Kala Challis
Center Manager
Hello! I’m Kala Challis, Center Manager.
In the past 15 years, I have spent my time working in a variety of health care settings doing administration, and clerical roles. In the last 3 years, I took up teaching with Fanshawe College.
I have 3 children and 2 dogs. We live on a big hobby farm in the country, where I love to spend my time.
I love decorating, garage sailing, cooking and reading. I enjoy travelling and making memories with family and friends!
Close
Kristi Karathanassis
Educational Director
Read Bio
Kristi Karathanassis
Educational Director
Hi everyone! My name is Kristi. I grew up in St. Thomas and moved to London to attend Western University. I have a Bachelor of Arts in English and Cultural Studies and French Language and Literature from Huron University College. I also minored in Music.
In 2019, I completed my Master of Arts in English and Cultural Studies at Western.
I have been tutoring elementary school and high school students in French and English since I was a French Immersion student in high school. I also tutored and taught university students in French and English literature throughout my time at Western. Now, I am very excited to continue helping students learn—and learn how to learn—as part of the excellent team of teachers at Oxford Learning!
In my spare time, I enjoy learning new things. I love reading, listening to music, and spending time with my large family.
Close
Geoff Linsdell
Teacher - Math / Science
Read Bio
Geoff Linsdell
Teacher - Math / Science
Hi, my name is Geoff. I grew up here in London, attending South Secondary and the University of Western Ontario.
I graduated last year with a double major in Chemistry and Economics.
Growing up, my immediate family was always involved with education in various ways and I’ve decided to follow their lead. School has always been an important part of my life and I hope to be able to share that passion with others.
In my spare time I enjoy volunteering around London, reading, and spending time with friends.
Close
Marina Paron
Teacher - English
Hi there! My name is Marina. I grew up in Oakville, Ontario but have since lived in Kingston and London for school. I completed my bachelor’s degree in developmental psychology and linguistics at Queen’s University. Right now, I am busy completing my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at London’s very own Western University. No matter where I am living, you can usually find me snuggled up with a good book, a cup of tea, and my goldendoodle Ellie!
I have previously worked at one of Oxford Learning’s Oakville locations and I am thrilled to be joining the Hyde Park team. I can’t wait to meet all of the Oxford Learning students! Let’s get learning!
Close
Daniella Poloni
Teacher- English
Read Bio
Daniella Poloni
Teacher- English
My name is Daniella and by trade, I am a teacher. I worked in Northern England for two years as an English teacher, and I spent one year in Wales prior to that. My family means everything to me, so I moved back to London to be closer to them. I have a passion for English Literature; you will rarely find me without a book in my bag. Outside of that, I enjoy dancing and baking. I am enthusiastic, hardworking, and I love nothing more than getting to know people and the stories they have to share.
Close
Devon Lowrie
Teacher - English
Hello, my name is Devon! I grew up in London and attended Oakridge Secondary School, then Western University. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts with an Honors in Studio Arts and a Major in the School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities. I chose my degree because it allowed me to pursue an interdisciplinary education, as it emphasizes the importance of studying multiple subjects and self-directed learning. I am fortunate enough that my hobby as a visual artist is also part of my career.
I enjoy taking my dog for walks, reading, and photography. During the summer months I worked at summer camp, where my nickname was Ducky because I loved the Land Before Time movies!
I enjoy working at Oxford Learning because I love when students find something they are interested in and it inspires them towards their future.
Close
Andrew Devoy
Teacher- English
Hello! My name is Andrew and I am a graduate of Western’s Music program with a focus on music education for guitar. I loved teaching and learning so much that I completed my Bachelor of Education from Althouse College in 2019. I enjoy incorporating elements of music into my teaching style at Oxford Learning and with Thames Valley District School Board.
During my time at teacher’s college, I was able to experience a placement with the London Montessori Academy where I developed a deep appreciation for the Montessori method. The five principles of the Montessori method are: 1. Children are shown respect; 2. Children have absorbent minds; 3. Sensitive periods are critical for learning; 4. Children learn best in a prepared environment and; 5. Children can teach themselves through exploration. I believe Oxford Learning strategies have beautiful synergy with these five tenets and I value the opportunities I have been given to teach with these principles as my foundation.
In my spare time you can find me teaching guitar in the London area, learning new things online, and studying computer programming to automate a variety of daily tasks in my life! Never stop learning!
Close
Shauna Jordan
Centre Manager
My name is Shauna Jordan. I was born and raised in London. Before starting at Oxford Learning I worked at the Casino for 10 years as both a Marketing Supervisor as well as a Customer Relations Supervisor.
I have always had a passion for working with children and Oxford Learning has given me that opportunity. I love watching children become more confident while reaching their full potential here at Oxford Learning.
Close