OUR TEAM
Stacey Sinclair
Executive Director
Stacey Sinclair, Executive Director
Stacey has been working in the non-profit and cultural sector for more than 20 years. She is a graduate of the MBA program in Arts Administration from the Schulich School of Business, the Arts Administration & Cultural Management program from Humber College, and has an honours undergraduate degree in Fine Arts from York University.
Stacey specializes in strategic planning, marketing, and development, and is passionate about helping organizations build awareness and sustainable revenue sources. She has served on the board of the Oakville Arts Council and CommUnity Arts Space, and is a recipient of the Town of Oakville Community Spirit Award for Volunteerism in the Arts. She currently sits on the board of The Women’s Centre of Halton.
Connect with Stacey on LinkedIn.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kirsten Maclaine
Chair of the Board
Kirsten MacLaine, Chair of the Board
Kirsten MacLaine enjoys teaching a variety of Music courses at Bluefield Senior High School in central Prince Edward Island. Raised in Toronto, Ontario, Kirsten packed up her trumpet and traveled east to the University of Prince Edward Island where she earned her Bachelor of Music, with a specialization in Education, in 1998. She returned to Ontario to complete a Bachelor of Education at Nipissing University in 1999, and her Masters in Education from the University of New Brunswick in 2012.
A passionate music educator, Kirsten has taught music in both Toronto and PEI, from pre-school to Grade 13, and has worked in various positions of responsibility and on many different professional committees. In addition to her teaching assignment, she is also the Music Area Coordinator for the Public Schools Branch of Prince Edward Island.
Currently serving as Chair of the Board for the Coalition for Music Education of Canada, Kirsten is also a past President of the Canadian Music Educators’ Association and the PEI Music Educators’ Association. In 2023, Kirsten was honoured to be awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of her many contributions to music education in both PEI and across Canada.
Kirsten lives in scenic New Glasgow, PEI with her husband Matthew, their four children: Emma, Charlotte, Flora and Callum, Wynnie the dog, Stella the cat and their 5 chickens.
Robert Barg
Treasurer
Robert Barg, Vice-Chair, Treasurer
Rob has been involved with music all his life both personally and professionally. He began a successful career in the music business with Yamaha Canada Music Ltd. in 1971, and retired as Corporate Vice President in 2014, and Secretary of the Board of Directors in 2020.
Rob has a passion for the value of music in people’s lives, which has driven him to give back to the community and society in many ways. This includes, especially advocating for quality music education for children and youth in our schools, in particular as Treasurer and Executive Member of the Coalition Canada (Coalition for Music Education in Canada).
Rob and wife Rose have found their retirement home in Lindsay, Ontario, where he also serves as Treasurer of the Board of Directors of The Academy Theatre Foundation.
His extensive experience in all facets of the music industry, have led to a high level volunteer leadership in these not for profit organizations.
Rob’s love of love of entertaining has led him back to sharing his love of music with others. A distinguished singer, guitarist, and songwriter, he performs in a multitude of styles, and genres appealing to many varied music tastes.
Helen Coker
Secretary
Helen Coker
Helen looks forward to serving as Secretary on the Board of Directors of the Coalition for Music Education in Canada. She previously served as President of the Canadian Music Educators’ Association (2017–2019) and as the CMEA representative on the Coalition’s board. A long-time member of the Ontario Music Educators’ Association, Helen has held several roles within the organization, including President (2010–2012) and Conference Chair (2006, 2010, and 2014). She recently retired from teaching strings and instrumental music at Woodstock Collegiate Institute, having also served as the Arts Learning Coordinator for the Thames Valley District School Board. Helen enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and all things Disney.
Sarah L. Manley Robertson
Board Member
Sarah L. Manley Robertson
Sarah believes music is where people go to express what words cannot reach. That belief has shaped her life, and it is what brings her to the Coalition’s Board.
Sarah is the President and Founder of Prospect Strategies Ltd., a hands-on corporate & executive communications consultancy. She works alongside CEOs and executive teams when strategy is set but the work is not moving: through transformation, leadership transitions, and organizational change. Her career includes more than twenty years inside complex, global, highly-regulated corporations prior to going independent.
Music has been a continuous thread alongside that career. A pianist for more than forty years (Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 9 With Honours), Sarah has served as a church music director, accompanist for high school jazz band & choir, pit band member, and a private teacher to early learners. Education, she believes, is where music finds the students who would otherwise never know it was there for them.
