Our Team at Mathnasium of Astoria

Daniel Best

Daniel is the Deputy Director and Co-Owner of Mathnasium of Astoria. A data scientist by trade, he holds a Master’s in Finance Analytics and a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering with a Minor in Math from the University of Michigan. Daniel’s professional experience includes work with companies like Deloitte and GM Financial, but his passion lies in education and helping kids succeed.  

As a father of two, he’s committed to making math approachable and empowering, guiding students to build confidence through caring, personalized support. 

Chriss

Chriss is the Assistant Center Director at Mathnasium of Astoria. With a degree in Psychology and a background in music and art, Chriss brings creativity and empathy to every session.  

She has worked in education for over eight years, helping students of all ages build confidence and understanding in math. Chriss believes math should be accessible and empowering, and she works hard to make each student’s experience feel fun, productive, and personal. Her goal is to help every child feel capable, confident, and proud of their progress. 

Gabriel

Gabriel is a senior at Brooklyn College studying Computer Science and Math. Inspired by his own math teachers, he’s passionate about building students’ confidence and problem-solving skills. Gabriel scored 770 on the SAT Math section and earned 5s on AP Calculus AB and BC.  

He has experience tutoring peers, mentoring younger students, and even teaching gymnastics at summer camp. At Mathnasium, Gabriel loves watching students grow and learn, and he brings enthusiasm and support to every session to help them succeed. 

Natsuura

Natsuura is an Applied Mathematics major at CCNY and a graduate of HSMSE, one of NYC’s specialized high schools. With standout scores on the SAT and ACT math sections, he brings both subject mastery and teaching experience to the team.  

He has worked with students through tutoring and summer camps, where he focuses on building confidence and encouraging curiosity. At Mathnasium, Natsuura is passionate about helping students strengthen their problem-solving skills and feel empowered in math and beyond. 

Julia

Hello! I’m Julia and I’m a Physics student at Barnard College of Columbia University. I graduated from Savannah Country Day School in Georgia and received the STAR Student award for highest SAT score in my class (770 on the math section). This actually isn’t my first time as a Mathnasium instructor. In fact, I have a year of experience from late high school. My favorite part of the work was collaborating with students to make learning fun and rewarding. I am returning to this role as a junior in college because I always was inspired by watching a way a concept, no matter how elementary or complex, would eventually “click” in a student’s head. I feel that anything can be taught, as long as we start in a familiar place.

Ahad

Hi! I’m Ahad, and I’ve loved math for as long as I can remember! I started college in an engineering program before switching to pure mathematics, earning my B.S. in Math. I’ve been tutoring since high school, working with students from K-12 and covering everything from basic math to algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, and calculus! I also have extensive experience with exam prep, helping students succeed on the TACHS, HCHS Entrance, SHSAT, SAT, Regents, AP Calculus, and AP Statistics exams. Whether it’s building a strong foundation or tackling advanced topics, I love making tricky math concepts easier to understand. After college, I worked in different industries for a few years, but I keep coming back to tutoring because nothing beats the feeling of seeing a student’s “aha!” moment when a concept finally clicks. At Mathnasium, I get to help students build confidence in math every day, and it’s so rewarding to see their progress! I believe math isn’t just about numbers, it’s about problem-solving, thinking outside the box, and having fun with challenges. My goal is to make learning math a positive and engaging experience, helping students not only improve their skills but also enjoy the journey along the way!

Abraham

Hello! I am Abraham. I’m an aspiring future mechanical engineer at City College of New York.
Throughout high school, I have been an active helper in the school community by helping and tutoring peers from school as well as offering mentoring services. Educating and teaching, especially in the STEM topics, has always been a passion of mine. I have a deep-rooted goal of having an impact on the next generation of students, handing them the skills needed to succeed in any academic situation. And my time here at Mathnasium allows me to actively pursue that continuing goal.

Paul

Hi! I’m Paul, and I have a strong passion for mathematics. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Mathematics/Economics and was part of the Math Honors Society in high school. I scored 790 on the math portion of the SAT, which fueled my desire to help others succeed in this subject.

During high school, I had the opportunity to work as a tutor at Mathnasium, where I supported students in all levels of math. I continued my tutoring journey in college, focusing on helping students with Business Calculus and Calculus I. I’m excited to inspire and support students in their mathematical journeys!

Anahita S.

Hi, my name is Anahita. I am a recent graduate of the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art with a degree in Fine Arts. While my background is in drawing, performance, writing, and video, I am especially interested in the intersection of math and art—particularly the geometry of space and how mathematical thinking shapes visual work.

I scored a 750 on the SAT math section and enjoy helping students see math as both logical and creative. I began instructing art in high school, where I developed an appreciation for how a supportive learning environment can make challenging subjects more accessible. At Mathnasium, I enjoy helping students build confidence and find an approachable, engaging path into math.

Fun fact: I am a portrait artist and can draw very quickly!