ARC - Key Persons
"I feel very privileged to be part of such a great team. I help ARC out in whatever ways I can behind the scenes creating content and applying for funding".
"I love supporting ARC as they seek to help folk deal with addiction and change lives."
Job Titles:
- Accredited Counsellor / Running Therapist
- Counsellor
Ciaran is an accredited counsellor specialising in running therapy. He is sober for 12 years. Ciaran, in his practice, replaces the confines of the counselling room with the great outdoors where he counsels by way of walking or running therapy. He has vast experience in supporting people with issues including addiction, depression, low self esteem and anxiety.
"I was delighted to reconnect with Gary after many years and was greatly enthused to learn of his brilliant work with ARC. I am very proud and privileged to now be a part of the ARC team in helping people effect positive change, be purposeful and fulfil their true potential. This is a great opportunity in supporting others to realise the benifits of running and exercise in their recovery as this is something that has played such a very important part in my own."
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Nurse / Coach
Darren is a 2nd year mental health nursing student and has a wealth of training and coaching experience. For the past 15 years Darren has been involved in both training and coaching. Darren currently holds a Brazilian Jiujitsu Brown Belt and instructs both adults and children's at Team Torres Derry. Darren is a true believer that both good physical and mental health are essential to a balanced life and recovery.
"What Gaz and the team are doing for the people of Derry is amazing. It is a privilege to come on board the ARC team and play a small part in helping people on their journey towards recovery. I am a true believer that physical and mental health go hand-in-hand, and I Look forward to using my knowledge to help people achieve their full potential".
GP with over 20 years of experience. I come in contact with people suffering with addiction on a daily basis.
"I am honoured to be part of the team supporting recovery through physical activity with a proven track record."
Job Titles:
- Coach / Qualified Massage Therapist
Edele is a fully trained and qualified Massage Therapist and is currently in the process of obtaining her Level 2 Fitness Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer qualifications and is a massive advocate of physical activity for mental health.
"I'm passionate about helping others develop positive lifestyle changes. Upon meeting with Gary I knew that I wanted to do something to help. His vision of what he wants to achieve through ARC is invaluable to our town. I wanted to be part of ARC to contribute to creating something positive for our city. ARC Fitness and all who are involved are a force for good and we are only getting started".
Job Titles:
- Founder / Programme Development Manager
- Mental Health Nurse
Gary is a registered Mental Health Nurse, REP's Level 3 Qualified Personal Trainer and importantly - has been sober for over 8 years . Gary struggled with alcohol and drug abuse for the better part of 15 years. Getting and staying sober has enabled him to pursue a life of love, purpose and fulfillment and he is fortunate to be able to use those experiences to carry hope for other individuals and families who are actively struggling with addiction.
Gary has learning, experience and qualifications in the following areas: Addiction counselling; Motivational Interviewing; Life coaching; Level 3 Personal training ; Level 2 Fitness instruction; Counselling and Psychotherapy & Mental Health Nursing.
Jay is a qualified Personal Trainer, fitness instructor and Spin instructor with over 2 years' experience. He has a passion for fitness and its profound effect on the mind. He believes exercise is not just about aerobic capacity and muscle size, it has a positive effect on depression and anxiety. Jay has a heart and passion for raising awareness of the negative impact of addiction and poor mental health.
"I have been following Gaz and his team at ARC from the beginning so to be asked to join this inspiring group of people was both humbling and exciting. This approach to mental health and addiction is exactly what this city needs."
Kevin attempted to complete the ARC programme in 2019 however illness and global pandemics prevented that. Kevin, now a programme graduate is a vocal advocate for recovery and brings great insight and compassion whilst working with others. Kevin is currently studying a psychology and counselling degree and has completed his Level 2 accreditation in Substance Misuse Awareness. He is always first to encourage and support whilst bringing some much needed lighted hearted humour to the mix.
"Having finally completed the programme I was able to see first-hand the great work being done by Gaz and the ARC team. It really is a pleasure and an honour to be asked to join the team and there wasn't a hope I would turn down that offer. It helps to have been through this journey so far and I want to use my experience in recovery to help others going through the same thing. Community is important in recovery, and the ARC community is second to none."
Lee has been on his recovery journey from substance misuse since 2011. Lee has been sober from alcohol since Feb 2018 and practices complete abstinence with all mind altering substances. Lee is currently working towards his accredited facilitator training with SMART Recovery.
Job Titles:
- Vice - Chair
- GP Practice Manager
Lisa is GP practice manager with over 20 years experience within management. Lisa has a real heart for helping people and has a passion for organising and enhancing the lives of other people.
"I am honoured to be part of the ARC team and endeavor to help make a difference in people's health and their recovery."
Job Titles:
- Personal Trainer / Mindfulness Coach
Maggs has been in the fitness industry for 16 years and has worked her way up from fitness instructor/group exercise instructor, to manager. She is passionate about people and fitness. I love to see someone develop from a complete beginner to becoming a regular at the gym and achieving their fitness goals.
"I am absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to become part of the ARC team. I have been lucky enough to have watched the ARC journey from the idea stage, through to the amazing organisation we see today. I knew that I wanted to help in any way possible to support this amazing venture. I'm am now privileged to be working alongside such a passionate team who are committed to helping people make positive changes to their life"
Sam is a Sales Director for a successful learning technology company since 2007.
Job Titles:
- CBT Therapist / Community Event Organiser
Sarah is an Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist working in 2 local GP practices, a community counselling service and also in a private capacity. After almost a decade working within a CBT context, Sarah feels privileged to be a part of helping people work through their problems and thrive in life beyond their difficulties.
Job Titles:
- PEER COACH / PERSONAL TRAINER
Stevie has been in the Fitness industry for 12 years. He is a qualified Level 3 personal trainer with a focus on overall lifestyle change and developing healthy habits. As a past programme participant Stevie puts into practice his understanding of the recovery process to help and support others.
"Having been through the ARC programme I was able to witness first hand the amazing work and effort being put in by everyone involved. I wanted to use my skills alongside my own experience of addiction to help others."
Job Titles:
- Counselling Student / ARC Admin Support
Tori is a second year counselling student at NorthWest Regional College and helps with the administration side of ARC, she can also be seen helping out at our social events. Tori has always had a special interest in the area of mental health and helping people navigate through the difficult times in their lives.
"I am absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity to work with ARC. ARC is a unique programme with passionate people changing peoples lives for the better."
Warren completed the ARC Programme in August, and now, as a programme graduate and advocate for recovery, brings his own unique experiences, insights and positivity to new members of the programme.
"Meeting Gary and the ARC team has been an absolute joy. From the minute I walked through the door of the gym I knew these were people I wanted to be around, so to be asked to be a part of the team and share my experiences and story with others has truly been one of the highlights of my life. This is important life changing work and I'm thrilled to be playing my part and helping people on their own journey into sober living."