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.

Maggie Cork

CQC Registered Manager

Maggie has a lengthy history in Women`s Health and Wellbeing and was a founder member of Fylde Coast Women`s Refuge Group, an issue she remains passionate about. A fully qualified counsellor specialising in childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence, Maggie is also experienced in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Maggie has worked in drug and alcohol services for over 27 years – as a counsellor, project worker, team leader, manager, and area manager in the voluntary and community sectors. Most recently, as the CQC Registered Manager at Ocean Recovery & Wellness Centre. She has gained much experience in all areas of addiction, and addictive behaviours, throughout her career. Maggie is dedicated, totally committed to and passionate about her work and the difference this can make to those struggling with addiction. Outside of work, Maggie is a keen gardener and loves spending time with Alfie, her giant, long-haired German Shepherd.

Laura Shanahan (RGN)

Nurse Practitioner / Deputy

Laura has been a practising nurse for 13 years. She felt she had the innate skills well suited to nursing and always felt a strong calling to the profession. Laura studied for four years at UCLAN in Preston to gain the required qualifications, working in substance misuse, prisons and residential care settings ever since. She now feels she has found her ‘niche’ in the substance misuse field. Born and bred locally, she has two children, enjoys live music and country walks. She brings with her an empathic and practical approach to client welfare. Teamwork, good morale, and laughter are the reasons Laura enjoys working at Ocean Recovery.

Iain Armstrong

Support Worker

Iain has personal experience of recovery, being five years clean and sober himself. He has worked in social care for most of his adult life, primarily supporting clients with complex mental health needs in various settings. He joined the Ocean Recovery team in 2021 and feels that working in a field where he has personal experience is of benefit to all. He very much enjoys family life, music, walking and meditation. Iain is a patient, resilient and compassionate member of the team.

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.