Regional Spotlight: Massachusetts

That class, born from a partnership between a passionate parent and a gifted teacher, has since launched a movement. Today, RSM not only spans the U.S. and abroad, but also welcomes the grandchildren of our founders and the children of our alumni and teachers into our classrooms.

At the heart of this journey is a unique learning environment built on a triangular bond: curious students eager to grow, passionate teachers devoted to their success, and supportive parents who believe in the power of education. Massachusetts is a strong example of this bond, where for the past 13 years, RSM has been honored as the Best Math Enrichment Program by parents in the Boston area, a testament to the trust and impact that has been built within the community.

Today, RSM Massachusetts is home to 16 thriving branches, each with extraordinary directors, principals, teachers, and students. In this blog, we are proud to highlight the people who carry forward the spirit of where RSM began.

Meet the Massachusetts Regional Directors: Gohar Hakobyan & Svetlana Smirnov

Gohar Hakobyan has been with RSM for 9 years and earned an M.S. in Economics from Armenian State University of Economics. In addition to working as Regional Director, Gohar is also the principal of RSM Brookline and RSM Lexington. 

She loves that the RSM community allows like-minded individuals who share a passion for learning and intellectual growth to engage with each other. “Our students are eager to take on challenges, think critically, and approach problems creatively,” Gohar said. “They are not only academically driven but also innovative, constantly thinking outside the box. Additionally, our parents deeply value education and actively support their children’s pursuit of excellence. This collective commitment to learning fosters a dynamic and inspiring environment where students thrive.”

Svetlana Smirnov has been with RSM for 15 years and she also serves as the principal of RSM Andover. Svetlana earned an M.S. in Accounting from University of Massachusetts and a Ph.D. in Economics from St. Petersburg State University.

Svetlana said, "Over the years I have seen children grow from beginners into confident thinkers who enjoy discovery and are not afraid of complexity. What I find especially meaningful about the work we do at RSM is the community we build with families, teachers, and students who support each other over many years."

Meet the RSM Massachusetts Principals

RSM Acton: Igor Chernin

Igor has a B.S. in Math and Math Education and an M.S. in Computer Science.

"RSM is more than just a place of employment – it’s a life mission, our source of inspiration and pride," Igor said. "We firmly believe that RSM not only provides a world-class math education but also offers a unique environment for developing critical and logical skills, which are absolutely invaluable in the 21st century for any future leader in any profession."

RSM Arlington: Zara Khanjyan

Zara has been with RSM for 7 years and earned a Ph. D. in Education. 

As principal, she enjoys witnessing the growth and success of the students over the years. Zara said, “Their collaborative spirit, dedication to learning, and shared commitment to excellence makes this community truly exceptional."

RSM Belmont: Khachatur Khachikyan

Khachatur has been with RSM for nearly 10 years and has Master's degrees in Mathematics from Yerevan State University and Engineering from American University of Armenia. He also earned a Ph.D. in Engineering from the State Engineering University of Armenia.

Khachatur said, "As a teacher for regular and math competition classes, I’m not just passing on knowledge, I'm helping shape how students think, approach problems, discuss different strategies, and build confidence in their abilities. Being one of the curriculum developers and being part of that journey is one of the most delightful aspects of my work."

RSM Franklin: Anna Rivero

Anna has been with RSM for 11 years and has two Master's degrees in Applied Mathematics and Business Administration.

"I greatly appreciate that RSM's curriculum makes math feel exciting and joyful for children at every stage," Anna said. "It’s incredibly rewarding to watch students grow in confidence, approaching complex problems with determination and passion, and to see how their appreciation of math continues to deepen year after year."

RSM MetroWest: Anna Charny

Dr. Anna Charny has been with RSM for 25 years and earned an M.S. and Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"A math teacher can leave a life-long impact on how children think, address problems, react to challenges, and approach work," Anna said. "These are the skills we teach here at RSM and these skills allow our students to shine, not just in math, but in anything they choose to undertake. Making math understandable and enjoyable, sometimes funny, and yet always a challenge is something we try to do every day, in every classroom, and with every child."

