Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Fayetteville, AR

Larry Martinek

Larry Martinek, Chief Instructional Officer, Developer of Mathnasium Program. Larry has spent his entire career finding a better way to teach math. From inner city to public schools, to acclaimed magnet schools, to leading private and parochial schools, Larry has served as both a classroom teacher and as an educational consultant. He has designed curriculum, teaching strategies, and teaching materials designed to help students and teachers learn math more effectively. He has trained teachers in the art and science of boosting students' ability to “do” math, thereby increasing students' math scores and feeling of self-worth. Larry is the developer of Mathnasium’s educational program – one of the most comprehensive and innovative curriculas ever produced for teaching math. While Larry is not an Instructor at our Center, he is a valuable asset we can call on to ask about specific students' scenarios for guidance and advice. This has helped to make visits more productive and enjoyable for many of our students.

Christy North

Christy is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. She has spent the last 15 years homeschooling her two sons and the last 5 years teaching science labs to elementary through high school students. When she can find the time, Christy loves to curl up with a a good mystery. Favorite Number: 9, because of all the patterns Favorite Math Joke: Q: How many guacs are there in a bowl of guacamole? A: Avocado's number Fun Fact: Christy enjoys gardening and hanging out with her chickens. I love Mathnasium because..... it helps to take the mystery out of math, and loves the cake method!

Justin Benish

Justin graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics. Justin has loved math since the beginning of high school when a teacher made it seem understandable and interesting to him. He hopes to be able to inspire young kids at Mathnasium in the same way. Favorite Number: 11 Favorite Math Joke: Why did 7 eat 9? Because you're supposed to eat 3 squared meals a day. I love Mathnasium because…. it guides kids to being successful at math in an easy to understand and fun way. Fun Fact: Justin likes to read and play video games in his spare time.

Bryan Williams

Bryan moved to Arkansas from Memphis, TN. He is a freshman at the University of Arkansas. He loves helping classmates in science and math. Bryan loves to run, dance, sing, exercise, and play basketball. His specialty is taking a complex subject and making it more understandable. Favorite Number: 4 I love Mathnasium because…. it goes at each students' own pace but is still challenging. Fun Fact: Bryan likes to dance and workout.

Ali Hufnagle

Ali is a junior at Fayetteville High School. She is currently taking AP Calculus and likes to consider herself a Jack of All Trades. She loves helping other students and has been tutoring peers throughout her whole high school career. Favorite Number: 7 Favorite Math Joke: Q: Why does no one take pi seriously? A: Because he's always irrational I love Mathnasium because... it's a rewarding system of learning for both students and instructors. Fun Fact: Ali loves playing the piano in her free time.

Emma Martin

Emma grew up in Memphis, TN and attended Briarcrest (AKA, the Blindside school) until graduation. Emma began her education career at Briarcrest as a TA for an art class. After graduating, she attended Union University and studied Art and Biology. There, Emma was involved in the animal rescue program. She transferred to the University of Arkansas for her Junior year with a major in Biology (and is still working on art on the side). Now, Emma focuses her patient and caring nature as a tutor for the Fayetteville Mathnasium. Favorite Number: 4 Favorite Math Joke: Q: How do farmers do long division? A: With a cow-culator I love Mathnasium because... it's a fun way to work with kids in a subject I love! Fun Fact: Emma can surf! She briefly lived by the ocean the summer before her senior year.

Ellis Bell

Ellis was born in Fayetteville, AR in 2007. Early in life he found math to be a strong suit and jumped into advanced co9urses as early as 6th grade. Today, Ellis is taking AP Calculus at Haas Hall Academy and helps multiple students in the course. He plans to continue accelerated Calculus next year as a Junior. Favorite Number: 0 Favorite Math Joke: Q: Why did 10 eat 9? A: You need 3 square meals a day! I love Mathnasium because... the encouraging environment and focus on helping kids. Fun Fact: Ellis can name the capital of every country.