Joan Kantor

In the quiet village of Collinsville, Connecticut, Joan Kantor has lived a

life shaped by stories and the power of words. With a background in

education and marriage and family therapy, she spent years as a college

counselor and Learning Disabilities Specialist, guiding students to

discover their potential. That same clarity and compassion now infuse

her poetry, which extends beyond the page into communities,

classrooms, museums, and galleries.

Joan has been a featured reader on public television’s Speaking of

Poetry, performed in art museums and festivals, and mentored young

writers finding their own voices. Her collaborations with musicians and

artists, most notably Stringing Words Together, blending violin and

poetry create unforgettable artistic experiences.

Her work has earned national recognition, including awards from

Foreword Reviews, the Hackney Literary Awards, and Writer’s Digest.

Through it all, Joan’s poetry remains a bridge: lyrical, human, and deeply

connective.