NJLAP Assistant Director Honored by ABA

Aug. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- CONTACT:    Noreen Braman
                        NJLAP Program Manager
                        732-565-7571

August 25, 2011 (New Brunswick, New Jersey) Nancy Stek, Assistant Director of the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program, was honored recently by the American Bar Association’s Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs  for her “outstanding contribution to the bench, bar and public.” She was cited for her work to “maintain the integrity of the legal profession and improve the quality of life for lawyers.”

Ms. Stek was presented with the award at the recent ABA Conference held in Toronto, Canada. Robert L. Childers, Chair of the Commission said  “Nancy Stek has been an invaluable part of the Advisory Committee to the Commission.  She has served as Vice Chair of the Judicial Assistance Initiative and Chair of the Task Force on Mental Health, in addition to her service on a variety of other committees.  She has been a “go-to” person and a real asset when the Commission needs a person with vision and organizational skills.  She has been outstanding.”

William John Kane, Director of the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program notes Nancy’s launching of many imaginative projects.   “Her creative skills are helping with career networking, stress management for the judiciary, women’s groups and candidates for the bar.  Nancy keeps NJLAP on the cutting edge.”  

Ms. Stek  is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) in New Jersey and holds a Master of Science degree in Psychology from California Coast University. Her career spans the fields of health care, education and the non-profit sector. She has been a featured speaker at national conferences and has provided specialized training through the New Jersey Department of Education, Rutgers University Center for Alcohol Studies, the Commission on Lawyers Assistance of the American Bar Association. Nancy pioneered in the field of Student Assistance in New Jersey and developed the first student assistance program at Whittier College in California. She also served as lead trainer for First Light Partners, providing a 3-month training program for medical professionals and social workers in Ukraine. Some of her memberships and certifications include:

• Associate Member, American Bar Association
• ABA/CoLAP Judicial Assistance Initiative, Vice Chair
• Board Member, ABA/CoLAP-Editorial Board and Publications Committee
• Advisory Board, Friends of Middlesex County Adult Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) at the Middlesex County Jail
• NJ Disaster Response Crisis Counselor volunteer, NJ Department of Mental Health-Disaster and Terrorism Branch
• Certified Life Coach, Results Life Coaching, LLC
• Certified Hardiness Trainer, Hardiness Institute

Since 1993, NJLAP has helped thousands of lawyers, judges and law students manage mental health and dependency issues – all confidentially and free of charge. Assessment sessions are available to help define the problems and recommend a helping hand.  In addition, NJLAP provides information and referral to appropriate helping resources. NJLAP also offers ongoing confidential recovery support.

The ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs has the mandate to educate the legal profession concerning alcoholism, chemical dependencies, stress, depression and other emotional health issues, and assist and support all bar associations and lawyer assistance programs in developing and maintaining methods of providing effective solutions for recovery.

For more information on the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance program, go to www.njlap.org, or call 800-246-5527