Karli J. Keator, M.P.H.

Karli J. Keator has over 16 years’ experience supporting systems and practice improvement initiatives that improve life opportunities for youth with behavioral health conditions. She was formerly the Director of the National Center for Youth Opportunity and Justice and Vice President at Policy Research Associates, Inc. Ms. Keator has a Masters of Public Health from the University at Albany and is a current student at the University of Albany’s School of Social Welfare. In all aspects of her work, she invites reflection on the current state of practice through equal inclusion of data and lived experience; facilitates planning and implementation processes that reflect the empirical knowledge of what interventions work, for whom, and under what circumstances; and supports a workforce to skillfully engage with under-resourced, marginalized, and vulnerable communities. Ms. Keator’s expertise includes assisting communities with enhancing their service referral networks through critical intervention mapping and/or assets mapping, and with developing or enhancing a behavioral health crisis response continuum for youth.