Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiré Pierce.
Hi Desiré, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started as an instructor working part-time at Mathnasium. I fell in love with the business and dreamed of becoming an owner some day. I worked many roles at Mathnasium over the years, including working for the corporate offices in Los Angeles for 5 years. Opportunity opened up to become a franchisee, and now I have owned my own center for nearly 2 years. Here’s what I have listed for my story on the mathnasium website: Starting her journey as an instructor in 2010, Desiré quickly developed a deep passion for the Mathnasium method and its transformative effect on students’ mathematical journeys. Her path, originally aimed towards becoming a math teacher, took a delightful detour as she embraced a flourishing career with Mathnasium. Through her years of dedication, Desiré has navigated various roles with expertise and enthusiasm, from instructing students face-to-face to directing centers and even contributing to the franchise’s corporate echelons in Los Angeles. As the former director of Mathnasium@home and General Business Systems, she also lent her insights and leadership to the executive team, shaping the future of Mathnasium’s educational approach.
This new venture sees Desiré teaming up with David Ullendorff, the co-founder of Mathnasium, and Vane Lucas, a seasoned multi-center owner with 13 years under his belt and former head of the Mathnasium Systems department. This powerhouse trio is set to enhance the educational landscape of the Greatwood community, bringing a wealth of experience, a shared vision for excellence, and a proven track record of success to the forefront. Their collective aim? To nurture a love for math in students, fostering a positive and impactful learning environment.
Desiré’s return to the Houston area is not just a homecoming; it’s a mission to ignite a passion for mathematics in the hearts of students, empowering them to achieve academic success and embrace the joy of learning. Her journey—from an aspiring math teacher to an influential figure in Mathnasium’s network—illustrates a profound commitment to changing lives through education. “Mathnasium has been a life changer for me, and I love to watch as the students fall in love with math and achieve academic success!” she shares. With such inspiring leadership at the helm, Mathnasium of Greatwood is poised to become a beacon of excellence in math education, shaping the mathematicians of tomorrow, today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No. The previous owner of this location completely shut it down. I had to combat a tarnished reputation in the community and get the word out there that there was a new owner that was very experienced in Mathnasium and here to be a community partner. We recently hit a milestone of 100 student enrolled in our center. This is nearly 3 times as many students than the previous owner! And it just under 2 years! Changing the reputation of a business in the community can take some time, but we were able to make it happen pretty fast.
We’ve been impressed with Mathnasium of Greatwood, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a Mathnasium franchise and after-school math learning center, we specialize in helping students succeed in math. We are the neighborhood’s math experts, providing personalized learning plans that begin with a skills assessment. Our dynamic plans adapt to each student’s progress, both in and out of the classroom, ensuring they reach their goals. We focus on making math fun and accessible, teaching students the language of math and empowering them to master concepts. We provide extra practice with current schoolwork, reinforce foundational skills, and ensure each child fully understands the material before moving on.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in a challenging neighborhood and attending a rough school, I remained laser-focused on education, determined to build a brighter future. Math was a natural fit for me, and I frequently helped my classmates. I’ve always been drawn to the creative problem-solving in mathematics. Beyond that, I’m an avid reader, finding it to be my go-to relaxation. Reflecting this, I pursued a math major and English minor in college, merging my two passions. I would describe myself as a natural leader, always seeking opportunities to guide and inspire.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mathnasium.com/greatwood
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatwoodmathnasium/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552481483942
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desir%C3%A9-pierce-9b3b81194/
