bio

a public speaker since 1975. a published author since 1987. a retired ordained Greek and Russian Orthodox Clergyman (1997 – 2019). a chaplain for the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem (Hospitallers) since 1999. an end-of-life specialist, advocate, and hospice leader since 1997. a certified End-of-Life Doula (University of Vermont) since 2019. a certified Art Therapy Practioner since 2025. currently an Hospice Liaison for Amedisys Hospice of York, PA.

tom has been and remains deeply involved in nature and environmental advocacy, food service management and cooking, spirituality, leadership formation and direction, painting, gardening, hiking and camping, dreamwork, fishing, tying flies, and photography.

tom loves authoring books (24), poems and articles (50+), stories, essays, and speaking before gathered participants to either read his works or teach. he dabbles in painting with watercolor and digital mediums, printmaking with Gelli-plates and block-printing, digital collaging, and taking photographs.

tom lives in columbia, pennsylvania at 203 walnut street. tomjohnsonmedland@gmail.com 570-243-1047

tom’s CV: CLICK HERE

tom’s profile on PA Guild of Craftsman: https://pacrafts.org/craftsmen-profile/tommedland/

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A more formal bio:

N. Thomas Johnson-Medland is an American poet, author, visual artist, hospice leader, certified end-of-life doula, public speaker, and spiritual care practitioner. His work spans poetry, contemplative spirituality, hospice and palliative care, visual arts, regional history, and leadership development. Throughout a career of more than five decades, Johnson-Medland has written books and articles, lectured nationally on hospice and grief, created folk-inspired artwork, and served in executive leadership positions within hospice organizations.  

Early life and education

Johnson-Medland studied medieval history and related disciplines at Gordon College, Penn State University, and Thomas Edison State College. He later completed seminary studies within the Orthodox Christian tradition and pursued advanced education in project management through Villanova University. His continuing education has included spiritual formation, spiritual direction, and certification as an End-of-Life Doula through the University of Vermont, followed by certification as an Art Therapy Practitioner.  

Career

Johnson-Medland’s professional career began in ministry, education, and residential childcare before moving into hospice care in the mid-1990s. He has served in numerous leadership positions, including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Information Officer, Director of Hospice, Director of Psychosocial and Spiritual Care, Director of Psychosocial and Spiritual Excellence, and Hospice Liaison. His work has focused on hospice leadership, bereavement, ethics, spiritual care, education, healthcare administration, and organizational development.  

As a nationally recognized speaker, Johnson-Medland has presented at conferences for hospice professionals, physicians, nurses, clergy, educators, and healthcare executives. His presentations have explored grief, spirituality, ethics, leadership, dementia care, project management, bereavement, and compassionate end-of-life care.  

Literary work

Johnson-Medland is the author of numerous books of poetry, spirituality, leadership, and hospice care, along with more than fifty published articles. His writings frequently explore themes of pilgrimage, landscape, mortality, grief, Celtic spirituality, creation, rivers, mountains, forests, and the contemplative life.

Among his published books are:

• This Smell Has Become Home
• Turning Within
• Bridges, Paths and Waters
• Cairn-Space
• Entering the Stream
• Dance Macabre
• Windows and Doors
• Duende
• Bathed in Abrasion
• River Bending
• Wayfaring Stranger
• Gather Ye Rosebuds
• Wending Your Way Through Grief

His poetry and essays have appeared in Healing Ministry, Bereavement Magazine, Pocono Living Magazine, Ekstasis Magazine, Folklife, American Writer’s Review, Boyertown Times, Fur, Fish & Game, and numerous other journals and literary publications.  

Visual art

Alongside his literary career, Johnson-Medland is an accomplished visual artist whose work reflects American folk traditions, rural landscapes, river communities, and historical themes. His paintings and illustrations frequently draw inspiration from the Susquehanna River Valley, Pennsylvania history, nature, and everyday rural life. His artwork has appeared in exhibitions, publications, and private collections, while also supporting greeting cards, educational projects, and historical interpretation.

Historical interests

Johnson-Medland has devoted significant research to Pennsylvania history, particularly the Susquehanna River, Columbia and Wrightsville, Susanna Wright, early frontier life, the Underground Railroad, Daniel Boone, and regional folklore. His historical writing seeks to preserve local narratives while connecting them to broader themes of justice, memory, community, and place.

Ministry

Johnson-Medland has been active in Christian ministry since the 1970s. He has served within both Methodist and Orthodox Christian traditions and has held leadership and volunteer positions with numerous religious and charitable organizations. His ministry emphasizes contemplative spirituality, compassionate presence, hospitality, and accompaniment through grief and life’s transitions.  

Honors and recognition

Johnson-Medland has received numerous professional and literary honors, including:

• New Jersey Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Spiritual Care Provider of the Year (1998)
• Multiple Lighthouse Foundation project grants
• Pennsylvania Healthcare Ambassador of the Year (2019, 2020)
• Luzerne Transit Poetry Project selections (2017–2019)
• Marion A. Kinsler Award for Excellence in Childcare
• Appointment as Chaplain to the Sovereign Order of Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem

Themes

Across his poetry, essays, artwork, and public speaking, Johnson-Medland explores recurring themes of:

• Death and dying
• Pilgrimage and journey
• Contemplative spirituality
• Rivers and landscapes
• Rural American life
• Memory and grief
• Hospitality
• Wonder and awe
• Folk traditions
• Healing through art

Personal life

Johnson-Medland resides in Columbia, Pennsylvania. He continues to write, paint, lecture, conduct historical research, and work in hospice care. His interests include hiking, gardening, cooking, photography, folk art, local history, and mentoring writers and artists.