The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) announced the recipient of the 2007 Leadership Award, which will be awarded at its annual conference held February 1 to 3 in La Jolla, California. The Leadership Award is given annually to an individual who exemplifies NATSAP's mission and vision. This person serves as an advocate and resource for those innovative organizations that care for struggling young people and their families and also shows a commitment to achieving NATSAP's vision of creating a nation of healthy children.

The 2007 NATSAP award winner is John L. Santa, PhD, co-owner and Clinical Director of Montana Academy, a therapeutic boarding school in Marion, Montana. He served as the president of NATSAP from 2004 through 2006 and has served on the board of directors since its inception.

In nominating Dr. Santa for the award, Craig Rodabough, NATSAP board member, wrote the following: "He and his partners at Montana Academy have created a warm welcoming environment that facilitates success in the change process. Students and parents alike report their time at Montana Academy made their lives better. John has also contributed countless hours and dollars to the success of NATSAP as an organization. He has moved NATSAP past moment to moment challenges to a vision for the future."

Dr. Santa is credited with helping NATSAP to create the Journal of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs and for leading the organization in the formation of an outcome research program. He received his PhD from Purdue University and has undertaken postdoctoral studies at Stanford University, the University of Montana, and the University of California San Diego Medical Center. Before becoming the director of the Montana Academy, Dr. Santa served as a tenured faculty member in the department of psychology at Rutgers University. He has published numerous articles in the fields of psychology and education and is a licensed clinical psychologist.

Nominations for the leadership award are solicited from all NATSAP members. The award winner does not have to be a NATSAP member but must be someone who has made a significant contribution to the NATSAP mission and vision. After reviewing all nominations, the Board of Directors selects the award winner.

About NATSAP
NATSAP was created in January, 1999 to serve as a national resource for programs and professionals who assist young people beleaguered by emotional and behavioral difficulties. NATSAP publishes an annual directory listing all of its member programs. The directory serves to inform health care professionals and families about the many residential placement alternatives available to help struggling young people. NATSAP is not an accrediting or licensing body. We are a volunteer membership organization supporting professionals and programs in their efforts to help troubled young people.

For more information about NATSAP and our member organizations, visit the NATSAP website at www.natsap.org or call our public relations office at (770) 435-8464.