David Nadel, LAC

David Nadel is a Co-founder of Big Sky Recovery and he received his Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) degree from Montana State University Graduate School in Bozeman. David's undergraduate degree was received in New York at SUNY College where he worked and lived for many years before turning west in search of balance, wellness and an authentic connection to life. For over a decade, David has worked and resided in the Flathead Valley and has spent much of that time with an emphasis on cultivating positive change and growth in others. David has years of experience in the addiction field professionally and has found a passion in helping unburden others from the weights and confines of substance abuse. David has worked at wilderness treatment programs, chemical dependent treatment facilities and therapeutic boarding schools while maintaining many different roles including recovery coach, recovery program specialist, substance abuse case manager and as a Licensed Addiction Counselor.

Addiction is one of the greatest social problems of our time and impacts everyone in some manner. Emotional and physical scarring, despair, heartbreak, powerlessness and family discord are often some of the common byproducts addiction leaves in its wake. The path towards wellness, recovery, and resiliency can be a lonely experience and with the proper support it can be a journey deep-seated in connectedness and expansiveness restoring a whole authentic self.

One of David’s core beliefs in his approach to recovery is rooted in the meaning of the word recover. To recover is a reclamation or recapturing of something that has been lost in the first place. Recovery from addiction is the recovery of one's identity that is not bound to a substance, but to truths, goals, and hopes that reconcile a new sense of self.

Justin Jesse Gable, LCPC, LAC

Jesse Gable is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). He co-created Big Sky Recovery to serve the Flathead Valley and help his local community flourish. Jesse finds deep joy in helping people find freedom from addictions and traumas.

Jesse earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas Christian University, then a Master’s degree in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. His clinical experience began at Gaston House, a transitional living facility for men recovering from drug and alcohol addictions and/or sex, porn, and screen addictions. In 2012 he ventured to the Flathead Valley to work with Wilderness Treatment Center (WTC), a 60-day residential treatment center for young men struggling with addictions. In these programs, Jesse gained expertise working with individuals and families entering recovery from addiction and codependency. In 2015 Jesse began building a private practice in Texas working with individuals, couples, and families on a myriad of issues. Additionally, during this time he helped build a collegiate recovery program with Alpha 180 in the heart of student living at the University of Texas, serving as Clinical Director.

Returning to Whitefish in 2018 with a heart for the wellness of this community, he is grateful for the opportunity to provide a space for freedom and vitality to the recovery community through Big Sky Recovery.
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Away from the counseling office Jesse enjoys being outside with his bride Christine, their son Hank, and daughter Holland.

Amanda Markert, PCLC

Amanda received her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Montana, and her Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Colorado. Her experience includes counseling positions at the YWCA-Missoula, the Abbie Shelter, and the Montana Crisis Recovery hotline. Working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance use disorder has greatly informed how she approaches helping others.

Amanda believes every person possesses innate wisdom, which can be harnessed to lead a more balanced and meaningful life. With this in mind, she works with individuals to foster a better understanding of emotions and patterns to promote behavioral change and personal empowerment.

Counseling is effective, in part, because it provides a unique environment for individuals to unpack their fears, struggles, opinions, and hopes without judgment or rejection. Amanda is passionate about meeting clients exactly where they are and providing said environment. She believes recovery is synonymous with healing, and healing is achieved through connection, introspection, and building resiliency.

Amanda loves to spend her free time connecting with friends and family—preferably on her mountain bike or skis. She is an avid reader and enjoys learning about people, places, and cultures around the world.