2017 National Mel Schulstad Professional of the Year
Recipient: Leigh Kolodny-Kraft, MA, LAC, NCC, SAP
Founder & Clinical Director, The Kraft Group Inc., Florham Park, NJ
In 2017, Leigh Kolodny-Kraft was honored as the recipient of the National Mel Schulstad Professional of the Year Award, presented by NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. This is one of the most prestigious national awards in the behavioral health field, recognizing one outstanding clinician each year who exemplifies visionary leadership, clinical excellence, and ethical integrity in the advancement of addiction and mental health services across the United States.
Why Leigh Was Selected
Leigh Kolodny-Kraft was chosen for this national honor based on her:
Over 30 years of service in addiction counseling, trauma-informed therapy, and family systems treatment
Leadership in advancing inclusive, culturally competent care for marginalized and underserved populations
Longstanding commitment to clinical ethics, professional mentoring, and program development
National influence on best practices for co-occurring disorders and adolescent recovery support
As a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), Leigh has spent decades helping individuals and families navigate healing from trauma and addiction. Her work has left a lasting impact on communities, providers, and the behavioral health field as a whole.
“To be recognized with the Mel Schulstad Award is deeply meaningful. It’s a reminder that holding space for others—ethically, consistently, and compassionately—is not only powerful, but transformative.”
— Leigh Kolodny-Kraft
About the Mel Schulstad Award
The Mel Schulstad Professional of the Year Award is named in memory of Mel Schulstad, one of the founding leaders of NAADAC and a pioneer in the addiction recovery field. The award honors professionals whose work transcends clinical care and shapes the future of addiction and mental health services through advocacy, teaching, and leadership. It is among the highest honors NAADAC bestows nationally.
What This Means for Our Clients
At The Kraft Group Inc., this national award is more than an accolade—it’s a reflection of our core values: clinical integrity, trauma-informed care, and deep respect for every client’s story. Leigh’s recognition as the 2017 Mel Schulstad Professional of the Year ensures that clients are working with a team led by a nationally acclaimed mental health leader, known for her exceptional standards in addiction recovery, adolescent treatment, and inclusive therapy.
Trusted by Clients Across New Jersey
Clients seeking award-winning therapy and addiction counseling in New Jersey choose The Kraft Group Inc. for our nationally recognized commitment to:
Trauma-informed care for adolescents, adults, and families
Inclusive and culturally responsive therapy
Recovery-focused, shame-free substance use treatment
High-quality executive coaching and mental wellness programs
Under Leigh’s leadership, our team brings the highest standards of behavioral health care to Florham Park, Morris County, and beyond.
