About
Jen Rafael

Hi, I’m Jen!
I’m the owner and tutor behind Math Mentors.

I’ve been tutoring students for more than 12 years and spent seven years teaching math in the classroom. Over the years, I’ve worked with students at all different levels—students who love math, students who are convinced they hate it, students who have fallen behind, and students who just need someone to explain things in a way that finally makes sense to them.

And if there’s one thing all those years have taught me, it’s that kids are so much more than a grade or a test score.

The Child Behind the Math

One of my favorite parts of tutoring is getting to know my students.

I learn who has a big test coming up, who had a rough day at school, who has a game this weekend, who is excited about a concert, and who walks through the door already convinced that the math sitting in front of them is impossible.

Those things matter—sometimes more than the equation.

When students feel comfortable, they’re more willing to ask questions, make mistakes, and keep trying when something is hard. That relationship gives us a place to start. Then we figure out the math together.

Why Math Mentors?

I chose the name Math Mentors intentionally.

I tutor math, but I’ve never felt like my job ends with teaching someone how to solve an equation. I want my students to learn how to work through frustration, ask for help, trust what they know, and keep going when the answer doesn’t come immediately.

There are times when I encourage them. There are times when I remind them how far they’ve come. And there are definitely times when I lovingly tell them, “Nope—we’re not giving up on this one yet.”

That balance is important to me. I want students to know that I’m in their corner, but I also want them to discover that they’re capable of doing hard things themselves.

Because sometimes what a student needs most is someone beside them reminding them, “You’ve got this.”

My Approach

I don’t expect every student to learn the same way or at the same pace.

If one explanation isn’t working, we try another one. If something from an earlier grade is getting in the way, we go back. If a student needs more practice, we practice. And when something finally clicks, we celebrate it.

My goal isn’t to create students who need a tutor forever. It’s to help them understand the math in front of them, build stronger skills, and become more confident handling the next challenge on their own.

In the Community

Math Mentors has grown almost entirely through relationships with families in the Vacaville community, and that means a lot to me.

I’m grateful for the parents who trust me with their kids, the students who come back year after year, and the families who tell another family, “Call Jen.”

Being part of this community goes beyond tutoring, too. Math Mentors supports local school programs, sports teams, and student activities. I love being able to show up for many of the same kids and families I see across the table!

Community Recognition

I’ve been incredibly honored to have my work through Math Mentors recognized in our community, including being named a Hometown Hero and an Inspiring Woman of Vacaville.

Neither is something I ever expected when I started tutoring. Math Mentors grew because I loved working with kids, and families kept telling other families about me. Being recognized for that work is pretty special.