Our Team at Mathnasium of South Pasadena

Michael Owens

I attended college at PCC, majoring in political science. I love working with students and seeing that "ah ha" moment when they finally get it. I have been a part of the team since November 2024. I love to make art projects and play games with my friends, the nerdier the better! I am an Eagle Scout and use the leadership skills from the Boy Scouts every day.

Brandon Franco Castro

I currently attend Cal State LA, and I major in mathematics. I love working at Mathnasium because I love to help students understand and enjoy math as much as I do. In my free time, I like to read, play video games, watch movies, listen to podcasts, and make origami. One interesting fact about me is that I am a big fan of Harry Potter.

Jeffrey Han

I attended college at USC, majoring in computer science. At Mathnasium, I love the fact that we focus on helping students understand, instead of just focusing on test scores. In my free time, I like building computers, video games, cars, DIY repair, animation taekwondo, tennis, and soccer. An interesting fact about me is that I replaced my own iPhone screen and battery.

Joaquin Phillips

Mateo Cortes

I currently attend Los Angeles College Prep Academy, and I plan to major in psychology in college. At Mathnasuim, I love the fact that everyone leaves here with a smile. It is an incredibly positive environment. In my free time, I like solving Rubik's cubes and jigsaw puzzles, as well as journaling. I also like sports and have played soccer for over 9 years.

Orrin White

Michelle Han

Lucas DuBria

I currently attend Pasadena City College, and I plan to major in Wildlife Biology. I love working at Mathnasium because I love to help others with math and it's a nice and friendly environment. In my free time, I play volleyball and work with animals. I also love to go thrifting. One interesting fact about me is that my elbows are double-jointed.

Austin Tong

Nico Mostert

I currently attend La Salle College Prep, and I am currently undecided on what to major. I love working at Mathnasium because I learn something new every day. In my free time, I like to play baseball, video games, and watch TV and movies. One interesting fact about me is that I can speak Dutch.

Hudson Taylor

I currently attend South Pasadena High School, and I plan to major in mechanical engineering. I love working at Mathnasium because everyone here loves to help students in need. In my free time, I love to play video games or read. I also enjoy coding. One interesting fact about me is that I read the book Dune 4 times.

Raden Estridge

School Attended: South Pasadena High School

Major:

What I love about Mathnasium: I love working with the kids and helping them have fun while learning math

With Mathnasium Since: March 2025

Hobbies and Interests: I like playing soccer, running, and reading

Interesting Facts: I like to sew

Kevin Aung

I attend Pasadena City College, and I majored in computer science. I love working at Mathnasium because of the welcoming and supportive team that is dedicated to helping students. In my free time, I like to swim, play board games and chess. One interesting fact about me is that I got runner-up in a state chess championship.

Vivek Wong

I attended college at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, majoring in computer science. I love working with students and helping them see math differently. I have been a part of the team since August 2025. In my free time, I love to cook, play board games, and draw. I can make hand-torn noodles and my own chili oil.

Reignne Park

I currently attend South Pasadena High School. I love working at Mathnasium because of the organized structure that we use to help students of all levels. My hobbies are cooking, drawing, editing videos, and playing my guitar or piano.  Some interesting facts about me are that I have 3 siblings and I lived in Egypt for 10 years.

Shayan Ameri

I currently attend South Pasadena High School, and I plan to major in biology. I love working at Mathnasium because I love meeting new students and teaching them the very same topics I was taught at their age. In my free time,I love to listen to music and play sports. A fun fact about me is I can almost do a handstand.

Mailani Ramos-Platt

I currently attend South Pasadena High School. At Mathnasium, I love the moment our students realize how much fun math can be. In my free time, I love to read and learn about different species of birds. One interesting fact about me is that I have 5 pets. 4 of which are rodents.

Paul Hatem

I attend Cal State LA, and I majored in computer science. I love working at Mathnasium because I get to work with students in a fun environment where my math and teaching skills make a difference. I've been with the team since January 2026 and in my free time, I like swimming, coding, and going on hikes. A few interesting facts about me are that I design video games and have traveled to Europe for over 1 month.

Stefan Susanescu

I studied computer science and information technology in Romania at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. I love working at Mathnasium because I have been passionate about math since elementary school, and I get to share that passion with students and ignite their curiosity. In my free time, I love to go on walks, play soccer, play video games, and program. One cool fact about me is that I have been studying Korean recently, and I am making a video game as a personal project.

Allyson Bishop

I currently attend South Pasadena High School. I love working at Mathnasium because of all the amazing students I get to interact with each day! My hobbies are hanging out with friends and playing the guitar.  Some interesting facts about me are that my mom is a math teacher at my high school, and we used to sing the quadratic formula when I was younger.

Sarah Bae

I currently attend South Pasadena High School, and I plan to major in psychology in college. At Mathnasium, I love being able to connect with students while engaging in learning. In my free time, I like to paint, draw, or do my nails. One fun fact about me is that I am a published research author in the field of cognitive illnesses.

Andrew Molina

Andrew graduated from the University of San Diego in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. After graduation, he joined the team at Mathnasium of South Pasadena as a Math Instructor. After moving his way up to Lead Instructor and Assistant Center Director, Andrew became the Center Director for the Mathnasium of South Pasadena. Due to the wonderful time he had managing the South Pasadena center over the course of 3 years, Andrew looks forward to his new role as District Manager. As District Manager Andrew will oversee the management of the Mathnasium centers located in Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Marino, and South Pasadena. He is excited to continue to provide top-tier customer service at each Mathnasium location as well as help build his students’ confidence so they can succeed at any goal they set for themselves.

Alejandra Cermeno

Alejandra graduated from the University of California, Riverside in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. Shortly after graduation, Alejandra joined the Mathnasium of Pasadena team as an instructor and advanced her way to Center Director over the course of 3 years. As Education Specialist, she is now in charge of all student learning plans, training of new instructors, and furthering the training of current instructors alongside Xavier, the District Support Specialist.

Max Nuckols

Hi! I’m Max. I’ve been with Mathnasium since 2019 when I started as an instructor as a high school senior. When I graduated, I went to NYU for two years to study biochemistry, but later decided to come home and change my major to Business Administration. I’m currently working full time at Mathnasium while attending classes part time at Cal Poly Pomona to finish my degree. I love what we do here because the idea of making math fun for kids is such a unique philosophy, and it’s something I resonate with a lot because I love to learn. In my own time, I’m a huge nerd for science, history, sci-fi, fantasy, superheroes, and more, and once you get me started, I could talk for hours about these things. I also enjoy outdoor activities, and even built a skimboard out of plywood a couple years ago so I could learn to ride it at the beach. If you see me in the center at any point, don’t be afraid to say hi!

Jesse De La Roca

Jesse graduated California State University of Long Beach in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Animation/Game Design. He previously worked as a Lead Instructor at Mathnasium of Seal Beach from 2021-2023. He transferred to Mathnasium of South Pasadena and served as a Lead Instructor from 2023-2025.  As District Support Specialist, he is working his way up to working with all our Mathnasium centers ensuring quality service to our students and families.