Board of Directors:
Carol Byers
Carol first realized how much she enjoyed children while studying at Westminster College in the biology program. Her psychology professor explained how children had the same emotions as adults, but saw the world differently depending upon their cognitive abilities. Carol would obtain a biology degree and then also earn a nursing degree from Case Western Reserve followed by obtaining her MSN from the University of Pittsburgh. Carol was an early graduate of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program and also focused her skill building in exploring and emphasizing the unique emotional/cognitive lives of children. In that spirit, Carol worked as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in both the community setting and the academic setting. Beginning in 2005, Carol brought her talents to the Child Advocacy Center and Center for Young Adults and Adolescents at UPMC CHP in Pittsburgh. Recognizing the role of courts in the lives of children and families, Carol became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Westmoreland County. Carol's lived experience is influenced by the words of Frederick Douglass, "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."
Ruth Kolb
Ruth has a passion for justice and strengthening families. Ruth championed systems improvement and evidence-based services, including home visits for parents with young children, during her professional career with the Office of Child Development (OCD) at the University of Pittsburgh. She also oversaw the Allegheny County Family Support Policy Board. Since leaving OCD, Ruth continues her commitment to families, particularly families facing economic and social hurdles, through her law practice specializing in disability law.
Cathleen Palm
Cathleen believes every child is unique and deserves to be nurtured, protected and connected to well-supported families. She has spent nearly three decades working to improve the way in which systems (often publicly funded or managed) engage with and work to support children, youth and families. She has served as a consultant with a variety of non-profits, including the Pennsylvania Chapter of Children's Advocacy Centers/MDTs, The Coalition for Low-Income Pennsylvanians, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, the United Way of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Alliance for Children and Families. In addition, she served as a consultant to the Congressionally created Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities (CECANF). Her professional experiences include time spent within the Pennsylvania Department of Auditor General, Pennsylvania Senate and United States Senate. She has served as an appointed member of a variety of state-level initiatives, including the Governor's Commission for Children and Families, Pennsylvania's Children's Trust Fund, the Joint State Government Commission's Advisory Committee on Addiction Treatment and the Governor's Early Learning Council.
Elizabeth "Betty Ann" Schmoyer
Betty Ann brings her rich and long legacy of service to children and families to the C4CJ Board. For more than 30 years, she has worked – professionally and through her volunteer service - to improve the health and safety of children and their families. She has volunteered through the years for a diversity of organizations, including the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Berks County Juvenile Probation Department, and Opportunity House. Prior to her professional retirement, she daily connected with and influenced children as a school nurse and school guidance counselor.
