Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Hamilton Mountain

Alexandra Khassanova

Alexandra graduated with Honours from Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Brampton, Ontario, in 2006. As a Registered Practical Nurse, she has devoted her career to helping others and brings that same compassion and commitment to education. 

An experienced administrator and hockey coach, Alexandra is deeply involved in her local community. Balancing her work as a Centre Director with being a mother of three, she continues to inspire both her staff and students. In her spare time, she enjoys playing hockey and training her two dogs. 

Larry Martinek

Larry has dedicated his entire career to improving the way math is taught. His experience spans public, private, and magnet schools, where he has served as both teacher and consultant, designing curriculum and instructional materials that make math accessible and engaging. 

As the developer of the Mathnasium Method, Larry created one of the most comprehensive and innovative programmes for teaching mathematics. While he is not an instructor at this centre, his continued guidance helps our team better support students, making each visit more productive and enjoyable. 

Jordana

Jordana is a second-year McMaster University student who is passionate about mathematics and science. She loves breaking down complex ideas into simple, approachable concepts that help students grow in confidence. 

Her experience volunteering with children at local camps has strengthened her belief that every student can reach their potential with the right encouragement. Outside of Mathnasium, Jordana has worked as a research assistant for the University of Waterloo and enjoys playing soccer and field hockey to stay active. 

Anna

Anna is a second-year McMaster University student who enjoys problem-solving and working with children. Having competed in the University of Waterloo mathematics contests for several years, she brings enthusiasm and analytical thinking to every lesson she teaches. 

She believes that learning math builds creativity as well as logic and loves seeing students gain confidence through discovery. Outside of Mathnasium, Anna enjoys painting, crafting handmade items, reading, and bike riding, activities that help her stay balanced and inspired. 

Ryan

Ryan is a passionate hardworking, dedicated student enrolled in the Life Sciences Gateway Program at McMaster University. He has a great level of patience and experience helping and tutoring people of all ages. Along with having an abundance of volunteer experience with children, Ryan also placed top 5 percent provincially, in the Gauss Waterloo math contest. Ryan’s ability to comprehend and explain math in ways to help others see, understand and appreciate math as he does make him an important asset to our team. He truly enjoys sharing his love of math with others. In his free time, Ryan enjoys playing piano, and accordion, and being around his family.

Rameel

Rameel is a conscientious and intelligent individual who loves learning and teaching mathematics. He is currently a second-year student at McMaster University studying Actuarial and Financial Mathematics. He has admired mathematics since high school and always enjoys tackling complex problems with his peers and on his own. Rameel also consistently tutored various high school students throughout high school, as he loved explaining concepts to other individuals using his own tactics and knowledge. His experience with successfully assisting other high school students with mathematics has led him to work at Mathnasium. Aside from doing math, Rameel really enjoys playing basketball, going on long drives, working out, and listening to music to keep him motivated.

Franchesca

Francesca is currently enrolled in graduate studies at McMaster University for Mechanical Engineering and works as a teaching assistant for mechanical engineering courses. She has always enjoyed math, having participated in math competitions throughout elementary school. Francesca’s favorite aspect of teaching math is watching students complete tasks they didn’t think were achievable. She is determined to make math a fun and positive experience for all students. In her free time, Francesca enjoys reading, going to concerts, and hanging out with friends.

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Kianna

Kianna is an organized and friendly high school student currently attending Bishop Ryan. She enjoys working with children and enjoys developing new skills. Kianna is passionate about math and the sciences and has been since elementary school. She hopes to pursue her education after high school and study higher levels math's and sciences. Outside of Mathnasium, Kianna enjoys playing the violin, hiking, wrestling, and being around her friends and family.

Zena

Zena is a dedicated student at McMaster University with a unique background in kinesiology allowing her to bring a fresh perspective to the world of mathematics. Zena's academic journey has been characterized by her passion for both the sciences and math. Her extensive background in university-level calculus, statistics, and biomechanics alongside her experience as a teaching assistant for anatomy and physiology courses enrich her teaching approach. A true advocate for education, Zena finds joy in working with children by helping them see the practical applications of math and problem-solving. Her commitment to enhancing their lives through these skills reflects her belief in the transformative power of education. Outside of her academic pursuits, Zena is an avid reader and writer. Her love for travel further informs her teaching and allows her to provide a well-rounded learning experience for her students.

Mustafa

Mustafa is a diligent high school senior at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School, with the aspirations of pursuing a degree in the field of Computer Science. Driven by the hunger to learn more, he possesses an insightful and inquisitive approach, when it comes to tackling complex math problems, and believes in the motto, "learn as you go". This coupled with the experiences gained from participating in math competitions throughout elementary and high school, has developed his nature to think outside the box and provided him with great expertise, which he brings to Mathnasium. Furthermore, his interests in helping his peers in math, and volunteering as a math helper in his school have also added to his skill set. Outside of education, Mustafa acts as the President of his high school's chess club and volunteers for environmental organizations within the community. In his free time, he loves to interact with nature, listen to R&B music, and watch motorsports on television.

Paula

Paula graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Science. She majored in Mathematics and Statistics. Paula enjoys helping others understand math and sharing her passion for the subject with the students. Outside of Mathnasium, Paula enjoys going for walks, listening to music, and spending time with family.

Connor

Connor is a very friendly, understanding and cooperative student, currently attending Bishop Ryan C.S.S. He is not fully sure on the career path he wants to pursue but knows it will likely include math, with engineering as a top option. He has a great record with helping children, being a part-time youth basketball coach and will be going to the Dominican Republic in 2024 to help build homes for families and engage with children. With a long career in math ahead, he already has a few accomplishments including receiving the highest score in his school board on the Gauss Waterloo math contest. In his free time, Connor always has lightbulbs going off in his brain, playing and learning about basketball history, going to the gym, and has even memorized all countries and their flags from a very young age.

Farah

Farah is a diligent Bishop Ryan student that is passionate about teaching and learning about the world of math and science. From a young age, Farah displayed a curiosity for numbers and problem-solving. Her passion for mathematics grew during her time at Bishop Ryan Secondary School, where she excelled in university-level calculus and functions courses, consistently earning top marks and recognition on the honour roll. Farah's exceptional mathematical skills extended beyond the classroom and lead her to take on the role of a mentor and tutor, guiding her peers through challenging mathematical concepts with patience and enthusiasm. She goes above and beyond to instil a love for mathematics in her students through her dedication to creating a safe and supportive learning environment. Farah inspires and empowers her students to reach their full potential and develop useful thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. Aside from working at Mathnasium, Farah enjoys watching movies, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

India

India is a fourth year electrical engineering student at McMaster University. She has worked with children for many years, including as a nanny and as an instructor for various McMaster outreach programs. At Mathnasium, India hopes students will gain confidence in math that will enable them to pursue STEM or any other field that interests them. In her free time, India enjoys reading and spending time with animals.