John is a third generation North Dakota rancher, residing on the original homestead in the original stone house seen in our home page. The Heart River meanders through the ranch and it became the name for our business. John has been active on the ranch all of his life and continues to be an viable rancher, running 100 head of Angus cross cattle.

During the depressed farming and ranching years of the 1980's he made a tough decision to return to college and pursue his Addiction Counselors credentials. He graduated in 1990, having attended the University of Mary in Bismarck and Dickinson State University, graduating cum laude. He then completed two years of practicum, and internships at the North Dakota State Hospital and Badlands Human Service Center. John worked as a LAC at Badlands until 1992 when he joined Marsha Durick at Heart River Alcohol and Drug, which they had established in 1991 after the closing of the local inpatient treatment center.

He has additional certifications in Hypnosis, Prime for Life, Cognitive Restructuring and Life Management Programs. John is a Licensed Addition Counselor with the State of ND. He is a member of the ND Addiction Counselors Association, the National Association of Addiction Counselors and is the past secretary of the ND Treatment Providers Coalition.

John is a recovering alcoholic whose sobriety date is October 26, 1982. He is a solid believer in the 12 Step programs and groups. This has shaped his treatment philosophy and ability to connect with clients.

He has two daughters, Erin Lee and Heidi, an adopted daughter, Tammy and two step children, from his marriage with Marsha Durick. They reside in Kansas, North Carolina, Montana and Portland Ore.

Marsha and John reside on their ranch with; their dog Tucker, three horses Red, Angel, Stormy and far too many cats.