Kristine is the heart and soul of Oxford Learning Barrie, where she serves as the Centre Director, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for education. She first joined Oxford Learning in Milton in 2020 before making the move to Barrie in 2022. By December 2023, she stepped into the role of Education Coordinator and has since become the permanent Centre Director, leading with creativity, enthusiasm, and a deep love for learning.

Kristine’s background is as dynamic as she is. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with distinction in Theatre from Brock University and honed her comedic chops at the Humber School of Comedy and Second City Toronto’s sketch comedy conservatory. With 15 years as a professional actor, nine years running her own talent agency in Toronto, and over two decades of teaching Theatre, comedy, improv, and English, she brings a one-of-a-kind perspective to education.

A woman of many talents (and fantastic stories!), Kristine once auditioned in front of Leonardo DiCaprio and learned from comedy legends like Joe Flaherty, Jerry Stiller, and Robin Duke. If there’s ever an office talent show, you can bet she’s bringing the laughs with stand-up comedy!

When she’s not shaping young minds, Kristine is at home with her husband and their trio of feline overlords: 9-year-old tabby Evy and tuxedo kittens Mario and Peach. She spends her free time painting, crocheting, diving into board games, and crafting new theatrical works.

Her life philosophy? “Every hurdle in life is a gift; without them, we would not grow.” Wise words from someone who embraces every challenge with a smile!

Phil DaCosta

Education Director, Tutor K-12 English, Math K - 11

Phil DaCosta is a math whiz, a tech enthusiast, and—quite literally—a magician! As one of Oxford Learning Barrie’s math tutors and the Education Director, he brings a wealth of experience in teaching, administration, and STEM education. Before joining the Barrie team in February 2024, Phil spent years teaching in the classroom and guiding students at Oxford Learning Milton, where he also served as the STEM coach. Under his leadership, the STEM Club competed in the First Lego League tournament, blending creativity with technology to inspire young minds.

A graduate of York University with a double degree in Education and Computer Science, Phil is passionate about all things math, coding, and technology. But his skills don’t stop there—when he’s not crunching numbers or mentoring students, you’ll find him indulging in his other passions: board games, puzzles, music, crafts, and, of course, magic!

At home, Phil shares his life with his wife and their three adorable cats—Evy, Peach, and Mario—who may or may not be his secret magic assistants. Whether he’s solving complex equations, designing the next great STEM challenge, or perfecting a new magic trick, Phil brings curiosity, creativity, and a little bit of wonder to everything he does.

Oxford Learning Barrie is thrilled to have Phil on board—because every great team needs a little magic!

Ainslie Harriman

K - 12, English, Biology (11), Chemistry (11) Tutor

Ainslie is a dynamic and passionate educator who brings science to life for her students. She specializes in biology and chemistry for Grades 9–11. A graduate of the University of Guelph’s Arts and Sciences program—with special distinction in Biology and Psychology—she is set to continue her academic journey at Western University in September 2025 to earn her Bachelor of Education.

Beyond the classroom, Ainslie is an adventurer at heart. Having studied abroad for a year and a half in England and embarked on an unforgettable two-week experience in Tanzania, she has explored 15 countries (and counting!). When she’s not teaching or travelling, you’ll likely find her embracing the great outdoors—camping under the stars, boating across serene waters, or hiking new trails.

Ainslie’s favourite word? Shenanigans—because life should always have a bit of fun and mischief! She shares her home with two furry sidekicks, Murphy the dog and Gus the cat, and when she’s not chasing after them, she’s lost in the pages of a Stephen King novel.

Her best piece of advice? Be gentle and kind to yourself in all aspects of life. Wise words from someone who truly lives life to the fullest!

Ren Somnath

K-12, French, English, Math Tutor

Ren Somnath first joined Oxford Learning Barrie as a volunteer in the summer of 2024 before officially becoming part of the team in September. Currently in her third year at the University of Toronto, she is pursuing a double major in French and English. Her time at Oxford Learning has been an invaluable experience, helping her develop the skills and confidence needed for her future classroom placements as she works toward her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher.

A lover of language and literature, Ren enjoys diving into mystery novels and unwinding with a good horror movie—her favourite being Lights Out. She also has a quirky appreciation for the word “need,” often using it in the most relatable way: “I need a coffee.”

Fun fact: Ren shares her birthday with her older brother and her parents’ wedding anniversary—talk about a day worth celebrating! While she doesn’t have any pets (yet), she’s always dreamed of having a bunny.

The best piece of advice she’s ever received? “Life isn’t a race—try not to let someone else’s pace be the creator of your life’s pace.” With that in mind, Ren continues to carve her own path, one step at a time, toward the career she knew she wanted since she was five years old.

Sarah has been a dedicated and enthusiastic tutor at Oxford Learning for the past three years. Currently entering her final year of the Queen’s Concurrent Education program, Sarah brings a wealth of hands-on experience from her annual practicums across diverse teaching environments—including private elementary schools, public high schools, and, of course, right here at Oxford Learning, where it all began.

Sarah is passionate about finding creative ways to connect with her students, whether it’s breaking down math concepts using Pokémon references or discovering just the right strategy to help a student stay motivated. For her, the best moments are those lightbulb breakthroughs that remind her exactly why she loves this work.

Outside of the classroom, you’ll find Sarah enjoying long walks, reading, and making the most of patio season with friends and appetizers. She’s left-handed (a fun family anomaly!), obsessed with the word “antioxidants,” and once believed she’d grow up to be a fairy. Her favourite book is Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood, and if Oxford Learning ever hosted a talent show, she’d wow the crowd with her impressive eyebrow-wiggling skills.

Her guiding advice? “You don’t need to prove yourself to anybody. Let people figure out how awesome you are on their own—because they will.”

Emma Carr

K - 12, English Tutor

Emma rejoined Oxford Learning Barrie in 2023 after completing her Master’s in Education and embarking on a teaching adventure in London, England. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Studies and a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University, as well as a Master of Education from the University of Ottawa. Teaching has been her passion since she was five years old, and she continues to inspire students with her love for learning.

Beyond the classroom, Emma is an avid traveller, having explored 19 countries—with Iceland topping her list of favourites. She also enjoys playing pickleball and spending time with her two cats, Peeka and Boo. Her favourite English word is Serendipity a fitting choice for someone who embraces life’s unexpected and wonderful moments.

When she’s not teaching or planning her next adventure, Emma loves rewatching Inside Out and living by the best advice she’s ever received: “Never stop learning!”

Igor Babchine

Math Tutor

More info coming soon!

Maya Mawlawi

French Tutor

Maya is a passionate educator, artist, and world traveler who has been sharing her talents at Oxford Learning Barrie for six years. With a BA in Interior Design and Fine Arts, as well as a French Baccalaureate from France, she brings a rich and diverse perspective to her teaching. Before joining Oxford Learning, Maya was the Head of the Arts Division at an international school in Dubai, where she inspired young creatives to explore their artistic potential.

Beyond Oxford Learning, Maya continues to share her love for language and creativity, teaching French and art at various community centers and French schools in the area. Whether she’s painting, strolling through nature, or immersing herself in music, she finds beauty in every moment.

A true citizen of the world, Maya has lived in five different countries, experiencing a wealth of customs and traditions that have shaped her approach to life and teaching. At home, she balances her vibrant household of four children and three cats, proving that both creativity and chaos can coexist beautifully!

Her favourite book? Let Me Hear Your Voice. Her best piece of advice? Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day after day. Wise words from someone who knows that patience, passion, and persistence lead to greatness!