SMARTTraining was founded by classroom teachers with a combined total of over 30 years in the classroom. Their experiences teaching the Singapore Math curriculum began in 2001. SMARTTrainers have actual experience teaching Singapore Math at all grade levels, K-6. The phenomenal results of their students led to their desire to "spread the word." They especially noted the need of teachers for professional development by classroom teachers who have taught the curriculum in the "real world.‚" Since 2005, SMARTTrainers have trained teachers throughout the United States, as well as in several other countries, in the utilization of Singapore Math. SMARTTrainers also created the first approved training manual for teachers teaching Singapore Math in the State of California.

In addition to being passionate about the importance of math in today's world, members of SMARTTraining have traveled to Singapore, met with members of the Ministry of Education and curriculum authors at the National Institute of Education, and observed the curriculum in action in several Singapore primary and secondary schools.

"A mathematics teacher is mid-wife to ideas." - George Polya

Tricia Salerno

Tricia has taught Singapore Math since 2001 in grade levels kindergarten through seventh. She received her Master's Degree in Mathematics Education in 2004 and has trained teachers in Singapore Math methods throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and at the American School in Switzerland. Tricia trained the Hall County teachers prior to their implementation of Singapore Math in their district. Tricia is the math coach at Benchmark School in Phoenix, Arizona, which has been featured in the Phoenix media for having some of the highest math test scores in the state. (see "Tricia Salerno and Benchmark on
12 News")

Tricia's experience with the success of Singapore Math is extended into her personal life as well. As a parent, she could see firsthand the benefits of using these materials and methods evidenced through the high math scores and the confidence of her youngest daughter. Tricia's enthusiasm grew as she was able to see students graduating from Benchmark and moving into numerous middle schools throughout the Phoenix area with confidence and competence in their mathematical abilities. This success and the desire to share this important tool with others looking for opportunities to excel in the area of mathematics inspired her to found SMARTTraining with her partner, Sherri Adler.

Tricia and Sherri are co-authors of the official training manual for the State of California for Marshall Cavendish's Singapore Math Primary Mathematics Standards Edition.

Sherri Adler

Sherri began teaching Singapore Math in 2003. Her own children successfully used the curriculum while they attended elementary school. Sherri has taught regular education in all elementary grade levels from kindergarten through 6th grade, was a school-wide resource teacher and even an art teacher for a year. She holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education as well as additional continuing education certifications. She has served as an effective mentor teacher for student teachers. Sherri has enjoyed teaching in the public, private and charter systems. She has trained numerous schools in the United States, Europe and South America in the Singapore Math methods and has worked with thousands of teachers to help find the same love for mathematics that she possesses.

Sherri co-authored several Singapore Math books. Among her publications include 2 Singapore Math intervention programs and the official training manual for the State of California, Marshall Cavendish’s Singapore Math Primary Mathematics Standards Edition. Sherri has filled many lecture halls since 2008 when she started presenting about Singapore Math for Staff Development Resources. Since then she is a highly sought after speaker at NCTM and other mathematics conferences.

Tricia and Sherri founded SMARTTraining, LLC in 2007.

Dr. Rolff Christensen

Dr. Rolff Christensen (“Dr. C”) has over 25 years of classroom experience and an extensive background in mathematics instruction, having taught in classrooms ranging from Kindergarten to Adult. As a Cluster Leader (Math Coach) for Math Matters with the California Department of Education, Rolff searched for a curriculum that emphasized conceptual understanding. Upon “finding” Singapore Math, he immediately began using it to teach his students and has recommended it to numerous teachers, parents and administrators. His own children have used Singapore Math and consistently score in the high performance bands of the California State Testing and Reporting (STAR) System as well as college entrance exams. His enthusiasm for elementary mathematics instruction and his wide range of presentation experience make him a much sought after presenter.

Charlotte West

Charlotte West is an honors graduate from the University of Southern California. As well as traveling around the country introducing teachers to Singapore Math for SMARTTraining, LLC, she has spearheaded a summer math camp for refugees from Africa using strategies from the Singapore Math curriculum and worked on the Navaho Reservation as a Math Consultant for the grades k-6. In addition Charlotte has written “Who Has It” aligned to Singapore Math, co-authored “After School Intervention” for grades 2 and up with Tricia Salerno and Sherri Adler as well as ghost writing the 5th grade Differentiated Sprint Book.

Kelly Roberts

Kelly Roberts has been a licensed teacher in Arizona for 7 1/2 years, and has taught all ages from Kindergarten to adult learners. Her classroom experience has been in public, charter, private, and non-traditional learning environments. She has taught remedial Reading, at-level and accelerated middle school Math curriculum, GED, and Adult Basic Education courses. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and from University of Phoenix with a Master's degree in Education focusing on K-8 Elementary Education. Kelly’s broad background in education allows her to connect well with teachers at all levels. Kelly joined SMARTTraining early 2011and has mentored with both Tricia Salerno and Sherri Adler in the Singapore Method. Kelly has had great success working with schools in Arizona.