Meet Our Team

As an elementary educator for more than 30 years, and a lead curriculum writer for Illustrative Mathematics' K-5 curriculum, Deborah believes that all students can learn and enjoy mathematics. She has dedicated her career to helping other educators approach teaching in innovative ways that allow students to see themselves as valued contributors to the study of elementary mathematics. 

Deborah also recognizes the reality that students, educators and parents have unaddressed trauma when it comes to learning mathematics, causing challenges with math identity and math anxiety. As a certified yoga instructor who has immersed herself in studies of  mindfulness and social-emotional learning, she seamlessly blends these practices into her work with educators. She recognizes the importance of students being able to understand and manage their emotions and advocate for themselves in order to achieve academic success.  

Adrienne joins My Mathematical Mind as a K-8 Math Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in education. She has witnessed the way some students struggle to learn mathematics and believes that everyone can develop a deep understanding of the subject. 

She posits that when learners are first introspective about their approach to understanding mathematical concepts, they can realize their strengths, make meaningful connections, and achieve greater success.  

A recent honors graduate of George Mason University's Mathematics Education Leadership program, Adrienne now sits on its Advisory Board. As a middle school math teacher and a teacher leader, her goal is to always implement research-based pedagogical strategies that engage, challenge, and encourage students and teachers to persevere. 

With more than 15 years of experience as an educator in grades K-8, math is Tisha's favorite subject to teach. Currently pursuing her PhD in Elementary Math Education from Georgia State University, she believes that good math instruction is a key factor leading to student success in mathematics. 

Tisha defines good instruction as taking time to understand student thinking, offering students opportunities to engage in productive struggle, and providing space for them to develop their own mathematical ideas and strategies. Tisha lives by this definition, both as a teacher, and teacher leader. She feels there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student's look of pride on their face when they reach that "lightbulb moment" after a little productive struggle. 

Watch her 2017 TEDx Talk: Insπre: Rethinking the Purpose of Math Education