Meet the team

Gary Rutherford: Founder / Programme Development Manager

  

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.
     

    Sarah Rutherford: 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.

     
    "This is exactly why I wanted to work with ARC, to help support the brilliant work they’re doing and the brilliant people coming through the program. It’s been incredibly exciting to be a part of something that believes we all have the capacity to attain meaningful change in our lives and that recognises that hope is contagious.”

     

    David McAnnaney: Mental Health Nurse / Coach

     
    David is a registered mental health nurse. In his profession he has been involved with individuals suffering from a wide range of mental health problems and addiction issues. David has a wealth of experience in these areas. David is currently in the process of obtaining his Level 2 Fitness Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer qualifications and has a passion for training, understanding the importance exercise has in promoting positive mental health.
     
    "I was delighted when I was asked to be part of the ARC team. I have been training with Gary for the past 18 months and can't express enough how important exercise is for the mind and body. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to Support ARC in developing a program that allows people with addictions to thrive and help them on their road to recovery.”
     

    Edele Moore: 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“.
     

    Tori Donaghy: 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.”
     

    Ciaran Graham: Accredited Counsellor / Running Therapist

     

    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.”
     

    Maggs Campbell: 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"
     

    Lee Curry: Peer Support Facilitator

     

    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.

     

    “I've wanted to be a part of ARC from my 1st coffee meeting with Gary long before ARC grew to where it is today. I've wanted to volunteer for a good cause for quite a while, but never found anything that fitted. The combination of fitness and recovery are two things very important in my own life personally, to be able to help others with these is perfect for what I've been searching for.”

      

    Darren Henderson: 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”. 

     

    Kevin McGowan: Peer Support worker

     

    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."

     

    Warren Villa: Peer Support worker

     

    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.”

     

    Jay Kiernan: Coach

     

    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.”

     

    Stevie Duddy: 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.”

     

    “The one thing that stood out for me the most was the community that ARC has created, and to be able to contribute to that in any way at all is really an honour and a pleasure"