Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Johnston-Grimes

Jennifer Speer

Jennifer has a unique perspective that allows her to understand your kids and help them.

She is a successful business owner and homeschooling mom of 3! She has the perspective of an educator as well as a busy parent and knows the challenges of both. Jennifer knows how to engage the kids and hold their interest. She keeps them progressing in math in a way they will actually enjoy!

Jennifer has always had a strong grip on Mathematics, earning her B.B.A in Finance at Southwest Texas State University and then owning and operating a successful business for over 10 years in the Brazos Valley alongside her husband James.

After finding Mathnasium and seeing what it can offer kids, they made a tough decision to sell their successful business with its comfortable lifestyle and start all over again. As scary as that sounds, they knew that parents in the Brazos Valley wanted the best for their children at an affordable price. There was already so much available for the many college students in Bryan/College Station, but not for elementary, middle, and high school students. Now, after being open for several years and expanding to multiple locations, we have hundreds of amazing success stories as a result of our passionate instructors, inspiring learning environment, teaching style and curriculum at Mathnasium! Let us help your student! 

Favorite Math Joke: There are 3 kinds of people in this world... Those who can count, and those who can't.

Fun Fact: Graduated college in 3 1/2 years with a 4.0!

I love Mathnasium because: I get to be a part of a great organization that changes kids' lives! Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?!?

Larry Martinek

Larry has spent his entire career finding a better way to teach math. From inner city 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 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 curriculas ever produced for teaching math. While Larry is not an Instructor at our Center, he is a valuable asset we can call on to ask about specific students' scenarios for guidance and advice. This has helped to make visits more productive and enjoyable for many of our students.

Braden Zach

Braden is a junior at Dallas Center-Grimes High School in Grimes. He is involved in many extracurricular activities including the National Honor Society, Band, Student Council, and Student Ambassadors. Ever since he was a youngster, he always loved school and learning about new concepts. As he got into his high school career, he became interested in leading, and volunteering in various ways. In high school, Braden got rewarded and recognized with a Student of the Term award in Math for his sophomore year.

Favorite number: 4, because I was born on the 4th of July and I will always enjoy and remember my special birthday.

Favorite math joke: Why did all of the other numbers avoid conversing with Pi at the party? Because he goes on and on.

In five years, I will be: Graduated from college and possibly working in a marketing, advertising, or technology field.

I love Mathnasium because: Every single day I come in, the owner is continuously investing their time and heart into the center, and that passion rubs onto me. I get to use my passionate, dedicated love of leadership skills in action and being able to help students with a smile every day.

Syon Aggarwal

Syon is a high school student at Johnston. He is always looking forward to learn and try new things. He has always been into math from a young age. Syon is a part of numerous extracurricular activities and clubs. When he is not working or studying, he enjoys coding, playing basketball, running and spending time with his family.

Favorite number: 19. It’s my lucky number and the jersey number I wear for sports.

Favorite math joke: Why do plants hate math? Because it gives them square roots!

In five years, I will be: Graduated high school and starting my college career.

I love Mathnasium because: I was a student here and I learned so much! It’s a fun learning environment for everyone. I love to show kids how fun and interesting math can be.

Ryan Mullins

Ryan is studying economics and mathematics at Iowa State University with a minor in German. He is a Des Moines native and has lived in Iowa his whole life. While not working on homework, he enjoys running, cycling, and spending time with friends.

Favorite number: 1 - If you know how to use it, it makes math so much easier!

Favorite math joke: π and I don't like each other. I says π is irrational. π says I needs to get real.

In five years, I will be: Pursuing a PhD in economics.

I love Mathnasium because: It provides students with a place to build confidence, improve their skills, and enjoy the process.

Robert Cross

Robert currently attends Urbandale Highschool and has aspirations of becoming an aerospace engineer.

Favorite number: 7, It's just a nice odd number.

Favorite math joke: Why is 9 afraid of 7?, 7 8 9

In five years, I will be: In Junior year college I think.

I love Mathnasium because: You get to do math.

Kelsey Perkins

Kelsey is a student at Drake University studying Data Analytics, Math, Computer Science, and Spanish. She is originally from Illinois and thinks that Iowa and Illinois have too many corn fields. She enjoys working out, and playing soccer, tennis, and pickleball. She loves dogs, specifically golden retrievers, and will gush over any pictures you show her. She loves math, especially calculus and algebra; and one little fun fact is that her dad is a Math teacher!

Favorite number: 3. It is a number that is fun to draw.

Favorite math joke: Why is six afraid of seven??? Because 7, 8, 9!

In five years, I will be: Hopefully graduated from Drake and working in the Data Science field.

I love Mathnasium because: I have always been the person people come to for math questions or help. I enjoy the subject and seeing how faces light up when ideas finally click.

Vye Nayaka

Vye Nayaka is currently a high school student at Waukee Northwest High School. She is involved in many activities including wrestling, mock trial, and so much more! She is very passionate about helping people of all ages and loves to spread her knowledge to the world!

Favorite number: 97 because it is the only prime number in the 90's and 9 and 7 have always been lucky to me!

Favorite math joke: PLAN = (P+L)(A+N)= PA+PN+LA+LN Your Plan has been foiled!

In five years, I will be: In college studying Psychology to become a lawyer.

I love Mathnasium because: It allows kids to reach their full potential in their math skills!

Noah Olsen-Daniel

Noah is a junior at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa. He was originally born in Vietnam, but was adopted and raised in Iowa. He hopes to go to college and study the physical sciences, and then pursue a graduate degree. In his free time, Noah can be found drawing and doodling on any piece of paper he can get his hands on.

Favorite number: 3­- the amount of siblings and I have and a common number in all forms of media.

Favorite math joke: A pig without Pi is 9.80

In five years, I will be:Attending college, probably (and preferably) studying a physical science such as chemistry or physics.

I love Mathnasium because: It expands the concepts of math beyond what might be a suffocating classroom environment in order to teach kids to truly understand math and what makes it so interesting.

Owen Ferguson

Owen is a senior at Johnston High School, where he is involved in the Math and Music departments. He loves singing, diving into varied history topics, and learning about different fields within math. He plans to major in Mathematics in college next year, hoping to go either into education or statistics.

Favorite number: 8 - It's a perfect cube, it doesn't get a lot of attention in everyday life, and it's satisfying to write.

Favorite math joke: Teacher: Why are you turning in a blank sheet of paper? Student: Because all my answers are imaginary numbers!

In five years, I will be: Graduated from college, ready to use my math degree in a multitude of possible careers!

I love Mathnasium because: Everyone here wants to see you succeed with math. Building confidence and helping cultivate a love of learning and exploration with math can make a big difference in one's life, and Mathnasium is here to do just that.