Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Capitol Hill DC

Jonathan Hamel

After graduating from St. Albans School, Jonathan earned his BA in Economics at Wake Forest University and his International MBA in a joint degree program between the University of South Carolina and the Wirtschaftuniversität Wien in Austria. With a background in economics and a career in finance spanning nearly 20 years, he knows the importance of building a strong foundation in math. As a runner and former lacrosse player, Jonathan was quickly drawn to the idea of developing math skills in much the same way that athletes train to perfect their physical abilities. Jonathan enjoys working with children and is currently a volunteer coach for his sons' lacrosse team.

Laura Hamel

Laura is excited to welcome children and parents to Mathnasium and help kids learn math in a way that makes sense to them! Currently raising three sons, Laura understands the high value families in our community place on education. Laura graduated from Wake Forest University with a BS in Business. After discovering Mathnasium and opening their first center in 2014, Laura and Jonathan knew they had found the perfect way to combine their passion for children and education.

Samantha Impellizeri

Samantha is excited to join the Mathnasium team and help math make sense for our students! She attended Hofstra University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Pathology, Audiology, and Childhood Disabilities Studies. She has worked with children in various enrichment programs for over 13 years. Samantha has a passion for math that began when she was a Mathnasium student herself back in high school!

Jenny Colletti

Jenny has always had a passion for teaching. She believes there is more than one way to solve every problem and loves helping children develop their own sense of problem-solving and critical thinking. She graduated from the University of Miami, where she majored in Math and Sociology, and has been part of the Mathnasium team since 2013. She enjoys seeing the difference she makes in children's lives every day at Mathnasium.

Joelle Burgess

Joelle is excited to lead the Kendall team in helping kids develop a joy for learning and taking on greater challenges. Born in Jamaica and raised in New York City, she earned her degree in Political Science from Yale University. Over the past decade Joelle tutored children in math and science at after school programs for underserved youth, taught debate to students at a juvenile detention center, and homeschooled her own children during the pandemic. She’s always been fascinated with the diversity of teaching methods and learning styles that exist and knows firsthand the difference it can make when students find that perfect combination to unlock their learning potential... this is her mission with your child!

Karla Tavarez

Karla has always loved math! She earned degrees in Applied Mathematics and Economics from the University of South Florida and is passionate about encouraging students to share her enthusiasm for math. She is excited to continue to grow with Mathnasium and help create lifelong problem solvers!

Riss Mendizabal

My name is Riss Mendizabal! I was born in Matanzas, Cuba and grew up in Miami and graduated from Ransom Everglades. Education is something I have always been passionate about. As a former instructor for Breakthrough Miami, I know first hand the importance of a strong mathematical foundation in children's lives. In my off time, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my 7 year old lab, Lenny.