Chelsea Chapman joins lifelong maine as the drive project manager

In graduate school, I worked as a psychiatric technician on a pediatric inpatient unit. I enjoyed the work that I did, and felt the experience may help me to become an effective counselor. Exploring my interest in research, I had the opportunity to complete one of my field placements at the Center on Aging. I took that opportunity and I had an absolute blast. At the Center, I participated in a number of teams working on various projects such as a study of virtual volunteerism among older adults, identifying the impact of a development course on age-positivity and ending ageism using Ripple Effects Mapping, and joining Lifelong Maine’s Newsletter team to conduct interviews with Age-Friendly leaders around the state and write about the work they do. Additionally, I helped with marketing and preparation efforts for events, other writing opportunities, and I had the chance to speak publicly about my work as a student with the Center.

After graduation, I continued to work toward my goal by taking my ASWB Master exam, seeking conditional licensure, and applying for clinical roles. Soon, I made it to my goal, but I found myself missing the kind of work that I was engaged with at the Center. Shortly afterwards, I pivoted to administrative work, but kept myself open for opportunities to work in macro level work in my field of study. When a position opened with Lifelong Maine I leapt at the opportunity, and I’m so happy that I did. My role is now the project manager of Lifelong Maine’s DRIVE (Directions, Resources, and Information for Volunteer Transportation Enhancement) program. It’s been just over a month that I’ve been in this role, and so far I’ve truly enjoyed the experience and look forward to the future. 

Some things to know about me are that I enjoy reading, going for walks, and beach combing along the Maine’s coasts. Currently, I live in Brewer, with my fiancé  and two cats.