Our Team at Mathnasium of Wauwatosa

Zack Streghtiff

Hello! My name is Zack. I am the Assistant Center Director and I enjoy teaching math at Mathnasium! Math has been my favorite subject in school for as long as I can remember, and starting in high school I started using my passion for this subject to tutor students in geometry and pre-calculus. After scoring a 36 on my math ACT I helped prepare my younger peers for this test as well. When I went to college, I worked at an engineering summer camp teaching young kids very basic STEM concepts. I am currently finishing my Mathematics degree at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In my free time I enjoy golf, snowboarding, and video games.

Derek Pipkorn

Hi! I'm Derek, the Owner of Mathnasium of Wauwatosa. I also own Mathnasium centers in Brookfield, Hartland, Mequon, Oconomowoc, and Waukesha - yes, I love Mathnasium! Prior to becoming a Mathnasium owner, I worked as a Middle School Math Specialist in the Mequon-Thiensville School District. I previously taught elementary and middle school students in Milwaukee Public Schools and the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District. I have a Masters of Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University and a Bachelors in Middle Childhood - Early Adolescence Education with math emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I've been actively involved in math organizations at the State and National level. I was the Chair of the Classroom Resources Committee for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Math Council. I have taught and tutored children of all ages, and I am committed to bringing a love of math to all children in our community. Married to Jillian and dad to Lucy & Ellie, we love all things Tosa and live just a few blocks away in the Olde Hillcrest neighborhood!

Jillian Pipkorn

Hello! I'm Jillian, the Director of Marketing and Community Outreach for six Mathnasium locations in the greater Milwaukee area that my husband, Derek, and I own -- Brookfield, Hartland, Mequon, Oconomowoc, Waukesha, and Wauwatosa. I am thrilled to be a part of our growing Mathnasium team and love the impact that we are making in children's lives and our local communities. I enjoy making connections in the community with schools, kid-centric organizations, and other small businesses. (Let's connect if you fall into one of these groups!) I am a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Marketing, and prior to joining Mathnasium spent 12 years developing Marketing Strategy at Kohl's. I also have years of experience event planning and fundraising for Susan G. Komen as a volunteer in the fight against breast cancer. When I'm not working on all things Mathnasium, I enjoy spending time with my two daughters Lucy & Ellie, being active, trying new recipes from my cookbook collection, and attending musicals.

Angie Cramer

Hello! I'm Angie, Managing Director for the six Mathnasium locations in the greater Milwaukee area, owned by the Pipkorns. I hold a Bachelor’s degrees in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Missouri and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Christian Brothers University and a Doctorate in Leadership from Maryville University. Prior to joining the Mathnasium team, I was a classroom teacher, school principal, district leader, executive coach, mentor, and professional development leader. I love working with our Center Directors and supporting the incredible work happening across this network of Mathnasium centers! When not at work, you can find my husband Steve and I on the ice at the Milwaukee Curling Club, or in the stands cheering on the Bucks, Brewers, Packers, Badgers, or Admirals with our sons Tom and Ben.

Ali Gilbertson

Mathnasium has been a part of my journey since 2011, when I first became an instructor in high school. Nearly a decade later, I was thrilled to rejoin the company as a Center Director, and now, as Director of Operations, I have the privilege of working with each of our centers to ensure every student has an incredible learning experience.

With over four years on this amazing team, I’m deeply passionate about helping students build confidence in their math skills and discover the fun in math. What I love most about Mathnasium is the relationships we build—watching students grow, succeed, and develop a love for learning is the most rewarding part of what we do!

Jeff Krug

Hi, my name is Jeff Krug. I went to University of Wisconsin-Madison where I majored in Mathematics. I am from Wauwatosa, and most of my friends and family have stayed in the Wauwatosa area. In my free time, I love to play sports, go hiking, and I am an avid reader. My favorite topic to teach is how to solve quadratic equations by completing the square. My favorite day at the center is Trivia Day. My favorite part of working at Mathnasium has been meeting so many kids from a variety of skill levels and backgrounds, and learning how to most effectively inspire them to reach their full potential.

Hailough Rickert

Hi, my name is Hailough Rickert and I am currently a Junior at Wauwatosa East High School. I am involved with various clubs at my school including: Key Club, The Environmental Club, National Honor Society, HOSA, and Spanish Club. My favorite skill to teach at Mathnasium would have to be teaching fractional parts and workout book pages. One of my favorite days at the center would have to be Bump Math Day because I love to help or watch the kids be competitive and also have fun! I like working at Mathnasium because I get to meet and help so many different kids! I also like it because I am able to connect with the kids and expand my own knowledge with math.

Nora Hoppe

Hi, my name is Nora and I’m a junior at Wauwatosa East High School. I love to read and participate in Forensics and theater. My favorite topic to teach is fractions and my favorite day at the center is Pajama Day! My favorite part of working at Mathnasium is getting to meet new kids and seeing things from their perspective.

Our Instruction Staff

Our staff consists of certified teachers and retirees, high achieving college students, and exceptional high school students. All are highly qualified, experienced, and rigorously trained individuals who must first pass a comprehensive set of verbal and written assessments covering all aspects of mathematics and instruction philosophy before even being considered for a position. Background checks are an essential part of the hiring process as is a "trial run" interaction with the students. Finally, all instructors are required to undergo continuous training. Our staff not only does an excellent job of teaching math, but they create a positive, enthusiastic atmosphere providing the support and encouragement your child may need. All of our instructors are passionate about math and love to work with kids. They are here to help your child succeed in school and in life. We welcome you to drop by and meet us anytime!