Our Staff

Robert Pfeifer, MSW
Robert began his work with the Gatehouse program in July 2001. "Since that time we have seen tremendous growth in both our program and our long-term vision.", says Ted Earl, co-founder of the Gatehouse program. "Robert's understanding of the private therapeutic boarding school and wilderness program industry, along with his program delivery background and his keen sense for fostering strategic relationships makehim a perfect match for our needs as a growing program." Robert most recently completed 4 1/2 years as the West Coast Director of Marketing and Business Development for the CEDU Family of Services, which operates private boarding schools. During that time he forged successful relationships with referring professionals throughout the West Coast. His expertise in the internet is evidenced by his operation of a private web design business and his operation of the internet site, www.wehelpteens.com, which provides options for parents seeking help for their troubled teens. Robert's possesses a masters degree in social work from California State University at Long Beach, where his masters thesis on "HIV rates among Homeless Youth in Hollywood" was published in the prestigious Journal of Adolescent Health. This publication was the result of a combination of his graduate work and his 8 years running street outreach programs to homeless, runaway and high-risk youth at the Covenant House in Hollywood, California.

Allison Earl
Allison Earl brings an essential mix of personal investment and business experience to the Gatehouse team. Allison pursued business and communications at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada and rounded out her education in the "school of life" as an entrepreneur active in a successful recruitment and management consulting firm for over 15 years. Her clientele included most of the top life insurers in Canada and led to offshore business creation for overseas multinationals. Allison's business dealings have taken her to international destinations and had her interfacing with professionals in a wide range of venues. Allison's personal recovery journey began in 1985 and continues to unfold today. Her familial relationship with co-founders Gale and Ted have allowed her on-going exposure to the inception and development of the Gatehouse facility and she has visited frequently as the community has grown. Allison joined staff as Director of Women's services in early June and enjoys a varied responsibility to all residents, their families and other staff.

Donald Durham, Ph.D. - Director of Gatehouse Therapeutic Health Services
Dr. Donald Durham possesses a Ph.D. in counseling Psychology, emphasis in marital and family therapy (APA Approved) from Texas Woman's University.From 1995 to the present he has been in private practice in Wickenburg, Arizona where services have included a full range of psychotherapy, intensive family therapy consultations, psychological evaluations and professional and clinical supervision.As past clinical director for New Life Clinics (Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona) he was responsible for providing clinical, administrative and developmental leadership to a team of five full-time and one part-time clinicians in addition to carrying a full load.Dr. Durham spent six years as the Senior Vice President of Clinical Services for the Remuda Ranch Center for Anorexia and Bulimia (Wickenburg, Arizona). He served as the primary consultant in the development of a specialized treatment program for eating disorders.Prior to this, he was in Texas, where he served in the capacity of Program Director for the Minerth-Meier Clinic (Richardson, Texas), directing activities for their eating disorder program. Additionally, he worked in private practice.Dr. Durham is an accomplished speaker and presenter, having presented numerous times over the past 24 years.

James Owen Thomas, N.C.A.D.C. - Addictions Counselor
James Thomas brings a great deal of professional and personal experience to his work at Gatehouse. Jim is a Nationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, carries Certification as an Arizona Alcoholism Counselor and is ordained as a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church. In addition to his own private practice, Jim has worked in the following related roles:· Primary Counselor and also Chaplain at the The Meadows, a primary treatment center specializing in sexual addiction, eating disorders, co-dependency, drug addiction, alcoholism and other addictive disorders.· CD Specialist and Therapist (Adolescents and Adults) at the Remuda Ranch Center, a primary treatment center specializing in eating disorders.On a personal note, Jim is currently married and a homeowner in Wickenburg, Arizona. He is the proud father of eight children, 27 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Jim enjoys running, camping, hiking, Jeep and recreational vehicles in the great outdoors.

Jo Ann Bennett, M.S. - Therapist
Jo Ann Bennett graduated Cum Laude from Iona College after receiving her Psychology degree from Dowling College in Oakdale, New York. Her Post-Graduate Study includes work at the Option Institute in Sheffield, Massachusetts studying The Option Dialogue Process of non-directive therapy. In addition to her work in private practice, she has worked at Pilgrim State Hospital in East Islip, New York and additionally at the world-renowned Childhelp U.S.A. facility in Wickenburg, Arizona. She possesses a thorough working knowledge of the impact of addiction and substance abuse on the family and the young adult and integrates this into her therapy. Jo Ann has also conducted Equine Assisted Therapy assessments and sessions

Jim Hanley - Director of Education
Jim Hanley began his innovative career in education as a High School History teacher in Canada. Due to his energetic and bold new approaches to learning, particularly in respect to learning challenged students, he was commissioned to develop new curricul, wrote six textbooks and quickly advanced to executive positions. He concluded his classroom teaching career rated and ranked with the top percentile in the nation. Jim holds a Master's Degree in history. Jim turned his successful and creative insights and the nature of the learning experience to broadcast media. He co-founded TVOntario, a multimillion dollar public broadcaster and went to create his own independent educational film production company. The prestigious Sleeping Giant Productions, headed by Executive Producer Hanley, rose quickly by creating stylish and insightful programs for the international broadcasting marketplace. The company is noted for the creation of meaningful learning opportunities, particularly in the field of distance learning. Jim also was a Founding Consultant for the Bravo! and VisionTV cable networks. Among his numerous program honors are the following awards:

• Japan Prize for Best Educational Program
• Berlin Prize for Best Social Issue Program
• Kathleen Shannon Award for Best Documentary
• Gemini Award for Best Arts Program, among others
• Chicago Film Festival, Various Awards
• New York Film Festival, Various Awards

Danielle Pollay - Art Instructor/Staff
Danielle Pollay is an accomplished artist in various mediums. She is certified as an Arizona Emergency Substitute Teacher and has aided and taught special education students in the Wickenburg Unified School District

Jacquie Arcand - Director of Program Operations
Jacquie Arcand is the Director of Program Operations for Gatehouse - Arizona. With 14 years of sobriety, she has been an active participant in the recovery community. She has also been involved in the facilitation of group sessions as an adjunct to substance abuse treatment programs and has organized and led recovery-related retreats, conferences and workshops. In addition to her own recovery, she brings a background of management, project direction, and event planning in the business-to-business field of Corporate Communications. Jacquie has also received extensive training through Landmark Education and will be able to transfer her knowledge to the young adults at Gatehouse.

David Birchall - Wilderness Instructor/Senior Staff
David Birchall came on board with Gatehouse in April 2002. Prior to his involvement with the Gatehouse community, David owned his own business doing general contractor, renovations, and carpentry work. Dave has been in recovery for 11 years and has an extensive wilderness background including backpacking, hiking, extended trips, canoeing and more. David's educational background includes studies at York University in Toronto.

Margaret Konopacki - Yoga Instructor/Senior Staff
Margaret Konopacki is responsible for the development of the yoga program at Gatehouse. A master yoga teacher, she is in the process of developing a "12-step" yoga system to be offered exclusively to Gatehouse residents.