Nate brings 7 years of experience in tech start-ups and over 15 years of experience in youth-led prevention. Nate has worked in start-ups and small businesses serving diverse clients, was employee number three at a premiere video game market research firm and shortly after graduating from college, Nate landed a job as a software consultant in Chicago.

Nate was first exposed to youth-led prevention in 2002 in his home town of San Ramon, California. In 2016 he left tech to work with Youth to Youth, an internationally known youth-led prevention program based out of Columbus, OH. Overseeing Youth to Youth’s tobacco grant, Nate coordinated prevention efforts with local organizations, guided teens in their development of counter-marketing materials, assisted local law enforcement with compliance checks, and was a key member of the summer conference staff.

In his time with LEAD Nate has worn many hats from resident tech specialist to grant writer and keynote speaker. Currently he works on special projects including hosting the Linking Efforts Podcast, developing and maintaining the back-ends for TextForHelp and CYS.ai, and presenting prevention concepts to youth and adult audiences. He believes that education, support, and strong relationships are critical to reducing and preventing youth substance use.

In his spare time Nate enjoys camping with his partner Rachael and their dog Boomer, enjoys rock climbing, and playing video games. Nate is an Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist and holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University.