Who is John Derry? Here is a snapshot of the Founder, Director and C.E.O of the World-Class, International Drug Rehab Facility in Boquete, Panama. John Derry's first career was in Pharmacy. John's second and current career is in Addiction's Counselling and helping people and families recover from the deadly disease of addiction. He is empathetic and intuitive, a leader and visionary. Find out more at www.serenityvista.com
3. John Derry Expertise & Skills
Counseling Psychology
Addiction Treatment
Drug Rehab
Chemical Dependency
Process Addictions
Personal Development
Anger Management
Motivational
Self-Esteem
Healing
Behavioral Health
Interventions
Group Therapy
Family Therapy
Psychotherapy
Mental Health
Stress Management
Therapy
Mindfulness
Psychology
Clinical Supervision
Coaching
Prevention
Crisis Intervention
Case Management
Dual Diagnosis
Meditation
Life Coaching
Relapse Prevention
Substance Use Disorders
Holistic Health
Wellbeing
Co-occuring Disorders
12 Steps
CBT
Alcoholism
Gambling Addiction
Sex & Love Addiction
Food Addiction
Addiction Counselling
Step Work
Canine Therapy
Recreational Leader
Sailor
Pharmaceutical
4. John Derry, MA
Hazelden Foundation Graduate School of Addiction
Studies
The Hazelden Foundation is the world leader in the
treatment of chemical dependency and the training of
addiction professionals.
John Derry graduated first in his class, and was
valedictorian, achieving his Master of Arts degree in
Addiction Counselling.
2001 -2002
5. John Derry B.Sc. Phm.
Member Emeritus Ontario College of Pharmacists
In recognition of having practiced continually in good
standing as a licensed pharmacist in Ontario and/or
British Columbia, Canada, for the past 35 years, and in
recognition of years of service to the profession of
pharmacy.
6. John Derry, Pharmacist
Pharmacy Residency, University of Toronto
Ottawa General Hospital
Hospital pharmacy practice with specialization in drug
information and clinical pharmacy
1978 – 1979
7. John Derry, Pharmacist
Drug Information Pharmacist
British Columbia Drug and Poison Information Center
John Derry was a recognized expert in providing medical information to
health professionals, teaching pharmacy students, and involved with
establishing the Provincial Poison Control Hotline and Information
Center located in Vancouver, British Columbia
1979 – 1981
Assistant Director
British Columbia Drug and Poison Information Control, St. Paul’s
Hospital, University of British Columbia
1981 - 1983
8. John Derry, Pharmacist
Manager, Drug Information
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center
Drug information expert, teaching pharmacy students, publications, clinical
role in adverse drug reaction
1983 - 1992
9. John Derry, Pharmacist
Manager, Medical Information, Medical Affairs
GlaxoSmithKline, Mississauga Head Office
1992 – 1996
Manger, Research & Development, Business Development
GlaxoSmithKline, Canada
1998 - 2001
10. John Derry, B. Sc. Phm
University of Toronto, Faculty of Pharmacy
1974 – 1978
Licensed pharmacist in Ontario and later, British
Columbia
12. John Derry, Addiction Expert
Founder, Director, C.E.O.
Serenity Vista Addiction Recovery Retreat
Jaramillo Arriba, Boquete, Chiriqui, Panama
Minnesota Model
12 Step
Holistic
Professional Staff
Gourmet Meals
Canine Therapy
And much much more!
13. John Derry, Addiction Expert
Director & C.E.O.
A Home Away Retreat
Addiction Treatment Facility in Okanagan Valley of British
Columbia
2004 - 2012
14. John Derry - Organizations
American Counseling Association
British Columbia Family & Marriage Counselling
Theravive Network of Therapy Professionals
Therapytribe Featured Therapist
International Society For Mental Health Online
15.
16. John Derry Endorsements
“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 Derry was an integral part of all brand teams where
he was involved.”
“Had the pleasure to work with John Derry at Glaxo and found him to
be a sound, honest, knowledgeable individual with excellent leadership
abilities. Pleasure to work with and remain connected.”
“I worked with John Derry 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.”
17. John Derry Endorsements
“John Derry is a visionary man with a creative spark and a desire
to help people. He is professional and forward thinking and
allows for personal expression for all who work under him.
Whatever aspect he works in he will bring excellence and great
attention to detail.”
“John has always been honest and sincere in all of his
interactions. Any advice he has given me has been well thought
out and based on his own life experiences.”
“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.”
18. John Derry Endorsement
“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.”
“John is an energetic, knowledgeable and results oriented visionary who
continuously strives 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.”
“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.”
19. John Derry Endorsements
“John is a wonderful person who has continually provided excellent service to
the recovery community for addiction and alcoholism. His non-institutional
approach to treatment is, hands down, an asset to those who seek recovery in
the early stages. Both personally and professionally I would recommend John
for any venture he and/or his team would choose to pursue.”
“I feel like I've known John Derry forever. John Derry took a very courageous
step in moving from the security of a corporate salary to his own ventures. I
have been thrilled to watch John every step of the way.
If you need customized help for your problem addiction, or know of someone
who does, contact John. He walks the talk!”
“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 development. It's refreshing to be
challenged this way.”
20. John Derry Endorsements
“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.”
21. John Derry Endorsements
“Throughout the past year, I have observed and corresponded with John and
Jane Derry 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
23. John Derry Endorsements
“John’s 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.”
“I have dealt with John Derry for 4 years planning and implementing
Marketing campaigns in ShopinCities.com. Over this time I have experienced
the great dedication John has in his business and his business relationships.
John is always prompt and professional in all his dealings with me and quick
respond when needed. It is my pleasure to recommend John Derry and A
Home Away Retreat.”
“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.”
24. John Derry Endorsements
“I worked with John Derry in different capacities at GlaxoWellcome and
GlaxoSmithKline. His thoughtfulness and caring for his team were
exceptional and he was always able to balance the needs of the business
with the people aspects of the job. As a peer, I came to rely on his high
standards of integrity, his warmth and his attention to detail.”
“I knew John Derry 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.”
“I am happy to write this recommendation for John Derry. I greatly
appreciated our interactions in the past. John Derry strikes me as a
dedicated person who is focussed on the needs of the team and of the
individuals within the team to advance projects.”
25. John Derry Endorsements
“My professional interactions with John Derry have given me an
impression of him as being a leader with strong relationship building
skills, very knowledgeable. He was respected and trusted, known for
his high integrity and honesty. I would not hesitate to recommend his
services to friends and family.”
“John is a true professional with excellent business skills, solid
scientific knowledge and strong management abilities. It was a real
pleasure to work with John.”
“I have known John Derry for some twenty years and consider him to be
a high quality professional who is a straight shooter. He always
demonstrated a customer centric attitude and had very good listening
skills. He was able to evaluate the needs of others and ensured that his
possible solutions would be a good fit for the client.”
26. John Derry Endorsements
“During my tenure at GSK, I had the pleasure of working
with John in a Business Development project. John Derry
showed excellent leadership skills and invigorated the
project team with his energy and passion. I thoroughly
enjoyed working with John.”
“John Derry is a professional dedicated to excellence in
whatever he does. He always acts with integrity, and brings
a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and creative solutions to
the table. John is able to combine organizational objectives
effectively with financial accountability.”