Faculty Advisory Board

Peter Balyta is president of Education Technology for Texas Instruments and vice president of academic engagement and corporate citizenship for the company. Since his days at McGill University, Peter has been on a mission to inspire students to fall in love with math and science and to equip teachers with the tools they need to help students engineer their futures and change the world. He began his career as a mathematics and science educator in Québec, which today informs everything he does, from serving the community, to spreading the word about the importance of education, to running a global business.

Peter left the public education sector in 2000 to join TI as a manager of educational sales, and he held a number of positions before becoming president of the TI Education Technology business and a vice president of the corporation in 2014. Regardless of role, he continues to bring his experience from the classroom and background in marketing, sales and product strategy to support TI’s education focus of investing in programs that help teachers teach and students learn, particularly in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math).

Peter earned a bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on mathematics and physical education from McGill University, followed by a Master of Science in mathematics education from Concordia University. He also earned a Master of Business Administration with a focus on international management from the University of Texas at Dallas, as well as a doctorate in mathematics education from McGill University. He serves on a variety of boards that support his desire to engage students in STEM subjects and to help them build problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. In addition to serving as chair of the McGill Faculty Advisory Board, he is also the second vice chair of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas; a member of the UT Dallas Executive Board; and a member of the Commit Partnership Leadership Council in Dallas.

Colleen moved to Montreal after graduating in 1971 with a B. Ed. from the University of Michigan. After completing a M. Ed. in Special Education at McGill in 1973, she enjoyed teaching in several elementary schools and programs in Montreal, eventually settling into the role of resource teacher at Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount. Her work focused on practices aimed at building literacy skills and fostering critical thinking, creating individual education programs to suit each student’s learning style and creating a strong home/school team to ensure student success.

She was delighted when Roslyn graduates, especially those who had participated in the resource program, returned to the school to visit and shared news of their successes and accomplishments. When she retired in 2011, the school administration renamed the resource room in her honour.

Always interested in our education system, she presently keeps in touch with former colleagues and volunteers in the community. Retirement allows her additional time for family, travel, collecting art and pursing new interests.

Philip Cutler is a teacher turned entrepreneur and is the Chief Executive Officer of Paper (f. 2014). As a teacher, Phil saw how the many inequities present in the education system created lifelong learning gaps for students. Determined to democratize education, he helped found Paper, a 24/7 online tutoring platform that partners with school districts to level the playing field for all students.

In the past, Phil’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to founding successful endeavors such as the tutoring service, Laurus Educational Services, as well as Laurus Summer Camp. His shrewd business acumen is now shepherding Paper through exponential growth as it works to achieve true educational equity.

In 2013, at 25 years of age, he became the youngest ever elected City Councillor in Westmount, Quebec. He held that position for 8 years before deciding not to run for reelection in 2021. Cutler holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from McGill University in Montreal, where he currently sits on the Faculty Advisory Board. While at McGill, Cutler played linebacker for the McGill Redmen Football team & represented the Faculty of Education on McGill University's Senate. He has also been very active philanthropic initiatives related to Alzheimer's Disease as well as the McGill University Health Center and the Jewish General Hospital.

As founder and president of international award-winning MindShare Learning Technology, Robert is recognized as one of Canada's foremost EdTech thought leaders. He's a champion for igniting student success through innovative solutions and partnerships in Canadian schools. Often referred to as the “connector”, Robert specializes in forging partnerships between education and technology solution providers.

As a mature student, Robert pursued a transformational learning journey earning a Master’s in educational technology from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Psychology and Education.

Robert's innovative spirit and desire to see an accelerated pace of change in education, led to the creation of C21 Canada - Canadians for Learning and Innovation. A not-for-profit he co-founded and currently serves as its president. The MindShare Workspace, Canada’s First Shopping Mall co-working innovation space, is Robert’s latest venture. Its mission is to redefine the future of work and learning.

Glenn is Principal and Founder of MBG Finance. His career has proven to be diverse and entrepreneurial, spanning roles from banking executive to corporate finance, restructuring, and asset-based lending. Glenn is also a patron of the arts. With a vast network throughout North America and internationally, Glenn is renowned for his creativity in restructuring organizations, optimizing performance, and successfully implementing strong governance principles. He is in his seventh year as Mentor and Guest Lecturer for McGill University’s MBA Program, presenting topics such as “Corporate Restructuring “and “How to differentiate yourself in business”. He also actively mentors and advises CEOs of diverse companies throughout North America and Europe.

Glenn is a member of multiple boards of directors as well as being a shareholder of several companies, including Axis4 Media Inc. (digital marketing), Cord King of Canada (commercial firewood processor manufacturer), and Chalet des Chutes, a residential real estate project in Québec, and in Quebec of the restaurant chains Old Orchard Pub. He is also on the advisory committee of NAI Terramont Commercial (one of Canada’s top tier two commercial real estate brokerage firms). He is a member of Strangers in the Night, the 3rd most important music festival in Québec.

Louise Anne is Chief Financial Officer of Stanton Asset Management Inc. and O’Shares Investments Inc. She is an attorney with over 20 years of legal and investment management experience, principally in New York and Montreal. Her passion for education stems in part from her involvement as a parent with St George’s School of Montreal as a member and Chair of the Education Committee (2005-2010), Board Member (2006-2014), and Board Chair (2009-2014). Louise Anne is a graduate of the University of Montreal (LLB) and Columbia University (Masters of International and Public Affairs).

Stephanie graduated from McGill University with both a Bachelor of Arts and of Education and went on to teach in Montreal for the public school board. For 5 years, she was a docent at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, giving school tours to students. Her involvement is wide ranging having sat on the following boards: The Cedars Home for the Elderly, chaired the parents' committee at Notre Dame de Sion School, the ECS School foundation board, the Mab Mackay Foundation board, and MHWAG (Mental Health Wellness Affinity Group).

Currently, Stephanie is actively working as a director of the Rossy Foundation focusing on youth mental health, health care, and education. She is passionate about traveling, education, and the arts.