Pike Creek
4522 Linden Hill Rd
Wilmington, DE 19808
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.
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.
Hi! My name is Troy Makous, and I’m the owner and director of Mathnasium of Pike Creek. I joined Mathnasium because I’ve experienced firsthand that math is much more than just a subject in school—it’s the foundation for becoming a confident critical thinker and problem solver in many aspects of life. I’m passionate about providing others with the same guidance and encouragement that was once given to me because I believe every kid can be a "math kid" with the right support.
I have a degree in Chemical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, where I was also a double minor in Entrepreneurship and Creative Writing and a captain of the Men’s Track & Field Team. After graduation, I worked as a manufacturing engineer for L’Oréal USA before transitioning into the software industry, where I spent most of the past decade.
Before opening Mathnasium of Pike Creek, I was an Instructor and Center Director at Mathnasium of Rosemont in the Villanova area. There, I had the privilege of learning from the best how to help students catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math.
When I’m not focused on building confident thinkers, I’m usually spending time with friends and family or staying active. On any given day, you might find me at the gym, trail running, or salsa dancing.
I’m excited and honored to be a resource for you and the Northern Delaware community. I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Sincerely,
Troy
My favorite thing about teaching math to kids is that every new insight or skill gained is going to help them for the rest of their lives. Math can be challenging because it is cumulative, but I think this is also an asset. When I see a kid gain a new skill, or correct a misunderstanding, and then fly through work that previously stymied them, I know they're going to keep building on that knowledge.
I grew up in a household in which we visited a science museum nearly every weekend, and STEM education was always treated as something we got to do, rather than something we had to do. I want to carry that philosophy forward now that I'm a parent, and that's why I think the opportunity to change kids' attitudes about math is a gift. I met my husband at the local game store where I played in Magic: the Gathering tournaments, so mathematical thinking and strategy games have always been a part of my current household, as well.
I have worked in STEM fields for a long time. My very first high school job was in a conservation genetics laboratory, where I got to help sequence the DNA of one of the last jaguars in the United States. Some of my other roles have included science teaching, such as my time as a "Green Team" camp counselor, or working live collections at a children's museum. I also have worked in corporate technical training and information technology—patiently teaching adults how to use their computers is actually great practice for teaching kids math! After having my daughter, I wanted more flexibility to stay home with her, and worked as a youth sports coach, and eventually gym manager. This gave me the management and operations experience I needed for my new role as Assistant Center Director at Mathnasium of Pike Creek. I'm very excited to be back in STEM education, and get to work with other people who love math every day.
A fun fact about me is that I started figure skating as an adult, and will tell anyone who will listen about the virtues of the adult learn to skate system and testing track. I am currently working on my Adult Pre-Bronze Skating Skills test—just like math, it takes a lot of practice!
Hi! I love helping kids grow to appreciate and feel comfortable using math instead of being afraid of it. I am a Delaware native and former teacher at Delaware Technical Community College. I enjoy reading and playing games of all kinds in my free time.
I studied Math and Physics at University of Delaware and spent five years tutoring and then teaching low and high level math and physics at the college level. A fun fact about me is that I love to loudly sing and dance in the car!
My favorite thing about teaching math to kids is seeing them become more comfortable, confident, and curious. It is always so rewarding to see their growth and improvement in both their math skills and their attitude.
I am from Bucks County, PA--where my whole family loves math! I am a neuroscience major at the University of Delaware on the pre-medicine track. At college, I am an EMT and a part of the University of Delaware Emergency Care Unit. I love spending time with my friends and family, playing piano, drawing and art, discovering new music, and trying new food spots.
The importance of math has always been pushed in my STEM household. I have a lot of experience in STEM--specifically calculus, statistics, biology, chemistry, and neuroscience--that has solidified my passion for teaching math. Furthermore, I have experience with tutoring elementary school kids in math and reading with Princeton Learning Experience.
Something people may find interesting about me is that I grew up learning math in a different language! My entire family speaks Russian and Ukrainian, so my dad would buy Russian math textbooks for me so I could practice problems with him every week. It was a way for me to simultaneously improve my math skills and my fluency in Russian. I used to dread these days, but now I am so grateful for them. Practice makes perfect!
