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 Oxford Learning Barrie South, we are fully committed to making a lasting difference in our home community and believe that children are the 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.

Jacquie Polan

Teacher

I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University. I then attended Lakehead University to obtain my Bachelor of Education degree, in which I focused on primary and junior grades. I have always been surrounded by education: my parents were both teachers and I used to go to school with them, helping set up their classrooms, watching them create assignments, and admiring the hard work and dedication they put into their careers. This made my career path a pretty easy one to choose. I have always loved helping others in any way I can so when it came time to decide what I wanted to grow up to be I thought who better to help and support than our future. I attended French immersion throughout my schooling years and graduated high school with a bilingual certificate. My experience with the school system was not an easy one. I struggled with school for a very long time, but with the help of my parents I was able to be assessed, and that produced a diagnosis of Dyslexia. I learned that I just needed different support to succeed which ultimately helped ignite my passion for the education system. I learned with the help of many, how to work around the obstacles I faced, and ultimately overcame them as my years in the education system continued. My goal is to continually emanate the support, guidance, and kindness that I received throughout my teaching career.

I joined the Oxford Learning team because I was intrigued by their methodologies and impressed by how different their approach is from other supplemental education companies. I look forward to continuing the use of these methodologies to support students in all subject areas. I am also very excited to be working with an amazing team of educators dedicated to the success of every student that comes through our door.

Meaghen Cunningham

Teacher

I am fortunate enough to have had a series of amazing teachers in my life! Their passion, positivity, and enthusiasm have helped to shape me into the teacher I am today. The memories of the wonderful education experiences I have had over the years inspire me to show up for my students every day and work to help them gain confidence in themselves and in their education.

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 I believe that sharing my passion for language with my students will help to ignite their own love of literacy.

When I am not working with my students, I can be found reading, hiking, swimming, gardening, or enjoying nature. I also have an extreme love affair with food and seek to discover new restaurants whenever I get the chance!

I graduated from York University in June 2014 and currently have my OCT certification in the Primary, Junior, and Intermediate divisions along with additional qualifications in Special Education, Primary/ Junior Math, and English Language Learning (ELL). In addition to teaching at Oxford Learning, I am also a Grade 2/3 Teacher in Simcoe County District School Board.

Being part of the Oxford Learning family has motivated me to become the best teacher that I can be and has allowed me to incorporate new skills and strategies (such as the FISH philosophy) in all areas of my life. 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.

Jacqy Stewart

Teacher

I was born and raised in Barrie, and from the age of 12, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Every experience I sought out following that confirmed my love for working with children and eventually grew into a love for teenagers as well. After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Degree in English and History, I was lucky enough to be accepted to the Bachelor of Education program at Nipissing University. During those 8 months at school, my confidence grew as I began to find comfort standing at the front of a room full of 30 teenagers. At the same time, my desire to travel and see the world started to kick in. I was finally going to be finished my education and the world was my oyster. 
In August 2005, I packed up my life and flew over to London, England, for what was meant to be a year of teaching and traveling. At the end of the first year, after many adventures throughout Europe and securing a full-time job as an English Teacher, I decided to stay a little longer. Nine years later, I would finally make the decision to move back to Canada. 
Since returning to Barrie, I have worked in many different positions that focus on providing support and care for a variety of people in a variety of capacities in and outside of teaching. I was excited to return to Oxford Learning as I thoroughly enjoy every minute spent with our students. Seeing each and every student who comes through our doors grow and become more confident in their abilities and understanding, is the most rewarding part of being a teacher. Keep celebrating all the little victories and moments in life.   

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.

Jason Ierullo-Gerrior

Teacher

As a young boy I have always wanted to be a teacher due to the impressive role models I encountered. I have a few special teachers that I remember to this day. My Grade 3 teacher, who was kind to me and her birthday was the day before mine. My grade 6 teacher always kept things exciting and interesting. My grade 9 math teacher who I thought was just amazing at math. He is the reason I love math so much. My grade 10 shop teacher who had a ton of energy and was always on top of safety. To this day I remember the picture of the finger he had on his desk. Finally my Grade 11 English teacher who taught effectively with a more relaxed demeanor.

Becoming a teacher was a second career choice for me. Before my current career I was in the hospitality industry where at a young age I started off as a busboy at Nottawasaga Inn and worked my way up to management in the Barrie Ontario area. After having a family I did not want to work evenings and weekends anymore so I went to school to get my undergrad then my teaching degree.

Starting in my mid-30s at Laurentian University (at Georgian College), I completed a three-year degree in Anthropology. I then stayed for one more year to complete my Bachelor of Education degree. I am currently with the Simcoe County District School Board teaching grade 5. I am certified in Primary, Junior, and Intermediate. I also have additional qualifications in Special Education, part one, and Kindergarten, part one, with additional basic qualifications in General Science.

I am excited to work with the Oxford Learning Barrie South staff and students. I think it will be a fun, fulfilling, and challenging opportunity to use my knowledge and expertise while gaining new insight.

Brittany Ives

Teacher

I teach because I love seeing kids learn and discover something

new. The look of wonder and amazement on their face when they

realize that they can do something that they previously thought

unattainable is priceless. As someone who loves to learn and has

spent a long time exploring in intricate nature of science, I love to

share the knowledge I have with everyone else.

I graduated from the University of Windsor with my Bachelor in

Science and Education in June 2016 and have my OCT certification in Intermediate/Senior with specialties in math and chemistry. As a result of my thirst for knowledge, I pursued further education in Chemistry and graduated in October 2019 with my Masters in Science. In addition to teaching at Oxford Learning Centre, I work as a chemist in the Research and Development Department at CSR Cosmetic Solutions where we develop new innovative cosmetics for consumer use.

When I am not working, I can be found enjoying nature through a nice hike, camping, or biking. I have been involved in Scouts Canada my entire life and am now a Scouter in the Venturer section where we go on various camps, learn new skills, meet new people, and have a great time.