Dr. John W. Rhodes teaches labyrinth classes and facilitates labyrinth events and retreats around the United States. He coordinates the Labyrinth Ministry at Harmony Grove United Methodist Church. John was trained as a labyrinth facilitator by the Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco and certified as a labyrinth facilitator by Veriditas, her non-profit organization. He also received training in labyrinth construction from Robert Ferre, one of the world’s foremost labyrinth builders.

Since 2006 he has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Labyrinth Society and is currently president. It is an international organization whose mission is “to support all those who create, maintain and use labyrinths, and to serve the global community by providing education, networking and opportunities to experience transformation.” Dr. Rhodes has been chair of the Labyrinth Society’s Research Committee which is actively engaged in the fledgling field of research related to the labyrinth and the effects reported by those who walk or otherwise interact with it. Currently John is President of the Labyrinth Society.

John holds the B.S., M.M., and Ph.D. degrees from Troy University; Florida State University; and Georgia State University respectively. In 2009 he retired following a 44-year career in public and private education. At one time or another Dr. Rhodes taught at every level from kindergarten through graduate school. In public education he held positions at the school and school district level, as well as with the Georgia Department of Education. He also served as vice president for academic affairs at Shenandoah University.

John is married to the former Mary Alice Potts. He has two daughters and two granddaughters (with another grandchild on the way). In addition to labyrinths, his interests include music, astronomy, and photography.