Our Team at Mathnasium of Wurzbach

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 curricula 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.

Learn more about Larry and Mathnasium here!

Jenna Sheehan

Jenna is a student at UTSA working towards her degree in Cyber Security. When she isn't teaching math and doing school work, she enjoys makeup, dancing, and art. Before joining the Mathnasium of Wurzbach family, she worked her way up from instructor to Center Director at Mathnasium of Bulverde South. She hopes to one day own a Mathnasium of her own to continue helping students.

Favorite number: Pi is such an interesting number. It's found everywhere in nature, and there is even a language based off of it!

Favorite math joke: Why is the obtuse triangle always upset? Because it's never right!

In five years, I will be: Working at a cyber security firm , but still making time to help students with math.

I love Mathnasium because...: : I have been able to see students develop the confidence in math they never thought possible. Mathnasium helps math make sense to students, and it shows them they don't need to be afraid of math.

John Wells

John was born and raised in San Antonio. He is a current highschool senior at BASIS Shavano. He loves math and physics, and plans to major in computer engineering. His hobbies include videogames, basketball, reading, and going on walks.

Favorite number: 10, because it is the basis of our number system and allows for any number to be easily expressed. It also makes calculations with number of varying degrees very simple.

Favorite math joke: Why is pi so boring? Because it just goes on and on.

In five years, I will be: A college graduate pursuing either a masters degree or work in the computer engineering industry.

I love Mathnasium because: The Mathnasium method creatively teaches kids the underlying ideas behind mathematical concepts while also testing this knowledge to ensure mastery. Additionally, all of the people at Mathnasium show a genuine love for math and a passion for helping kids.

Hudson Bell

Hudson is currently a freshman at UTSA pursuing a degree in education. His two biggest passions outside of teaching are music and film, and he spends a lot of his time perfecting his craft in both. Right now, he's listening to Noah Kahan, watching High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and playing Pokémon. 

Favorite number: My favorite number is 41 because it was the amount of Fridays I had as a senior in high school, and I based a yearlong project on it. 

Favorite math joke: "I’ll admit that I don’t have any jokes on calculus... but at least I know my limits." 

In five years, I will be: Studying for a doctorate! 

I love Mathnasium because: I know how much a certain teacher or instructor can make a difference on a student and their lifelong interests. Mathnasium gets the students who need it most to be in front of an instructor who can really create lasting impacts on them.

Claire Carr

Claire comes from New Haven, Connecticut. After moving to Texas, she wanted to continue her passion for education and math, and Mathnasium gave that opportunity.

Favorite number: My favorite number is 1729. An old mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan once entered a taxi car, with 1729 as its number. The driver found it to be a "rather dull number," but Ramanujan was a very big fan of numbers, so he told the driver of a special property it had. It is the smallest number that can be expressed as two different sums of cubes, 1^3 + 12^3 = 9^3 + 10^3 = 1729. To this day, as a result of this story, this number is one of the taxicab numbers!

Favorite math joke: What did the acorn say when he grew up? Geometry

In five years, I will be: Working on my Journeyman's electrician license.

I love Mathnasium because: I believe in its method. I've seen the difference a solid foundation can make in a student's ability to problem solve, and ensuring that no part of the education is left out makes an astronomical difference.

Grace Cox

Grace is currently studying physics at UTSA. She is patient with learners who may be hesitant with learning new and complex topics, and wants everyone to have a good experience while learning.

Favorite number: My favorite number is 4, because I have found this number to consistently represent my socially designated identity. Including my birthday adding up to 4 and being the 4th child of my parents.

Favorite math joke: Why did the chicken cross the möbius strip? To get to the same side.

In five years, I will be: Have found a way to avoid the absurdity of the 4th dimension, and can still hold onto the notion of a deterministic reality. Have abandoned the necessity for purpose and can analyze experience in the most pure form possible.

I love Mathnasium because: I love to inspire others to be able to see math in diverse and meaningful ways, and I feel that I will be able to do that here.

Isabella Siju

Isabella Siju is a Junior at Health Careers High School, and she is currently on the pharmacology track. She enjoys learning math, and in her free time, she loves to read, paint, and dance.

Favorite number: 8, because I was born on the 8th, and if you turn the number sideways it makes infinity, which means forever!

Favorite math joke: Why was the equal sign so humble? Because it knew it wasn’t less than or greater than anyone else! 

In five years, I will be: Hopefully, earning my bachelors in psychology and on my way to medical school to eventually become a psychiatrist. 

I love Mathnasium because: It allows kids to become more confident in their math skills and essentially change their life!  

Frank De Luna

Frank is curious and loves learning about people and new things. He is motivated to help others! 

Favorite number: 24 - because it is my birth date & my favorite basketball players wear this jersey number. 

Favorite math joke: Do not have a specific one. 

In five years, I will be: A professional engineer. 

I love Mathnasium because: I enjoy sharing my passion for math with others & helping them gain confidence and appreciation for mathematics!

Jack Miller

Jack is a student at Churchill High School; on the basketball team, UIL Academics, and school orchestra. 

Favorite number: 7, because I believe it to be lucky. 

Favorite math joke: Why was 10 afraid of 7? Because 7 8 9! 

In five years, I will be: Studying engineering in college. 

I love Mathnasium because: The environment is very friendly and helpful.

Elementary Math Experts

Mathnasium of Wurzbach instructors are experts at helping with elementary math topics.  The Mathnasium Method focuses on building a strong foundation in basic math skills by ensuring that students master essential concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions. Mathnasium helps students develop the math proficiency they need to succeed in more advanced math as they progress.

