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.

Srishti Tawakley

Center Director
Srishti has a background in General and Special Education, alongside work experience in schools and centers in both the United States and India. She is now using the skills and experiences gained in these various educational settings to advance Mathnasium in Sunnyvale. Ultimately, Srishti hopes to provide students at Mathnasium with educational opportunities to help them develop their confidence and a genuine love for learning. Srishti was born in India and raised in the Bay Area. All of her schooling was completed in the Bay Area as well, attending Monta Vista High School in Cupertino and receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in the Health Sciences from CSU East Bay. Srishti also went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Texas Permian Basin. Outside of work, Srishti has a passion for cooking, especially recipes for Indian food, baking, listening to music, and watching movies. She is also a trained Bollywood dancer, as she received training throughout middle and high school.

Douglas Herz

Assistant Center Director
Meet Douglas Herz, a dynamic individual whose remarkable journey encompasses a rich tapestry of experience spanning the realms of engineering, business, education, entrepreneurship, and athletics. Armed with engineering degrees from prestigious institutions like Cornell and Penn, along with an MBA from The Wharton School, Doug has spent over four decades navigating the intricacies of high-tech management, shaping the landscape of innovation and technology. But Doug's story doesn't end there. In 2005, he took a unique turn in his career, stepping into the role of an instructor at Mathnasium, where he shared his passion for mathematics and education with eager young minds. Alongside his professional pursuits, he also dedicated himself to guiding students as a college advisor, helping them navigate the complex journey of higher education; and also guiding individuals and families in crisis as a suicide and crisis prevention counselor. Beyond the boardrooms and classrooms, Doug finds inspiration and balance in his personal life. Married to a talented artist and blessed with a son who shares the same creative spirit, he cherishes the beauty and expression found in the world of art. But his pursuits extend far beyond the confines of the office and studio. As a true renaissance soul, Doug stands at the forefront of technological innovation as the founder of a Generative AI app startup, shaping the future with groundbreaking solutions. Alongside his entrepreneurial endeavors, he pilots a gemstone jewelry business with his family, infusing creativity and elegance into every exquisite piece. In a testament to his indomitable spirit and drive for excellence, Doug is currently gearing up for the ultimate challenge: training for the Marathon World Championships in Sydney this fall. Fueled by determination and driven by passion, he embarks on this journey, ready to conquer new horizons and redefine the limits of possibility. With a wealth of experience, a heart for education, an eye for innovation, and a spirit of adventure, Doug exemplifies the essence of a true visionary- a leader and mentor who inspires and motivates those around him.

Patti Selan

Lead Instructor
Patti joined the Mathnasium of Sunnyvale team in August 2019. She has a BA in Legal Studies from UC Berkeley and an MBA from San Jose State University. She has worked in tutoring for 4+ years and is passionate about helping students learn math concepts and achieve their learning goals. Patti is a fan of the Mathnasium approach, which allows students to follow a customized path to mastering math fundamentals and core concepts. She is excited to continue helping students build their confidence in math!

Saavan Saraf

Instructor
Saavan Saraf is a high school sophomore and joined Mathnasium in 2024. He has had a passion for teaching and math for many years, starting with his own tutoring business. Saavan believes that every student has a different way of learning, and encouraging them to enjoy math is just as important as getting them to do it.

Jumana Attia

Instructor

Jumana is a junior in high school and aspires to be a science major and then a physician.  She is advanced math student in high-school and busy prepping for her college prep exams.

Diva Adhikari

Instructor

Diva is a junior in high school, and has been a student at Mathnasium.  She enjoys teaching math to her sister, and has taken a leap into teaching Math while also learning advanced Calculus.

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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