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:

  Scott Penkova, Regional Director

Scott has worked with Mathnasium, first as a Center Director in Fort Mitchell and now as the Regional Director of four locations, Blue Ash, Mason, West Chester and Fort Mitchell, KY.  He came to Mathnasium after working for years in different school settings, from public to private, and brick and mortar to online!  He uses the many different experiences to help students achieve high levels of understanding in mathematics.  He works closely with all of his Centers' staffs to make sure that they are giving the same emphasis on understanding and passion towards what we do.  He still works on instructing students in our one-on-one model but also enjoys being able to cultivate each instructor into the best teacher they can be.  When he isn't working you will find him spending time with his wife and two children.  He also enjoys being outside and reading books.

Maddie McDonald, Center Director

Maddie studied mathematics and secondary education at Xavier Unversity. Formerly an instructor at the Blue Ash center, she has been instructing Mathnasium students for the past three years before making the jump to West Chester. She is excited by the personalized instruction of the program; allowing students to learn with the aid of friendly instructors, step-by-step work sheets that build and abstract themselves, and mini check ups. In her free time Maddie enjoys supporting the Cincinnati Zoo and reading.

Susan Helgeson, Assistant Center Director

Susan is a retired High School Mathematics teacher.  She taught Math for 40 years, the last 27 years at Sycamore High School.  She has taught Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus and AB Calculus.  She has always loved math, as well as loved teaching math.  Mathnasium gives her the opportunity to continue to instruct students of all math abilities.  She loves to read, exercise, watch sports, spend time with her husband, two daughters and son-in-laws.