Employment History:

Published Works:

Public Speaking Experience:

Why F is an Expert:

Best Advice:
First of all, I would advise [them] to get an education, then to be down in the trenches dealing with reality. Have the educational background and then deal with people face-to-face. When I served individual families, I really began to understand the need to get into a position where I had an opportunity to help develop resources to help this population. I worked with child abuse cases where I really learned what the situation was. Try to move up to a position where you have more power and more of a voice to help design and develop programs that will do a good job.

Passionate about:

Biography Excerpt:
Growing up toward the end of the Depression, Elizabeth J. Keeler witnessed the brutal impact that financial hardships and other extenuating circumstances can have on an individual’s well-being. After teaching students in the fifth and sixth grades, she gained insight into the struggles faced by the children of dysfunctional families and vowed that she would do her best to alleviate their pain. Dr. Keeler was a social worker and community resource program coordinator for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, as well as a project coordinator for Helping Ourselves Means Education, an initiative focusing on education as a way out of poverty.

     

Cambridge Who's Who: Do you have a motto or principle that guides your work?  
DR. ELIZABETH J. KEELER :  The first thing is to care. The second thing is to keep informed in every way you can and then try to use your power wherever you can to make a difference. And, believe me, that is very satisfying. It makes life exciting and you feel like your contribution is worthwhile, that you’re not just along for the ride or enjoying everything you can enjoy. You are making a difference in the lives of people who need help. Even if you’re retired, there’s a lot that you can do.

What do you feel makes you a valuable resource in your industry?
My understanding of single-parent women and the struggles and barriers they face; my skill in designing interventions – these include programs and resources – that are effective in meeting their needs.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
My greatest accomplishment has been generating community support for programs serving this population. I got a lot of people excited when we worked together. From nothing we developed a program, got funding and the staff, and so on.