JOHN KOLWAITE / ABBOT
John brings a great deal of experience to the role of Abbot which he began in January 2024. He is retired from his position as a licensed Special Educator, an administrator, and teacher of children on the autism spectrum at The Boston Higashi School for the past 29 years. He began meditating in 1990 and in 1993 met Zen Master Seung Sahn and began practicing at Providence and Cambridge Zen Centers. After his children were born, he practiced faithfully on his own until becoming a resident in 2021 with his wife and daughter. He served as our Head Dharma Teacher for two years previous to his becoming Abbot. He is a member of the Board of Trustees.
Barbara Feldman / Director
Barbara is a Senior Dharma Teacher in the Kwan Um School of Zen. She served as Director of CZC 2007-2017, as Abbot 2017-2024, and is currently Director. Barbara is also a long-time member of the Center’s Board of Trustees. She taught an accredited yoga program at Boston University for forty years and continues to lead the weekly Boston University Zen Community since 2003.
ERIC JOHNSON/ Head Dharma Teacher (HDT)
Eric became our Head Dharma Teacher in the fall of 2024 and holds 10 precepts in the Kwan Um School of Zen. He is training to formally become a Dharma Teacher. He has been practicing with the CZC sangha since early 2022 and living at CZC since 2023. He earned his Master's in Social Work in 2024, and works as an outpatient therapist with adults, couples, and families. Outside of work and practice, he enjoys hiking, playing music, and sharing food and laughter with family and friends.
ANTHONY JENKINS / HOUSe MAster
Anthony became our new Housemaster in January 2026 and also became a member of the Board of Trustees.
Bobby Yribarren / Kitchen Master
Bobby is a Dharma Teacher in Training in the Kwan Um School of Zen and has been a member and resident of CZC since 2019. He served as our Housemaster and Workmaster for the past two years. He is an avid runner and swimmer from Fresno, California. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in communication from Fresno Pacific in 2012. He also holds a Masters in Communication from the University of the Pacific in 2014.
