MIND OVER MATH TEAM



Sara Moore | Director

Sara graduated Summa Cum Laude from UNC-Wilmington where she received her M.S and B.A in mathematics.  While Sara is a self-proclaimed math nerd and appreciates all forms of mathematics, she specializes in tutoring pre-calculus and calculus I, II and III.  Sara also enjoys helping students to navigate test-taking, planning and the college application process.  Sara loves interacting with the parents and students of Mind Over Math.

Over the years, Sara has enjoyed exploring many different teaching avenues.  As an undergraduate pursuing a degree in education, Sara tutored at a small, Title 1 elementary school in a low-income area of Wilkes County. The children at this small school touched Sara’s heart and even though she enjoyed the classroom experience, what brought her the most joy was working with each student one-on-one. Many of these students struggled with mathematics and out of a desire to help them and similar students, Sara transferred to UNCW to major in mathematics. Over the years, Sara has worked with students as private tutor, a math facilitator, and later as an instructor for both CFCC and UNC-Wilmington.  As Sara’s private tutoring expanded, Mind Over Math was born.   

Tess Miller | Test Prep Coordinator

Tess graduated Cum Laude from UNCW with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 2018.  Tess then completed a Master of Arts in Teaching for secondary education in 2019.  Tess is originally from Richmond and has been tutoring since 2012.  She first realized her love of teaching while volunteering at elementary schools in her hometown. Tess fell in love with the feeling of helping students to succeed and to reach their goals and has been teaching and tutoring ever since. 

​Outside of Mind over Math, Tess teaches full-time for Pender County Schools.  Tess is an adventurer and you can often find her traveling, hiking and sometimes even skydiving!  She also enjoys volunteering, reading, and spending time with friends and family.  

Rebecca Stevens | Academic Counselor & Office Admin

If you call our office, you're most likely to speak with Rebecca!  Here at Mind Over Math, Rebecca provides academic counseling and study skills support to students of all ages in addition to specializing in middle grades math.  Rebecca also assists in the day to day management of the office: fielding questions, helping students to check in and providing amazing support to staff, parents and students alike.

Rebecca received her B.S. in Psychology and M.H.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Florida.  She loves being outdoors, appreciating nature.  At home, Rebecca enjoys painting, jewelry-making and other crafts, as well as music and literature.  

Dana Purvis | K-8 Coordinator

Dana graduated from UNC-Wilmington in 2011 where she received her B.A in Communication. Following graduation, she joined Teach For America which sent her to Miami, Florida to teach Title I elementary students for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Here, Dana realized her passion for math instruction, in particular, and was recognized continuously for standout student scores and her positive classroom environment. 

In addition to teaching, Dana trained as an instructional coach in K-8 mathematics and joined Teach For America’s Miami staff. After many wonderful years in her Miami classroom, Dana moved to Orlando, Florida where she worked as a District Administrator supporting teachers, instructional coaches, school administrators, and thousands of students on their K-8 mathematics instruction and proficiency. Dana brings over a decade of successful educational experience and passion to her role at Mind Over Math. Though she has held a wide variety of educational roles over the years, Dana most enjoys working directly with students in small groups and one-on-one experiences. 

Adam Santoro | Tutor 

Adam’s love for math and problem solving started at a young age with puzzle games and counting change.  Originally from Syracuse, NY, Adam came to Wilmington after high school to continue his education.  Adam excelled in calculus and began to tutor at Cape Fear Community College.  When he graduated from UNCW with his Bachelors of Science in 2007, Adam was among the top in his class. 

​Adam has been working with Mind Over Math since 2010 and loves working one on one with students.  Adam's passion for math allows him to tutor a wide array of students, but he particularly specializes in calculus and pre-calculus.

Madeleine Franco| Tutor

Madeleine is from Cornelius NC and completed a bachelors degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Theatre at UNCW in 2023.  Madeleine is focused on academics and graduated Summa Cum Laude.  Outside of Mind Over Math, Madeleine teaches second grade full-time.  She was recently nominated Teacher of Promise by Pender County Schools. 

