Our Waterloo Team - Mathnasium

Our staff is built to teach each student individually, to develop the skills they need to thrive in mathematics, and to foster a love of learning.

Math Centres / Waterloo / Our Team

Joe Ritsma

Owner

Joe is the Centre Director at Mathnasium of Waterloo. Prior to opening a Mathnasium centre of his own, Joe worked as an instructor in another Mathnasium location in Ontario. It was during this time that he realized how effective the Mathnasium teaching methods were and how he wanted to share them with even more people. Before his time with Mathnasium began, Joe worked as a Civil Engineer designing barns and other rural structures. He has a degree in Civil Engineering which was acquired from McMaster University in 2012. Joe is enthusiastic about helping every child in the Waterloo community to truly understand math by teaching it in the way that makes sense to them. Joe began teaching math in high school when he was a tutor as a part time job. Since then, he has taught and tutored children of all ages, teaching math to students in a clear and straightforward manner. He is committed to bringing the Mathnasium Method to the children of Waterloo and act as a resource to the community.

Kirin

Assistant Centre Director

Kirin is the Assistant Centre Director at the Mathnasium of Waterloo location. She has been a part of the Mathnasium team since 2019 and has previous experience managing summer camps, and private tutoring. Kirin graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a double degree in Mathematics and Geography in 2022 and is pursuing her MSc degree. In her spare time, she likes to read, watch movies, and spend time with loved ones. Kirin is passionate about building students’ confidence towards math by creating a positive and engaging environment to show each student that they can succeed.

Sarah

Online Classroom Manager

Sarah is the Online Classroom Manager for Mathnasium of Waterloo. Sarah attended Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a year before transferring to Redeemer University in Ancaster where she received a degree in Social Studies and Psychology. Sarah graduated with a teaching degree from Nipissing University’s Schulich School of Education and is now an Ontario Certified Teacher. In her spare time, she enjoys playing soccer, singing in her choir, learning about other cultures through food and travel, and going to the gym.

Larry Martinek

Creator of the Mathnasium Method

Larry Martinek, Chief Instructional Officer, Developer of Mathnasium Program. 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 curriculas ever produced for teaching math. While Larry is not an Instructor at our Centre, 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.

Our Mathnasium Mission

Teach children math so they understand it, master it, and love it. Math can change their lives, and they can change the world.

What I love about Mathnasium is the ability to teach problem-solving skills and make math make sense, while also making a student smile.

Amber W., Mathnasium Instructor

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Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Waterloo