The Story of Your Local Mathnasium - Brandon

Jun 15, 2023 | Brandon

1. When was your center/re’s grand opening??

A: Our center opened October of 2013. It was probably one of the best days or scariest days of my life. Our team was in place and we were so excited to greet the kids that would walk into our lives. The community graciously opened their arms to us and the stories of many students' lives have been changed through math. The JOY it has brought us over the years is more than I can express. It is a true honor and pleasure to come to the center each day to serve our families here in the Greater Brandon area that crosses through Lithia, Fishhawk, Valrico and parts of Riverview.

2. Of all your employees, who has been with you the longest?

A: Baylor is our Assistant Center Director and has been with us for 10 years! Baylor is an original to our Brandon center and much loved by all who meets him. Baylor is a graduate from USF with a math degree, and is fully capable in teaching all levels of math. Baylor was an instructor of the year finalist with Mathnasium, across all centers. Baylor is great at making students smile and feel comfortable at the center.

KaLynn is our Center Director and has been with us for 7 years! KaLynn is a Florida native and graduate of the University of Central Florida with a BS in Computer Science. She worked for a number of years as a computer software programmer and consultant, and then retired to homeschool her children. KaLynn's heart for our families is HUGE and she is our student's biggest cheerleader and advocate. KaLynn's job is accumulation of many things but communication with the parents is her top priority.

Reagan is a Lead Instructor and has been with us for 5 years. Reagan is a senior at the University of South Florida studying Chemical Engineering. Reagan grew up playing soccer here in Tampa, and still loves watching her favorite teams on the weekends. In her free time, she enjoys building model planes, playing piano, and taking my dog to the park! The students at Mathnasium love working with Reagan and frequently comment on how well she explains concepts to them. The kids light up when they see her.

Judi is a much loved instructor who has been with us for 4 years. Judi is a retired WV teacher who moved to FL to be near her grandchildren. She is from Pgh. PA and is a huge Steelers and Penguins fan. Judi loves working with her team at Mathnasium and working with our littles with Great Foundations or our elementary Mathletes.

3. Who is the owner/director of your center?

A: Becky is the owner/operator of Mathnasium of Brandon from it's beginning 10 years ago. Becky earned her Bachelor's Degree with honors from Kappa Delta Pi in Elementary Education at the University of Tampa, in 1997. She has since taught elementary school for 12 years, including private, public, and charter. Becky has had great success with her students, including having the top scores in the county on the math FCAT 2 years in a row. Becky was honored to accept the position of Math Coach/Curriculum Specialist for the Hillsborough and Pinellas County Charter Schools (4 Elementary Schools and 4 Middle Schools), which allowed her to grow and learn even more. Becky has a love for education, helping children feel successful and achieve their goals. Becky has lived in Brandon her entire life, and stays involved with her community through the local Valrico Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce, programs like Impact for teens and families, and is very involved in the local schools.

4. What local schools does your center serve?

A: Stowers Elementary, Barrington Middle School, Valrico Academy, Bell Creek Academy, Bevis Elementary, Fishhawk Creek Elementary, Randall Middle School, Newsome High School, Lithia Springs Elementary, Cimino Elementary, Alafia Elementary, Bloomingdale HS, Navigator Academy, Bell Shoals Baptist Academy, Burns Middle School, Brooker Elementary, Durant High School, Mulrennan Middle School, Nelson Elementary, Buckhorn Elementary, Foundation Christian Academy

5. What are parents saying about your center?

A: "Mathnasium has helped my daughter improve her confidence in math. She was a couple of grade levels behind due to Covid and they have enabled her to catch up. The teaching style and staff at the Brandon center are exceptional." C.T.

"As a parent, I wanted my girls to not only understand math, but to enjoy and see the value in it. Mathnasium has done both for them. They really do enjoy coming and being proud of their own accomplishments as they master concepts. Mrs. Becky is so creative with filling the prize cabinet that has something for everybody. My girls have set goals for themselves to earn prizes as they put in the work. Also, my girls light up when they get to work with instructors Reagan and Maddie!" A.C.

"Love this place! Everyone there is very kind to my daughter. Baylor rocks." T.B.

"I have sent my daughter here for almost two years now, and I must say, the tutoring at Mathnasium is one of the best tutoring experience me and my child have ever experienced. 'This is one of those experiences where you walk in tired and leave with a bright smile on your face. Thanks for bringing me here.' -My daughter (Which is actually very surprising to hear her say). Not only this, but the staff treats each family as, well... family! They take the time to get to know each of their customers, and they become friends with the kids AND the parents. My daughter´s understanding in math gets better every time she goes there, and I´m just happy she enjoys the process of learning. Mathnasium, in all seriousness, thank you. Oh! By the way! My mom didn´t write this, I did. (I´m the daughter :), Love you Miss KaLynn!)" Z.R.