Our staff is built to teach each student individually, to develop the skills they need to thrive in mathematics, and to foster a love of learning.

Griffin Cisek

Assistant Director

Griffin is currently studying Child and Adolescent Development at San Jose State University. They have worked with children of all ages, teaching subjects ranging from math and science to the creative arts. Inspired by the educators who shaped their own learning journey, Griffin is passionate about guiding future generations. 

At Mathnasium, Griffin brings energy and enthusiasm to every session, creating a fun, supportive learning environment. In their free time, they enjoy writing, traveling, and playing games with friends. 

Christopher Wood

Owner & Managing Director

Chris is the Owner and Managing Director of Mathnasium of Alameda. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from San Diego State University and has over 14 years of experience in accounting, including roles at Ask.com and KPMG. 

Motivated by a passion for teaching and problem-solving, Chris opened Mathnasium to provide personalized math instruction that builds confidence and mastery. He lives in Alameda with his wife and two sons and enjoys swimming and playing water polo in his spare time. 

Alexandra Collins

Center Administrator

Alexandra graduated from UCLA with degrees in Sociology and Anthropology. Her background includes research, public relations, mentoring, ABA therapy, and customer service, all of which inform her compassionate and organized approach at Mathnasium. 

She is passionate about education and dedicated to creating a welcoming experience for students and families. In her free time, Alexandra enjoys spending time with loved ones, caring for her energetic dog, and pursuing her goal of earning a Ph.D. in Sociology. 

Ethan Lau

Center Administrator / Instructor

Ethan earned a degree in Cognitive Science with a Specialization in Design and Interaction from UC San Diego. He was drawn to Mathnasium for its problem-solving focus and emphasis on critical thinking, both of which align with his academic and personal interests. 

Ethan enjoys helping students break down complex concepts and build lasting math confidence. When he’s not at the center, you’ll find him enjoying good food, playing volleyball or video games, and watching movies with friends. 

Alfredo C.

Instructor

Alfredo Chavez holds a degree in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. His passion for mathematics and science was sparked in high school, where he participated in a program aimed at introducing underrepresented communities to the transformative power of STEAM education. The opportunities and resources from this experience inspired Alfredo to pursue a path in engineering, and he is now eager to apply his skills and knowledge in the field. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, coding, reading, and playing various types of games.

Ruby J.

Instructor

Ruby is a student at Alameda High School. Her favorite subjects include Math and English. She enjoys tutoring students in both subjects. In her spare time, she likes playing soccer, reading, and spending time with her friends and cats. 

Anujin O.

Instructor

Anujin Otgonbayar is a student at Alameda High School. Her favorite subjects are math and science. In her spare time, she enjoys playing volleyball and reading. Anujin has experience tutoring other high school students in math and science through the ELD Task Force program at her school.

Wenjie H.

Instructor

Wenjie Huang is a student at Alameda Science and Technology Institute and is dual enrolled in the Peralta Community College District. As a dedicated STEM student, math has always been a central part of his academic journey.

Wenjie’s interest in math goes beyond formulas and procedures, he’s driven by curiosity about how mathematical ideas are developed and why they work. This deeper understanding fuels both his success and his enthusiasm for learning.

He has shared his passion for math by tutoring students at local schools, including Ruby Bridges Elementary and Love Elementary, and looks forward to supporting students at Mathnasium as they build confidence and strengthen their skills.

Kevin S.

Instructor

Kevin is a student at Alameda High School with a strong passion for his favorite subjects, math and science. His enthusiasm for math sparked in 8th grade, and he believes it should be both fun and accessible for everyone. Outside of academics, Kevin enjoys biking, playing baseball, and spending time with friends.  

Morgan C.

Instructor

Morgan is a student at Encinal High School and a former Mathnasium student with a deep-rooted passion for STEM. Her interest in mathematics began in elementary school after joining a robotics team, sparking a lasting curiosity for problem-solving and analytical thinking.

Since then, Morgan has participated in outreach programs at Ruby Bridges Elementary, where she helps introduce younger students to the fun and engaging side of math. Outside of academics, she enjoys ballet, practicing photography, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

Janice H.

Instructor

Janice is a student at Oakland High School and was drawn to the safe learning community that Mathnasium Alameda cultivates, having been previously enrolled in a tutoring center herself. She strives to instill confidence within students when it comes to mathematics, just as her educators have done for her, and hopes to serve the next generation of scholars. Outside of Oakland High School and Mathnasium, Janice leisurely spends her time cooking hearty meals, watching movies, and petting neighborhood cats.

Adelaide G.

Instructor

Adelaide attends Alameda Science and Technology Institute, where students take both high school and college courses. She is currently working toward an Associate of Science in Mathematics and brings extensive tutoring and instructional experience. Through district-wide school clubs, Adelaide has developed strong teaching skills and a genuine passion for helping others learn. Outside of academics, she is a member of the Encinal badminton and cross country teams and prioritizes her health and well-being.

