
Joanne Gareau
Owner & Centre Director
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Joanne Gareau
Owner & Centre Director
Joanne loves creating a friendly and welcoming environment for students, parents, and her team of educators at Oxford Learning Burlington South. Her passion for improving the lives of children through education guides her commitment to students and families and has helped transform the centre into a thriving and award-winning location.
Joanne first joined Oxford Learning Burlington South as the Education Coordinator, where she worked closely with students and families while developing a deep understanding of the Oxford Learning system. In 2020, she took ownership of the centre and began leading its transformation. In just five years, her leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success have elevated Burlington South into one of the Top 5 performing centres in the country.
Joanne holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph, a Teaching Effectiveness Certificate from Humber College, and is an Oxford Certified Cognitive and Academic Assessor. She believes strongly that education has the power to change lives and is proud to lead a centre that helps students build confidence, develop strong learning skills, and reach their full potential.
Her leadership has been recognized across the Oxford Learning network. In 2022, Joanne received the Relaunch Award, which honours franchisees who take an underperforming centre and, through vision, tenacity, and strong leadership, transform it into a thriving learning environment. In 2024, she was honoured with the Pillar Award, presented to franchisees who demonstrate exceptional knowledge of and dedication to the Oxford Learning philosophy and who serve as role models within the organization. By 2025, Oxford Learning Burlington South had continued its rapid growth and was ranked among the Top 5 centres nationwide.
Joanne mentors other women in business, volunteers extensively in local schools, and has over 25 years of service with the Girl Guides of Canada. She enjoys travelling, curling, spending time with her husband, Paul and their four children, and cuddling with their tiny dog, Daisy.
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Emily
Education Coordinator
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Emily
Education Coordinator
Emily is an Ontario Certified Teacher and the Education Coordinator at Oxford Learning Burlington South, where she brings a highly personalized, student-centred approach to learning. She holds a Master of Arts from King’s College London, along with Arts and Education degrees from Queen’s University.
Emily grew up in Burlington and is proud to support students in her home community. With teaching experience in both Canada and the UK, including several years in London, England, she brings a global perspective and a deep understanding of how to support young learners at different stages of their academic journey.
At Oxford Learning Burlington South, Emily is known for creating a warm and engaging environment where students feel confident, supported, and motivated to succeed. She carefully develops individualized learning plans for each child, ensuring their unique strengths, needs, and interests are reflected in every session. Her thoughtful approach helps students build strong academic foundations while fostering independence and a genuine love of learning.
Emily has a natural ability to connect with students and families alike. She pays close attention to the details that make each child unique, celebrating their progress, nurturing their confidence, and turning everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences.
A talented artist, Emily brings creativity into the centre in ways that inspire and delight, from enhancing the learning environment to sharing personalized drawings that leave lasting impressions on her students. Her calm, compassionate presence and warm sense of humour create a welcoming atmosphere that families trust and value.
Outside of the centre, Emily is a devoted mother of two who enjoys spending time with her family, drawing, and baking. These interests reflect the creativity, patience, and care she brings to her work every day.
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Hailey
High School Coordinator
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Hailey
High School Coordinator
Hailey is a dedicated educator currently pursuing a Master of Osteopathic Manual Sciences, building upon her strong foundation from her Bachelor of Science in Health and Disease from the University of Toronto. With a passion for science and education, she specializes in making biology and chemistry both accessible and engaging for her students.
She's an avid tennis player, finding both challenge and relaxation on the court. Her love for learning extends to her personal time, where she's often found engrossed in a good book, expanding her knowledge across various subjects. For a perfect wind-down, Hailey enjoys peaceful walks with her two beloved dogs, Charlie and Poppy.
Hailey's journey in osteopathic sciences reflects her commitment to understanding and promoting holistic well-being. She looks forward to applying her expanding expertise not only in her teaching but also in her future practice, always aiming to make a positive impact on others' lives through education and health.
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Courtney
French Coordinator
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French Coordinator
Courtney is an Ontario Certified Teacher candidate enrolled in Laurier’s Bachelor of Education program (French stream). She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, specializing in English with a minor in French Studies. As a teenager, Courtney had the opportunity to live and study in France, immersing herself in the language and culture and sparking a lifelong passion for French.
As French Education Coordinator at Oxford Learning, Courtney is dedicated to making French engaging, accessible, and confidence-building for students of all ages. She believes language is not simply a subject to master, but a gateway to communication, culture, and new perspectives. Through interactive and culturally rich learning experiences, she helps students develop strong language skills and a genuine enjoyment of French.
Outside of her professional work, Courtney enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, their two daughters, and their adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Archie.
« Une langue différente est une vision différente de la vie. » - Federico Fellini
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Brandon
High School Teacher
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Brandon
High School Teacher
Brandon is an Ontario Certified Teacher in math and physics with a passion for making learning enjoyable. He holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa. Brandon believes that a positive and fun classroom environment helps students reach their full potential, both academically and personally.
Outside of teaching, Brandon stays active with hobbies like rock climbing, disc golfing, and playing ultimate frisbee. He believes in balancing mental and physical activities, showing his students the importance of being well-rounded in all aspects of life. His down-to-earth approach makes him relatable and approachable to his students, inspiring them to find their own passions inside and outside the classroom.
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Emma
High School Teacher
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Emma
High School Teacher
Emma is an Ontario Certified Teacher in math and history who brings creativity, passion, energy, and fun into the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education and a dual degree in history and Jewish studies from Queen's University, she blends her academic background with a love for the arts to inspire her students.
