Barrie South
Tutoring

Laurey Fawcett

Centre Director/Co-Owner

As Centre Director for the Barrie South location, I am very proud of the incredible team we have assembled and the work that they do. In partnership with my eldest son Jake as co-owners of the Oxford Learning Centres in Ancaster and Barrie South, we are fully committed to making a lasting difference in these communities and believe that children are our future.

For over 30 years I primarily worked in the field of Sales and Marketing, including 18 years as a Corporate Trainer within various industries. In addition, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had including; hosting my own cable program with Shaw television; publishing editorials, poetry and fictional works for several publications including a monthly columnist position with Edge magazine. I have also run my own event planning and interior design consultancy business and have enjoyed many opportunities to develop as a successful entrepreneur.

While raising three children through University, I spent their infant years working from home providing care for children with special needs through the Children’s Aid Society. I have a passion for volunteering and have given time to numerous organizations over the years; some of which include Habitat for Humanity, Look Good Feel Better, The Salvation Army, and Wellsprings Cancer Centre.

I love to travel, cook, and entertain but most of all I am fiercely committed to helping our students develop to their highest potential.

Jake Vella

Co-Owner

Co-owner Jake Vella studied business and graduated from Western University before completing a Human Resource Management Graduate Program through Georgian College. He began his career in the field of Human Resources, specializing in training and program implementation and moved into Management in a very diverse and fast-paced industry.  

Jake utilizes the experience he gained to manage a variety of business projects including multiple Oxford Learning Centres, as well as in his current position as Vice President of Continental Cosmetics.

Jake is a self-proclaimed sports fanatic, both amateur and professional.  He both plays and coaches Basketball, Baseball, Ball Hockey, Football and more. Through the ownership of Oxford Learning franchises, Jake has been able to realize the dream of combining his love of managing a business, with his love of helping children to reach their full potential.

Currently, partnered with his mother Laurey, Jake is proud to be co-owner of Oxford Learning Ancaster and Barrie South.

The Oxford Learning philosophy, which uses a cognitive approach to learning, is in line with Jake’s belief that every child is unique in how they learn.

“It is my mission to assemble the finest teams, and to provide the ideal learning environment within our Oxford Learning Centers to ensure that all children reach their full potential!”
Jake

Lisa Carey

Education Director

Through my ten years working with the Town of Newmarket Recreation and Culture department I worked with diverse families and varied age groups, teaching swimming lessons, lifeguarding, and then supervising and managing younger staff members. I also worked with the Canadian Ski Patrol, and was an active member for 3 winters, both in administration, and as an instructor.  All of these experiences led me to follow my dreams to become an educator and pursue my teaching career.  I started this journey at Georgian College, where I obtained my diploma in Developmental Service Work. I then went to Lakehead University to obtain my Bachelor of Arts and Science degree. This confirmed my decision to develop a career in Education and I applied to Niagara University, where I obtained my Masters of Science in Education with a focus on (Early Childhood and Childhood Education). I worked in many different schools both in the US and Canada. Working with children from diverse backgrounds and demographics made me a more well-rounded person. Upon graduating I decided to go back to school again, completing my Adult Education Certification through the College of Educators.

As the Education Director at Oxford Learning Barrie South, I hope to share my experiences and passion for education and learning to encourage our students and their families. As part of the Oxford Learning leadership team, I look forward to the relationships to be built and the celebration of each students success.

Jim Vaillancourt

Teacher

I was raised in Penetanguishene, and have a strong affinity for, and appreciation of, the natural beauty and history of Simcoe County and the Great Lakes region. After obtaining a Bachelor of Mathematics degree from the University of Waterloo, I worked in Business, Finance and the non-profit sector. 

Having experienced the beauty of Mathematics, I developed a desire to share this with the next generation and had the privilege in recent years of realizing this goal. I have taught mathematics, accounting, economics, financial planning, and business administration to college students in both official languages. Working with young learners has made me a devotee of Oxford Learning’s approach to cognitive learning.

My pastimes include reading (I believe in lifelong learning) and sports. I have coached youngsters and list my favourite leagues in order of preference as follows: CFL, MLS, NFL, MLB, NHL. While this may be contrary to the expectation of those who would rank NHL first, I believe everyone is unique and should be respected for their individuality, especially students. I admit that growing up in Southern Ontario has instilled in me the desire to see a successful incarnation of the Maple Leafs, and I never despair. As the song reminds us, “The sun’ll come out tomorrow.”

Camille McKeown

Teacher

My passion for teaching began because of my sister, Kelsey. Kelsey is diagnosed with a mental disability. Throughout her years in school, a community was created for her that allowed her to learn in an inclusive and safe environment. My dedication to become a teacher was prompted by my desire to provide to my students the same atmosphere that teachers and Educational Assistants created for my sister.

I attended Lakehead University in Thunder Bay to obtain my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. I studied to become a teacher of the intermediate and senior divisions. After completing a teaching placement in a younger division, I decided to acquire the qualifications to teach the primary and junior divisions as well. Moving to Thunder Bay was a great experience, being able to see the vast landscape that Northern Ontario has to offer was an opportunity to spend time outdoors. Living in this part of Ontario allowed me to gain a new interest in hiking.   

After Teacher’s College, I decided to move to England to teach. In England, I taught a Year 5 class. At this time, my interests changed to focusing on junior division classes and creating a safe and inclusive environment. I developed a curiosity for mathematics, specifically number awareness and place value. Another interest I developed was working on building children’s vocabulary, particularly in encouraging children to become excited and enthusiastic about reading.  

As a child, I attended Oxford Learning. I was an Oxford Learning student all through my primary years. Now, as I start my journey as a teacher at this learning centre, I look forward to using the Oxford Learning methodology to help students find success just as I did. I am excited to be a part of a fun, yet rewarding system that changes students’ lives for the better.