Maile Sapp
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hi Everyone! I am originally from the Adirondack Mountains in New York, where I was fortunate to grow up exploring the many trails and waterways by ski, foot, bike, and canoe. I have been living in Orono for the past few years and am grateful that I can continue to embark in these interests and develop new ones! Prior to living in Orono, I got a taste of living in the city while I spent nearly a decade in Boston, for school, work, and coaching. I am a former DI collegiate Nordic ski racer and later coached a local junior team. In addition to my love for
skiing and outdoor activities, I also enjoy rejuvenating with my dogs, reading books, doing art projects, yoga, and meditating. I am thrilled to be part of the UMaine community and working alongside students!
What has been your most embarrassing moment (either at work or play)?:
Recently, I was co-teaching a mindfulness intervention to nearly 70 students and the headset ran
out of batteries. I went to retrieve some and was speaking into the microphone and not hearing
anything (at least so I thought…). I returned to the room while everyone else was doing some
stretching and noticed that they were starting to giggle and smile at me. I was confused and
thought to myself, “oh no, did I sit in something? Is there toilet paper on the bottom of my
shoe?” Turns out the microphone was working beautifully in the classroom speakers! They all
heard my entire conversation testing and trying to figure out the audio….
What is your favorite comfort food?:
I absolutely love potatoes, any and all sorts! Tator tots and French fries are definitely my usual
go-to comfort foods though. When I need an energizing comfort boost, I will usually get a hot or
iced fun latte of sorts and get excited when the seasonal flavors come out!
If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?:
New Zealand. Any place that offers mountain and oceanside adventures, I am all in!
Role in center: Doctoral student clinician
Areas of interest:
I am passionate about holistically working alongside clients during their journeys of self-
exploration, growth, and personal well-being optimization. As a counselor, I seek to
create an inclusive space that promotes authenticity. I view my role as a guide to introduce
evidence-based practices and explore alongside clients, at their pace. An individual’s awareness,
meaning of their identities, and cultural beliefs are core factors when we collaboratively shape
interventions. My approach is therefore eclectic. I am trained in mindfulness-based interventions and implement these therapies throughout to enhance non-judgmental awareness and acceptance.
Additionally, I am Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC)® with a background in
sport psychology. Supporting student-athlete mental health is an area I am particularly dedicated
towards.
Degrees awarded:
Master’s in Counseling Psychology and Sport and Performance Psychology: Boston University
Bachelor’s in Psychology: Harvard University
Certifications:
Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC)®
Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE)® trained instructor
Trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)