About Your Instructor
Deborah (Debbie) Maniotis
How long have you been an instructor?
6 years and I love it!
What did you do before Kumon?
I was an IT Project Manager for various types of industries for 18 years. One of the Big Four for professional services (PricewaterhouseCoopers), Newspaper publishing (NY Times), hedge fund companies, international cosmetic manufacturer and marketer (Estee Lauder Companies), and a private Ivy League research university (Columbia University/NYP Hospital).
What is your degree in?
Bachelor of Science in International Business - minor in Computer Programming and Finance.
What made you become a Kumon instructor?
I saw how amazing the program was for my first son, Daniel. It helped him get better with school and eventually ahead of his grade level. It continues to unlock his potential of learning new math concepts, that he hasn’t even learned in school yet, through a step by step process. I realized that when followed accordingly and patiently, the Kumon Program and Method really works wonders. I wanted to share this valued program with my community.
How do your two children like being enrolled in Kumon?
I have two sons. One in 7th grade now on Level J for both Math and Reading and the second in 1st grade studying Level C in Math and BII in Reading. Both are studying 2-3 levels about their grade level. Once we built the routine into our daily schedule they really started to shine. They are proud of themselves when they accomplish a new concept or challenging problem.
What is your favorite thing about being a Kumon instructor?
Witnessing students experience the “aha moments” when they can complete certain math concepts independently. Watching their self-confidence build with math computation and accuracy is rewarding as well. Another favorite of mine is watching the younger students progress in the reading program, from day one of starting out to reading directions and small passages on their own.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love going to the beach with my family. I dream of watching those amazing sunsets! I also try and catch up on reading for enjoyment and trying new kinds of food.
What are some things that not everybody knows about you?
I came from Indonesia at the age of 18 as an exchange student and lived in Vermont for a year. I had no family in the US and spoke little English at the time. I started teaching myself English by watching A LOT of TV. (ER, Seinfeld, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, etc.) I wish knew Kumon existed back then because I would have enrolled myself!
I then decided to stay in the US and apply for college in New Hampshire. I finished my undergraduate degree in 2.5 years while working a couple of part-time jobs to cover my living expenses. I moved to NYC after I graduated college and started my IT technical career then. I was tenacious to learn all that I could, and I eventually built my way to great companies through hard work, perseverance, and drive.