Our Team

Our specially trained math instructors will teach your child how to understand math in an individual setting; our unique approach enables us to explain concepts really well and lend a helping hand to every student. Our tutors foster a caring, encouraging environment that helps kids thrive and learn! Read below to learn more about our talented team:

Bobby Tarnowski, Owner

It thrills me to see a young person's face light up when it finally hits them how math works and is useful in the things they're passionate about. I believe that a solid understanding of mathematics is foundational in our ability to make good life choices, equipping us to live lives with greater independence and accomplishment of our goals. I graduated from St. John's University with a B.A. in Mathematics and continued with a Master's Program in Manufacturing Systems Engineering at the University of St. Thomas. Math has been indispensable throughout my career in engineering and management, and is also quite useful in my business and family life.

David Andre, Center Director

David has more than 37 years of experience using Math Concepts in business and education environments. 

His education includes a BA in Management and Computer Science; In Process is a BA in Mathematics at the University of Minnesota and an MBA from Warwick School, London England.  He was employed as a Teacher’s Assistant for Teachers on Call and was assigned to many different high, middle, and grade schools including students with autism and other learning disabilities. 

He is a former hockey and tennis player who enjoys coaching kids in the USTA Tennis league.  

"My teaching method for helping students young and old is designed to help those that have a fear of or anxiety with the subject of Mathematics.  From my own experience, mathematics was difficult until I was introduced to my seventh-grade math teacher.  In summary, he made mathematics fun and it was from that humble beginning that led to my love of learning and teaching Mathematics."

"Our goal in teaching and helping your child understand Mathematics is to reinforce the current lessons from your school by providing the student with the concept, followed by important vocabulary, complemented with methods, and demonstrated with examples for your child to refer to.  In summary, Mathematics is about pattern development."    

Evan Preslicka, Instructor

Evan is a long time native of Savage. In the fall he will be attending technical school for engineering drafting and design. Evan has been working at Mathnasium for 2+ years and really enjoys teaching students problem-solving skills and helping them with critical thinking. He spends his time outside the center working at his second job, drawing, or playing video games. 

Emily Krause, Instructor

Emily is a senior at Prior Lake High School and will be taking multivariate calculus in the fall. She enjoys managing the prior lake volleyball team and being a member of the golf team. Emily also loves to volunteer, whether through the Minneapolis Crisis Nursery or opportunities presented through National Honor Society. In her free time, she enjoys going to her cabin, playing the piano, and spending time with friends and family. Emily loves working with students and is passionate about helping them understand math.

Mae Artang , Instructor

Mae is a senior attending Prior Lake High School, where she completed Mulivariable Calculus. She has also been a Girl Scout for most of her school years.  As a current Girl Scout Ambassador, she has earned her Bronze and Silver Awards and the Gold Award is in her grasp.  She has participated in Robotics since 6th grade, going to the state competition several times.  With extra time on her hands she plays percussion for the school band, piano for the Jazz band and competes with the school quiz bowl and knowledge bowl team.  In her spare time she enjoys tackling puzzles, reading, listening to music, and crocheting. After high school she plans to attend college to pursue a career in science and engineering.

Nathan Drabek , Instructor

Nathan Drabek is a senior currently enrolled in the PSEO program at Normandale Community College. He loves math and teaching. The 2019-2021 school year was his third year as an instructor at an after school youth juggling program called Jugheads, where he has been a student for 9 years. He can juggle 5 clubs (aka pins) at one time! His current most ambitious academic goal is achieving a perfect score on the ACT. Nathan’s favorite hobby is learning; to avoid boredom when not working, studying, or out with friends, he is teaching himself how to code in Python. Nathan hopes to pursue a job in the STEM field after graduating from college.

Anna Puhek, Instructor

Anna is a student at the University of St. Thomas, pursuing a double major in Actuarial Science and Economics, with minors in Mathematics and Statistics. She has recently completed multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and advanced probability classes, making the Dean’s List each semester. In her free time, Anna enjoys traveling, watching theatre, and spending time with her family in Lakeville.

She is passionate about explaining mathematical concepts in a clear way so that everyone can feel excited and comfortable with the subject.

Cecelia Nguyen , Instructor

Cecelia is a college sophomore that will be attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities this fall and is majoring in Computer Science. She loves teaching math concepts and enjoys working with students, so working at Mathnasium was perfect!

If she is not working on her studies, she likes to bake, listen to music, or play board games with her family.

Srushti Vaidyanathan, Instructor

Srushti is a Sophmore this year at Prior Lake High School. She has always had a liking towards math and science due to the logical aspects and definitive answers. She has been on the robotics team since 5th grade, has been to state tournaments several times, and is one of the division captains of the high school team this year. Srushti also participates in the school’s speech team, tennis team, and is a figure skater. In her free time she enjoys drawing, puzzles, video games, and playing guitar

Jake Artang, Instructor

Jake is a sophomore attending Prior Lake High School, where he’s currently working through Calculus BC. His favorite sports are freestyle skiing and tennis, and he’s also involved in the school jazz band and percussion ensemble. Jake has always loved math and science because of the challenge and problem-solving aspect. In his free time he enjoys piano, video games, programming, drawing, puzzles, video games, and playing guitar

Allison Thompson, Instructor

Allison grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota and now lives in St. Paul as she persues a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science at the University of St. Thomas. Allison has long enjoyed the applications of math in day to day tasks, which allows her a greater clarity and organisation in her own life. She believes that every person will find themselves using math in their future no matter where they end up. Allison's hobbies include Tennis and Painting, and she hopes to add traveling to that list after graduating.

Allison makes a great instructor because of her love of math and ability to communicate its importance and applicability to our students.