Barrie South

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 Centre’s, 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

Amrina Visram

Education Co-ordinator

I graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture and proceeded further at Brock University with a Bachelor of Education degree.

I am OCT certified and have developed my teaching skills working with students of all ages within the private school system.

By incorporating my hobbies: reading, singing and travel, I have had the great fortune to work with different cultures, experience unique learning approaches and develop strong teaching skills that have encouraged me to go into the field of education.

Being a student of the Oxford Learning program for a number of years, I am living proof of the possibilities that Oxford Learning has to offer.

As an Education Coordinator,  I look forward to both utilizing and honing my skills as part of the amazing  leadership team that is committed to ensuring your child reaches his or her potential. At this time, I am focusing on Advantage (high school), French, and SAT/ACT preparation students; however I will be available to respond to any questions or concerns you may have.  

Jessica MacMillan

Education Co-ordinator

As a lifelong history buff, I have always been fascinated by the unknown. This has inspired a passion for learning and, in turn, a passion for teaching. I started working with kids as a camp counselor for the City of Barrie Day Camps. I enjoyed this role so much and continued to work in camps for seven summers.

My love for great literature and and my intense interest in history have inspired my desire for lifelong learning and teaching.

My first taste of teaching was as a tutor and with this I found a love of inspiring a passion for learning.   I graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts in English and History. I then went on to Queen’s University to obtain an education degree with an emphasis in the Intermediate and Senior divisions. I am a member of the Ontario College of Teachers with experience as a private tutor, EA, Program Instructor and Teacher. 

I have been teaching at Oxford Learning since October 2016 and I have enjoyed building a rapport with the great students and staff that make up our Oxford Learning family. 

As an Education Coordinator I look forward to building relationships with you and your family. I have a passion for education and I believe in the importance of teaching students how to learn in a way that works for them.  As part of the Oxford Learning leadership team, I am committed to ensuring that the time our students spend with us is productive while maintaining a focus on the building of self esteem, self motivation skills and intellectual growth.

Meaghen Cunningham

Education Co-ordinator

As an avid reader, I strive to foster a love of literature in my students because I am passionate about the English language. I enjoy all types of reading and writing and love analyzing literature. I believe that sharing my passion for language with my students will help to guide their own positive exploration of the subject.

I graduated from York University in June 2014 and currently have my OCT certification in the Primary, Junior, and Intermediate divisions. Since graduation, I have been working to develop my teaching skills by obtaining additional qualifications in Special Education and Primary/Junior Math.

I have many teaching outlets as I enjoy working in a diverse variety of educational environments. These include teaching at Oxford Learning, supply teaching for the Simcoe County District School Board, and volunteering in a Grade two classroom in the York Region District School Board.

When I am not working with my students, I can be found reading, hiking, swimming, or skiing. I also have an extreme love affair with food and seek to discover new restaurants whenever I get the chance! I have been passionate about teaching since I was a child and have endeavored to immerse myself in the world of education ever since. I believe that I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me and I enjoy sharing new teaching and learning experiences every day.

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 in 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.”

Kathryn Nawrot

Teacher

I graduated from York University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Education and specialized honours degree in Kinesiology and Health Science. My two teachable subjects are intermediate/senior Physical Education and Mathematics. I have been working at Oxford Learning since September 2015, and was recently hired on full time as a teacher for the Toronto District School Board .

During the time I have spent working in the field of education, I have been able to develop and strengthen my teaching philosophy.  It encompasses a multifaceted approach that includes: promoting critical thinking, creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment, and encouraging students to think beyond the walls of the classroom. The experiences I have throughout my teaching career will continually shape my philosophical understanding of what it means to be a good teacher. The unique group of students who I teach shapes my perspectives on teaching and serves as a learning opportunity for future teaching. In this way, I strongly believe that ‘reciprocal learning’ is fundamental in the field of education, and for my professional growth as an educator.

Kristy Ferguson

Teacher

From a young age I knew I wanted to do something that would help people and teaching was at the top of my list! I really enjoy working with children and youth and am enthusiastic about sharing in the learning process. I graduated from The University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts Honours (Studio Art and English) and Nipissing University’s Schulich School of Education with a Bachelor of Education. I have my Primary, Junior, Intermediate and Special Education Qualifications.

Shortly after I received my Bachelor of Education, I moved to London, England, to pursue further experience in the teaching field. I spent 3 months supply teaching various ages and the rest of my year and a half there teaching grade 4 and traveling Europe. I learned a great deal in that time and really expanded my understanding and skills as a teacher.

When I am not teaching, I often spend time running, biking, hiking, or getting involved in a sport. I also love cooking, baking and finding a cozy corner at home or in a coffee shop to get in some fun fiction or non-fiction reading time to feed my brain.

I really see the importance and benefit of the Oxford Learning methodology and am happy to be apart of a program that not only helps students with any challenges they may be facing in school but also on the best practices of how to learn and retain information. I find it a great joy and honor to be helping others to reach their fullest potential.

Sarah Cox

Teacher

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in biology and mathematics. In 2014 I graduated from the University of Ottawa with my Bachelor in Education as an OCT certified intermediate and senior math, science, and biology teacher. I also have my qualifications in special education. Currently, I am pursuing my Masters in Education with a focus on Mental Health in the classroom. I had a great university experience and I loved meeting new people that were extremely passionate about education.

I’m very passionate about nutrition, physical activity, and sports. I was a nationally ranked wrestler until the end of grade 9 when I decided to pursue other sports. I have played competitive: volleyball, basketball, badminton, softball, and dance.

I have taught with the Simcoe County District School Board, as an adult education teacher and a summer school teacher. This has given me experience teaching all math courses and strands and most science courses. Currently, I teach with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board as an occasional teacher. I love bringing the classroom alive with hands on learning. I love getting to know each of my students and seeing them succeed. I believe that learning is a collaborative process and that learners are only successful when they work with their family and educational supports. My passion revolves around bringing math and science alive. We live in a world where math and science are all around us! I’m looking forward to working with students, their parents, and the rest of the Oxford Learning team to help learners achieve their potential!

Taylor Bojmelgrin

Teacher

Taylor joined the Oxford Learning team in the spring of 2015.

She brings with her a wealth of experience gained from teaching across grades, from kindergarten to GED, at varied locations in Ontario, Quebec, and Scotland. 

Taylor’s undergraduate degree is in Honours History from Western University, and her teaching degree was earned at the Moray House School of Education at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. 

Coming from a completely Anglophone family in London, Ontario, Taylor studied French intensively through elementary, high school, and university, and moved to Quebec for a year to immerse herself and hone her skills. Her hard work and dedication resulted in a permanent elementary school teaching position with the Simcoe County District School Board (EFSL and FI).