Justin Adams, MEd
Young Adult Principal

Mr. Adams graduated from the University of Houston in 2002 and began teaching before briefly working in sales. Missing the classroom, he earned his teaching certificate and taught various ages, ultimately focusing on post-high school students. In 2020, he joined Gateway’s Young Adult Program and recently graduated with a Master’s in Educational Leadership.

Currently serving as the Principal of the Young Adult Program, he continues to foster independence and growth for students. Outside of work, Justin enjoys tutoring, watching sports, and spending time with friends.

Katherine Wilke, MA

Internship & Employment Coach

Katherine is part of Gateway’s Internship Team and will serves as an Internship and Employment Coach. She works with the high school students as well as with students in the Young Adult Program.

Katherine attended Santa Clara University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Combined Sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics). She graduated with a Master’s Degree in International Relations, with a focus area in International Criminal Justice, from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. She has spent the majority of her professional career coaching gymnastics. She has coached both recreational as well as competitive level gymnastics for over fifteen years in both Texas and in California.

Katherine is in her first year at Gateway Academy. She assists job skills lessons and helps to prepare students for internships and part-time employment, and coaches students at their internship sites. She believes with all of her heart that there is nothing greater in life than to be able to see the smile on the face of a student, particularly when they have worked hard towards achieving a specific goal or when they have persevered and been able to overcome an obstacle that life has put in front of them. She is incredibly excited to have the opportunity to join the Gateway community this year!

When not in the classroom, Katherine cherishes spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys doing crossword and Sodoku puzzles as well as scrapbooking. One of her greatest passions is traveling with her husband and going to places they have never been before! She is very much looking forward to a fantastic first year ahead at Gateway!

We are committed to empowering young adults to self-advocate and live independently as contributing members of the community. The purpose of our program is to build transferable skills in the areas of independent living, healthy relationships, and gainful employment – skills that will allow our young adults to not only grow within our program, but move into other neighborhoods or cities and duplicate their success with minimal support.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Genny Winter – Chair
Shell Oil – IT Manager Trading & Supply (Retired)

Jeff Miller
Potentia – Founder & CEO

Jennifer Albanese
Hilcorp – IT Business Relationship Manager

Suzanne Reyes – Secretary

Jack Bellinger
eCORP International, LLC – General Counsel & Executive Vice President

Reverend Arthur Murphy – Past Chair
St. James Lutheran Church – Lead Pastor

Jennifer Mohr
Gateway Alum Parent

Ruth Woody

Tedd Winter – Vice Chair & Treasurer
Shell Oil – Trading & Supply (Retired)

Michele Joseph
Co-Founder, Ex Officio

SIGNIFICANT DONORS

Fondren Foundation
Murphy/Patrick Family
Bike to the Beach
William Stamps Farish Fund
O’Quinn Foundation
Texas Methodist Foundation
Chapelwood Community