Jennifer Weldrick
Owner / Centre Director
Jennifer Weldrick
Owner / Centre Director
Hello! My name is Jen, and I’m the proud owner and Centre Director at Oxford Learning St. Thomas.
I grew up in London, Ontario, and completed my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education at Western University. I started working at the centre as a Beyond Tutoring teacher in 2009.
Initially, I had my sights set on becoming a classroom teacher and even worked as an occasional teacher for TVDSB for several years. As I worked at Oxford Learning in various roles, I learned more about the Oxford Learning Difference and quickly fell in love with Oxford Learning’s philosophy and programs! I realized that my dream job was right in front of me and I purchased the St. Thomas location in 2015.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to love what I do so much. I am passionate about helping children learn and leading them to recognize their own potential. Watching our students’ self-confidence grow alongside their academic ability is so rewarding!
I'm a new mom and absolutely love spending time with my little one and my husband. In my spare time, I also like to read, craft, and drink coffee!
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing” - Pele
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Kathy Naylor
Education Director
Kathy Naylor
Education Director
Hello! My name is Kathy, and I am the Education Director at Oxford Learning St. Thomas.
Being involved in the nurturing and education of children has been my passion for many years. My sights were set on a teaching career when I graduated from Western University with first a Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts major) and then a Bachelor of Education. I taught in a collection of private school classrooms before I became a staff member here at Oxford Learning.
My husband and I are parents to four children and were also foster parents for a decade. Most recently, we have been thrilled with the addition of three beautiful granddaughters to our family. Spending time with our special gang is both a priority and a joy in our lives. My husband and I share a love for the education of children. He was also a teacher and then spent a number of years as an elementary school principal before he retired. We work together in Children’s Ministry leadership and teaching at our church in London.
In my spare time I love walking, sewing, drawing, craft-making, and reading. My husband and I are theatre fans - stage and screen - and we very much enjoy visiting various restaurants.
Being part of the team at our Oxford Learning Centre allows me to continue to pour into young lives. Playing a part in changing those lives by building learning skills and confidence is a fabulously gratifying experience. I am proud to teach the Oxford Learning Way—it is an amazing program that really works!
“Each life is made up of mistakes and learning, waiting and growing, practising patience and being persistent.” -Billy Graham
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Megan Griffith
Education Coordinator / Advantage Teacher
Megan Griffith
Education Coordinator / Advantage Teacher
Salut! My name is Megan and I have been working at Oxford Learning for several years now. I graduated from the concurrent education program at Wilfrid Laurier University with a double major in psychology and contemporary studies. I have a minor in French with the help of Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia. I also have part one of a teaching specialization in French. I am currently taking a refresher course online in high school physics.
I worked as an occasional teacher for a year before getting a position teaching core French at Forest Park P.S. in St. Thomas. I was in that role for several years before an unfortunate medical situation meant I had to give up teaching in a classroom. Oxford Learning gave me back my passion; allowing me to teach once again. French is my first love but while at Oxford Learning, I have discovered how wonderful and challenging it is to teach math and science. I like the many different ways to teach math and I get excited when I am able to reach those students for whom traditional methods have failed.
I am the proud fur-mom to one kitty and two pups. I have a (tiny) home business creating and selling quilts. I love all things related to Harry Potter. I am always trying to learn new things and take on challenges.
“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be” -Albus Dumbledore
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Hannah Gamblin
Centre Administrator / Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Hannah Gamblin
Centre Administrator / Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Hello! My name is Hannah!
I graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University Brantford campus in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Children’s Studies with minors in Psychology and Leadership.
During my undergrad, I was heavily involved on campus and found my passion in two areas, student affairs (ie. Residence Life) and children’s literacy. I was lucky enough to be part of a campus club called “Laurier Students for Literacy”, where we provided academic and literacy support for children from kindergarten to grade 10. I loved working with students and seeing their confidence grow every week. After I graduated, I worked in Residence Life at an Ontario University and loved every second of it, but I missed working with elementary students. I decided to pursue a position with an organization that would allow me to work with students and help improve their confidence and academic skill set, which led me to Oxford Learning. I am excited to join the team as a Centre Administrator!
I have recently moved to London and have enjoyed getting to know the city. On the weekends I love to go for walks and explore the local trails! I also enjoy decorating my home for different seasons and love a good iced coffee!
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Melissa Legg
Beyond Tutoring / Advantage Teacher
Melissa Legg
Beyond Tutoring / Advantage Teacher
Hi! My name is Melissa and I have been working with Oxford Learning since May 2018.
I graduated from Lakehead University in 2018 with a degree in History and Education. I love coming to work at Oxford Learning! The team of teachers here are extremely passionate and caring. One of my favourite parts of this job is being able to get to know each of the students and working one on one with them.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me I remember. Involve me and I learn.” -Benjamin Franklin
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Bill Vanderhyden
Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Bill Vanderhyden
Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Hi! My name is Bill Vanderhyden and I joined Oxford Learning in March 2019.
I taught for 34 years in Elgin County schools for the London District Catholic School Board. Most of my teaching was Grades 7 and 8. I’m planning to continue supply teaching for a while.
I am enjoying the beginning of my retirement from full-time teaching and all the free time I have now!
I’m also having fun spending a few hours a week at Oxford Learning. Besides, I’m already bald so there’s no more hair to pull out!
“Just make sure to show up on time and try not to embarrass the rest of us!”
- Centre director Jennifer Weldrick
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Michelle Dengate
En Francais Teacher / Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Michelle Dengate
En Francais Teacher / Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Hello! My name is Michelle Dengate and I am a teacher with Oxford Learning as well as an elementary school teacher with TVDSB! I have the privilege of teaching Core French and Grade 7/8 at East Oxford Public School.
I completed a Concurrent Education Program (Honours Bachelor in Contemporary Studies, Bachelor of Education and Minor in French) from Laurier University and Nipissing University in 2018 at the Brantford campus. I have lived in London for about 15 years now and was originally born and raised in British Colombia.
In my free time. I love to go hiking and visit the beach! My husband and I spend a lot of time travelling (Thailand, New York, various parts of Ontario) and hope to continue growing that list. I also very much enjoy playing music, singing and taking care of my cat!
I have always had a passion for learning and working with children. I am excited to continue developing my skills as a teacher and empowering and inspiring kids to have more confidence in their ability to learn and discover their passions.
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Erika Crowley
Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Erika Crowley
Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Hello! My name is Erika Crowley and I am a teacher with Oxford Learning as well as an elementary and secondary supply teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board.
I received a Bachelor of Arts from Western University in 2014 followed by my Bachelor of Education in 2015. After graduating, I moved to England where I taught high school English, Drama, and Sociology for two years. When I came back to Canada, I got involved with Oxford Learning to gain teaching experience alongside my work supply teaching.
I love working with the students at our centre! I enjoy working with students of various ages and helping them learn and grow as well as gain confidence in areas where they have previously struggled. I enjoy being a positive part of a student’s day and hope they leave each lesson at Oxford Learning with a smile on their face.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” ― Dr. Seuss
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Don Naylor
Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Don Naylor
Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Greetings! Thanks for stopping by to find out more about me. My name is Don and although I am relatively new to Oxford Learning, I have been involved in the education field for more years than I care to admit. Currently, in addition to my Oxford Learning Centre role, I am working as a practicum faculty advisor for the Schulich School of Education at Nipissing University.
I’ve been a teacher and/or an administrator in a number of private and public educational facilities at both the elementary and secondary levels. I am a retired member of the Ontario
College of Teachers with training to teach from kindergarten to grade 12. I have Bachelor’s Degrees in History (Honours), Education and Educational Leadership. Additionally, I have a
Master of Arts Degree in Education and additional qualifications in Special Education, English as a Second Language and Educational Law.
In my spare time, I enjoy walking nature trails, watching all kinds of movies, singing in a community choir, and volunteering at my church. I find I am busier now that I am retired than I ever was when I was working full time. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
It is a privilege to be a team member of Oxford Learning St. Thomas. I believe in this program and its methodology and have seen its positive results firsthand. When we partner together in an informed, intentional way, our collaboration can promote exciting changes.
"Collaboration is multiplication!" - John Maxwell
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Prachi Mohile
Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Prachi Mohile
Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Hello! Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a bit more! My name is Prachi and I joined Oxford Learning in September 2020. I also work at Magic Ears as an online ESL teacher for children in China.
I have an undergraduate degree in Behaviour, Cognition, and Neuroscience from the University of Windsor. After graduating in 2016, I taught in South Korea for two years. When I moved back to Canada, I taught at a private high school in Markham, ON for year before going back to school for my Bachelor of Education. I’m currently in my last year of Teacher’s College and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made!
I love teaching and working with children to help them build the vital skills they need to achieve their personal and academic goals. I love bringing my never-ending enthusiasm into the classroom to make learning fun and interactive for our students.
"Spoon feeding, in the long run, teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon."
-E.M. Forster
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Jenn Purdy
Beyond Tutoring / En Francais Teacher
Jenn Purdy
Beyond Tutoring / En Francais Teacher
Hi, my name is Jenn!
I am new to Oxford Learning, but I am looking forward to working with my new students! I graduated from Brescia University College in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in French and a minor in English. I have been in the workforce for many years in Customer Service but have recently decided to get back to my passion for working with students. I am an online ESL teacher and a teacher here at Oxford Learning, while at the same time pursuing my Master's in Education with a Specialization in Special Education.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and baking and spending time with my kids and boyfriend.
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Marcia Pelcz
Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Marcia Pelcz
Beyond Tutoring Teacher
Hello! My name is Marcia. I graduated from Brescia University College with a degree in Community & Criminal Justice. I am now working toward my Bachelor of Education.
“I wasn’t born to just teach. I was born to inspire others, to change people, and to never give up; even when faced with challenges that seem impossible.”
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Debbie Fischer
Jill of All Trades
Debbie Fischer
Jill of All Trades
Hi! My name is Debbie, and I do a little bit of everything around Oxford Learning St. Thomas! Most often, you’ll find me keeping the centre sparkling clean and organized. I also volunteer my time to help out with various events and Oxford Learning St. Thomas activities. Everyone at the centre knows me as “Jen’s Mom!”
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family - especially my grandchildren! I also enjoy snuggling with my two kittens, C.J. and Dusty.
“No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.” -Tony Robbins
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