Mother’s Day Story: RSM Through a Mother’s Eyes

These are the mothers who chose RSM not only as a workplace or a school, but as a place for their own children to thrive. Their stories remind us that the best endorsement of our program is when our own community entrusts us with what matters most – their children. 

The Regional Director & Mom

We asked Maria Gofshteyn, Regional Director of New York and a proud mom of an RSM alumnus, to share her story and what being an RSM parent has meant to her.

She reflected: “I needed a school that would teach my son to investigate the world around him, to know how to make connections, to be challenged to think and to express himself, to be prepared to stand up for his positions, and to be able to deliver a logical explanation to problems in math and life.

RSM and the community it fostered became a second home for my son, and launched him and his friends (many of whom make cameos in our curriculum as characters in math problems) to various successes in their lives. 

The experiences my son had also inspired me to get involved, to volunteer, teach, and eventually help open RSM Winchester in 2013. My family has continued to attend RSM, my granddaughter is currently an RSM student and my grandson will be starting at RSM this Fall.”

Today, Maria has built strong teams at RSM, nurtured multiple branches across the New York City area, and had the unique joy of watching her child thrive within the very system she helped shape.

The Teacher & Mom

We also spoke with Mila Trushchina, a dedicated teacher at RSM Newton and an RSM mom. She teaches a wide range of classes, from second to seventh grade. RSM is an integral part of Mila’s family; her children are students at RSM and her husband also works as the Vice Principal of RSM MCP Online.

“Being a teacher who is also a mother has helped me be more patient with my students. I can easily imagine my own kids in my classroom which allows me to be more empathetic.

Before my children started attending RSM classes, we as parents were the main source of Russian math education for them. Now that they are RSM students, I am glad that they have other adults they can look to as experts on the subject. Thanks to RSM, my children have also learned how to do independent work, doing their first ever homework assignments, and working through problems on their own.

I do my best not to interfere with my children’s experience at RSM. At home, we discuss math plots out of the box, play riddles and run math experiments, but everything related to the curriculum is between them and their teachers. I listen to what they tell me about what they are learning and ask silly questions to keep things fun.”

The Alumna & Mom

Yuliya Mints, a cardiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, is a former RSM student and mother of a current RSM student. Yuliya shares memories of her time at RSM:

“I first attended RSM in 4th grade. RSM played a huge role in my life, not just from the knowledge I gained, but also in the friendships I formed. I still maintain friendships with many of my classmates to this day!

RSM helped me excel in math and in other subjects in school as well. While working on challenging problems, I learned to think logically and find solutions. I also enjoyed attending the RSM summer camp, which played a special role in shaping my character. 

I always look back fondly on the happy times I spent at RSM. As soon as my oldest son reached school age, I enrolled him at RSM. My middle daughter will also start attending RSM this year. My son is currently in first grade, and I am amazed at how he is able to approach problems. Throughout his time at RSM, my son has gained confidence and independence. I’m certain that his progress will continue, and that he will grow to love RSM just as I do.”

This Mother’s Day, we’re honored to spotlight the incredible women who truly encapsulate RSM’s mission – not just as educators and alumni, but as mothers shaping the next generation of thinkers. Their trust, passion, and commitment remind us that behind every student is a supportive family, and behind many of our families are mothers leading with love, vision, and belief in the power of math.