JAMIE SYLVAIN, LCSW, LADC

PROFESSIONAL

  • I graduated from KVCC in 2001.  Now I am teaching Psychology classes at KVCC, a dream come true for me!  I am an Adjunct Instructor for the Department of Social Sciences.
  • I volunteer my time and resources to TRiO, a program for student with disabilities, first generation students, and/or students from low socioeconomic statuses.
  • I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor who specializes in individual and group treatment psychotherapy.  I have several years of experience working as a mental health/substance use Outpatient (OP) clinician.  In addition, I have over a decade of experience teaching and working with people with disabilities.  Moreover, I have a lifetime of experience with addiction and mental illness with several disorders that run in my family.
  • I have taught individuals with ages ranging from eight to eighty.  I have a reputation for having a low class drop rate and great rapport with clients and students.  In addition to being a conscientious and creative clinician and educator, I strive to be open-minded, genuine, respectful, and accepting.
  • TRiO and KVCC professors taught me to advocate for my beliefs when they encouraged me to help testify for KVCC.  This motivated me to continue to testify at the Statehouse for social change by advocating for people with disabilities or people who suffer from oppression.
  • In summary, I have worked as a Production Mill Worker, Customer Service Representative, Teacher, Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician, Case Manager, Social Worker, Mental Health and Substance Use Clinician, volunteer, and College Instructor.

EDUCATION

  • AA in Liberal Studies (KVCC)
  • BA in Psychology (with MHRT/C Certification) (University of Maine at Farmington)
  • MSW (Masters of Social Work) (University of Maine)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
  • Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician Community Certification (MHRT/C)

RESEARCH INTEREST

  • Teaching of Psychology
    • I am particularly interested in group dynamics and how to help students navigate past their negative beliefs that may hinder learning
  • Positive Psychology
  • Spirituality
  • Addiction and co-occurring disorders
  • Cognitive-Behavioral approaches including newer approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Poverty
  • Disability

PERSONAL

I grew up experiencing discrimination from being poor and was often bullied at school for not having nice clothes. From being bullied, I suffered a concussion and broken bones. I had a hard time concentrating and was perceived by some mainstream teachers as lazy, irresponsible, and lacked focus. Was it laziness, ADHD, stress, or hunger? As a defense mechanism, I lost interest in, and dropped out of school in the eighth grade. I had a negative self-image and held no hope for future success.

At sixteen years old, I finally earned a GED after failing the math portion of this test multiple times. Then, I earned a driver’s license, and a job. By the time I was seventeen, I started working in production mills, and I continued to do this for about seven years. While working in mills, I became injured, which resulted in my inability to continue with that type of work. After hurting my body in manual work, I realized it was time to get an education and work with my mind. It was a lifelong dream to go to college; one that I never thought would come true, or I never had the confidence to pursue.

I was accepted into Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) in September of 2001. I was scared to go to college knowing I did not have a traditional high school education. I had negative beliefs of being stupid, worthless, and never amounting to anything. Because of low placement scores, I was referred to the student support services TRiO program for first generation college students and students with disabilities. I accessed tutoring and school guidance from TRiO and my professors, and learned how to compensate for gaps in my education. I went from being tutored being becoming a paid peer tutor at KVCC within a year. With TRiO and professors believing in me (when at times I did not believe in myself), I successfully graduated. Later, I was accepted into the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), where I continued to be a paid tutor for students with disabilities. In addition, I earned a Bachelor in Psychology and a minor in Community Health Education. After a recommendation for a generous $17,000 scholarship by the UMF Chairman of Psychology, I was accepted into the University of Maine at Orono where I earned an Advanced Clinical Master’s Degree in Social Work. I have overcome lack of confidence and made my dreams come true. Based on personal and professional growth, I choose to help others to do the same.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

My purpose as an Educator and Social Worker is to help people to overcome obstacles and realize their full potential. Based on personal and professional growth, I strive to help others find their own success. I understand the challenges that students face when they sit in my classroom, because I have been in their chair. I am an advocate for people to believe in themselves and to follow their dreams.