My favorite thing about teaching math to kids, and math in general, is learning the multitude of ways to think about a problem. Teaching is the final step of learning and by teaching math concepts to other people, not only am I helping them learn math but I too learn different ways of conceptualizing math. One of my favorite math teachers, Mrs. Smith, applied this principle in her teaching, allowing me and my classmates to solve problems our own way and encouraging different ways of thinking.
I graduated from Tower Hill School and I am currently in college for Mechanical Engineering. My dad is a Civil Engineer and at home my parents heavily fostered my love of math. In high school I was heavily involved in the arts, ranging from Musical Theater to Stage Crew to Concert Band. I love seeing how math applies to the arts, from building a set for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown to the physics of how a piccolo produces really high notes. Outside of college and work, I like to teach myself songs on the piano and discover new musicals!
I have always loved math from a really young age. When I was younger, I liked how objective math is and the exciting feeling I would get when I solved a problem correctly. I had the exciting opportunity to work at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science over the summer where I got to teach STEM concepts to kids during summer camp and assist in planning and preparing fun activities for the kids.
One thing people don't know about me is that I was born in Kansas City, Missouri and walking into school after the 2023 Superbowl game was very interesting.
Hi! My favorite thing about teaching math to kids is seeing when they really understand a concept. Their excitement and joy when the difficult thing becomes easy and fun and their sense of accomplishment are infectious--I love being a part of it. I also love understanding how students think through problems, helping them find a path to that mastery level of understanding.
I graduated from the University of Delaware with a Master’s in Biology. Since then, I have taught community college courses in Microbiology, Biology for Majors, and Biology for Non-majors. I also work with developmentally disabled individuals, assisting them with gaining greater independence and engagement in the community.
I’ve always been interested in STEM which led me to getting my Master’s degree in biology. In grad school, I discovered that my passion was for teaching. After school I taught community college and also homeschooled my own kids for 5 years. One of my kids has learning disabilities and all of them are above grade level in math.
One fun fact about me is that I love gardening! When I'm not helping young minds build confidence in math, you can often find me digging in the dirt covered in mud.
I am currently a 4th grade math teacher at Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School in Philadelphia. During my time at FTCES, I have worked with varying grade levels but found my home here in 4th grade- and have loved it ever since! I graduated from York College of Pennsylvania in 2021 with my B.S. in Early Elementary Education. When I am not teaching, I can be found hanging out with my sweet puppy Max or enjoying my time down the beach!
My current favorite math joke is "Why was the obtuse angle so upset?", "Because he knows he will never be right!". Learning new things can be scary, I love opening up a new topic with my students with a fun joke to make them more comfortable!
I am the daughter of an accountant and a civil engineer- so growing up in my house Math was always heavily pushed! Through my own childhood and teenage years, I was involved in many Math/STEM Clubs and summer camps. During my high school years, I also got involved in my high school's child development program where I had the opportunity to create and implement lessons in our school's attached preschool. So, when I graduated college and saw a position where I could work specifically with math in an elementary setting, I was immediately on board!
A fun fact about me is that I lived in Panama for a year and a half when I was younger! My dad was a Project Manager on the Panama Canal Expansion project, which gave our family the opportunity to live there and experience their culture. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'd love to go back and visit soon!
I currently attend the University of Delaware for electrical engineering. I love hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and anything outdoors. I also like reading, music, and art. I am working my way through Air Force ROTC, hopefully to get selected as a pilot, which has always been my dream job.
The Electrical Engineering curriculum has a lot of hard math, but I enjoy it and am always learning. I also have 4 siblings that I have helped with homework, which taught me a lot about tutoring! When I was younger, my favorite teacher was my 11th grade US history teacher because he acted crazy and made learning about history fun.
One thing people don't know about me is that I want to live in Antarctica for a while someday!
We are always looking for people who are great with kids, great at math, and available during after school hours. Reach out!
Teach children math so they understand it, master it, and love it. Math can change their lives, and they can change the world.
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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(302) 509-2010
