Our Team at Mathnasium of Mequon

Kayla Bote

Hi! I’m Kayla, the Assistant Center Director at Mathnasium of Mequon! I am a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I received my B.S. in both Psychology and Neurobiology as well as a minor in Asian American Studies. Throughout my undergraduate career, I was involved in different parts of the campus community. Most notably, I served as both the Marketing Chair and later the Vice President of the Filipinx American Student Organization. In addition to student organization involvement, I worked within both the university’s Department of Biochemistry and as a Research Assistant in the Department of Psychology. Prior to undergrad, I worked as both a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Cedarburg Community Pool, and from freshman all the way to senior year I volunteered as a peer math tutor at Cedarburg High School. These experiences really fostered my passion for working with kids and being able to help them both grow and succeed! In my free time, I love reading, binge watching TV shows, finding cozy cafes, going to concerts, and spending time with my friends and family! I am so excited to be a part of the Mathnasium of Mequon, and I cannot wait to help them foster their math skills & support them through all of their future achievements!

Derek Pipkorn

Hi! I'm Derek, the Owner of Mathnasium of Mequon. I also own Mathnasium centers in Brookfield, Franklin, Hartland, 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, Hartland, 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.

Ali Gilbertson

Mathnasium has been a part of my journey since 2011, when I first became an instructor in high school. Nearly a decade later, I was thrilled to rejoin the company as a Center Director, and now, as Director of Customer Experience, I have the privilege of working with each of our centers to ensure every student has an incredible learning experience.

With over four years on this amazing team, I’m deeply passionate about helping students build confidence in their math skills and discover the fun in math. What I love most about Mathnasium is the relationships we build—watching students grow, succeed, and develop a love for learning is the most rewarding part of what we do!

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!