CEO of The Walker Center Honored with Prestigious National Award for Addiction Professionals

At The Walker Center, we are thrilled to announce a monumental achievement by our Chief Executive Officer, Deborah Thomas, LPC, CADC, MAC. Deborah has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Mel Schulstad Professional of the Year Award by NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. This national honor is a testament to her unwavering dedication, innovation, and leadership in the field of addiction counseling..

A Legacy of Leadership in Addiction Treatment

The Mel Schulstad Professional of the Year Award is not just any accolade—it is one of the highest honors in the addiction counseling profession. Established in 1979, this award recognizes individuals who have made significant and innovative contributions to advancing addiction counseling. Deborah’s recognition comes as no surprise to those of us who have witnessed her tireless efforts to improve access to effective treatment and her commitment to helping those struggling with addiction.

Deborah was specifically recognized for her work in developing a groundbreaking value-based treatment model for opioid-dependent individuals in Idaho. Now in its fourth year, this model has already shown tremendous success and has the potential to be replicated nationwide. Pat Greer, the Chair of the NAADAC Awards Committee, praised Deborah's work, saying, "The model that Deborah developed is a legacy that will benefit so many and is worthy of duplication across the country."

A Moment of Pride

We couldn't be prouder of Deborah for this well-deserved recognition. Her leadership at The Walker Center has been instrumental in shaping our programs and ensuring that we continue to provide high-quality, evidence-based treatment for addiction. This award not only highlights her personal achievements but also underscores the collective efforts of our entire team.

As Deborah puts it, "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at The Walker Center. I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award, and I am excited to continue our mission to provide effective treatment and support for individuals struggling with addiction."

Looking Ahead

Deborah will be formally honored at the NAADAC Annual Conference, which will be held from October 18-23, 2024, in Washington, DC. This event will be an opportunity to celebrate her achievements and to share the innovative work being done at The Walker Center with a national audience.

As we celebrate this achievement, we also look forward to the positive impact this recognition will have on our center and the broader community. The Walker Center has been a leader in addiction treatment since 1976, and this award is a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence. We remain dedicated to helping individuals recover from addiction and lead healthier, happier lives.

If you or a loved one struggle with addiction, reach out to us for a confidential assessment, and join the thousands who have recovered from addiction.