Professional Recommendations of John Derry, A Home Away Retreat
The following are directly from submissions to John Derry’s LinkedIn profile:
“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.” April 27, 2010
Kathryn Simpson , Strategic Change Manager , GlaxoSmithKline
worked with John Derry at GlaxoSmithKline, Canada
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“I enjoy working for John Derry 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
reports to John Derry at A Home Away Retreat Inc.
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“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.” April 27, 2010
Robert Taylor , Directro Business Development , GSK / GlaxoWellcome
worked with John Derry at GSK
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“I had the pleasure of working with John Derry 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
worked with John Derry at Sunnybrook Medical Centre and GSK / GlaxoWellcome
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“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, GSK / GlaxoWellcome
worked with John at GlaxoWellcome
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“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 Herzanek, Dir. Creative Development and Marketing, Changing Lives Foundation
was with another company when working with John at A Home Away Retreat Inc.
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“My professionnal interactions with John have given me an impression of him as being a leader with strong relationship buiding 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.” April 19, 2010
Manon Sabourin, HR Manager, GSK
worked with John at GSK / GlaxoSmithKline
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“John is a true professional with excellent business skills, solid scientific knowledge and strong management abilitiies.It was a real pleasure to work with John.” April 17, 2010
Lucy Arnaldo, Finance Manager, GlaxoSmithkline Canada
worked directly with John at GSK / GlaxoSmithKline
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“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, A Home Away Retreat
reported to John at A Home Away Retreat Inc.
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“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.” April 16, 2010
Henry Raud, Senior Manager of R&D, Avaya
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“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, High Integrity
Gale May
hired John for Counseling services in 2004
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“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.” April 15, 2010
Art Gillan, Counesllor, A Home Away Retreat Inc
reports to John at A Home Away Retreat Inc.
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“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. Casey J. Gryba, M.A., D.D” April 15, 2010
Casey Gryba, Ecclesiastical Coordinator, United Centers for Spiritual Living
reports to John at A Home Away Retreat Inc.
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“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.” April 15, 2010
Wayne Guppy, Senior Manager Market Development, Glaxo Canada
worked with John at Glaxo Canada
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“John’s experience and knowledge in Chemical dependency, gambling, other addictions, give him insight into the requirements and needs of his guests and his hospitality is outstanding” Top qualities: Expert, High Integrity, Creative” April 15, 2010
Ray Keen, Owner, Sherwood Hospitality
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“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
worked directly with John Derry at the Hazelden Foundation
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“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
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“John Derry and his team of health care professionals provide a unique opportunity to participate in your own healing and recovery. An “A Home Away Retreat” experience offers guests from all walks of life a much needed service!” April 15, 2010
Jill Parsons, Accredited Music Therapist/Spiritual Director, self employed
worked directly with John at A Home Away Retreat Inc.
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“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, High Integrity
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“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
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“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.” April 15, 2010
Philip Cory, Owner, Treatment USA, LLC
was a consultant or contractor to John Derry at A Home Away Retreat Inc.
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“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
was a consultant or contractor to John Derry at A Home Away Retreat Inc.
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“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, Emperor for Life, The BLACKBIRD Group
was with The Blackbird Group when working with John Derry at A Home Away Retreat Inc.
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“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 and A Home Away Retreat.” April 15, 2010
Idella Mensink, Internet Marketing Specialist, Shopincities.com, working with John Derry at A Home Away Retreat Inc.
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“During my tenure at GSK, I had the pleasure of working with John in a Business Development project. John showed excellent leadership skills and invigorated the project team with his energy and passion. I thoroughly enjoyed working with John.” April 15, 2010
Anne Cheung, Manager/Director, Business Development, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
worked with John Derry at GlaxoSmithKline
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“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, High Integrity
Candace Plattor
hired John Derry as a Addiction services in 2010, and hired John Derry more than once
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“I feel like I’ve known John forever. John 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!” November 16, 2007
Keith Bray [LION] toplinked.com, Owner/Partner, Keith Bray Associates,LTD.
working with John at A HOME AWAY Addiction Recovery Retreat
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“John Derry, at A Home Away Addictions Recovery Retreat, is a compassionate and brillant addictions counsellor.” October 25, 2007
Top qualities: Expert, High Integrity, Creative
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“I am happy to write this recommendation for John. I greatly appreciated our interactions in the past. John 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.” April 22, 2010
Gilbert Nadeau, Professional Communications, GlaxoSmithKline Canada
worked directly with John Derry at GlaxoSmithKline, Canada
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“John 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.” May 1, 2009
Angelo Falotico, Finance Manager – R&D, GlaxoWellcome
worked directly with John Derry at GlaxoSmithKline, Canada
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“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
worked indirectly for John Derry at A Home Away Retreat Inc
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“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 , Self-employed , Leslie Holt
worked with John Derry at A Home Away Retreat Inc.
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“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
worked directly with John Derry at A Home Away Retreat Inc.
