Gateway Styles

Col. Tom Parker

Thomas Andrew Parker (born Andreas Cornelis (Dries) van Kuijk; June 26, 1909 – January 21, 1997), often known as Colonel Parker, was a Dutch-born musical entrepreneur, best known for being Elvis Presley's manager.

Parker encountered Presley in 1955, and by 1956 had become his sole representative. Within months, he had won him a recording contract with RCA Victor. This contract led to Presley having a commercial breakthrough in 1956 with his first single "Heartbreak Hotel" and rising to become one of the most popular and commercially successful entertainers in the world. Parker was able to receive more than half of the income from the enterprise, an unprecedented figure for a music manager. He negotiated Presley's lucrative merchandising deals, TV appearances, and acting roles in films. He influenced Presley's personal life, including Presley's decisions to accept military service in 1958 and to marry Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967. Parker encouraged Presley to make film musicals which became the focus of his career during his commercial decline in the 1960s until his 1968 comeback and return to touring. Parker rarely saw him after that but continued in his management role until Presley's death in 1977.

In 1980, a judge ordered an investigation into Parker's management practices and found that Parker's management had been unethical. Parker's final years were spent living in Las Vegas, in increasingly poor health before his death in 1997.

Credentials

• Master of Science, Mental Health Counseling, University of Phoenix

• Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Westminster College

• Experience working with youth in residential treatment centers since 2002

Philosophy

Rebecca knows adolescents are in a fascinating stage of self-discovery. At that age, Rebecca understands that for many young men the world is spinning a little too fast, and that it can be difficult to find a healthy path. Traditional therapy often takes place in a vacuum. At Gateway, Rebecca and her team take the opposite approach. Gateway boys learn to build healthy relationships within a community of peers and mentors. Moreover, as Residential Manager, Rebecca works to provide students with the positive and vital experience of interacting with the community outside of Gateway. Rebecca knows that such contact makes the transition back to the larger world infinitely easier and more successful.

Professional

Rebecca's passion is working with youth. Before being promoted to the position of Program Director, Rebecca worked as a Residential Manager overseeing the Salt Lake house. Prior to Gateway, Rebecca worked as a youth detention counselor, lead staff at a residential treatment center, and was a case manager for a YWCA teen home. To motivate and provide the boys at Gateway a sense of purpose, Rebecca helps them identify their own passions, and then productively pursue those passions in the community outside of Gateway.

Personal

Rebecca has a strong commitment to friends and family, personal learning and self-discovery. She loves cooking at home and being by the ocean. Rebecca also has a creative artistic side, and is always searching for unique and imaginative items for her home.

Creating Student Success

After hearing one student describe how torn he was between continue in a destructive manner and becoming a firefighter, Rebecca worked to set up his service project at a local fire department. Each week, he observed the firefighters in action, learning the various components of their jobs and participating on rides. Rebecca realized the transformative power of the experience. One day she saw him walk out, prepared for service, with the demeanor and behavior of a responsible young man and firefighter.

Credentials

• Master of Science, Mental Health Counseling, University of Phoenix

• Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Westminster College

• Experience working with youth in residential treatment centers since 2002

Philosophy

Rebecca knows adolescents are in a fascinating stage of self-discovery. At that age, Rebecca understands that for many young men the world is spinning a little too fast, and that it can be difficult to find a healthy path. Traditional therapy often takes place in a vacuum. At Gateway, Rebecca and her team take the opposite approach. Gateway boys learn to build healthy relationships within a community of peers and mentors. Moreover, as Residential Manager, Rebecca works to provide students with the positive and vital experience of interacting with the community outside of Gateway. Rebecca knows that such contact makes the transition back to the larger world infinitely easier and more successful.

Professional

Rebecca's passion is working with youth. Before being promoted to the position of Program Director, Rebecca worked as a Residential Manager overseeing the Salt Lake house. Prior to Gateway, Rebecca worked as a youth detention counselor, lead staff at a residential treatment center, and was a case manager for a YWCA teen home. To motivate and provide the boys at Gateway a sense of purpose, Rebecca helps them identify their own passions, and then productively pursue those passions in the community outside of Gateway.

Personal

Rebecca has a strong commitment to friends and family, personal learning and self-discovery. She loves cooking at home and being by the ocean. Rebecca also has a creative artistic side, and is always searching for unique and imaginative items for her home.

Creating Student Success

After hearing one student describe how torn he was between continue in a destructive manner and becoming a firefighter, Rebecca worked to set up his service project at a local fire department. Each week, he observed the firefighters in action, learning the various components of their jobs and participating on rides. Rebecca realized the transformative power of the experience. One day she saw him walk out, prepared for service, with the demeanor and behavior of a responsible young man and firefighter.