About Me

Hi, I’m Keith S. Blackwell — a licensed clinical social worker, educator, leader, and advocate who thrives at the intersections of behavioral health, healthcare systems, and social work education.

Rooted in my hometown of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, I have spent years building a career dedicated to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities across settings — from hospital care management and integrated behavioral health to disaster response and leadership on national boards. I currently serve as a Behavioral Health Clinician with Star Community Health, where I provide patient-centered mental health support within primary care, helping clients navigate complex challenges with compassion, evidence-based practice, and a deep respect for their unique stories.

Alongside my clinical work, I hold multiple leadership roles, including President of Haven’s Tapestry, Board Member for the American Case Management Association (Eastern PA Division), and Council Member for the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. I also proudly serve on advisory and ethics committees that shape mental health practice, case management, and social justice work at both local and national levels.

With master’s and bachelor’s degrees in social work from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, I am now completing my Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at Kutztown, with concentrations in leadership and education. Teaching has become a vibrant part of my professional life: I have instructed senior undergraduate and graduate students on topics such as social work in the family context, anti-racist practice, and practitioner-based research, aiming to equip the next generation of social workers with the tools and critical thinking they need to lead.

Beyond titles and credentials, what truly fuels me is a passion for creating meaningful, sustainable change — whether in the life of a single client or within the systems that shape access to care. I believe that effective social work bridges intuition with rigorous evidence, and leadership with humility.