Madeleine is passionate about helping others to achieve their goals and to find a love of problem solving.  She believes that every person possesses unique strengths and has the ability to learn. Madeleine endeavors to be an advocate for her students and strives to make math fun and engaging to each of her students.  In her free time, Madeleine can be found reading books at the library, playing Minecraft, practicing yoga or hiking.  

Phillip Antonino| Tutor

Mr. Antonino graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.  After retiring from the military in 2002, he began a second career in teaching.  While teaching full time, Mr. A completed a Master of Education in Secondary Mathematics in 2006 and a Master of Science in Mathematics in 2010 from UNC-Wilmington.  Over the years, Mr. A taught high school Mathematics at E. A Laney High School, and Topsail High School and was an adjunct instructor for Cape Fear Community College.  His teaching experiences ranges from Algebra 1 through AP Calculus.

​Mr. A retired from the classroom in 2023 and began tutoring for Mind Over Math in August 2023. 
Mr. Antonino is eager to help his students to reach their potential in current math courses and to build a strong set of skills to prepare for future courses.   Mr. Antonino and his wife Sylvia have three children, and have lived in the Wilmington area since 1990.  

Maggie Sellers| Tutor

Maggie graduated in 2021 from East Carolina University, where she was a Maynard Scholar. Maggie recognized her passion for teaching as a young child and tutored throughout her time in high school and college. Educators in all areas hold a special place in Maggie's heart but Maggie herself is a success story of the additional support math tutors provide to young learners. To Maggie there is no better feeling than watching the lightbulb start to shine when students grow and gain confidence in their math skills.

Outside of Mind Over Math, Maggie is in her third year of teaching at the elementary level and is currently a 5th grade teacher for New Hanover County Schools.  In her free time, Maggie enjoys spending time at the beach and hanging out with her dog, Murphy.

Sara Kathryn Vincelette | Tutor

Sara graduated Magna Cum Laude from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Astronomy. While pursuing her degree, Sara provided math tutoring to students in grades K-12, in both one-on-one and small group settings.  After graduation, Sara joined Teach for America, moved to Charlotte, NC and taught math to freshmen and sophomores at West Charlotte High School.

Sara  is passionate about math and helping students to discover their potential.  She is confident that every student can be successful in math, and her goal is for her students to find that same confidence within themselves. Outside of the classroom, Sara  enjoys trying new recipes, golfing with her fiancé, and brushing up on her piano skills.

Tierney O'Brien| Tutor

Tierney grew up in Vermont and moved to Wilmington to attend UNCW.  Tierney recently graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a minor in Environmental Science.  Tierney has always loved math and science and endeavors to share that enthusiasm and a positive mindset with her students.  Tierney's tutoring specialties are middle school math, Math I, II and III as well as middle school science, and chemistry.  

Tierney has a passion for all things ocean and enjoys volunteering at the UNCW Benthic Ecology Lab. ​One day, Tierney hopes to travel and work with coral restoration projects all over the world.  In her free time, you can find Tierney scuba diving, learning the ukulele, baking or playing softball.

Anna Diop | Tutor

Anna grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina and is currently exploring a degree in Computer Science at UNCW. She earned an Associate in Science degree in Engineering from CFCC, and then transferred to NC State for an additional two years of education in Mechanical Engineering. Anna is passionate for all things math and science!

Since she enjoys working with students of all ages, Anna works with a wide variety of students at Mind Over Math, tutoring from elementary through high school math.  Being able to create an environment where students can see their progress and reach their academic goals is Anna's priority.  To Anna, there is nothing better than providing a supportive learning environment and the privilege of being a part of the process when a student finally masters a math concept.  Outside of tutoring, Anna enjoys playing the violin, cooking with friends, and drawing.