Leading Addiction Treatment Centre

John Gillen

Director

European Pioneer of NAD+ Therapy

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.

Madissar Iqbal

Operations Manager

Madissar has a wealth of experience in a managerial position within substance misuse for over 20 years, working with offending behaviour and criminal justice. Madissar began his career as a prison officer in 2000 and progressed further in the substance misuse field within the prison settings delivering various short duration programmes and linking prisoners to community-based treatment providers before their release. In 2006 Madissar successfully managed to set up the Drug Intervention Programme within Bedfordshire. This later transpired to successfully securing a service manager role and developing the Drug Rehabilitation Requirement Order. Madissar successfully secured various managerial positions within the substance misuse field with joint partnership working with Integrated Offender Management and police in reducing drug-related offending behaviour. Madissar gained extensive experience and expertise working for several organisations, such as Adapt, Rapt, Addaction, Westminster Drug Project, Hertfordshire Couty Council, NHS and Next Step Support. Madissar holds a diploma in level 5 Leadership and Management and has extensive experience in the senior managerial role. Madissar passion lies in supporting services to achieve their goals and objectives. In the last two years, Madissar progressed further in mental health as a senior managerial role, overseeing residential rehabilitation and supporting living accommodations with adults (18+) with a range of diverse complex needs.

Phil Grimes

Recovery Worker

Phil is an experienced and dedicated recovery worker; he has been at Ocean Recovery since 2016. He is passionate about helping others transform their lives, having spent 25 years in addiction himself. He has been clean and living his best life since 2008. He is an experienced group facilitator and qualified life coach who uses CBT, NLP and ACT mindfulness relapse prevention techniques, all of which he is qualified in. He has a wealth of experience, having worked with young offenders, homeless, prolific offenders, and complex mental health needs. Phil thrives in the recovery environment and is a passionate, forward-thinking and realistic member of the team.

Rick Bloomer

Registered Manager

Rick is a Registered Nurse in Mental Health. Rick has many years of experience managing and working in drug and alcohol services. This includes detox/rehabs, day programmes for alcohol problems, setting up services for people with mental illness and addictions (co-morbidity), cocaine and cannabis. Rick has also had his own private psychotherapy practice in the Midlands and Devon. Rick has lectured at Birmingham University on relapse prevention and motivational interviewing with addition problems. He was also on the national committee for residential rehabilitation for alcohol concern. Rick and the Asana Lodge team are here to care and support all your recovery goals – striving for excellence. Rick is responsible for the day to day safe and caring services at Asana Lodge.

Ashleigh Walker

Lead Therapist

Ashleigh is an experienced Integrative Psychotherapist and the Lead Therapist at Asana, where she oversees the therapy team and program delivery, in addition to working directly with clients in one-to-one sessions. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Counselling and a Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. Ashleigh is also a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), adhering to the highest standards of ethical and clinical practice. As part of her postgraduate training, Ashleigh received formal clinical education in Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. This comprehensive foundation informs her integrative therapeutic style, allowing her to adapt her approach to suit the unique needs and experiences of each client. Ashleigh has extensive experience in both mental health and addiction services, working with a wide range of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, relational and family difficulties, bereavement, eating disorders, dual diagnosis, and substance misuse. Her work often focuses on exploring the underlying psychological and emotional roots of presenting behaviours, particularly those shaped by trauma and addiction. Committed to a client-centred philosophy, Ashleigh supports individuals in developing emotional resilience, self-understanding, and sustainable coping strategies. She believes therapy can guide clients toward a more integrated, emotionally regulated, and authentic sense of self—providing an alternative to maladaptive coping mechanisms and helping clients reclaim agency over their lives.

Richard Gregory

Therapist & Counsellor

Qualified and accredited Level 5 Psychotherapeutic Counsellor. With 8 and ½ years of experience as a support worker for Milton Keynes Council, primarily working with young people, promoting self-esteem. Also experienced in mentoring adolescents and adults with anxiety and depression, bereavement and issues of self-harm. Musical background with an honours degree in composition and performance. Particular interest in low self-worth and substance use, stemming from own experiences.

Chloe Hammond

Head Chef

I'm Chloe, Head Chef at Asana Lodge. I knew I wanted to be a chef from a young age and have been working in the industry professionally since I left college, I was fortunate to train with some amazing chefs. I love my work and making people happy through food. I have a special place in my heart for pastry and desserts and get many dessert requests from clients which I am more than happy to oblige with. I love getting to know the clients and making sure they are happy with everything and we are able to meet their needs. I am always approachable and welcome clients to converse with me. Food is essential to recovery and also a way for everyone to bond at the dinner table.