Our Team

Our specially trained math instructors will teach your child how to understand math in an individual setting; our unique approach enables us to explain concepts really well and lend a helping hand to every student. Our tutors foster a caring, encouraging environment that helps kids thrive and learn! Read below to learn more about our talented team:

Mo Riad, Owner/Center Director 

Mo Riad is the owner and Center Director of Mathnasium of Creve Coeur. He has a 20 year career in institutional investment management in Washington DC, New York, and St Louis, focusing on quantitative finance. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Wake Forest University and a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis.

 As a father of two children who attend schools in Creve Coeur, Mo wanted to have a place that his kids felt that they could excel with their math skills. In order to fulfill this dream, Mo decided to open a Mathnasium so not only his children could benefit, but also the center could serve the rest of the community. Mo's favorite number is 10 because there are 10 fingers total on our hands. He also enjoys to barbeque during his free time. 

 Larry Martinek, Creator of the Mathnasium Method

Larry has spent his entire career finding a better way to teach math. From inner city to public schools, to acclaimed magnet schools, to leading private and parochial schools, Larry has served as both a classroom teacher and as an educational consultant. He has designed curriculum, teaching strategies, and teaching materials designed to help students and teachers learn math more effectively, He has trained teachers in the art and science of boosting students' ability to "do" math, thereby increasing students' math scores and feeling of self-worth. Larry is the developer of Mathnasium's educational program - one of the most comprehensive and innovative curricula ever produced for teaching math.

While Larry is not an instructor at our center in Creve Coeur, he is a valuable asset and we can call on him to ask specific student's scenarios for guidance and advice.

Instructors 

Our specially trained math instructors will teach your child how to understand math in an individual setting; our unique approach enables us to explain concepts really well and lend a helping hand to every student. Our tutors foster a caring, encouraging environment that helps kids thrive and learn!

Our staff consists of highly qualified, experienced, and rigorously trained individuals who must first pass a comprehensive set of verbal and written assessments covering all aspects of mathematics and instruction philosophy before even being considered for a position.  Finally, all instructors are required to undergo continuous training, both online via Mathnasium University and in-center training during their employment at Mathnasium.

Our staff does an excellent job of teaching math; they create a positive, enthusiastic atmosphere providing the support and encouragement your child may need.  All of our instructors are patient, passionate about math and love to work with children. They are there to help your child succeed in school and in life. We welcome you to drop by and meet us anytime!

 Ms. Deena Rishmawi completed her first two years of school at community college and finished her Pure Mathematics degree at University of Missouri-St. Louis in May of 2016. She finished her Master's degree in Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Her favorite number is 7 because it is a great number. She also knows numerous languages including Arabic, German, and Greek. 

Lead Instructor

Mr. Stuart Klamen received his Bachelor's degree in Pure Mathematics from Hebrew University. He has taught math in the classroom from elementary school through high school. His favorite number is 32, which was also his high school basketball jersey number. He enjoys cooking and is known for cooking for a lot of people.

Assistant Center Director

Ms. Renee Fredman has over 15 years of experience in public education and nearly 20 years of experience in marketing research.  She completed her Missouri teaching certification in mathematics in 2017 and expects to finish her graduate degree in middle school math education in 2019.  Her undergraduate degree is in business administration.  Renee’s favorite number is 18 because it is the average of her two sons’ birthdays. 

 Instructor

 Mr. Tyler Wiederhold is pursuing his degree in Engineering.  He is particularly interested how Engineering and Cybersecurity intersect and hopes to have a career in that field one day. Tyler's favorite number is 4,294,967,296 which is 232 .  He enjoys punds and fencing. 

 Instructor

Mr. John Moritz received his undergraduate and graduates degrees in Engineering Management from Missouri Science and Technology University.  After a lengthy business career, he earned his mathematics teaching certificate from the American Board in 2018.  John is excited to be part of the Mathnasium team, and is committed to providing the best instruction possible to its dedicated students.  

  Instructor

Ms. Melissa Lopresti recieved her B.A. in both Mathematics and in Intelligence Studies. Her favorite number is 2 since it is the only even prime and number. She is an RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) from Lesotho. Her weekends are spent geocaching, playing volleyball, and travelling.  

Instructor

Ms. Sahi Jilakara is a high school senior at Rockwood Summit and an upcoming medical student at UMKC's School of Medicine. Her favorite number is 9 just because it has always been lucky for her. She is also a professional dancer and teacher at a family-owened school for the arts.

Instructor

Background Checks

Background checks are an essential part of the hiring process.  Each instructor is required to submit to and pass a comprehensive local and national criminal and sex offender back ground check before being considered for a position at the Center. 

Schedule a Free Consultation with our Center Director Today!