Coolmath was designed for the frustrated, the confused,
the bored students of the world who hate math.

Coolmath was designed for the students who just need to get through
this stuff so they can reach their other academic goals.

Coolmath was designed for the math geeks of the world
who love math and want more, more, more!  
(And, no, we will NOT translate Coolmath into Klingon for you so, please, quit asking.)

Creator, President,
Chief Executive Officer

Hi, I'm Karen.  I used to hate math and I thought I stunk at it.  (Stank? Stinked?)  It was by complete accident (actually, from being forced to take math in college for my "G.E." requirement) that I found out that I was really good at it -- and that it was fun! 
I made Coolmath so that others wouldn't have to suffer like I did.

Here's the boring, professional stuff that may interest you and gives Coolmath credibility:
I have a B.A. and M.S. in Mathematics from California State University, Long Beach and have 14 years of full-time teaching experience at the community college level.  Over the years, I've specialized in Algebra and teacher training for K-8 math education.   I've taught fun things like Calculus too.  Overall, I really view myself more as a motivational speaker, than as a math teacher.  I've spent a lot of time working on that aspect of learning.   I also have a background in graphic design, computer programming and a bit of science.

And now for the interesting stuff:
I don't text, I don't tweet and I don't post on walls, but, I can play Wii tennis against myself - right and left handed at the same time... I always win.  I've been run over by a car, a boat and a ski lift.  I'm avoiding trains and planes.  I can quote all of the best lines from Seinfeld, Young Frankenstein and classic Bugs Bunny cartoons.  I play the guitar and dabble at the bass.  I boogieboard like a nine year old.  (No offense to the nine year olds who are reading this.)  I always sit at the "kids" table at family events.  When I was in my late 20's, while playing blocks with my nieces and nephews (see intern list below), one of my nephews (who was about 4 at the time) asked, "Hey, Aunt Karen.  Are you a kid or a grown-up?"  I didn't have an answer for him.  I'm still both.

My goal is to change the world...  one kid at a time.

You can reach me at  .  I sometimes get behind, but I try to answer every email.
Want to report a bad ad on the site? Please read this first!
 

Chief Financial Officer

Phil graduated from Shippensburg University in PA with a B.S. in Business Admin./Accounting in 1979.  While at "Ship," he played soccer and set three school records for "assists" in a game, in a season and in a career.  His professional career started at Arthur Andersen & Co.  He was there until 1984 and, during this time, he became a CPA.  Phil is currently the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for a real estate developer.  He is a member of the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) and the California Society of CPA's. 

On the fun side, Phil has been a long-time surfer and even got his picture in the newspaper for being the only guy out surfing one beautiful California Christmas morning in the late 1970's.  He still loves sports.  Give him any sort of ball and he'll have a new, fun game invented in minutes.  Phil has been my brother-in-law for over 27 years and currently holds the record for "assists" at Coolmath!

TG (Technology Guru), Graphics, Web Design

Leah graduated from Richmond University with a Biology major and Spanish minor.  While there, she won the Robert F. Smart Award for Best Undergraduate Research Proposal AND won a contest for the best bulletin board done by a resident assistant.  She was turned down for being a princess at Disneyland for being too short.  Three complete strangers have told her that she has "elf ears."  She still wears a 3.5 in kids shoes.  Putting these fine qualities together, she had two of her more gullible high school friends believing that she was, in fact, one-quarter elf -- from a grandfather on her mother's side.  Apparently, quarter-elves do not have to report to the North Pole.  I think she's a bit taller than I am.

Editor, Proof-reader, Graphics and Web Design

Stephanie is a "double major" (Physics and Music) at Rhodes College where she received the Award for Excellence in First-Year Physics.  She plays the guitar and sings a LOT.  Luckily, she's really good so she doesn't annoy people.  She enjoys mint chocolate chip ice cream, cheese and long walks on the beach.  She would like to start a "free hugs" campaign and would like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony.  She is my favorite geek.
 

Accounting

Scott is currently majoring in Accounting at California Baptist University where he was part of the NAIA National Champion 2007 Men's Volleyball Team.  He enjoys traveling and currently has a better vertical leap than Kobe Bryant.  (Scott's is 37 1/2" versus Kobe's mere 37".)  If he had to pick a new name for himself, it would undoubtedly be Miraslov.  He once ended up in the hospital because he ate too many Flaming Hot Cheetos.  (Please don't ask.)  As for future aspirations, outside of being able to grow a substantial mustache, Scott would like to make the most of the opportunities he is given to positively impact the world around him. 

Legal

Shaun is currently majoring in Criminology, Law and Society at University of California, Irvine and plans on attending law school.  He enjoys participating in and watching sports - particularly basketball and volleyball.  He can often be found inflating and arranging oversized, novelty, seasonal yard decorations.  Taking a 20 foot running start, he can ride a boogie board (standing) the length of a standard backyard swimming pool. 
(Warning: Do not try this at home and we are not responsible, if you do!)

Personal Assistant to Karen

Tigger came to Coolmath eight years ago with an extensive background in meowing, cleaning himself and rubbing his face on stuff he likes.  He was hired immediately.  Tigger now helps in the development of new lessons for Coolmath...  So, if you find a mistake, it's HIS fault!  Hey, he's a cat -- whad'ya expect?