In the quiet village of Collinsville, Connecticut, Joan Kantor has lived 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, libraries and museums.

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 in Stringing Words Together, blending violin and poetry, create memorable 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.