CASA Is a Family Affair: The Brill Family’s Journey in Advocacy
CASA work is, at its heart, about families—supporting foster families, working toward the reunification of birth families, and identifying extended networks who can offer stability and care. What we don’t often see, however, is CASA becoming a calling shared within a single family. That changed when the Brill family came along.
CASA Philadelphia has had the honor of working with not just one or two, but three members of the Brill family, each bringing their own experience, compassion, and commitment to advocacy for children in foster care.
Erin’s Story: A Natural Extension of Care
Erin Brill became a CASA volunteer in 2020. At the time, she was working as a Child Life Specialist in the emergency department at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), supporting children who had experienced severe abuse.
“I supported the child protection team while they evaluated kids and started to wonder what happened next,” Erin shared. “I was working three twelve-hour shifts in the ED, so I had time to volunteer. I Googled it, saw CASA, and signed up.”
Her experience supporting vulnerable children in crisis naturally carried over into her advocacy as a CASA volunteer, where she continues to ensure that children’s voices and needs are centered in the court process.
Dorothy’s Journey: Turning Education Into Action
Inspired by both her sister’s involvement and her interest in nonprofit leadership, Dorothy Brill connected with CASA Philadelphia while beginning her Master’s in Non-Profit Management at the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her practicum as an in-person intern in 2023.
“I had done some philanthropic work with a CASA office in upstate New York while in college, as well as my sister’s participation, so I reached out when I came to Philadelphia,” Dorothy said.
Her internship strengthened CASA’s capacity while giving her real-world, mission-driven experience in child advocacy.
Joyce’s Path: Joining Her Daughters in Advocacy
Hearing from her daughters about the impact CASA volunteers have on children’s lives, Joyce Brill decided she wanted to be part of that work as well. She became a CASA volunteer in early 2025 and now advocates for a 12-year-old boy.
Reflecting on what it means for all three of them to be committed to one organization, Joyce shared, “We each have different facets of knowledge and experiences – a lawyer, a nurse, and a philanthropist – that help see different perspectives and add different ways to address issues that arise. You can have someone that understands and can share issues that arise. It’s nice to have someone to vent to and ask for help.”
She also reflected on her own background and adjustment to CASA work: “I think having been a pediatric ICU nurse at CHOP for many years and with the knowledge of CASA from my daughters, I had a good picture of what CASA might entail. Even though I have seen some of the workings of court before, I have found the navigation of all of the different parts of the legal system to be challenging. My CASA supervisor, Jae, has been very responsive and helpful in understanding the court system.”
With three women bringing their distinct strengths to their cases, the Brill family highlights the power of shared advocacy.
A Family Legacy of Advocacy
The Brill family shows us that advocacy is not just an individual act—it can become a shared value, a point of connection, and a powerful legacy. Their collective commitment reinforces what CASA stands for: ensuring that every child in foster care has someone in their corner.
We are grateful for Erin, Dorothy, Joyce, and all families—chosen or biological—who stand alongside CASA Philadelphia in uplifting children and strengthening our community.