Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Temple

Jennifer Speer

Jennifer has a unique perspective that allows her to understand your kids and help them.

She is a successful business owner and homeschooling mom of 3! She has the perspective of an educator as well as a busy parent and knows the challenges of both. Jennifer knows how to engage the kids and hold their interest. She keeps them progressing in math in a way they will actually enjoy!

Jennifer has always had a strong grip on Mathematics, earning her B.B.A in Finance at Southwest Texas State University and then owning and operating successful businesses alongside her husband James.

After discovering Mathnasium and seeing what it can offer kids, they made a tough decision to sell their previous business and start all over again. As scary as that sounds, they knew that parents wanted the best education options available for their children. Now she and James have expanded to multiple locations and have thousands of amazing success stories as a result of the passionate instructors, inspiring learning environment, unique teaching style, and world-class curriculum at Mathnasium!

Favorite Math Joke: There are 3 kinds of people in this world... Those who can count, and those who can't.
Fun Fact: Graduated college in 3 1/2 years with a 4.0!
I love Mathnasium because: I get to be a part of a great organization that changes kids' lives! Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?!?

Larry Martinek

Larry has spent his entire career finding a better way to teach math. From inner city public schools, to acclaimed magnet schools, to leading private and parochial schools, Larry has served as both a classroom teacher and as an educational consultant. He has designed curriculum, teaching strategies, and teaching materials to help students and teachers learn math more effectively. He has trained teachers in the art and science of boosting students' ability to “do” math, thereby increasing students' math scores and feeling of self-worth. Larry is the developer of Mathnasium’s educational program – one of the most comprehensive and innovative curriculas ever produced for teaching math. While Larry is not an Instructor at our Center, he is a valuable asset we can call on to ask about specific students' scenarios for guidance and advice. This has helped to make visits more productive and enjoyable for many of our students.

Ethan Bruner

Ethan is a Texas native, born in Killeen and lived around the state his whole life. Though at home here in the Lone Star State, he aspires to experience the world and all it can offer with his best friend and spouse. After graduating from Texas State University with a degree in Music and Technology, Ethan has returned home to continue honing his teaching experience to educate and inspire new generations of inventors, artists, athletes, and more.

Favorite number: 299,792,458: the speed in meters per second of light in a vacuum. It is the theoretical speed limit of the universe! "We guarantee certainty, clearly referring to this light mnemonic."

Favorite math joke: Are monsters good at math? Not really, unless you Count Dracula!

In five years, I will be: A homeowner, continuing to build my future and forge my own path. I will have seen several countries and be planning my next adventure!

I love Mathnasium because: There exists countless opportunities to open students' eyes not only to beauty and necessity of math, but to learning as a whole. We're given the chance to understand our learners and inspire them to tackle problems with confidence and enthusiasm.

Andrew Lanning

Enoch Farnham

Enoch Farnham is the oldest of six children in a close­-knit homeschooling family. He is currently a senior in high school, taking dual credit classes at Temple College. He has co­written and acted in three local plays; and also enjoys hiking with friends, playing piano, and serving in his church. Lover of all things techy and mathematical, he hopes to pursue a degree in Computer Science after he graduates.

Favorite number: Three, because there are so many good stories told in three parts.

Favorite math joke: How do you make seven even? Take away the ‘s’.

In five years, I will be: Hopefully, I will have graduated from a university and will be serving my community as an innovative entrepreneur.

I love Mathnasium because: I love working with children and helping them learn and grow. I want to give them the confidence that comes from understanding.

Yechan Kwon

Yechan is a student at Lake Belton High School. He was not that talented at mathematics, but he pushed himself to understand the subject better and achieved wonderful grades. When Yechan is not working or studying, he likes to watch youtube videos, play video games, and play tennis.

Favorite number: 3, because it's the number that I used when I played baseball.

Favorite math joke: Why doesn't anybody talk to circles? Because there's no point!

In five years, I will be: Graduating from high school and attending the college that I dream of :)

I love Mathnasium because: It allows me to help and assist the student who faces struggles over the concepts and ideas that they are not confident in. It also teaches the student how to overcome challenges which will be very important in their future life, where they will face other types of challenges.

Patrick Tavary

Patrick is a current student at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor where he is studying to get a degree in Mathematics with 7-12 Teaching Certification. In his spare time he enjoys working on fixing computers.

Favorite number: 42, It's the answer to life the universe and everything.

Favorite math joke: Which civilization was best at algebra? The Romans. For them, X was always 10.

In five years, I will be: Working on my Masters degree so I can teach at higher levels.

I love Mathnasium because: It allows students to foster a better understanding with mathematical concepts that they might have had troubles with in the past.

LeeAnn Ripstra

LeeAnn is the middle child of 2 sisters, and at 6 feet, is the shortest sibling of the three. In high school, LeeAnn excelled in mathematics and track and field. Upon obtaining an athletic scholarship, LeeAnn ran the 800 and 1500 meter runs, and studied engineering and social sciences at Mississippi State University. After returning home from Mississippi, LeeAnn taught high school mathematics before obtaining her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston - Clear Lake. LeeAnn is passionate about decreasing student's anxiety around mathematics, and increasing students confidence in their mathematics abilities.

Favorite number: Pi, because it is infinite and naturally occurring.

Favorite math joke: How do you maintain heat in a cold room? Head to the corner. It's probably 90 degrees there.

In five years, I will be: Teaching mathematics, and running a successful psychotherapy private practice.

I love Mathnasium because: It tailors lessons to the student's specific needs, and it provides a positive and enjoyable learning environment.