RSM Milton: Anna Kravets

Anna has also been with RSM for 11 years and has an M.S. in Mathematics from Vilnius University in Lithuania.

Anna said, "The RSM community fosters collaboration among students, parents, and educators, creating a supportive network where everyone is invested in students' success. RSM often offers various extracurricular activities, competitions, and workshops that enhance students' learning experiences and encourage them to explore math beyond the classroom."

RSM Nashua: Svetlana Khaykina

Svetlana has been with RSM for 9 years and has an M.S. in Computer Science from Tula Technical University. 

Svetlana said, "One of the most rewarding parts of my job is building strong relationships with both students and parents. What I love most about the RSM program is how it combines depth and structure with creativity and joy, teaching students not only to solve problems but also to understand, question, and think critically. This foundation builds confidence and sets students up for success in school and beyond, and I am proud to be part of such a meaningful community."

RSM Newton: Angela Eidelman

Angela has been with RSM for 15 years and has an M.S. in Mathematics and Math Education.

According to Angela, “Math is not just about innate ability – very rarely is someone simply born a ‘math person.’ Instead, RSM nurtures and shapes problem-solvers, proving that with the right guidance and persistence, anyone can master mathematics.”

RSM Sharon: Anna Titova

Anna has been with RSM for 7 years and earned a Ph.D. in Math Education. Anna joined RSM as Director of the Curriculum Department and was integral in researching, developing, and implementing RSM's curriculum and methodology in classrooms. 

"Learning mathematics empowers students to think critically, analyze, and solve problems with confidence," Anna said. "At RSM, we focus on shaping this mindset until it becomes second nature. Math builds strong academic skills as well as resilience, preparing students to face challenges and succeed in any path they choose."

RSM Shrewsbury: Elina Pirovich

Elina has been with RSM for 17 years and earned a B.S. in Management of Information Systems.

Elina said, "Mathematics develops more than just number sense – it plays a vital role in shaping the way students think, communicate, and solve problems. Through engaging with math, students learn to reason logically, analyze situations from different angles, and express their thinking clearly and precisely. These skills extend far beyond the classroom, empowering students to make informed decisions, tackle real-world challenges, and collaborate effectively."

RSM Wellesley: Angela Dzhitenov

Angela has been with RSM for 11 years and earned an M.S. in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics from University of Latvia.

“Math doesn’t just contribute to students' future success – it defines it, especially for careers in science, finance, law, medicine, and IT,” Angela said. “A strong foundation in math opens doors to more opportunities, equipping students with problem-solving skills and analytical thinking essential in any field. Even for those who don’t pursue math-heavy careers, its logic and discipline enhance decision-making and adaptability in a rapidly evolving world.”

RSM West Newton: Petya Hristova

Petya has an M.S. in Structural Engineering from The University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy in Bulgaria.

"Math is an integral part of modern life – it is the foundation of the technology we use, the data we analyze, and the decisions we make every day," Petya said. "From budgeting and time management to science and engineering, math gives us the tools to understand and shape the world around us."

RSM Winchester: Natasha Tsidilkovski

Natasha has been with RSM for 9 years and earned an M.S. in Education and a Ph.D. in Linguistics.

Natasha said, "Too often seen as just numbers and formulas, math is really a way of thinking that teaches logic, abstraction, and decision-making. Early exposure to challenging concepts fosters deep cognitive growth and encourages creativity, persistence, and resilience. When students struggle through complex problems and succeed, they learn perseverance and discover that effort leads to growth."

RSM Massachusetts Principals at the Annual Awards Ceremony

Outstanding Students, Tutors, & Alumni in Massachusetts

Anirudh Pulugurtha, RSM Acton

Anirudh has been an RSM student for 9 years, excelling in some of the most prestigious math competitions. He achieved Distinguished Honor Roll on the AMC 10A and 10B and qualified for the AIME multiple times. Anirudh also placed first in the state in Math Kangaroo and was the New Hampshire MathCounts Champion and Countdown Round Winner.

