Our Team at Mathnasium of Novato

Kevin Cavanaugh

Kevin grew up in Massachusetts but has lived in Novato for more than 15 years. He graduated from the US Coast Guard Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA with degrees in Applied Math and Operations Research. Recently, he retired from the Coast Guard and from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Kevin loves the logic and consistency of mathematics. He enjoys solving problems and helping others find joy in increasing their understanding of math. Kevin is married with two grown children and one granddaughter.

Ann Balliet

Ann graduated from Stanford University with a degree in the Humanities. She started out as a meeting planner but decided to begin a career in education helping kids with mild to moderate learning issues. Ann appreciates how Mathnasium has developed ways to teach number sense as a foundation for higher math skills. She has raised 2 children and has lived in Marin County for 35+ years. In addition to working with students, Ann owns 5 dogs and is an accomplished dog trainer.

Sita Venkataramani

Sita has four decades of experience as a Software Engineer working in various sectors of the industry. He graduated from the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology in New Delhi, India from where he received his two degrees, a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Management & Systems. Mathematics has been his favorite subject for as long as he can remember. He sees Mathnasium as a medium to pass on his passion for mathematics to the upcoming generation. He and his wife are longtime residents of Marin, and together they love to read, go on long hikes, and travel the world.

Vanessa Diaz

Vanessa graduated from San Marin HS and is currently enrolled as an accounting major at Sonoma State University. She has always enjoyed math and loves helping students understand why math works the way it does. Vanessa developed a passion for teaching math when she had to help out her classmates as well as her siblings. During her free time, she likes to spend time with family and friends watching shows or playing video games such as Minecraft as well as listening to music.

Stella Hatch

Stella is a senior at San Marin HS. Math is her favorite subject, and she is currently in an advanced math class. Stella developed an interest in tutoring when she helped her 9-year-old sister with her math homework. She enjoys teaching at Mathnasium because it is so much fun to see her students learn. Stella also enjoys traveling, swimming, and reading.

Teju Kancharla

Teju is a senior at San Marin HS in the biotech program. She is passionate about helping people learn. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to learn math. She loves being a part of the Mathnasium team and watching students succeed. Outside of school, Teju enjoys reading, music, and traveling.

Nicoo Tabrizi

Nicoo is a junior at Novato High School and has a passion for math. She is also in the Marin School of Arts program and specializes in digital animation and product design. Nicoo believes that every kid has the capability to understand math, and that Mathnasium helps kids reach this goal.

Sasha Acevedo

Sasha is a sophomore at Novato High School. She disliked math as a young child but grew to like it as she started to understand it better. Now, Sasha enjoys math and excels at it. She has experience working with younger students, and Mathnasium combines her love of math and teaching kids. Sasha also enjoys music and fashion; she is part of a chorus and does makeup art.  

Kenny Larsen

Kenny was born in Minnesota but grew up in Novato. He is a student at San Francisco State University aiming to become a middle school teacher. He loves teaching and mentoring young people, both at Mathnasium and as a Scout leader in Marin. He believes the most important part of learning is establishing a connection between the instructor and student and creating positive, constructive learning experiences together. When he's not camping or hiking, he likes spending time with his family or playing video games.

Nathaniel Hamovitz

Nathaniel was born and raised in Novato. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.S. in Applied Math and a minor in Spatial Studies. He loves finding beauty in mathematics and sharing that wonder with others. When he's not at Mathnasium, Nathaniel is probably reading, rock climbing, or cuddling with his two cats.