Valerie Forstman
Sanbo Zen (Yamada Ryoun Roshi, Ruben Habito Roshi) · Zen
Guiding Teacher and Associate Zen Master at Mountain Cloud Zen Center. A first-career classical musician with degrees from Oberlin College Conservatory and Stony Brook University, she later earned a Masters of Theological Studies and Ph.D. from Brite Divinity School. Training under Yamada Ryoun Roshi since 2003 and continuing study with Ruben Habito Roshi. Conducts dokusan with over 50 students weekly, leads sesshin at Mountain Cloud and at two Zen centers in Germany. Her teaching draws on the Sanbo Zen tradition's range — koan training, shikantaza, and breath awareness.