Mathnasium instructors are trained to identify and address struggles in elementary math early on, helping students develop math confidence and a deep understanding of key concepts. Focusing on elementary math tutoring allows instructors to close gaps in knowledge and build a solid mathematical foundation for future success.

The Mathnasium approach doesn’t just teach students the "how" of math, but also the "why," helping them to avoid common misconceptions that can hinder their progress. This early intervention ensures that students are well-prepared for higher-level math.

By prioritizing math help at the elementary level, Mathnasium provides the essential tools to boost confidence and improve math skills, setting students up for lifelong success in math!

Click here to learn more about our unique Mathnasium Method!

• Mathnasium instructors specialize in elementary math tutoring

• We focus on building a strong foundation in basic math skills

• Mathnasium Instructors are trained to identify struggles and improve math confidence

• The Mathnasium Method helps close knowledge gaps, ensuring students are prepared for advanced math

• Mathnasium teaches both the "how" and the "why" of math to avoid misconceptions

• Early math intervention supports lifelong success in math

Middle School Math Experts

Mathnasium instructors are experts in middle school math tutoring because we know this stage is crucial in building a strong foundation for future success in high school math and beyond. Here’s why our expertise is essential:

1. Bridging Gaps in Math Learning
Middle school math acts as a bridge between elementary concepts and more advanced topics like algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus. There is a strong focus on important concepts such as solving equations, working with variables, and understanding ratios. Mathnasium instructors help identify and address gaps in math skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for high school math.

2. Developing Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Problem-solving and critical thinking are essential in math. Mathnasium instructors specialize in helping students develop these skills, ensuring they can approach math problems logically and confidently. This is key to excelling in advanced math and on college entrance exams.

3. Personalized Math Help for Every Student
Mathnasium offers personalized math help to match each student’s unique learning style. Whether students need extra support with visual aids, hands-on practice, or a slower pace, Mathnasium instructors tailor their approach to meet the needs of each learner.

4. Addressing Common Struggles in Middle School Math
Many students face challenges in middle school math, such as working with fractions, negative numbers, and basic algebra. Mathnasium instructors are skilled at helping students overcome these difficulties, offering step-by-step explanations to boost math confidence and understanding.

5. Building Confidence for High School Math
A key part of middle school math tutoring is fostering math confidence. Mathnasium instructors ensure that students feel capable and confident in their math abilities, which is crucial for succeeding in high school math and beyond.

6. Support for Various Math Curricula
Whether students are following a traditional middle school math curriculum, an advanced math program, or something like Common Core Math, Mathnasium instructors provide customized support, helping students succeed in their current math class and be well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Click here to learn more about how Mathnasium students become Middle School Math Masters!

High School Math Experts

High school math courses include advanced topics that require specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of complex concepts. Our instructors are brilliant, engaging math experts that guide our students through these challenging topics. 

Here's why their expertise is essential:

1. Advanced Math Topics Require Specialized Knowledge
High school math covers subjects like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics, which require advanced problem-solving skills. Mathnasium instructors are skilled in teaching these challenging topics, breaking them down into clear, understandable steps that help students succeed in high school math.

2. Preparing for College and Standardized Tests
High school math tutoring is crucial for preparing students for college math and standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. Mathnasium instructors can provide targeted test prep, ensuring students understand the necessary math concepts to perform well on these exams.

3. Filling Gaps in Math Knowledge
Many high school students have gaps in their math knowledge from earlier grades. Mathnasium instructors are experts at identifying these gaps, whether from pre-algebra or earlier, and providing the math help needed to fill them. This ensures that students have a strong foundation for tackling high school-level math.

4. Personalized Instruction for Every Student
High school math tutoring at Mathnasium is personalized to fit each student’s learning style. Whether students need more visual aids, hands-on practice, or a slower pace, Mathnasium instructors tailor their teaching methods to ensure students grasp complex math concepts and succeed in their courses.

5. Building Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving and critical thinking are key in high school math. Mathnasium focuses on developing these skills, helping students approach complex math problems logically. This not only improves their performance in high school math and on college entrance exams, but also strengthens their overall math problem-solving abilities.

6. Support for Various High School Math Curricula
Whether students are following a Common Core, IB, AP, or another high school math curriculum, Mathnasium instructors provide tailored support that aligns with these programs. They also help students prepare for AP exams and math sections of the SAT/ACT, ensuring they’re prepared for any challenge.

7. Boosting Math Confidence for Success
Math confidence is essential for success in high school math and beyond. Mathnasium not only improves math proficiency but also focuses on boosting students' confidence, empowering them to approach advanced math topics with a positive mindset and excel in their coursework.

Click here to learn more about how we help our high school math students.

Mathnasium instructors are high school math experts because they have the knowledge and experience to help students master advanced math topics like algebra, calculus, and geometry. Their personalized approach ensures students get the math help they need to succeed in high school and test prep for college, setting them up for lifelong success in math!

Experts in Math, ANY Math!

Mathnasium helps students no matter which math curriculum or standards they are using in class.  Our approach provides students with a full understanding of the core concepts of the topic, not just the memorized algorithm.  This sets them up for success in any math class or on any college entrance exam.  Plus, we set aside time to help them with their homework at the end of each session, so we can demonstrate exactly how the skills we practice at Mathnasium apply to their schoolwork.

Click here to learn more about the results of our program!

Our instructors are experienced with a wide range of math curricula and standards, including:

• Eureka Math

• Singapore Math

• IXL

• Saxon Math

• Teaching Textbooks

• Math-U-See

• Common Core

• State Standards

• And more!