Kerith Strano Taylor brings a lifetime of dedication to children, families, and her community—drawing on over two decades of legal practice, public service, and leadership across Pennsylvania. Her diverse background in law, education, and child advocacy gives her a deep understanding of the systems that shape people’s lives and the knowledge to navigate them effectively.

A proud graduate of the Brookville Area School District, Kerith began college at just 16, attending The Pennsylvania State University in 1992. In the summer of 1994, she was awarded the prestigious Lyndon Baines Johnson Congressional Internship, serving on Capitol Hill under former Congressman William J. Clinger. That experience solidified her respect for government and public service—a guiding principle throughout her career.

After earning her B.A. in Political Science in 1996, Kerith spent two years working in government affairs in Washington, D.C., before enrolling at George Mason University School of Law. She earned her law degree in 2001 and returned home to Brookville, where she opened her own law firm—continuing to serve her community to this day.

Since 2004, Kerith has served as Guardian ad Litem for Jefferson County, representing children in the foster care system for over 20 years. Her work quickly earned statewide recognition for its compassion, integrity, and impact. In 2011, she helped design and deliver a landmark training program for more than 600 Guardians ad Litem and Parents’ Attorneys across Pennsylvania. That initiative became the foundation for the mandatory pre-service training required of all attorneys representing children in dependency matters—a legacy that continues to improve child advocacy across the Commonwealth.

Kerith’s commitment to child welfare extended beyond the courtroom. For 14 years, she served on the Jefferson County Children’s Roundtable, the regional Leadership Roundtable 7, and the Statewide Children’s Roundtable. In these roles, she collaborated with judges, attorneys, and social service professionals to strengthen Pennsylvania’s Dependency Court system and promote the safety and well-being of every child it serves.

Also in 2011, Kerith was appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to the Juvenile Court Procedural Rules Committee, where she contributed to the development of procedural rules governing juvenile delinquency and dependency cases across the state.

Her dedication to education and local governance led her to serve on the Brookville Area School District Board from 2011 to 2022, including two years as President, helping guide the district that once helped shape her own path.

From 2022 to 2024, Kerith served as Director of Jefferson County Child and Youth Services (CYS), where she brought her decades of legal and policy experience to bear in leading the agency charged with protecting and strengthening families.

Through every stage of her career—from her early days on Capitol Hill to her leadership in Pennsylvania’s child welfare system—Kerith Strano Taylor has built a reputation as a tireless advocate for children, families, and justice.