Michael Carter is a teacher, disability activist, and musician. He earned degrees in Jazz Performance from Brandon University and University of Toronto before pursuing his education degree at York University. As a disabled person (he uses this term interntionally to recognize the ways our world disables disabled people), his work is rooted in supporting students…
Dr. Michael H. Thaut, PhD, is Professor of Music at the University of Toronto, with cross-appointments in the Faculty of Medicine (Rehabilitation Science, Medical Science, Neuroscience). He also holds appointments at two university teaching hospitals as a Collaborator Scientist in the Neuroimaging Division at CAMH and at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s…
Ndondo Mutua Mulli is the fourth-born of Dr. Charles and Esther Mulli. She grew up in an affluent family before witnessing a profound transformation when her father gave up all his businesses to dedicate his life to helping children experiencing homelessness, like he had himself. Adjusting to this new way of life was not without…
MusiCounts teacher of the year for 2025, Jeannie Hunter is currently head of Special Education and Fine Arts at Nepean High School in Ottawa, Jeannie Hunter has taught instrumental music, percussion, vocal music, band, choir, guitar, piano, orchestra. jazz and music for community living over the past 30 years. The recipient of an OCDSB Director’s…
Jennifer Buchanan is a Certified Music Therapist with over 30 years of experience and the Founder and President of JB Music Therapy, an award-nominated company delivering over 20,000 sessions annually in medical, education, and workplace wellness settings. She is the author of multiple books and a trusted media advisor on the role of music in…
Joshua Cohen is a political philosopher. He has written on issues of democratic theory, freedom of expression, religious freedom, political equality, democracy and digital technology, good jobs, and global justice. His books include On Democracy (with Joel Rogers); Democracy and Associations (with Joel Rogers); Philosophy, Politics, Democracy; Rousseau: A Free Community of Equals; and The…
Dr. Karen Cyrus is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University and serves as the Director of the Tshepo Institute for the Study of Contemporary Africa at Laurier. She brings extensive experience and research expertise in Afrodiasporic community music practices, Pan-African children’s repertoire, and social justice in music education. Dr….
Kathy Armstrong is a percussionist and educator combining her training in classical music and education with her many years of studies in Ghanaian music and dance to offer an integrated and community-based approach in her work. Her research interests include participatory music-making, music and wellbeing, social justice in music education and applied ethnomusicology. Kathy received…
Ken MacLeod has been a leader in the not-for-profit sector for most of his career – as a volunteer, board member, senior manager, donor and consultant. Ken is the former President & CEO of the internationally acclaimed New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, Inc. (NBYO) and led, over more than twenty years, the development of what…
Laurel Trainor is Professor of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour at McMaster University, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, a McMaster Distinguished University Professor, and a Research Scientist at the Rotman Research Institute. Her recognitions include a Lifetime Achievement Award…