Our Team at Mathnasium of Woodland Hills

Donna

Donna, a proud alumna of the University of California, Los Angeles, stands as a testament to the pursuit of excellence in mathematics. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, she has not only honed her own understanding of the subject but has also actively shared her knowledge through teaching and tutoring experiences. After graduating, Donna dedicated a year to teaching junior high mathematics, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the mathematical foundations of young minds. Her passion for education extends beyond the traditional classroom setting, as evidenced by her rich tutoring experience. Through one-on-one interactions, Donna has cultivated an environment where students can comfortably navigate the complexities of mathematics, fostering a sense of confidence and proficiency. As Donna continues her journey in the realm of mathematics education, her blend of academic achievement, teaching experience, and a passion for algebra positions her as a valuable mentor and guide for those navigating the often challenging landscape of mathematical exploration. Her dedication to empowering students and instilling in them a deep appreciation for math underscores her commitment to fostering a new generation of confident and capable mathematicians.

Kara

Kara is currently a junior at Oaks Christian High School, where she is enrolled in the school's engineering program. She has a passion for helping others understand math in a way that makes it feel less overwhelming and more approachable. Understanding how challenging the subject can be, Kara is committed to finding ways to make learning fun and relatable. Outside of academics, she finds joy in art and music. Music is her constant companion and creative fuel, whether she’s studying, relaxing, or dancing. Nature is also a big part of Kara's life, and going to the beach or hiking with friends provides a fun outlet. She has a love for working with children through things like babysitting and leading summer camps. As someone who knows what it’s like to be a student juggling a busy schedule and challenging material, she hopes to bring positivity and a brighter outlook on math and learning in general.

Nicholas

Nick is a sophomore splitting his time between Moorpark and Pierce College, where he studies Computer Science. He is heavily involved with the engineering and math departments at both institutions. He believes that math is one of the most worthwhile pursuits one can undertake and wants to share that understanding with the students at Mathnasium. Outside of STEM and academic studies, he is an avid hiker and photographer, providing a break from the rigor and order of math and science. He hopes that, with his help, the students at Mathnasium can see math as the beautiful, interconnected, symphony of logic that he does.

Genadya

Genadya is currently a senior at El Camino Real High School. She has a passion for learning and is always looking for ways to expand her knowledge. Understanding that every student learns differently, she enjoys helping others tackle challenging material and believes that with the right encouragement, any concept can become clear. Math is where she truly shines, making it her favorite subject to tutor. Outside the classroom, Genadya finds joy in baking, spending time outdoors, and listening to music. Whether she's studying or relaxing, music helps her focus and calms her busy days. Through tutoring, she hopes not just to share her knowledge, but also create confidence within a student and excitement about math.

Jaden

Jaden is a brand new college student at Pierce who has a passion for mathematics and science! Studying to become a mechanical engineer, Jaden wishes to refine these skills in mathematics and share them with many students. He believes that math can be difficult, no matter who you are or how you study, it will always be a challenge; that is why math is critical in refining all human skills and using thinking to overcome any of life's obstacles. His other hobbies and interests outside of the classroom include drawing, photography, cars, and bunnies. At Mathnasium, he wishes to help and care for students, guiding them through struggle and bringing light into the world of math through a mix of focus, fun, and jokes! Math sure makes him smile, and he wishes to share that joy with students.

Saveena

Hey guys! I’m Saveena, and I’m super excited to be joining the Mathnasium team. I’m a high school senior and the oldest sibling in my family. I love spending time outdoors, especially hiking and swimming. I also really like reading- my favorites are The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner series. Math has always been interesting to me, especially challenging abstract concepts. I’ve been looking forward to becoming a math tutor for a while, and I can’t wait to start helping students learn and grow.

Vrithika

Is currently a senior at El Camino Real High School. She enjoys learning about STEM subjects and earned a 5 on the AP Calculus exam. As Someone who values the importance of math, she aims to make learning fun and engaging, allowing students to build their confidence. Outside of academics, she loves playing the viola and piano and is eager to learn more instruments. Additionally, she enjoys listening to music and drawing, which allow her to express her creative side. Her previous experience in tutoring children has built her confidence in promoting a positive learning environment in Mathnasium. After high school, she aims to continue her involvement in STEM by pursuing a career in surgery.

Dan Saposhnik

Dan graduated from the University of Arizona in 1985 with a B.S. in Microbiology and from Hofstra University's Graduate School of Business in 1990 with an MBA in Accounting. He worked as a CPA with public accounting firm Price Waterhouse and has built successful companies in various fields including real estate and executive recruiting. Dan's passion for teaching and love for working with kids is rooted in family tradition. His mother was a highly regarded principal in Las Vegas for nearly 30 years. Dan has taught and tutored children of all ages and was a mentor for underprivileged children. Dan is committed to significantly increasing Woodland Hills children's math skills, their understanding of math concepts and their overall school performance. "We provide lots of warm encouragement in a very positive learning environment so that children build their confidence and develop a winning attitude towards math. Our kids learn math in a way that makes sense to them. They get excited about math and this spirit carries over into everything they do."

Laurie Wasser Saposhnik

Laurie graduated from UCLA in 1986 with a B.A. in Communication Studies. Before joining Mathnasium, she built a successful career working with Fortune 500 high-tech companies, including IBM, SAP, EMC, TIBCO, and MicroStrategy.
Laurie’s passion for teaching and working with children is deeply rooted in her family values. Her father, a dedicated special education teacher, spent over 30 years shaping young minds in California. Following in his footsteps, Laurie is committed to empowering children in the Las Vegas community by improving their math skills, fostering a strong understanding of mathematical concepts, and building their confidence to succeed academically.
In addition to her work at Mathnasium, Laurie volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), where she advocates for the best interests of children in foster care. This role reflects her dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and supporting their growth and well-being.