Spotlight Series – Brad Sylvain
Brad Sylvain MPA, CAP — Corporate Director of Admissions
Brad has been working in the field of mental health and substance abuse addiction for the better part of the last decade. He has a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University. Brad’s personal as well as professional ambitions have been centered on providing support to individuals who are suffering from addictions to drugs and alcohol. In recovery since he was a teenager, Brad is passionate about spirituality and the 12-Steps. He loves spending time with his wife and two young children as well as fishing and enjoying sports.
What brought you to Origins?
Once I finished my undergraduate degree at Florida Atlantic University I was looking to join one of the most prestigious treatment facilities in South Florida. My search brought me to the Hanley Center in October of 2012. Since December of 2014, it has been my pleasure to work with the Origins organization. Their fundamental treatment philosophy directly aligns with my personal position surrounding recovery.
If there were only one thing you could tell us about working within your client specialty area, what would it be?
In my opinion, I have the privilege to supervise the hardest working and most committed group of employees within the Origins organization. Each day they are confronted by a multitude of challenging situations, and it is their responsibility to guide our patients and their families though the most difficult times of their lives.
What have you learned through your experience working in treatment?
The list of things I have learned while working in treatment is overwhelming to contemplate. However, the one thing that stands out is that as a sober man it is imperative that I don’t confuse my work with my sobriety. This is a lesson that I have learned through watching others’ failures. I have continued to stand firm in my belief that my personal journey of recovery has to be the essential foundation of my life as a man in recovery.
Do you hold any credentials or certifications, or do you participate in any other professional activities outside of work?
I have a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University, and I am a Florida Certified Addictions Professional.
Are you in recovery yourself? If so, what do you love most about being in recovery?
I am a sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Most people spend a considerable portion of their lives attempting to “find their purpose.” As a recovered man in AA, the most rewarding factor is that I know my purpose; it is working with suffering drug addicts and alcoholics.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you have any pets or engage in special hobbies?
Anyone who knows me knows I am obsessed with two things: my children and my barbeque. Most of my spare time is spent with my family — watching sports and cooking barbecue.
Is there anything else you might like to share?
Chicken wings > Pizza!
