Meet Our Addiction Experts: Leonard Bade, MSOD, SPHR
Senior Recovery & Family Coach at ALYST Health
At ALYST Health, our strength lies in the caliber and compassion of our people, and few embody that more than Leonard Bade. With more than 45 years of experience in addiction recovery, mental health, and organizational leadership, Leonard brings a rare blend of clinical insight, personal wisdom, and human warmth to every participant and family he serves.
A Lifelong Curiosity About the Human Psyche
Leonard’s professional passion began in 1975 at the Menninger Psychiatric Clinic in Topeka, Kansas. That experience first sparked his fascination with how people grow, heal, and change. His early curiosity evolved into a lifelong vocation focused on understanding the roots of addiction, resilience, and emotional wellness.
In 1983, Leonard recognized his own addictive behaviors and began his personal recovery journey. More than four decades later, he continues to practice multiple approaches to maintain his well-being. That lived experience has become central to his compassionate and practical work with program participants.
Leading With Empathy and Accountability
Leonard’s approach at ALYST Health is rooted in trust, structure, and connection. His coaching helps families rebuild safety and communication by focusing on shared reflection, clear goals, and mutual accountability. During individualized live or virtual sessions, he offers evidence-based coaching methods that include:
- Personal recovery and resilience coaching
- Family systems and relationship support
- Strengths-based and values-centered guidance
For Leonard, recovery is about small, consistent steps. He encourages participants to trust the process, keep life simple, and find one supportive connection who has walked the same path. “You don’t have to do this alone,” he often reminds participants.
A Pioneer in Recovery-Based Alumni and Leadership Development
Before joining ALYST, Leonard held leadership roles at several major behavioral health institutions, including the Betty Ford Center, where he served as Vice President of Alumni Services and helped establish a long-term recovery network that achieved sustained success rates well above industry norms.
He later founded Bespoke Professional Group, offering executive and organizational consulting that integrates recovery principles with corporate leadership. His dual expertise as a behavioral health professional and organizational development strategist allows him to meet participants exactly where they are, whether at home, at work, or in transition.
How Leonard Bade Embodies the ALYST Approach
At ALYST, we believe recovery does not happen in isolation. It happens in real life through real connection. Leonard’s work perfectly reflects our philosophy. By combining professional coaching, lived experience, and family engagement, he helps participants achieve sustainable recovery in their natural environments.
“In recovery and in leadership,” Leonard says, “we grow by learning to connect with ourselves, with others, and with our purpose.”
Meet the rest of the ALYST Health professionals who bring compassion, expertise, and innovation to every encounter.