Emma believes that learning should be an adventure, where mistakes aren't failures but chances to "swan dive into the learning pit" and grow. She encourages her students to embrace challenges and push themselves beyond their comfort zones, making the classroom a safe space for exploration and curiosity.
Outside of teaching, Emma has mastered 13 musical instruments, teaches dance, and even hosts a radio show. When she's not in the classroom or diving into her artistic hobbies, you might catch her cheering on the Toronto Argonauts or singing along at a Taylor Swift concert. Emma also loves the simple things in life, like laughing at goofy moments or enjoying a thrilling rollercoaster ride.
Her down-to-earth nature and wide range of interests make her relatable to students, helping them see that learning—and life—can be exciting and full of possibilities.
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Samantha
Elementary Teacher
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Samantha
Elementary Teacher
Samantha is an Ontario Certified Teacher currently working within the Halton District School Board. She has an early childhood education background and received her teaching degree in New Zealand.
Samantha is a dedicated and passionate professional with experience in creating engaging and inclusive environments. She is committed to ensuring individual student success by addressing their unique needs and learning abilities. Samantha is always ready to support students in building their confidence and gaining new skills.
During her spare time, Samantha enjoys going on hikes, reading, and doing yoga. She hopes to inspire her students to try their best and focus on the progress they make each day. It is extremely important for Samantha to collaborate with her students to establish goals and foster motivation.
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Ann
Elementary & French Teacher
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Ann
Elementary & French Teacher
Ann, a St. Lawrence College graduate, discovered her passion for education while raising her two daughters. Her journey began as a dedicated classroom and field trip volunteer, which sparked her desire to make a positive impact on children's lives.
With experience as both a gymnastics coach and a swimming coach for Special Olympics athletes, Ann has developed a diverse background in youth development. She is fluent in French and believes in creating a positive, fun, and encouraging learning environment to foster academic excellence, understanding that each child's journey is unique.
Outside of teaching, Ann enjoys cooking, running, and walking her two dogs, Koda and Riley.
Ann brings warmth, understanding, and real-world experience to her role as an educator, always striving to help each child reach their full potential.
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Michael
High School Teacher
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Michael
High School Teacher
Michael, a Wilfrid Laurier University graduate, holds a Bachelor of Science in physics with a minor in history. He's currently enrolled in Teacher's College and working toward becoming an Ontario Certified Teacher in physics, math, and history.
Michael's passion for teaching stems from his love of connecting with students and witnessing their progress. He excels in making complex concepts in math, physics, and history accessible and engaging.
Outside of academics, Michael is an avid sportsman, enjoying hockey, lacrosse, and volleyball. He is also a dedicated food enthusiast with a strong interest in burgers and exotic meats. His love for food is marked by a desire to try new and unusual flavours. This personal challenge has led him to taste unusual meats like snake and kangaroo. He has even tried eating various types of insects.
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Sarah
Elementary & French Teacher
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Sarah
Elementary & French Teacher
Sarah is an Education Assistant within the Halton District School Board. She is fluent in French and has a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Vanier College in Montreal. She is passionate about making learning fun and accessible for all students and is currently studying to become an Ontario Certified Teacher.
Sarah understands the importance of building strong relationships with her students and takes great pride in watching them develop and thrive under her guidance. She enjoys exploring local cuisine, taking pilates classes, and going for long walks. When she's not in the classroom, Sarah loves visiting her family and friends back home in Montreal.
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Ahmad
High School Teacher
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Ahmad
High School Teacher
Ahmad is in his final year of the McMaster University Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology program. He enjoys working with children, and he aspires to enter the field of medicine to become a pediatrician. He recently wrote the MCAT exam and is eagerly awaiting the results!
As a former Oxford Learning student, Ahmad is thrilled to give back to his community and support the next generation of students. Ahmad loves seeing his students overcome long-term challenges and will always be sure to celebrate their achievements with them. He strives to create the same fun learning environment that led him to become an Oxford Learning educator in the first place.

Sierra
High School Teacher
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Sierra
High School Teacher
Sierra is a passionate educator with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Queen's University. Her love for science shines through in her teaching, where she makes learning both fun and engaging. Sierra is all about helping students find their own spark in science and math, using interactive methods and lots of enthusiasm to make her lessons come alive.
Sierra loves exploring music, from discovering new genres to catching live shows. She also enjoys baking, often experimenting with recipes and applying a bit of food science to her creations. To stay active and challenge herself, Sierra is an avid runner.
Sierra's goal is to make learning an exciting adventure, turning it into a journey of discovery that ignites her students' curiosity and passion for science.
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Justin
Elementary & French Teacher
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Justin
Elementary & French Teacher
Justin is a current teacher candidate at Brock University, working toward his Bachelor of Education. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature.
Justin enjoys teaching English and French and would love to continue learning new languages. He believes that learning should be fun and loves to see the progress that his students make. Justin is passionate about student-centred learning, where learning becomes something that transcends the boundaries of a classroom, and out into the world that students experience first-hand.
In his spare time, Justin enjoys running, reading, and watching films. Some of his favourite movies are La La Land, 12 Angry Men, and Paddington 2.
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Julia
Elementary & French Teacher
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Julia
Elementary & French Teacher
Julia graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology & Genetics. She is working toward becoming a genetic counsellor and is currently gaining valuable experience as a volunteer at SickKids Hospital in Toronto.
Julia is fluent in French and strives to create an engaging and welcoming learning environment where students feel supported in building their personal and intellectual growth. She is passionate about cultivating a love for learning, confidence in one's abilities and a sense of resilience in students, all while encouraging curiosity, creativity and inclusivity.
In her free time, she enjoys watching scary movies, skiing, and spending time with her family.
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