Stephanie Blackwell, LMSW, CASAC-T
Stephanie Blackwell, LMSW, CASAC-T, is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Master Social Worker with over two decades of experience in the human services field. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University, where she also earned a Specialized Certificate in Crisis and Resilience, as well as her CASAC-T certification. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Molloy University. Throughout her academic career, Stephanie demonstrated leadership and initiative, serving as President of the Social Work Student Association, studying abroad in Belgium to explore the European Social Welfare System, and attending UCONN’s Campaign School to deepen her passion for macro policy work. She was recognized as BSW Student of the Year by the New York State Social Work Education Association in 2022. Stephanie’s professional journey spans a variety of leadership and clinical roles focused on advocacy and support for children and adults. After years of working with adults with developmental disabilities in various leadership roles, she began her social work career as a Case Manager at Bethany House of Nassau County for women and children experiencing the crisis of homelessness.The women and children she supported and assisted on their journey made a huge impact on her that will stay with her through her career. Stephanie is currently the Lead Clinician at Lincoln Hall, where she supports and advocates for unaccompanied minors, ages 12-17 old who have crossed U.S Borders searching for a better life.
Stephanie also provides psychotherapeutic services through Broady Counseling LCSW, LLC, demonstrating her commitment to individualized, evidence-based care. Beyond her clinical work, Stephanie is deeply engaged in professional advocacy and public education. She serves as the Vice President of the New York State Social Work Education Association (NYSSWEA) and contributes to its LEAD Policy Committee, while also sharing her expertise at conferences and in public speaking engagements. She has presented on topics such as cultural humility, macro social work and policy, domestic violence awareness, and most recently, trauma-informed clinical work with vulnerable populations. Stephanie has been featured by Fordham University’s Institute for Women and Girls for her article Courageous Conversations Leading to Cultural Humility. In recognition of her ongoing service and leadership, Stephanie received the Molloy University Alumni Service Award and continues to dedicate herself to advancing social justice and community well-being.
• Licensed Master Social Worker
• CASAC-T
• Fordham Graduate School of Social Service - MSW
• Molloy University - BA
• SUNY Westchester Community College - AS
• Molloy University Alumni Service Award
• Omicron Honor Society
• NYSSWEA BSW Student of the Year 2022
• Phi Theta Kappa
• NASW
• NYSSWEA
What do you attribute your success to?
Stephanie said her success stems from her compassion, consistency, and unwavering commitment to the people she serves. She believes her lived experience, her instinctual ability to understand others, and her determination to advocate for equitable treatment have fueled her achievements. She emphasized that trusting her intuition has always guided her correctly. Stephanie discussed her current role as a lead clinician for adolescent boys crossing the U.S. border, a position she has held for two years. She supervises a team of nine clinicians, oversees treatment planning, facilitates clinical sessions, and supports staff emotionally and professionally. She added that she recently began private-practice virtual therapy in September, where she sees clients part-time and is beginning to shape her long-term vision for clinical work. Stephanie described how she has been drawn to helping people for as long as she can remember, which ultimately guided her into the human services field three decades ago. She began her career working in shelters and with individuals with developmental disabilities, and she later transitioned into clinical roles that allowed her to support families, women, children, and those navigating trauma or instability. She shared that her natural empathy and personal calling to serve others are what led her into the work. Stephanie explained that her main area of expertise lies in human services and clinical social work, where she has spent 30 years serving vulnerable populations and the last 5 years practicing as a credentialed, licensed social worker. She shared that her strength comes from her ability to deeply connect with people, help them feel seen, and support them through complicated emotional and social challenges. Stephanie shared that her greatest achievement is not a single moment, but the impact she makes every day. She explained that helping families, supporting her clinicians, and watching clients grow through difficult circumstances brings her the deepest sense of fulfillment. She also mentioned receiving two important recognitions — the BSW Student of the Year (2022) and the Molloy Alumni Service Award (2024) — which reaffirmed her dedication to the profession.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Stephanie shared that her mentors have been influential professors from both her bachelor’s and master’s programs who helped shape her clinical voice and professional confidence. She spoke about the guidance she received throughout her BSW and MSW journeys and the meaningful impact her mentors had on her growth and specialization in crisis, resilience, and trauma work.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stephanie advised young women to trust their instincts, especially when something doesn’t feel right. She encouraged them to stay rooted in their purpose, remember why they chose the field, and never doubt their capacity to change lives. She emphasized the importance of boundaries, emotional resilience, and self-care, reminding them that their intuition is one of their greatest tools.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Stephanie explained that one of the biggest challenges in social work is navigating systemic inequities while still providing high-quality care. She highlighted immigration work and the lack of appropriate resources as ongoing concerns. She also mentioned burnout and emotional overload as persistent challenges in the field. However, she sees tremendous opportunity in continued education, improved advocacy, policy change, and increasing visibility for social workers so their work receives the respect it deserves.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Stephanie emphasized the importance of integrity, advocacy, fairness, and compassion. She believes strongly in fighting for equity, especially for marginalized communities, and she values using her voice during a political and social climate where vulnerable populations often feel unheard. She stressed the importance of humility, respect, and treating people with dignity no matter their circumstances. Stephanie shared that she is a passionate sports fan who loves college football and is a lifelong Yankees fan. She also enjoys spending time with her family, engaging in community service, and following her interests in clinical education and social justice. She looks forward to starting EMDR training as part of her commitment to expanding her skill set and helping her clients heal more deeply. She also is in the process of launching her website to share resources and continuing to serve her community.