Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Thornhill

Larry Martinek

More than thirty-five years ago, Larry Martinek was inspired to find a better way to teach children math. As a teacher-trainer and consultant in public and top private schools, and father to a mathematically gifted son, Larry possessed an incredibly comprehensive view of education. In his work with both stellar and struggling math programs, he clearly identified a common theme in mathematics instruction: a “serious disconnect between students’ basic skills training and the curriculum they are expected to master in the years to come.” Spurred by the challenges in math education, Larry Martinek decided to find an approach that would provide grade-school children with the strong mathematical foundation they need to succeed. Over the next three decades, Larry painstakingly developed and assembled a blend of methods and materials that proved highly effective for students of all ages. Instead of relying on traditional rote memorization and repetitive exercises, Larry’s work focused on helping children build deep mathematical understanding—number sense—by honing their math instincts and getting them to think like Mathematicians.

Bryan

Bryan is a recent graduate from York University with a Specialized Honours Degree in Computer Science and is actively pursuing a career in the programming field. Since joining Mathnasium as an instructor in Fall 2022, he has demonstrated his passion and proficiency for teaching others. He enjoys being able to help students improve and become more comfortable with math. He finds fulfillment in being able to communicate with students and working with them to find a learning methodology that matches their learning style. When not studying or working, Bryan enjoys watching tv shows, movies and sports.

Dan

Having worked at both overnight and day camps for over a decade, Dan is no stranger to working with kids. He studied Mathematics & Statistics at the University of Guelph for four years and has always had a drive to help others. To Dan, the most important part of creating an effective learning environment is fostering a connection with each and every person that walks into the centre and developing trust and mutual understanding between the student and teacher. His passions outside of the classroom include playing and watching sports, writing music, and playing video games in his free time. Dan hopes to one day become a full-fledged math teacher and he is attending Teacher's College.

Shelby

Shelby is a teacher who dedicates her work to supporting students' success and hopes to help them gain a lifelong love of learning. She specialized in both biology and geography at Wilfrid Laurier University before gaining a Bachelor of Education at Nipissing University. Throughout her journey, she has seen how often math has applications in various fields. It's her belief that supporting students through their personal challenges will encourage growth and new confidence in their math skills. The learning processes of students differ and working with their individuality can encourage their strengths and help them work to overcome their hurdles. In her spare time, Shelby enjoys crafting, baking and reading.