Burlington
Tutoring

Meaghan Shepherd

Centre Director

Along with an emphasis in Business Management and Marketing, I also have extensive experience working with and relating to children of all ages. I decided that I wanted to pursue a career that would not only put my management skills to great use, but also provide assistance in the educational growth and development of children. This is what led me to Oxford Learning.

Oxford Learning holds a special place in my heart as I have young family members that have attended in the past. Over time I’ve watched their confidence grow, their attitudes improve and their grades increase significantly. I strongly believe in the program because I’ve seen first hand that it truly does work! There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you have had a hand in helping so many children achieve great academic and personal success. I love building relationships with our students and feel it is important for each child to feel that they are in a comfortable and safe environment while also incorporating a little fun into what they are learning about. In my free time, I enjoy seeing live music, sports and going to hockey games, being outdoors, doing fun activities with my niece and nephews and spending time with my family, friends and my pets.

Anne-Marie Bushnell

Education Director

With a Bachelor of Honors Degree from Trent University and an emphasis in Teacher Education and Psychology, I am committed to helping students achieve their academic and cognitive goals. Over the past twelve years working for Oxford Learning, I have attained new skills and experiences to help in my role as Director of Education. I enjoy working together with both parents and students to ensure they receive the best possible program. I am committed to ensuring students are in a safe environment where they feel confident, motivated, and most importantly, inspired. In my spare time I enjoy doing fun activities with my son, reading books and enjoying time with my family and friends.

Jessica Adamczyk

Education Coordinator

Hi, I'm Jessica! I am currently pursuing my teaching degree after graduating from McMaster with a BA in English.

Oxford Learning is the reason why I knew I wanted to become a teacher. After working with the great students who come here and seeing the progress they make, it really motivated me to start my teaching career. I am the Education Coordinator, but I also occasionally teach grades JK to 8 as well as the French students. Oxford Learning is a fantastic place for students to improve their grades, become more confident, and have fun while doing so. Oxford Learning has a way of teaching students skills to help them improve both in and out of school, with methods I've never seen before. I have seen countless students improve their skills and grades, and their confidence goes up because of this. Every time a student comes in excited to tell me what they got on a test I may have helped them study for, or an assignment they did well on, I love to celebrate with them and keep their momentum going!

In my spare time, I like to read, write, spend time with my family and friends; especially outdoors and especially with my dog (or any dog!) 

Photo coming soon!

Kathryn Williams

Core & French Teacher - JK - Grade 8

Hi, I am Kathryn! 

I am a core and French teacher at Oxford Learning Burlington. I graduated McMaster University from the Cognitive Science of Speech and Language Program. I began my Masters of Speech-Language Pathology in the fall of 2020 at the University of Toronto. I enjoy trying to make learning fun for all of my students. The best part of working at Oxford Learning is the positive environment and relationships formed with all the students and teachers.

In my free time I really enjoy time outside with my dog, golfing, cooking and reading. 

Nima Behravan

High School Math & Science and Core Teacher - Grades 1 - 12

Hello! My name is Nima and I tutor students from Grade 1 all the way to high school and university. My background is Iranian. In Iran, I was ranked 135th out of 518,000 students nationally. I was also accepted into medical school. I am currently studying biochemistry at McMaster University. I also have many years of tutoring experience.

I tutor subjects such as calculus, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and English. I also prepare students for the SAT and university level examinations such as the MCAT, LSAT, GMAT and so on.

Oxford Learning has given me the chance to pursue my passion; teaching and mentoring young enthusiastic students. I generally have a great connection with younger kids as well. Other than tutoring, I truly enjoy talking to my students about their life, their school experiences, and their interests. I always try to encourage my students to feel smart and participate actively in our sessions. I aim to make students truly feel confident in their abilities. 

In my spare time, I enjoy playing basketball, swimming, spending time with friends and family and reading.

I look forward to continuing to work with all of the amazing students here!

Photo coming soon!

Courtney Johnson

High School Science and Core Teacher - Grades 3 -12

Hello!  My name is Courtney and I teach students in the Beyond Tutoring (Core) and Advantage (High School) programs. I completed my H.B.Sc. in the Life Science Program at McMaster University and decided to pursue a teaching career to share my passion for science with others. I am currently finishing my B.Ed. at Brock University and aspire to be a Grade 10 science teacher.  

Some of the skills that I emphasize and believe to be valuable throughout school and life include the ability to collaborate, prioritize, organize, and creatively problem solve. At Oxford Learning I have the chance to help students develop effective strategies that can help them overcome a variety of challenges in the classroom. I enjoy building a more personal connection with each student at Oxford Learning and always try to bring students' personal interests into the learning environment. One of the things I am passionate about is making learning fun and accessible to everyone. 

Outside of the classroom, I am a dedicated gardener and yoga instructor. I have been practicing yoga for 5 years and I am grateful to have the opportunity to teach students about the power and importance of mindfulness. I am also a video game enthusiast, adore a wide variety of TV shows, and am competitive with trivia and board games.

