students understand, but also help build an appreciation for math concepts we experience in our everyday lives. What better way to experience the universe than to speak the language of the universe itself, math. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Xan

Hi! My name is Alexandra "Xan" Yu. I am studying Math and Forensic Chemistry at Augusta University. I enjoy teaching and I love math! It makes me happy when I can help students achieve that "lightbulb" or "aha!" moment. Outside of work, I enjoy doing black and white film photography and playing violin, cello, and mandolin with the Sand Hills String Band at Augusta University. I look forward to meeting you soon!!

Joseph

Hi, I’m Joseph! I graduated from Augusta University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Spanish, and I am very excited to be a math coach at Mathnasium! I love working with students to help them achieve their goals in school, and I am especially happy to do so through helping students learn and enjoy math. I think a strong foundation in math set students up for success as it helps us with our problem-solving skills, our understanding of the world around us, and so much more! I am very excited and hopeful to help build this foundation for your son or daughter. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Faith

Hi, my name is Faith! I’m a student at Augusta University. I am majoring in education. I have a passion for teaching students, and I love Math! I also enjoy dancing and singing. I love when I see students have an “aha” moment in Math. I hope to see you at the Center soon!

Tomo

Greetings! My name is Tomo! I earned a B.A. in English from USC-Aiken and SC Secondary Math Certification there as well. I have taught in the classroom for 30 years, ranging from Pre-algebra through AP Calculus BC and IB HL Math. I have since retired from the classroom but not because I wanted to stop teaching. I visited a Mathnasium center and was thrilled to see the amount of math pedagogy involved! I am pleased to be a part of Mathnasium and I look forward to sharing the excitement with you!

Colleen

Hello! My name is Colleen Salazar, and I am a graduate from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics. I have been a part of Mathnasium for many years - recently, my husband and I moved back home (Arizona) - I'm excited to still be involved with Mathnasium (using our at home platform)!