by Timothy Russell, originally published in Neighbors of Glen Ellyn Magazine
Four years ago, Luke Krisciunas suffered a spinal injury and was paralyzed. After some difficulty finding a job
in his new condition, he is now the center director for Mathnasium of Glen Ellyn, where he coaches kids in
mathematics, inspiring them with his living witness to adaptability and the potential to overcome challenges.
The injury occurred on July 7th, 2017. “I was on a camping trip out of state and had a fall that broke one of my
vertebrates, paralyzing me,” Luke said. “I was airlifted to a hospital in Ohio and was eventually transferred to
the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago where I learned how to navigate my new life with an injury. While at
Shirley Ryan, I completed wheelchair training and also piloted an exoskeleton for a research study conducted by Northwestern.”
“I adjusted reasonably well to my new condition,” Luke went on. “Luckily I was young and fit so I was able to
overcome a lot of my physical limitations. That being said, there are things that I really miss doing, like
snowboarding.”
Fast forward to about a year after the injury. Luke was volunteering at a local retirement home playing bingo
and piano with the residents, interviewing for various jobs but not getting any offers for employment.
“Eventually someone recommended I apply to Mathnasium, given my aptitude for mathematics,” he said. “In
high school I had been a part of the math league, and had worked as a tutor in both high school and college.” He interviewed with Max Sennet, the owner of Mathnasium of Elmhurst. “Max offered to act as my mentor, giving me a position at his company and teaching me about running a business. I began working for him but after about a month Max had a heart attack and passed away. Despite my injury, Max was willing to mentor me and I am very grateful for what he did for me.”
About a year after Max passed away, Pat Wells and Patty Hardina purchased the Elmhurst location. They also
own the Glen Ellyn, St. Charles, Carol Stream, and Chicago - West Loop locations. They saw great potential in Luke and eventually offered him the position of center director at the Glen Ellyn location. They have continued to mentor him and are excited to watch him grow in the role.
“Being a kid these days is stressful and school can be one factor that adds to that stress,” Luke said. “I see
myself as a coach and I try to give the kids all the tools they need to succeed in mathematics and in life. I also
think that they see that I have overcome a big challenge in my life, and that gives them the confidence that they can do the same. Finding success in the face of adversity is its own reward.”
In his spare time, Luke reads, plays the saxophone, and enjoys creating, writing, and producing music. “I like to go see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra whenever I can,” he said. “I also have a passion for mathematics and computer science.”
When asked what the most challenging part of managing his injury has been, Luke replied with a wink,
“Probably stairs.”
