Our Team at Mathnasium of La Grange

Wyatt Porter

Anna Guzy

Anna is a current undergraduate student at DePaul University, pursuing a degree in Film and Television with a concentration in Editing. She has always been passionate about learning new ways to teach and connect with others, not only through math and technology, but also in helping students build confidence and helping understand the why behind solving problems. She enjoys combining her creative background with her passion for learning and teaching in ways that empower students to grow both academically and personally. 

Fun Fact: Anna loves to crochet!

Jana Frank

Jana Frank opened Mathnasium of La Grange in 2017 and has since built a thriving, community-centered learning hub. With degrees in psychology and education, and an endorsement in mathematics from the University of Chicago, Jana combines deep academic expertise with a love for teaching.  She contributes to Mathnasium’s national curriculum development and serves on the Chicagoland Mathnasium Co-Op board. She is passionate about showing kids that math is fun and accessible.

Fun Fact: Jana performs as a circus artist. In her free time, she trains and performs in flying trapeze, aerial arts, and acrobatics with the Triton Troupers!

Anthony Paparo

Anthony graduated from Elmhurst College with a degree in Mathematics and Physics.  He has had a passion for math for a long time, having previously worked as a Calculus and Physics tutor, as a Researcher in a small physics lab, and as a Data Analyst. His excitement towards helping others learn and understand mathematical concepts led him to instructing at Mathnasium starting in 2015. Through the years, Anthony has held various positions with Mathnasium from Instructor to Manager, and currently as the Director of Operations for the Mathnasium locations in Oak Park/River Forest and La Grange. Anthony is excited to do everything he can to help others become more confident in their math abilities and to serve the communities that Mathnasium is a part of.

Fun Fact: Anthony wishes every day were Halloween!

John

John is a student at Lyons Township High School who is currently taking AP Calculus. John has always been intrigued by math and wants to help make it simple for others. John likes working out, hanging out with his siblings, and working on engines. 

Fun fact: John held the flag at a Chicago Fire soccer game!

Nathan

Nate is a student at Lyons Township High School. He has taken Algebra I & II, Geometry, and Precalculus and plans on mastering Calculus BC next! He has enjoyed spreading his enthusiasm for math through tutoring other LTHS students in the school’s Math & Science Drop-In Center. Nate also competes on the LTHS Math Team which went to state at ISU last year! In his free time, he also enjoys exploring Chicago and its' suburbs with friends, and does Model United Nations. 

Fun Fact: Nate has a 1000+ day Duolingo streak!

Emmett

Emmett is a student at Benet Academy High School in Lisle. He has completed Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and AP Calculus BC and is currently taking Multivariable Calculus. Emmett appreciates the challenge that math provides and hopes that he can inspire students to see math as a way to grow. His favorite subjects in school are math, computer science, history, and Spanish. Emmett is proud to hold leadership positions in student government and the school newspaper. In his free time, he enjoys watching football (especially the Detroit Lions), spending time with friends, and playing board games. 

Fun Fact: Emmett’s favorite holiday is Thanksgiving!

Roman

Roman is a student at Lyons Township High School. He has taken math courses up to and including Calculus BC, and enjoys building on his math knowledge every year. He plays chess with the LT chess team, and also enjoys playing guitar in his free time. 

Fun fact: Roman loves Star Wars!

Max

Max is currently a student at Lyons Township High School. He plans to take Calc III and Linear Algebra his senior year, and is excited to do so! Max is interested in music, participating in LT’s top bands, and math. He plans to continue with these into college. He also went to the State competition with the LT Math Team this year at ISU! 

Fun Fact: Max taught himself how to play guitar!

Molly

Molly is a student at Lyons Township High School, and is currently taking Pre-Calculus. Molly’s favorite subject has always been math, and she hopes to one day be an engineer. At school Molly is always helping peers and volunteers during her study hall as a peer tutor. She loves music, baking, and is on the track team. 

Fun fact: Molly loves making ceramics!

Amr

Amr is a Bachelor's in Mathematics graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago. His main goal is to combat the nationwide pandemic called mathphobia—by showing that math is both engaging and accessible to everyone. His passion for Mathematics stems from its ancient origins, objective nature, and its role as a universal language across all civilizations and other branches of science.

Outside of Mathematics, Amr is immersed in studying comparative philosophy and religion, painting in watercolor, playing the soprano recorder, exercising, as well as learning conversational Arabic and Spanish.

Fun Fact: One way to pronounce the name Amr is like “hammer” without the “h”!

Jacob

Jacob is a current senior undergraduate physics student at Northeastern Illinois University, where he brings a strong curiosity for understanding how the world works and a dedication to helping others grow academically. With a background that includes several years of professional experience in analytical and technical roles, he has developed a patient, methodical approach to problem-solving that carries naturally into his work with students. He enjoys breaking down challenging ideas in math and science in ways that feel intuitive, and he strives to help each student understand not just how to solve a problem, but why the solution makes sense. His goal is to create meaningful, encouraging learning experiences that support students both in their coursework and in their long-term development.

Fun Fact: Jacob does mountain biking in his free time!

Cece

Beckett

James

James is a student at Bent Academy. He is currently taking AP Calculus BC and enjoys the challenge that comes with learning mathematical theorems and ideas. 

Fun fact: He is also a talented skier with 12 years of experience.

Evan

Evan is a student at Lyons Township High School. He is currently taking Precalculus and plans to crush Calculus BC next year! Math has always been his passion and he loves to share that with the LT math team that just came back from state at ISU. In his free time he loves to play Soccer, Chess with the LT Chess team, and play in LT's Wind Ensemble and Marching Band! He has a strong love for logical reasoning and problem solving.

Fun Fact: Evan has gone on every single ride and attraction in all 4 parks at Disney World!

Ella

Ella is a student at Lyons Township High School. Currently Ella is taking Pre-Calculus and will take Calculus AB next year. Ella has always had a passion for Math and hopes to spread the joy of math with others. In her free time Ella loves to bake, read and spend time with friends and family. 

Fun Fact: Ella plays the piano!

Jacob

Laura

Laura is a former math and technology adjunct professor. In addition to corporate training and private technology tutoring, she tutors math, physics, chemistry, and prep for ACT and SAT tests, and volunteer tutors underprivileged high school and undergraduate students. Since the pandemic, she has tutored virtually and created How to Join and How to Run Virtual Meetings courses. She loves seeing the light in students’ eyes as they master math and become enthusiastic about learning. 

Fun Fact: She used to mountain climb; now enjoys scuba diving and VR.