“Years ago I was told that if the “alphas” of the world would just pick up their reins, the planet would be a markedly better place. I kept thinking about this, a little sorry for myself that I clearly wasn’t an alpha, let alone one with reins …
John Derry is one of the many teachers in my life who helped me to begin to see that, indeed, we’re all alphas – and helped me to begin to pick up my reins.
This is what I know to be true of John Derry: he leads by example; he suits up and shows up; he lives the principles of his convictions and seeks to make a difference in the lives of others while walking softly with dignity and integrity in this life.
When John first told me about his dream to found A Home Away Retreat, as a new model of care, and about the actions he was taking toward that, I was so very moved. In that moment, without either of us knowing it, he gave me permission to follow my own dream, some seven years later.
It’s how this deal works.
It’s a pleasure to know and to recommend John Derry. The world needs more of him.”
May 7, 2010
Leslie Holt, Markham, Ontario
"John is a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional who, along with his staff, creates a caring environment to allow healing and renewal for those in need.”
April 16, 2010
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert
Gale May, Markham, Ontario

“I have known John Derry for the past five and a half years, four of those from working as a Massage Practitioner at A Home Away. I see John as being one of the highest authorities in the field of addictions. Both his personal and professional experiences have enabled him to develop the expertise and compassion that is so essential to be effective and successful in his field. His passion, dedication, and conviction towards his work is admirable!”
April 17, 2010
Tia Cherneski, Massage Practiitoner, Kelowna, BC

“John has the vision and commitment to start and develop an unique residential treatment program. He demonstrates honesty and respect with all guests. I have always felt and been treated as a respected colleague.”
Art Gillan, Counsellor, A Home Away Retreat Inc

“John is a man for whom I have had high regard since meeting him nearly two years ago — and working with, and for him in that period.. He has the ability to bring out the very best in people with whom he works and those who he guides though their life processes. I highly recommended John."
April 15, 2010
Casey J. Gryba, M.A., D.D
Ecclesiastical Coordinator, United Centers for Spiritual Living, Kelowna, BC

“I am delighted to recommend John Derry. I have know John over many years and have always been impressed by his integrity, intelligence and his kindness. He has been a leader in many roles over the course of his career and I am sure that John will continue to be successful in all endeavours. I have no doubt that he continues to make a real difference in the lives of people with whom he works.”
April 15, 2010
Karen Graham, Owner, Panacea Canada Inc.

"John is a meticulous and detail oriented worker with great communication skills and intuitive counselling abilities. He manages people well and is a great listener.”
April 15, 2010
Steve Crane, Family Counselor, Hazelden Foundation, Minnesota, USA

"John and the people at A Home Away delivered on their promises. John provides a safe, supportive, clearly structured environment for rehabilitation from addiction. Like most, I had little idea of the scope required for an effective program yet I can report that I was more than happy with the results of his program and the people within the organization.”
April 15, 2010
Top qualities: Expert, Good Value
Stew G., Vancouver, BC

“Although I have not yet met John personally, his reputation as the Director of A Home Away is far-reaching. A client of mine who recently completed the program there, one who had been having major difficulty maintaining her sobriety, told me she is very aware that AHA saved her life. I am hoping to make a trip to A Home Away to visit John (and Jane) and see the wonderful treatment centre he has created. Thanks John, for following your dream and being such an inspiration to so many who need you!”
April 3, 2010
Top qualities: Personable, Expert
Candace Plattor, Counsellor, Vancouver, BC

“I’ve had the opportunity to spend time at A Home Away Retreat as their public relations representative, and I can attest to the extraordinary work that goes on there. John’s program is top-shelf as far as I’m concerned and I’d give he and Jane my highest endorsement. They run a GREAT program.”
April 15, 2010
Gary Stromberg, The BLACKBIRD Group, California, USA

“From the first moment I met John at his office at A Home Away it was clear he was committed to his work helping others overcome their addictions. I was impressed not just with his training and expertise but with the sincerity and passion with which he applies it. If you or anyone you know is struggling with an addiction I would highly recommend they meet with John Derry.”
April 15, 2010
Larry Arrance., Sr. Marketing Coach, Cornerstone Consultants, Kelowna, BC

“I enjoy working for John at A Home Away. As Director of A Home Away, John has developed a well rounded program for Addictions Recovery. John is supportive of, and encourages, program developement. It’s refeshing to be challenged this way.”
April 28, 2010
Jim Copeman, Owner, Feel The Rhythm Drum Circles

“John is an energetic, knowledgeable and results oriented visionary who continuously stirives for a better way, both professionally and personally. His personal attributes of compassion, optimism, intuition, and empathy have a tremendous impact on everyone he interacts with. He is an effective teacher and motivator who gives people the tools and support needed to affect change in their lives.”
April 15, 2010
Jim Stewardson, Director, HR, Kraft Foods, Canada

“I had an opportunity to work with john through several functions at GSK. John maintained strong business thinking while balancing medical integrity. This professional approach garnered trust and respect and John was an integral part of all brand teams where he was involved.”
May 8, 2010
Colin Dickey, Sales Representative, GlaxoSmithKline

“Had the pleasure to work with John at Glaxo and found him to be a sound, honest, knowledgeable individual with excellent leadership abilities. Pleasure to work with and remain connected.”
May 2, 2010
Peter Pichini, Management, GSK

“I worked with John during his "power years" at Glaxo. We worked closely on many projects and cross-functional teams and John was always reliable and dependable, ensuring that he and his staff met their obligations. He was also a gentleman with whom I enjoyed working.”
April 27, 2010
Robert Taylor, Director, Business Development, GSK

“I had the pleasure of working with John at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and GlaxoWellcome / GlaxoSmithKline. I first met John at Sunnybrook, where he was one of my instructors. He was very patient and thorough, knowing just how much independence to give his students. Later, as staff at Sunnybrook, I found John to be extraordinarily professional and an excellent team player with a terrific sense of humour.
I was delighted to find out that John was working at GW/GSK when I joined the organization. Along with the professionalism I had come to expect, I had greater exposure to John's ability to embrace change (specifically with respect to IT technologies) and his ability to connect with people, in a meaningful way, as individuals. John always treated his colleagues with the highest dignity and respect.”
April 23, 2010
Nicole Lee, Owner, Nightshade Creations

"I knew John while we worked at GlaxoWellcome. He was very well regarded by his colleagues and extremely capable. In our many discussions he was always very helpful, thoughtful and focused, traits important to his second career at A Home Away Retreat.”
April 22, 2010
David Tesarowski, Associate Director, Clinical Research, GlaxoWellcome

“Throughout the past year, I have observed and corresponded with John and Jane in the "social media world." I admire their genuine passion for the struggling addict. Their "non-institutional rehab center", A Home Away truly promises to be a place of hope, a rare "one of a kind" gem in the world of treatment resources.”
April 20, 2010
Judy Herzenak, Dir. Creative Development and Marketing, Changing Lives Foundation


British Columbia Directory for Counsellors and Therapists in Your Area
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