LitCenter

Kristi Q., founder

Questions? Inquiries? I look forward to hearing from you!

About Kristi

Kristi is a lifelong teacher, writer, editor, poet, seeker, traveler. She has taught in high schools and colleges and in the Peace Corps. She has an MA in European studies from University College London and an MFA in creative writing/poetry from Oregon State University …

But it was during the past five years teaching adults from all over the world one-on-one online that her passion grew for creating a space beyond traditional institutions (and traditional literary study) where people could seriously study literature while exploring how it might illuminate questions of life and the human experience.

At the same time, she began studying wisdom traditions in both Christianity and Buddhism and began developing an approach to reading and teaching literature that leans away from academic understanding and leans into each person’s deep knowing and experience. In other words, literature becomes a way for contemplative practice, for cultivating awareness, and to connect with ourselves and with each other — whether long-gone poet or fellow class member.

Kristi studies in the Insight meditation tradition and sustains a daily practice. She mainly studies with Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. She has taken a course in meditation led byTara Brach and Jack Kornfield and has attended Tara Brach’s weekly talk and mindful dialogue group since 2021. She also completed IMC Redwood City’s year-long Eightfold Path course and has participated in five week-long silent meditation retreats. In 2025-2026 she is completing a program in the foundations of spiritual care through the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies.