Lacey Sawyer, LCSW

Lacey Sawyer, MSW, LCSW, LADC, CCS

she/her
Assistant Clinical Professor; Practicum Education Coordinator
School of Social Work

Location

College of Professional Studies Innovation Hall
Portland Campus for the Health Sciences
Lacey pursued her academic journey as a first generation college student, earning a BA in Psychology from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and completing her MSW in 2011 from the University of New England. With a significant portion of her career devoted to rural social work practice, Lacey eventually transitioned into roles within higher education, consulting, and policy advocacy. Lacey believes that authentic expertise at any table arises from those with lived and living experiences in order to address the nuances of what does and does not support social and economic justice - from the very people who have survived or are trying to survive oppressive systems. The fundamental lesson she imparts is the necessity of creating compassionate communities that nurture equity and access, build on social connectedness, diversity and inclusivity, and reduce the power and punishment bureaucracies that drive disconnection and generate harm.
 
Beyond her professional credentials as a dual-licensed clinical social worker, alcohol and drug counselor, and clinical supervisor, Lacey is deeply engaged and invested in her communities as an educator, policy advocate and activist. Alongside her teaching positions, she volunteers with Maine Equal Justice as a member of the ASPIRE Leadership Team; serves on the State of Maine TANF Advisory Council; is the President for the Maine Chapter of National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and serves as Core Faculty and Subject Matter Expert with MCD Global Health, Rural Behavioral Health Workforce Center. Lacey鈥檚 teaching pedagogy centers on liberation and abolition, drawn from the works of Freire, bell hooks, and Angela Davis.
 
Lacey鈥檚 pursuits extend beyond her professional realm; she is a homesteader, devoted Mother and Nana, enthusiastic outdoor adventurer, gardener, and avid reader.

Credentials

Education

MSW
University of New England
2011
BA, Psychology
University of Maine, Presque Isle
2007

Awards and Accolades

  • 2025 - Elected, NASW Maine Board President
  • 2025 - Appointed to State of Maine TANF Advisory Council (TAC) by DHHS Commissioner
  • 2015 - Nominated: Westbrook College of Health Professions Distinguished Teaching Award

Clinical Affiliations

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
91制片厂, Center for Excellence in Public Health

Board Certifications and Licenses

ME - Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
ME - Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
ME - Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
NY - Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Research

Invited plenary presentation

2022 NASW Maine Annual Conference - Leaning into Our New Reality: Silver Linings and Looking Ahead