○ Grades: Kindergarten through 12th grade
Dr. Loretta Westry is the owner of Mathnasium, a math learning center for students in kindergarten through 12th grade right off U.S. 280 in Mountain Brook. She elaborates on Mathnasium’s goals and services in an interview below:
Q: Describe your educational and experiential background.
A: I am currently the associate professor of mathematics and actuarial science program coordinator at Miles College. I received degrees at University of Montevallo, Auburn University at Montgomery and Walden University. Being a teacher for 23 years — 10 years in public school and 13 years at postsecondary school — planted the desire in me to help students succeed not only in the subject of math but in all of their endeavors.
Q: Describe your business's area of expertise.
A: Our formula for teaching kids math using the Mathnasium Method has transformed the way kids learn math for over a decade across more than one thousand centers in the United States and Canada. Mathnasium’s expert math instructors teach children in 4:1 ratios on understanding math using an individualized approach. We strive to catch them up, and help them move forward!
Q: What type of services do you offer?
A: We offer group and one-on-one tutoring and learning plans tailored to each child’s academic needs. Instructors use our one-of-a-kind assessment process to determine each child’s level of knowledge and learning gaps. An individualized learning plan is then designed for teaching concepts the student needs to master. Our dedicated instructors monitor the progress of students throughout the learning plan to ensure they are sufficient in comprehension and application of concepts they’ve been taught. The implications of this process are transformative for students as they will experience tangible differences in confidence, attitude and academic progress. Our caring instructors foster an encouraging environment that helps kids thrive and learn math.
Q: What is your benchmark for success?
A: Everyone can be successful in math if given the opportunity to grow and learn. Our mission is to help as many students as possible achieve goals they set for themselves and break down any barriers that prevent them from success. Math is necessary for everything you do. The level varies based on your profession, but the ability to think logically inside and outside of problems is vital for every person.
Q: What is your approach to effective customer service?
A: Every parent will receive a parent pack which will include everything they will need to know as their child works through the Mathnasium Method. Our center manager, Crystal Waldo, said transparency is key when communicating to parents about their child’s progress. At the end of each session, they talk with the parent about the child’s learning plan — where they are and where they still need to be.
Q: How long have you been in business or practicing?
A: This location opened in September 2018 and Westry took ownership of the business in May 2022. Our anniversary ribbon cutting is in September and will be an open house for parents who haven’t met our team and desire to learn more. Our fall hours are Monday to Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