Based in Nova Scotia, Sarah brings senior governance and strategic planning experience to the Coalition, drawn from a career advising corporate and non-profit leaders and volunteering across various charities. At home, with their rescue hound Beau underfoot, she and her husband are getting accustomed to being “Parents of Bigs” — the stage of life when the kid is grown, becoming who he is meant to be, and music remains the common language.
Paul Kaye
Board Member
Paul Kaye
Paul Kaye has spent over two decades working in media and entertainment in both the UK and Canada. As Vice President & Head of Audio Business for Rogers, Paul was responsible for the strategic, financial, cultural, creative, editorial, and operational leadership of a portfolio of audio businesses (inc. Radio, Podcasting & Digital) and a team of approximately 500 people. Paul led the business to increased profitability, during turbulent times for traditional media, outperforming the market in both revenue and audience performance. Prior to leading the Audio business, Paul was responsible for leading the turnaround of Breakfast Television, taking the show back to number one, in a true worst to first story, and also securing the Best Morning Show (2021 & 2022) recognition at the Canadian Screen Awards.
Prior to working for Rogers, Paul held a corporate role at Newcap Radio (now Stingray), and senior management roles in Content and Operations at various companies across England and Wales. Paul has also served on the boards of Radio Player Canada, Canadian Broadcast Sales and RadioDays North America.
Paul is a certified executive & organisational coach who has worked with individuals and teams on multiple consultancy & coaching projects; he has coached leaders on their personal and professional development, supported leadership teams on enhancing performance, worked with organizations to enhance creativity and advised businesses on strategy across various industries.
Paul is passionate about music and ensuring future generations are given the best opportunity for success. In his spare time Paul volunteers as a mentor working with young Canadian Entrepreneurs supporting them in pursuit of their business dreams, a role he finds truly rewarding.
Lloyd McArton
Board Member
Lloyd McArton
Lloyd (he/him) is a musician, teacher, and researcher. He is Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Lethbridge and is completing his PhD dissertation at University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music. His doctoral thesis explores the intersection of independent (indie) musicianship and serious leisure, and the ways in which such learning relates to institutional endeavours of music education. Other areas of research include identifying barriers to musical learning and devising ways to address discrepancies in opportunities through more widespread, inclusive access. Outside of academia, Lloyd works, creates, and facilitates others’ learning as a DIY-focused musician and educator. For the past decade, he has been spending most of his musical time composing, recording, producing, and performing as a guitarist and saxophonist in the band Lost Cousins. Prior to his appointment at the University of Lethbridge, Lloyd taught courses in popular music and music education at the University of Toronto, as well as in Montessori schools and other community settings.
Lindsay Mackintosh
Board Member
Lindsay Mackintosh
Lindsay Mackintosh is a passionate advocate for music education, bringing a unique blend of lived experience and corporate leadership to the coalition’s Board of Directors. Her love of music began at an early age, when she first picked up the flute. This early passion led her to attend a performing arts high school as a music major and to perform with the Royal Conservatory of Music. Over the years, she played at weddings, art fairs, and community events – experiences that shaped her belief in the transformative power of the arts.
Today, as a mother of three children in public education, Lindsay is deeply committed to ensuring all students have access to rich music and arts programming. Professionally, she is a Human Resources Executive in the corporate sector, known for her expertise in talent development, leadership, communication and advocacy. She brings a strategic mindset and heart for community, and is aiming to amplify the role of music in Canadian education for generations to come.
Damiano Pulcini
Board Member
Damiano Pulcini
Laura Lee Matthie
Board Member
Laura Lee Matthie
Laura Lee Matthie is a passionate music educator who retired June 2025 after a 30 years of inspiring young musicians in Simcoe County. She started & led the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Arts & Culture program at her school and directed a range of ensembles; included concert bands, jazz bands, saxophone & brass ensembles and percussion groups.
A graduate of Western University (BMus, BEd) Laura Lee has been recognized nationaly and provincially for her leaderhsip and impact. She was named the 2018 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year, received the 2021 Beckwith Award for Education and was honoured with the 2024 Orillia Community Builders Award for Education.
Laura Lee has played an active role with the Ontario Music Educators’ Association (OMEA), serving in leadership position including Treasurer and President. Her contributions include organizing conferences, advocating for music education, and mentoring new educators.
