Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Boise

Sophia Orm

Sophia is an Idaho native, graduating from Eagle High School with her Associate of General Science degree in addition to her High School Diploma. She is attending Boise State University pursuing her bachelor’s degree in chemistry with minors in criminal justice and American Sign Language. Sophia joined the Mathnasium team in February of 2022 as an instructor, and has worked her way up to Assistant Center Director by July 2022. She has worked in for elderly care and currently also works as a teaching assistant for the American Sign Language department at BSU. In between working at the center and doing homework, Sophia enjoys drinking Dutch Bros and cooking.

Education: I graduated from Eagle High School and I’ve attended 2 years at Boise State University.

Fun Fact: I was on the wrestling team my freshman year of high school.

Favorite Number: 9 – It was my soccer jersey number until I was in high school!

Why I Love Mathnasium: I enjoy spending time connecting with the kids. I’m also driven to improve our center’s operations and maintain relationships with parents and students alike.

Brandon Alley

Brandon traveled a lot growing up; he has lived in Germany, England, Idaho, and Alaska. He graduated from Timberline High School in Boise. Brandon is currently a second-year engineering major at Boise State University. He joined the Mathnasium team in September 2021 and became lead instructor in March 2022. In his free time, Brandon enjoys eating Chick Fil A and IHOP, playing video games, and spending time with his friends.

Fun Fact: I played drumline in the high school band, I learned to ski in Germany, and I eat Chick Fil-A multiple times a week.

Education: I Graduated from Timberline High School, I’ve attended 2 years at Boise State University.

Favorite Number: 12!

Why I love Mathnasium:All the students are fun to be around with their unique understanding of math and interest in exploring more!

Cait Smith

Cait grew up traveling as part of a military family. She has lived in Washington, Japan, Nebraska, and England. She graduated high school from Joel E. Ferris in Spokane, Washington. Cait is currently finishing her degree in elementary education at Boise State University. Cait joined the Mathnasium team in May 2022, and has been a lead instructor since October 2023. Cait also works for the YMCA as a staff counselor for summer camps. Cait loves to travel on the weekends, as well as spend time with her friends.

Education: I Graduated from Joel E. Ferris High School and I’ve attended 5 years at Boise State University.

Favorite Number: 6– It’s even and it rocks!

Fun Fact: I have weathered many hurricanes; I have a six year old brother.

Why I love Mathnasium:I love working with all different types of students and watching them make breakthroughs.

Mark Steadman

Mark is a senior at Timberline High School. Mark was born in Orange County California, but would consider himself a fully-fledged Idahoan after moving to Boise in his early years. He enjoys working at Mathnasium because he likes working with and befriending kids especially if he can help them learn something new and overcome their mathematical challenges. Mark enjoys reading, singing, acting, and spending time outside with friends.

Favorite Food: Mother’s enchiladas

Fun Fact: I play drums and sing in a band with my friends

Jeff Farley

Jeff was born and raised in Idaho, growing up in Orofino but graduated from Capital HS here in Boise. While in high school, he had a successful track career and also played football and basketball. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in secondary education at Boise State University after attending the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. He also earned his Masters at University of Idaho in K-12 School Administration. After teaching math for 10 years at Capital High school, he became principal at Hillside Junior High, then Monroe Elementary. Jeff has been Cynthia Mann Elementary’s principal for 5 years. Jeff loves to influence young minds and hearts; coaching and molding students is his drive and passion. After school, Jeff enjoys coming to Mathnasium to get back to coaching math. On the weekends and in the summer, Jeff spends his time fishing, hunting, and camping, as well as spending time with his college aged sons.

Education: Masters from University of Idaho, Bachelor’s from Boise State University, also attended Undergrad at USCCA

Fun Fact: I slept on my school’s roof in a unicorn onesie in March 2020 because my students met their reading goal for the Read-athon.

Favorite Number: 9 - it was my college football number. Also, it’s a perfect square.

Why I love Mathnasium: Mathnasium gives us the opportunity to help kids through remediation or extension.

Jean Wartha

Jean grew up in Brazil, with the ambition of becoming a school teacher. He moved to the U.S. five years ago, and graduated from Boise State University with his K-12 Math Teaching degree in May 2022. Jean joined the Mathnasium team in November 2022, and is hopeful to transition to a middle school math classroom this next school year. Jean loves dirt bikes and motocross, and can speak English, Portugese, and Spanish.

Fun Fact: I love the Beatles!! My favorite album is A Hard Day's Night.

Favorite Number: 9

Education: I Graduated from Boise State University in K-12 Math Education and I have my teaching credential in math.

Why I Love Mathnasium: I love the environment! It is such a pleasure to work here.