Zdeňka Guadarrama is the Director of Mathapalooza. She is a Professor of Mathematics, Chair of the Department of Information and Mathematical Sciences, and Program Director for Mathematics and Computer Science at Rockhurst University. She is also the co-founder of Math Through Play a social enterprise focused on bringing mathematical play into communities.
Zdeňka strongly believes that there is enough variety of mathematics out there for everyone to enjoy, and that play can help challenge conventions about what mathematics is and how it is taught. Her strengths lie in being able to conceptualize and implement playful environments that naturally nurture mathematical exploration and thought. She has written and published inquiry based mathematics curriculum, given talks across the country about mathematics and mathematics education, designed national workshops for teachers to help them bring mathematical inquiry into their classes, and created a range of programs to introduce the community to meaningful, beautiful and enjoyable mathematics.

Mairead Greene is a founder of Mathapalooza and served as its Co-Director from March 2012 to May 2020. She was a Professor of Mathematics and Program Director for Mathematics and Computer Science at Rockhurst University before she moved to Ireland during the summer of 2020. She is currently Assistant Director for the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching at the National University of Ireland, Galway where she focuses on developing professional development programs, strategy and policy to positively impact learning and teaching at the university. She is also the co-founder of Math Through Play a social enterprise focused on bringing mathematical play into communities.

Mairead is a firm believer in maximizing the amount of time children spend learning through play. Mairead has significant experience creating mathematical play experiences for K-12 students and facilitating professional development for teachers who wish to increase their students’ mathematical engagement and understanding. She is nationally recognized for authoring inquiry-based curricula and supporting teachers at all levels who wish to incorporate inquiry-based learning into their classroom.