Outside the classroom, she is a proud hockey mom to two boys.
She is excited to be part of the Coalition.
Bill Ramsammy
Board Member
Bill Ramsammy
Bill is a seasoned brand and marketing professional with over 15 years of experience building impactful, insight-driven marketing campaigns and sponsorship platforms. He has a proven track record of connecting organizations to communities through compelling brand storytelling, strategic partnerships, and meaningful engagement. Currently, Bill is the Managing Director, Head of Global Brand and Program Management at KPMG International, where he challenges legacy thinking and leads innovative strategies to drive business growth and brand relevance on a global scale.
Bill’s love of music runs deep. Raised on his parents’ diverse record collection, he discovered early on the way music could shape identity and emotion. His passion evolved through playing trumpet, DJing, and working at BMG Music in Toronto. Today, he remains an avid supporter of live music and is a strong believer in its power to educate, heal, and unite. For Bill, music is not just an art form for young people—it is a developmental tool that fosters confidence, academic growth, emotional expression, and social connection.
Bill brings a unique blend of corporate insight and cultural understanding to everything he does. He is proud to support the Coalition—using music as a transformative force for youth development and stronger communities.
Mark Della Torre
Board Member
Mark Della Torre
Mark Della Torre is the President of the CMIEC, a volunteer organization of representatives from the musical products industry, including manufacturers, distributors, publishers, retailers, and educators. The committee’s primary function is to support the Ontario Music Educators’ Association (OMEA) in planning and executing annual conferences and trade shows.
In his professional capacity at Long & McQuade, Mark manages educational services for the Ontario region, a role he has held since November 2006. A recipient of the OMEA Award of Commendation in 2019, he also currently serves as the industry representative on the board of directors for both the Ontario Music Educators’ Association (OMEA) and the Canadian Music Educators’ Association (CMEA).
Jeff Weaver
Board Member
Jeff Weaver
Jeff Weaver serves as the Director of Bands and Jazz Studies at Oak Bay High School and is also a instructor in Music Education at the University of Victoria. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Victoria and furthered his education with a Master of Arts degree from Sam Houston State University. Jeff is a distinguished recipient of the Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence in British Columbia, underscoring his commitment to education.
Jeff is actively involved in the realm of music education leadership. He presently holds the position of Past President within the Canadian Music Educators’ Association and has previously served as the President of the British Columbia Music Educators’ Association. His dedication to these roles reflects his passion for advancing music education at both regional and national levels.
Jeff is in demand as adjudicator and clinician adjudicating for the Comox Valley Band Festival, the Victoria Music Festival, Townsite Jazz Festival , Comox Valley Festival of the Arts, the Bella Coola Arts Festival, Kamloops Honour Band and guest conducting with ensembles in greater Victoria.
Jeff believes that all students have the capacity to make music and that schools are complete with strong Fine Arts Performance programs.
Robert Carder
Board Member
Robert Carder
Robert Carder, M.Ed. is a semi-retired professor, entrepreneur, and owner/director of a music production and performance development studio. He earned his Master of Education while teaching and has built a career that integrates education, business leadership, and creative development. Robert’s experience includes academic instruction, business ownership, strategic planning, financial oversight, talent development, and organizational management. Through his work with artists, performers, and students, he has demonstrated a commitment to leadership, mentorship, and community engagement. He brings a diverse perspective to governance and strategic decision-making, drawing on decades of experience across education, business, and the creative arts.
Brigida Battistessa
Board Member
Brigida Battistessa
Brigida Battistessa is an accomplished flute player, music educator, and advocate for performing arts education with a longstanding commitment to excellence in school music programs. She is currently in her 28th year as Music Director at St. Francis High School in Calgary, Alberta where she has built and sustained one of the region’s most respected and thriving music programs.
Brigida’s dedication to music education has been recognized through her nomination to Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, an honor that acknowledges outstanding contributions to wind band education and musical leadership. Her passion for fostering student growth through music has resulted in a music program known for its high standards of performance, community engagement, and educational innovation. She is a graduate of the prestigious University of Calgary Wind conducting institute, and also completed her Masters degree in Education with a focus on the performing arts in schools. An active guest conductor and flute clinician, she enjoys adjudicating young bands and ensembles .