Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Columbia

Emily Okada

Emily, a graduate of Howard Community College with an associate degree in Communication Studies, started at Mathnasium as an instructor in 2019. Her background in retail and babysitting has equipped her with essential communication and time management skills, vital for effectively interacting with students, parents, and fellow instructors, ensuring that educational goals are clearly communicated and achieved. At Mathnasium, Emily finds the perfect environment to utilize and enhance her skills while growing as an individual. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending quality moments with friends and family.

Matt Fitzgerald

Ben Bramsen

Ben got his start in education while volunteering at the Indianapolis Zoo with marine animals such as walruses -- which he regards as the best animals in the animal kingdom! Answering questions posed about the animals and what could be done to help the environment piqued his interest in other forms of education. He appreciates that at Mathnasium you can see the progression and positive impact on students’ lives each day. In his free time, Ben can be found playing guitar (although rather poorly he admits readily), spending time in nature, and exploring new places!

Nicki Atwood

Nicki hails from Baltimore and studied Physics and Chemistry at University of Richmond. While working with students in college, she noticed that many times students are held back because of a gap in their educational foundation and that drew her to Mathnasium’s unique approach. When not at Mathnasium, Nicki loves to visit different cities and hang out with her cat. In fact, she loves pets of all shapes and sizes, and has had many different types of pets, including a dog, a mouse, a rabbit, and even a hedgehog!

James Temple

James developed a passion for and proficiency with Mathematics during his middle and high school years. In 2000, James graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Mathematics and a love for solving all types of problems. He took those skills into the United States Air Force where he served for 7 years as an aircraft maintenance officer. It was during these years that James had the opportunity to tutor home schooled children and really started to appreciate the frustration that many kids feel towards Mathematics. James left the Air Force in 2007 to go back to the University of Virginia where he received his Master's of Business Administration degree from the Darden School of Business.