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.

Chris Carrion-Alfano

Owner and Assistant Center Director

Chris is the co-owner and Assistant Center Director at Mathnasium of Sayville, bringing 34 years of experience as a special education teacher in grades K–7. She holds a Master of Science in Education from Adelphi University and a bachelor’s degree from Dowling College. 

Chris has been recognized statewide for her dedication to nurturing each student’s strengths and building confidence. She is passionate about supporting young learners and students with special needs while coaching instructors to do the same. Her encouraging approach helps students develop math skills and a strong belief in themselves. 

Alaina

Instructor

Alaina is an instructor at Mathnasium and a chemistry major at SUNY Binghamton. She graduated from Connetquot High School, where she completed honors coursework and BC Calculus while participating in marching band, track, and cross country. 

Math has always been Alaina’s favorite subject, and she enjoys helping students build confidence and curiosity through problem-solving. She especially enjoys topics like sequences and series and believes math can be both challenging and fun. Outside of Mathnasium, Alaina enjoys traveling and has visited eight countries outside the United States. 

Simon

Instructor

Simon earned his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Cornell University and has extensive coursework in mathematics, including multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and mathematical logic. His academic interests include logic, dynamical systems, and the philosophy of science. 

Simon enjoys helping students strengthen their reasoning skills and discover the beauty of mathematics. He believes math is both practical and creative, and he strives to make challenging ideas accessible. Outside the classroom, Simon enjoys music, chess, basketball, and exploring interesting mathematical concepts like Möbius bands. 

Samantha

Instructor

Samantha is an instructor at Mathnasium and a mathematics major at SUNY Binghamton. She completed multiple honors courses in high school, including AP Calculus BC, and has long enjoyed exploring mathematical patterns and problem-solving. 

Samantha hopes to become a high school math teacher and is passionate about helping students realize that math can be enjoyable and approachable. She especially enjoys teaching topics like factoring polynomials. Outside of Mathnasium, she participates in music and academic clubs and enjoys finding creative ways to make learning engaging. 

Rachel

Instructor
Rachel is a student at Binghamton University studying Biomedical Engineering. In 2019, she graduated from Bayport-Blue Point High School, where she was a member of the band and Science Olympiad club. Rachel studied AP Calculus AB and AP Statistics during her senior year. Math has been her favorite subject in school since childhood. Rachel hopes to make math fun for all students!
Favorite Math Topic: Statistics
Favorite Number: 20
Favorite Math Joke: How does a mathematician plow fields? With a pro-tractor.
Favorite Shape: Circle

Ben

Instructor
Ben received his B.S. in Applied Mathematics & Statistics at Stony Brook University in 2022. He was a peer mentor while at Bayport-Blue Point High School taking AP Calculus AB. At Mathnasium, his goal is to help students be successful for their later studies and future careers.
Favorite Math Topic: Statistics
Favorite Number: 74
Favorite Math Joke: Why can't circles construct arguments? Because they have no points!

Joey

Instructor
Joey is a student at Stony Brook University studying Physics. In 2018, he graduated from Sayville High School. As a high school student, he was a member of the Sayville HS bowling team as well as the Wind Ensemble and the Quiz Bowl team. He aims to ensure that all students excel in mathematics as well as enjoy the process of learning math.
Favorite Math Topic: Calculus
Favorite Number: 17
Favorite Math Joke: What’s the square root of 2? While it may be irrational, it sure is radical!
Favorite Shape: Hexagon

Sarah

Instructor
Sarah is a student at Connetquot High School, and will soon be a student at Quinnipiac University in the fall of 2023 studying psychology and elementary education. While in high school, she was a member of her school’s Kickline and Colorguard, as well as National Honor Society and Future Teachers of America Club. Math has always been her favorite topic in school. She aims to help all students learn and grow in mathematics, and to show students how they can use their math knowledge to help them in the future.
Favorite Math Topic: Algebra 2.
Favorite number: 20.
Favorite Math Joke: Why is 6 scared of 7? Because 7 8 9.
Favorite Shape: Circle

Amanda

Instructor
Amanda is a student at Hofstra University studying Geology and Secondary Science Education. In 2020, she graduated from Connetquot High School where she took all honor-level math classes, including AP Calculus BC. Math has always been one of her favorite subjects throughout school since solving math problems feels like solving puzzles! At Mathnasium, Amanda hopes to help students enjoy learning while growing their math skills.
Favorite number: 4
Favorite Math Joke: What keeps a square in one place? Square roots.
Favorite Shape: circle

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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