Our staff is built to teach each student individually, to develop the skills they need to thrive in mathematics, and to foster a love of learning.

Christian Burton

Center Director

Christian Burton is a Mathematics major at Truman State University who aspires to become a high school math teacher. He brings experience teaching math, chess, and karate, and enjoys helping students build both academic skills and confidence. 

Christian is enthusiastic about making math engaging and approachable for every learner. In his free time, he enjoys travelling, cooking, exploring art museums, and spending time with his two cats, even though they make him sneeze. 

Jack Hook

Instructor

Jack Hook is a retired computer programmer with professional experience at Ralston Purina, AT&T, and IBM. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and has continued sharpening his math skills through algebra and geometry coursework. 

Jack enjoys helping students develop confidence in math through patience and clarity. Outside the center, he enjoys cycling, writing poetry, playing pool, and learning about cosmology through science programs. 

Lisa Camp

Instructor

Lisa Camp is a retired U.S. Air Force officer who served as an aircraft maintenance officer on B-1 and KC-135 aircraft. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Engineering and a master’s degree in Applied Management. 

Lisa brings a disciplined yet encouraging approach to math instruction and enjoys helping students overcome challenges. Outside Mathnasium, she enjoys sports, woodworking, roller coasters, and spending time with her two energetic dogs. 

Tristin Brown

Instructor

Tristin Brown is a mathematics student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville preparing for a future as a high school math teacher. He has enjoyed math from a young age and is known for helping classmates understand challenging concepts. 

Tristin enjoys making math fun and approachable for students. Outside the center, he plays Ultimate Frisbee, video games, and several brass instruments, including the tuba, trombone, and trumpet. 

Isabella Hoolihan

Instructor

Isabella is a student at SWIC working towards an Associate's degree and planning to major in art in the future. She loves math and enjoys helping others to understand math and maybe even love it as well.

Favorite Number: 11; it always has been plus the multiples of it are fun!

Favorite Math Joke: There's a fine line between a numerator and a denominator.

Fun Fact: I own two cats and is always covered in cat hair (despite being allergic)!

Rakeem Shelby

Instructor

Rakeem has earned a degree in Math with a minor in computer science from SEMO for his bachelor's degree. He has also earned his Master's of Science in Computer Science at SIUE. He currently works as a software engineer. Outside of his education, he is an alumni member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. He enjoys jogging during the warm months of the year.

Favorite Number: 4, because that's how many people are in his immediate family.

Favorite Math Joke: Did you hear about the mathematician who’s afraid of negative numbers? He'll stop at nothing to avoid them.

Fun Fact: He moved to O'Fallon when he was in 4th grade and has stayed here ever since!

Tom Partelow

Instructor

Tom is a Air Force civilian retired from Scott AFB, who served in network, computer, and data engineering roles in his 39-year career. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and loves math and science and all kinds of techie nerdy jokes. He enjoys biking, running and swimming; as well as bags, washers, horseshoes, and golf.

Favorite number: 13 ... I’m not superstitious.

Favorite math joke: What did the 0 say to the 8 ... Nice belt!

Fun Fact: While trying to protect my grandkids from a foul ball at a Grizzlies baseball game, the ball skipped off the top of my head. The Grizzlies’ mascot then proceeded to make a show of it while giving me an ice pack.

Emily George

Instructor

Emily is a student at OTHS where she is a part of the Honor Choir, Robotics, Asian Culture Club, and Theatre. She hopes to study Musical Theatre in college. Outside of school, Emily enjoys reading, being involved in community service, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog.

Favorite Number: 2 because my birthday is 2/22!

Favorite Math Joke: I know a spooky math joke, but I'm 2^2 to say it.

Fun Fact: My favorite flowers are peonies!

Riley Cannon

Instructor

Riley is a Triad High School student who is part of the marching band, wind ensemble, math team, philosophy club, and other school organizations.  In addition to his passion for math, Riley enjoys playing instruments in many ensembles, such as the Looking Glass Playhouse Pitch Orchestra, the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the Troy Community Band.  Riley has recently completed dual enrollment courses at SWIC in macroeconomics and business mathematics.  In his free time, Riley enjoys tending to his houseplants and reading.

Favorite Number: 72, because of the rule of 72, a neat little trick that lets investors know how long their investment takes to double with a fixed interest rate.

Favorite Math Joke: Why don’t two parallel lines get married? Because they’ll never meet!

Fun Fact: I used to play chess in tournaments before I did music.

Katie Alexander

Instructor

Katie is a middle school special education teacher who loves helping students feel successful (and maybe even love math a little). In her free time, she’s usually reading, walking her Boston Terrier Karev — who believes he runs the household — watching sports, or planning the next family adventure.

Wyatt Brown

Instructor

Wyatt is a student at OTHS. He is involved with the math team, Model UN, lacrosse, and FBLA  and plans to go into electrical engineering after high school. Wyatt likes to play video games, hang out with friends, and watch football in his free time.

Our Mathnasium Mission

Teach children math so they understand it, master it, and love it. Math can change their lives, and they can change the world.

Quote Quote
What I love about Mathnasium is the ability to teach problem-solving skills and make math make sense, while also making a student smile.
Amber W., Mathnasium Instructor

Schedule Your Math Skills Assessment Today

Student using math cubes to solve fractions
Student working with a math tutor at a local math learning center

Want to join the Mathnasium team?

Are you interested in changing lives through math? We're looking for outstanding individuals with a high level of commitment who are passionate about teaching math. Find out if there's a Mathnasium position that's just right for you!

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