Meet the Team at Mathnasium of High Park

Samantha McDonald

Samantha graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2017 with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology, specializing in Animal Physiology. She began at Mathnasium in 2019 as an instructor, bringing prior experience as a private tutor. 

In 2021, she was promoted to Assistant Centre Director. Samantha thrives on helping students understand math concepts in a way that finally makes sense to them. She’s known for her approachable, encouraging style and commitment to student success.

Thea Marin

Thea earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Toronto in 2020. She joined Mathnasium in 2017 as an instructor and stepped into the Assistant Centre Director role in 2021. 

Thea is passionate about helping students develop confidence in their math skills and works with learners of all ages. Her goal is always to make math not just understandable, but enjoyable. Her positivity and deep subject knowledge make her a favorite among students and parents alike.

Aaron

Aaron holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Pure Mathematics from the University of Alberta and a Master’s in Pure Mathematics from the University of Toronto. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Toronto. 

Aaron has been tutoring since high school and currently teaches university-level courses as a TA. His enthusiasm for advanced math concepts inspires students and makes challenging material accessible. At Mathnasium, he fosters a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to stretch their thinking.

Mark Zajac

Mark holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Notre Dame and a B.Sc. in Physics and Applied Math from McMaster University. He has over a decade of experience teaching math and physics at the university level, including appointments at the University of Utah and the University of Arkansas. 

His academic work includes research in biophysics and scientific computing, with postdoctoral work at UConn Health and UBC. Now at Mathnasium, Mark brings his deep expertise and love of teaching to help students build real understanding at their own pace.

Connor

Connor is a student at Ryerson University studying Chemical Engineering. Connor has always had a love of math, science, and all things a little 'nerdy' so becoming an instructor at Mathnasium came naturally to him. Connor has a passion for curiosity and learning and hopes that he can make others more curious about math as well. In his free time Connor enjoys reading, playing strategy games, and relaxing with his friends.

Rabia

Rabia is an Engineering Science candidate at the University of Toronto. Growing up, Rabia has always had a passion for taking on challenges and solving problems. Having worked as a YMCA camp counselor, Rabia also has experience working with young children. She is passionate about empowering young people to pursue careers in STEM.

Steven

Steve graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces where he enjoyed a 22 year career as a Logistics Officer. Steve also attended college in Medicine Hat, Alberta where he received a diploma in Computer Systems Technology, and became an Information Technology Consultant. In recent years Steve has applied himself to real estate investing and has written and published a book on investing. Steve learned early in life that understanding and applying math was very important and now he wants to pass on that knowledge and philosophy to students of Mathnasium.

Irene

After a 34 year career as a Finance Officer in the Canadian Army, Irene has returned to her mathematics roots as an instructor at Mathnasium. She graduated from York University with a Bachelor in Mathematics, went on to become a CPA, and has been an instructor at the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics. Irene really enjoys hearing students say “Oh, I get it” and “I remember when you taught me this last time”, as the ability to learn, apply and retain mathematical concepts is invaluable in life

Dominic

Currently retired from the pharmaceutical industry, Dominic’s credentials include a B.A. (Mathematics, U of Toronto) and a B.Ed. (Mathematics, Faculty of Education of the U of Toronto). In addition, Dominic earned both an M.A. and a Ph. D (Physical Anthropology, U of Toronto). While in Graduate School, Dominic was a Teaching Assistant/Lecturer for 6 years. Following his graduation, Dominic taught for school boards in Toronto and in Central Ontario, eventually moving on to a career in sales, which led him to the pharmaceutical industry in the role of a Medical Science Liaison. Throughout those years, Dominic continued to tutor mathematics to students who required his assistance. Dominic has consistently seen students improve their performance far beyond what they perceived to be their limitations. He has had the privilege of watching countless students create bridges over academic obstacles they previously thought were barriers to their progress and, in so doing, acquired a new confidence that served them well in other aspects of their life too.

Matthew

Matthew is currently in his second year of university at the University of Toronto completing a Physics and Math double major. Since high school, Matthew has worked as a math tutor, supporting students struggling with difficult math concepts. Matthew has a geniune interest and passion for helping others succeed and brings this passion to his work with every student he works with. When he’s not tutoring math, Matthew enjoys playing soccer and table tennis and spending time with friends.

Hien

Hien is a Computer Science student at Ryerson University who has a passion and talent for mathematics. Hien has a wealth of math tutoring experience and has worked extensively with children. Hien is excited to continue her work with youth and in math at Mathnasium. While Hien is known for her logical and mathematical mind, she is also passionate about music and the arts. Hien’s hobbies include photography and playing guitar.

Emma

Emma is a student at Ryerson University, where she is studying business. She developed a love of math when she was a Mathnasium student in high school and has worked with children as a camp counselor. Emma has always enjoyed giving back to her community through tutoring and donating hundreds of hours to aid individuals who are food insecure in Toronto. Her experience working with children and interest in helping others makes her a great addition to the Mathnasium team.

Isabella

Isabella is a second-year student at the University of Toronto double-majoring in Nutritional Sciences and Biochemistry. She is very passionate about helping others and has had several volunteer experiences working with children including as a Youth Assisting Youth Peer Mentor. Isabella hopes to continue making a positive impact and bring about her passion for learning to more children by working as a Mathnasium Instructor. During her free time, Isabella enjoys dancing, reading, and spending time outdoors with friends and family.