Ali A.

Instructor

Ali Amiri is a high school senior at Alameda Science & Technology Institute and is dual enrolled in the Peralta Community College District. He plans to earn his Associate in Science in Mathematics from Merritt College. 

Ali spent the past two years interning with the Alameda Education Foundation, leading STEM activities and team challenges that earned 100% positive student feedback. He believes students learn best when they feel comfortable and understood. 

In middle school, Ali competed in math Olympiads at Bay Farm and earned 1st place. He was also a Mathnasium student for four years and thanks them with helping him build a foundation in math that prepared him for advanced math courses. Now as an instructor, he wants to support students the same way he was supported. 

Outside of academics, Ali enjoys playing both casual and competitive basketball, watching the Golden State Warriors, and helping out at local mosques in Alameda.

Favorite quote: "The best way to defeat someone is to beat him at politeness"

Natalie W.

Instructor

Natalie Wong is a student at Alameda High School with a strong interest in mathematics and STEM. She is actively involved in STEMsters, where she helps teach interactive STEM lessons to elementary school students. Natalie enjoys sharing the creative side of math and making it more engaging and accessible for younger learners. Outside of academics, she enjoys playing tennis, ballet, and spending time with friends.

Jeremy L.

Instructor

Jeremy is a student at Alameda High school and his favorite classes are math and computer science. Math has always been one of his favorite subjects and Jeremy enjoys helping students with their math too. Outside of school, he enjoys playing soccer and hanging out with his friends.

Cayden D.

Instructor

Cayden is a student at Alameda High School and a former Mathnasium student with a deep passion for math and science. His love for these subjects has been evident since elementary school, and he firmly believes that math should always be fun and enjoyable. Cayden has experience working with children aged 6 to 13 as a teaching assistant at Saint Anthony’s Religious School. Outside of Mathnasium, he enjoys playing tennis and basketball, listening to music, and spending time with friends.

TJ H.

Instructor

TJ Huang is a student at Alameda High School. He is an active member of the school's leadership program and has experience tutoring English Language Development (ELD) students. TJ discovered his passion for math in elementary school, where early experiences sparked his lasting interest in the subject. Since then, he has found math both fun and intellectually engaging. As a former Mathnasium student, TJ believes that math should always be enjoyable and accessible. Outside of academics, he enjoys 3D printing, playing video games, and spending time with friends.

Katie L.

Instructor

Katie Leung is a senior at Alameda High School who will be studying Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles. While math has consistently been her strongest subject, it was her Algebra 1 teacher's praise for her hard work and encouragement of her self-belief that truly solidified this understanding. This experience inspired her to want to help other students appreciate math and recognize their own capabilities. Outside of academics, she enjoys watching sitcoms and going to cafes with her friends.

Ivan S.

Instructor

Ivan Saldivar is a student at Alameda Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) and is also dual enrolled at the College of Alameda. He developed an affectionate relationship with math throughout middle school and nurtured that passion ever since. This led him to pursue tutoring kids at Love Elementary School, where he also grew to enjoy teaching. Aside from his academic pursuits, he enjoys long-distance running and spending time with friends.

Karen C.

Instructor

Karen is a high school senior who will be attending UC Berkeley in the fall. Her favorite subject has always been math, and she has tutored peers in AP Statistics. Beyond academics, she is actively engaged in her community through volunteer work. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, playing badminton, and drinking matcha.

Omar A.

Instructor

Omar Amiri is a student at Alameda Science & Technology Institute (ASTI) and is dual enrolled at Peralta Community College. From a young age, Omar has demonstrated a strong curiosity for mathematics and consistently seeks out academic challenges. As a high school student, he is currently taking Calculus II at Laney College.

Omar is an active student leader and volunteer with a passion for helping others. He participates in his school’s Leadership program and serves on the Alameda County Office of Education Youth Advisory Board, where he represents more than 200,000 students across the Bay Area and works to amplify youth voices. He plans to pursue further education in pre-medicine.

A former Mathnasium student, Omar has a deep appreciation for math and science, crediting Mathnasium with helping build a strong mathematical foundation that prepared him for success in advanced coursework. Outside of academics, he enjoys playing volleyball for his high school team, going on morning runs, and spending time with friends and family.

Kabir K.

Instructor

Kabir Kripalani is a junior at St. Joseph Notre Dame High School with a longstanding interest in mathematics. He currently serves as a teaching assistant for a math class at his school and enjoys helping students learn in ways that are both engaging and accessible. Kabir connects well with students by making math fun and approachable. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family and playing sports.

Our Mathnasium Mission

Teach children math so they understand it, master it, and love it. Math can change their lives, and they can change the world.

Quote Quote
What I love about Mathnasium is the ability to teach problem-solving skills and make math make sense, while also making a student smile.
Amber W., Mathnasium Instructor

Schedule Your Math Skills Assessment Today

Student using math cubes to solve fractions
Student working with a math tutor at a local math learning center

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