ABOUT US

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jason Poston | Tutor

Jason's passion for science and education is a lifelong journey. He holds two master's degrees: a Master of Education from Virginia Tech (2006) and a Master of Biological Sciences from Clemson University (2016). With experience teaching science at both the middle and high school levels, he's dedicated to helping students understand the incredible processes of living systems. Jason's favorite part of teaching and tutoring is being able to watch students succeed in their academic adventures.

When he's not teaching for Pender County Schools or tutoring for Mind Over Math, Jason loves spending time with his family, particularly on the volleyball courts. He also enjoys reading and staying active by going on adventures with his three dogs

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.

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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.

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.

Elizabeth Beltzhoover | Tutor

Elizabeth grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and moved to Wilmington to attend UNCW. She graduated Cum Laude in Fall 2025, having earned honors in Environmental Science alongside a minor in mathematics,. This combination allows Elizabeth to bring real-world data and applications into her teaching. She is passionate about math, and enjoys all things numbers.

Elizabeth enjoys working with a variety of students, but specializes in middle and high school math. When she isn't helping students reach their academic goals, you can find Elizabeth running the trails in Wilmington, listening to her favorite podcasts, or relaxing with a good book and her dog.

Owen Valek | Tutor

Owen grew up in Illinois, where he began college as a place kicker for Western Illinois University. He later moved to Wilmington to attend UNCW, where he is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Coastal Engineering.

Owen’s affinity for mathematics began at an early age and he enjoys sharing that passion with his students. He enjoys working with a diverse range of age groups, specializing in everything from elementary math through Math I. For Owen, the most rewarding part of tutoring is witnessing the transition as students evolve into confident, independent learners.

Outside of academics, Owen loves spending time with family and friends. He is passionate about all things sports, travel, and the outdoors!

Stefanie Truppi | Office Coordinator

If you call our office, you’re most likely to speak with Stefanie! Stefanie manages the day-to-day operations of Mind Over Math: fielding questions, checking in students, and providing essential support to staff, parents, and students.

Stefanie brings an extensive background in education and performance to her current role. Prior to Mind Over Math, Stefanie competed, educated and coached in the dance world for almost 20 years. She began her journey in competitive dance before dedicating herself to her passion of ballet. Stefanie studied with the Joffrey Ballet School in New York, the New Jersey Ballet, the Boston Ballet, and the Kirov Academy. Stefanie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Dance from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and performed as a company dancer for the New Jersey Ballet for nine years.

As a dance teacher and coach, Stefanie worked closely with students ages 8 to 18 and their parents, with the primary focus of helping children to achieve their dance goals. Her background as both a student and a teacher taught Stefanie the importance of a supportive learning environment and how that can be a determining factor in the outcome of a student’s journey. Stefanie applies her experience as an educator to her current role, ensuring a positive academic experience for students at Mind Over Math.