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.

James Cawthorne, Ph.D.

Center Director
James grew up in Virginia (the state) and has lived/worked in 9different cities across 7 states. He has attended and earned degrees from North Carolina State (BS in Pulp and Paper Technology & BS in Chemical Engineering), Western Michigan (MS in Paper and Printing Engineering & Ph.D.-ABD in Paper and Imaging Science), and Purdue University (Ph.D. in Engineering Education). My educational focus is the alignment between content, assessment, and pedagogy and the creation of a positive learning environment for students. When not at Mathnasium James likes to do advanced Sudoku, read, and cook. A little-known fact about James is that he once made a boat (10ft long by 3 ft wide) out of cardboard and glue. Then he had to test it on a real lake by sitting in it and paddling for a period of time.

Tim Pilquist

Assistant Center Director
Tim is a student at the U of M studying Chemistry and Horticulture, which he hopes to use to help maintain earth’s ecological habitats. He lives in St. Louis Park and enjoys hiking, climbing, and just being outdoors in the parks. Tim says “Math is awesome! I use it every day; when I’m cooking, shopping, or just driving.” His favorite part of working at Mathnasium is seeing how students’ faces light up when they hit the point of understanding and revelation on a concept they’ve struggled with previously.

Megan Chaloupek

Assistant Center Director

Ayla

Instructor
Ayla is a high school student and former Mathnasium student. They enjoy both the complexities of both learning and teaching math with Mathnasium being an integral part of both. Ayla doesn’t yet have concrete post-high school plans but knows that math will be both important and helpful for whatever they decide to do.

Bethany

Instructor

Blake

Instructor

Jonathan

Instructor

Lisa

Instructor
Lisa is a Professor of Math at North Hennepin CC. She joins the staff to assist with teaching higher level high school math.

Lori

Instructor

Olivia

Instructor

Ross

Instructor

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.

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

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