Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Brookfield

Kat Smith

Hello! My name is Kat Smith, the Assistant Center Director at Brookfield. Math has always been one of my favorite subjects- right next to Music and Art- and I’m excited to inspire the future generations to love math too! Before joining the Brookfield Mathnasium team, I served at AmeriCorps NCCC as the educator for my team of eight. There I found another love: seeing others learn. I am currently pursuing a Math Education Degree at UW-Milwaukee and in my free time I enjoy fiber arts crafts such as knitting and crocheting, and love playing action, adventure, and sandbox games.

Derek Pipkorn

Hi! I'm Derek, the Owner of Mathnasium of Brookfield. I also own Mathnasium centers in Franklin, Hartland, Mequon, Oconomowoc, Waukesha, and Wauwatosa - yes, I love Mathnasium! Prior to becoming a Mathnasium owner, I worked as a Middle School Math Specialist in the Mequon-Thiensville School District. I previously taught elementary and middle school students in Milwaukee Public Schools and the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District. I have a Masters of Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University and a Bachelors in Middle Childhood - Early Adolescence Education with math emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I've been actively involved in math organizations at the State and National level. I was previously the chair of the Classroom Resources Committee for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and recently finished a term on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Math Council. I have taught and tutored children of all ages, and I am committed to bringing the Mathnasium Method to the children in our community. Married to Jillian and dad to Lucy & Ellie, I love staying active in the community and enjoying all that the Greater Milwaukee area has to offer.

Jillian Pipkorn

Hello! I'm Jillian, the Director of Marketing and Community Outreach for seven Mathnasium locations in the greater Milwaukee area that my husband, Derek, and I own -- Brookfield, Franklin, Lake Country, Mequon, Oconomowoc, Waukesha, and Wauwatosa. I am thrilled to be a part of our growing Mathnasium team and love the impact that we are making in children's lives and our local communities. I enjoy making connections in the community with schools, kid-centric organizations, and other small businesses. (Let's connect if you fall into one of these groups!) I am a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Marketing, and prior to joining Mathnasium spent 12 years developing Marketing Strategy at Kohl's. I also have years of experience event planning and fundraising for Susan G. Komen as a volunteer in the fight against breast cancer. When I'm not working on all things Mathnasium, I enjoy spending time with my two daughters Lucy & Ellie, being active, trying new recipes from my cookbook collection, and attending musicals.

Angie Cramer

Hello! I'm Angie, Director of People and Culture for the seven Mathnasium locations in the greater Milwaukee area, owned by the Pipkorns. I hold Bachelor’s degrees in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Missouri and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Christian Brothers University. Prior to joining the Mathnasium team, I was a classroom teacher, school principal, district leader, executive coach, mentor, and professional development leader. I love working with our Center Directors and supporting the incredible work happening across this network of Mathnasium centers! When not at work, you can find my husband Steve and I on the ice at the Milwaukee Curling Club, or in the stands cheering on the Bucks, Brewers, Packers, Badgers, or Admirals with our sons Tom and Ben.

Our Instruction Staff

Our staff consists of certified teachers and retirees, high achieving college students, and exceptional high school students. All are highly qualified, experienced, and rigorously trained individuals who must first pass a comprehensive set of verbal and written assessments covering all aspects of mathematics and instruction philosophy before even being considered for a position. Background checks are an essential part of the hiring process, as is a "trial run" interaction with the students. Finally, all instructors are required to undergo continuous training. Our staff not only does an excellent job of teaching math, but they create a positive, enthusiastic atmosphere providing the support and encouragement your child may need. All of our instructors are passionate about math and love to work with kids. They are here to help your child succeed in school and in life. We welcome you to drop by and meet us anytime!