John has a particular interest in social conflict resolution. He holds a BA (Psychology major) from UBC and an MA in Conflict Analysis & Management from Royal Roads. As well he completed a Business Management Certificate at BCIT and an Associate Certificate in Mediation. John completed a 40-year career with the Vancouver Police Department during which he was a front line officer, union president, supervisor and manager.

As an Inspector he conducted extensive collaborative work in the Downtown Eastside in respect to the large marginalized populations. For many years John was also the President of the Vancouver Association for Restorative Justice. He has become familiar with ADR theories and methodologies beyond Interest-based and Transformative, and has studied and worked with Trauma-informed, Insight and Narrative. John is currently writing an online course that integrates various ADR approaches.