Mason Eastwick-Haskell, RSM Andover

Mason has earned numerous accolades in competitions, including placing second in the state at the 2025 Purple Comet and qualifying for the AIME by earning a Certificate of Distinction on the AMC 12. Mason is now sharing his love for mathematics as a tutor at RSM Andover, inspiring younger students with the same passion and problem-solving skills that shaped his own journey.

Luna Valayannopoulos-Akrivou, RSM Belmont

Luna attended RSM Belmont for 4 years and is now pursuing a Dual Degree program at SciencesPo in France and UC Berkeley. 

“The rigorous coursework at RSM was hard to keep up with at times, but I was able to succeed thanks to the supportive RSM community. The fantastic teachers and friends I met helped me grow into a confident and conscious student and mathematician.”

Alexandra Olive, RSM Brookline

Alexandra attended RSM Brookline for 9 years and now works as an RSM tutor. 

“Math was never my most comfortable subject but I had friends at RSM who supported me and helped me realize what I was capable of. My peers and friends were the ones who have made me more confident and gave me a reason to get better and enjoy myself in math. I decided to become a tutor because it was a way for me to continue helping my fellow students the way that RSM has helped me!”

Romir Iyer, RSM Franklin

Romir is an 8th grader who has been attending RSM since 1st grade. Over the years, he has earned numerous recognitions, including an Honorable Mention in the IMC, a National Honor Roll certificate in the Noetic Math Contest, Honor Roll in the AMC 8, and placed in the top 20 in Math Kangaroo. Romir is also passionate about reading, music, and science, and he aspires to pursue a career in genetic engineering.

Bryan Chang, RSM MetroWest

Bryan is an 8th grader who has attended RSM since he was in elementary school. He has also participated in numerous math competitions and achieved an Honor Roll Certificate on the AMC 8 and earned the Gold Pin at MOEMS M. 

Maria Kuravskaya, RSM Milton

Maria has been an RSM student since 2022. She has earned many honors at math competitions, including placing silver at IMC 2025, earning a Silver Pin at MOEMS, and placing 18th at Math Kangaroo.

Aniruddh Sridhar, RSM Nashua

Aniruddh is a 9th grade student who has been attending RSM since he was in 1st grade. He has earned numerous accolades at math competitions including, Certificate of Achievement on the AMC 8, placing 6th in the New Hampshire State MathCounts competition, placing 3rd in the state for Math Kangaroo, and placing 2nd in the state at Purple Comet. 

Divya Rajan, RSM Newton

Divya attended RSM Newton for 12 years and is currently attending Brown University. 

“I really enjoyed learning about new math concepts through various methods, as this expanded my inquisitive and creative mindset. I liked all of my teachers since they each provided me with a new perspective on approaching mathematical topics. I appreciated their patience and enthusiasm for explaining more difficult math concepts.

Samuel Minow, RSM Shrewsbury

Samuel is a 10th grader who has attended RSM since 2nd grade.  He has received numerous recognitions, including Gold Medal at IMC, Silver Pin at MOEMS, Honor Roll for the AMC 8, Honor Roll for the AMC 10A, and qualifying for the AIME. He plans to pursue a career in civil engineering, with a particular interest in urban design, transportation systems, and infrastructure. 

April Sun, RSM Winchester

April has been a student at RSM Winchester for several years, where she is known for her focus and love of solving challenging problems. Her accolades include earning Honor Roll on the AMC 10B, placing 7th in the state in Math Kangaroo, and participating on RSM's team at the Girls in Math at Yale Tournament, where the group placed 4th.

We hope you enjoyed getting to know the faces across RSM Massachusetts! Stay tuned as we feature more RSM regions across North America.