Shanu Xavier

High School Math & Science and Core Teacher - Grades 3 - 12

Hi! My name is Shanu and I teach students from third to twelfth grade. The subjects I focus on include math, English, general science, chemistry, and biology. In 2020, I completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Chemistry at McMaster University. In fall 2021, I will be attending medical school in Ireland to pursue my passion to help people through medicine.

My approach to learning focuses on catering my teaching style to the needs of the individual student. I like to celebrate their achievements as well as provide them with the tools they need to succeed academically. Specifically, I ensure they have a strong understanding of fundamental concepts so everything built on it will make more sense. Oxford Learning has given me the opportunity to make meaningful connections with my students to create a nurturing learning environment for them. Teaching has always been a rewarding experience because it also allows me to personally and professionally develop. 

In my spare time, I enjoy running, binging true crime shows on Netflix and baking.  

Krista Bailey

Core & French Teacher - Grades JK - 8

Hi Everyone! My name is Krista, and I am a certified teacher (OCT) with the Hamilton- Wentworth District School Board. I’ve been teaching for almost 10 years, and I have experience in every grade from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Most of my experience has been as a Core French teacher (Grades 4 to 8), as a French Immersion homeroom teacher (Grades 1 to 3) and in my current role as an English Grade 5 homeroom teacher. I have a Bachelor of Arts in French from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education from Brock University. I enjoy the wide range of students that I get to meet through Oxford Learning, and I especially enjoy working in very small groups and one-on-one with my students. I also love that in one night I can work with children from several different grades. It’s a very different experience than working in a classroom with 25 students of the same age!
The best part of my job at Oxford Learning is seeing students from the “home perspective”. I see the homework that students bring home, the tests they need to study for, and the concepts that they need further help with, and I can use my expertise as a teacher to help reinforce and supplement what they are currently learning (after all, I have taught many of the same units myself!). I feel very proud when my Oxford Learning students succeed with their projects, assignments and tests that I have helped them with.

In my spare time, I enjoy everything about the outdoors, taking care of my cats Joey and Riley, and relaxing at the cottage with family and friends.

Daniel Ha

High School Math & Core Teacher - Grades 5 - 12

Bio coming soon!

Andrea Finocchi

Core & French Teacher - Grades JK - 8

Hi, I’m Andrea and I work with Oxford Learning students in the Core program (JK-Grade 8) the French program! I have an Honours Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Ottawa, and a post-graduate certificate in Therapeutic Recreation from Lambton College. I am currently a Bachelor of Education student at Brock University. I hope to become a French teacher one day, and my long-term goal is to be a high school guidance counsellor.

I have previously worked as a Child & Youth Worker with at-risk youth. This experience has shaped my current philosophy for working with children. Every student is unique, and I try to learn about my students so I can help in the way that is the best fit for them. I like to give students the opportunity to show off their strengths, as this builds confidence, but I also like to challenge students to reach their full potential!

I also have a passion for figure skating. I am a certified figure skating coach through the National Coaching Certification Program. I have been coaching children on the ice for over 7 years! In my leisure time, I enjoy yoga, painting, drawing and journaling.

Julieta Rodriguez Heredia

High School English & Core Teacher - Grades 1 - 12

Hi! My name is Julieta and I am an OCT with Halton District School Board. I have an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy from McMaster University, a Master of Arts in English from McMaster University, and a Master of Teaching from University of Toronto. I have tutored students of all ages for many years because small group instruction is my favourite thing about teaching. I tutor high school English and math from grades 1-9.

In the classroom, there isn’t always enough time to touch base with small groups or individual students. However, as a tutor, I am able to spend time helping clear up misconceptions and closing gaps in students’ understanding. Through my tutoring, I always praise students’ efforts. I celebrate their successes and remind them of how far they’ve come to help them develop self-confidence and resilience. I often ask students to explain/teach their problem-solving process to me in order to really emphasize conceptual understanding--particularly in math.

In my spare time, I enjoy weightlifting, reading, going to the beach, and spending time in nature.

Lauren Jasek

Core Teacher - Grades JK - 8

Hi! I’m Lauren and I teach students in JK to grade 8. I just completed my Bachelor's Degree in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University. I’ll be starting Teacher’s College in September 2021 to earn my Bachelor of Education Degree, also at Brock University. 

I knew I wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. I remember the excitement I felt going to school and I love to celebrate that excitement with students as well! I believe in celebrating small and big accomplishments with students. I enjoy seeing the excitement and pride in students when they learn new concepts; my goal is to help students so that they can feel this way in every class. I get great satisfaction from seeing students grow and develop, both personally and academically. Helping students realize their growth and potential is so important! I believe in building relationships with students and getting to know them as a student as well as a person. This helps me to adapt my teaching style in a way that works best for each student and also makes learning more fun.