Meet the Team
We are a collaborative team of educators committed to empowering teachers, leaders, and students. We bring curiosity, collaboration, and a deep respect for the learning process as we work alongside teachers and leaders to support student thinking and mathematical sense-making.
Karolyn Wurster
FOUNDER
Karolyn Wurster taught middle and high school mathematics in Sacramento, California and Concord, New Hampshire. Since 2011, she has trained and supported pre-service and professional math teachers in grades K-12. She has consulted for UnboundEd, the Breakthrough Collaborative, Leading Educators, and Generation Teach. Karolyn currently works with New Hampshire school districts. Karolyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education and her Master of Education from the University of New Hampshire. She earned her Master of Science in Education Leadership and received her license as a K-12 principal from Western Governors University.
Beth Wheeler
MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION SPECIALIST
Beth Wheeler taught as a classroom teacher for 18 years at both the elementary and middle school levels, after which she worked as the district-wide mathematics instructional coach for the Nashua School District serving 12 elementary schools. She earned Bachelors of Science in both Elementary Education (K-8) and Sociology from Keene State College. In 2023 Beth was nominated for the President’s Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Prior to joining the Math Empowered team Beth was part of the Math Empowered statewide coaches’ cohort, and is excited to continue supporting teachers statewide as they implement the Math Empowered instructional practices.
Katie Ames
MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION SPECIALIST
Katie brings a decade of experience teaching fifth and sixth grade, with a strong focus on cultivating deep mathematical thinking and problem solving. She is driven by a commitment to reflective practice, continually seeking ways to improve learning experiences for both students and educators. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of New Hampshire and partnered with Math Empowered as a classroom teacher before joining the team. In her current role, Katie designs and develops innovative instructional materials, coaches educators to strengthen math instruction, and supports the integration of technology to enhance teaching and learning.