Nathan Kunkle- Program Director

Nathan Kunkle was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  He always felt something was missing in his life and began trying to fill that void with drugs and alcohol starting at the age of 13.  Throughout high school, a sense of belonging and friendship was found in the oblivion of the drug culture.  His passions for travel, art, writing, and athletics were pushed aside to make room for his ever-growing addiction. 

Several failed attempts at college followed, at the University of Oklahoma as well as community colleges in New Mexico.  Fighting his addiction on his own, Nathan spent several years as a preschool teacher and found that experience to be very fulfilling, although it alone was not enough to keep him sober.  He finally hit his life changing bottom in May 2005 and was ready to surrender.

He went through Gatehouse Academy, commencing in June 2006, followed by a transition at Gatehouse College Campus in Prescott, AZ.  Then he completed an internship as a House Manager in Prescott and stayed on as a staff member.  Nathan now divides his time between Prescott and Wickenburg, working directly with the residents as well as handling administrative duties.  As a resident at Gatehouse, he remembers the impact that staff members had on his recovery and hopes that he can have that same impact on current residents.

His gratitude towards Gatehouse and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous is unending.  His passion for life has been awakened and now  he lives his dream everyday by being of service to those in recovery and those still suffering.