About Alan Cantor

Alan Cantor is a Boston native, born in 1952. His family moved to Brookline following the death of his father.

After graduation from Brookline High School, Alan attended the University of Massachusetts where he earned a degree in Economics.

In 1975, Alan became keenly interested in ways and disciplines to optimize the experience of being human. This led to his enrolling in est (Erhard Seminars Training, later known as Landmark Education), opening his mind to revolutionary new ideas and ways of assessing one’s life. This experience immediately transformed him and led him to deepen his journey.

Alan married Lois Gould in 1977. They settled in the Metrowest area of Boston and had three children, but happiness was elusive. The break-up of his marriage, 11 years later, led Alan to make big changes and finally resolve his life-long weight issue. With the support of an active recovery fellowship (Overeaters Anonymous), he dropped almost 75 pounds and began to deal with life’s issues.

The program kindled his interest in spirituality and harmonized with his past  transformational experiences. Alan realized that fellowship significantly enhanced those experiences, and thus he continues to participate to this day.

In 1990, Alan married Nancy Marko and had a son, Greg. This marriage lasted. Alan also reestablished a friendship and successful parental partnership with his ex-wife Lois. Alan and Nancy Cantor currently reside in Ashland, MA. Alan is grandfather to four terrific young individuals.

Alan is a long-time and active member of a Unitarian Universalist Church. He is a Lay Pastoral Care Minister and participates as a Worship Associate. Alan also practices Buddhism in the Soto Zen tradition. In Alan’s own words, “I have found all these associations to be quite synergistic.”

Alan has engaged in a well-rounded and varied work experience for decades. After completing college, he was employed as retail store and district manager, as well as buyer. Upon leaving retail, he was tapped for General Manager of a small consulting firm doing transformational work in leadership, management, and communication. Alan was later employed in the insurance industry, managing various human resource projects and programs.

In the early 2000s, Alan was introduced to the men’s movement, learning how important it is for men to feel connection, with themselves and with other men.  This connection often empowered them to become better men. This exploration led to him create The Surround in 2010.

Alan’s striving to connect and lead men to greater freedom, power, love and peace in life and relationships brought him to The New Seminary, which ordained him as an Interfaith Minister in the summer of 2020. Alan also recently earned a master’s degree in Spiritual Coaching and Direction.

Alan currently expresses his ministry through his work in The Surround and with private clients in New England and throughout the world on Zoom.  Join us!