07/14/2026
❤️
Meet the Board: Katie & Dennis Feeney
If you've followed Erin's Way for any length of time, you've probably seen our names.
Katie serves as President. Dennis serves as Vice President.
But long before those titles, we were simply Momma and Dadda to a little girl named Erin.
As we share our board spotlight today, on the second anniversary of Erin's passing, it doesn't feel right to talk about our careers, accomplishments, or volunteer experience. The truth is that Erin's Way was never about us.
It has always been about Erin.
People often ask us how we do it.
How do we keep going?
How do we keep talking about autism, wandering prevention, grief, inclusion, and hope while carrying the loss of our daughter?
The answer is that sometimes we don't know.
There are many days when we don't want to get out of bed. Days when the grief is so heavy that simply making it through the day feels like an accomplishment. Days when we wonder how we're supposed to keep moving forward without her.
We hear people tell us we're strong.
The truth is that strength isn't really a choice.
When you lose a child, the world doesn't stop. The sun still rises. The bills still need to be paid. The laundry still needs to be done. And most importantly, there are still children who need their parents.
Every morning, we look into the faces of our children and are reminded that they need us.
Our children have experienced more heartbreak than many adults will face in a lifetime. Some witnessed the unimaginable. Others have carried the weight of loss in different ways as they watched their family navigate grief. Every one of them lost a sister they loved deeply.
Yet despite everything, they continue to move forward. We have watched them celebrate milestones, cheer each other on, graduate, get married, play sports, make new friends, and continue building their lives while carrying Erin in their hearts.
There are moments when we see Erin reflected in each of them—in their kindness, their resilience, their protectiveness of one another, and the way they continue to show up for our family.
Despite everything they have endured, they still laugh. They still dream. They still find joy.
Watching them choose joy has taught us that we have to keep choosing it too.
Not because it's easy.
But because they're worth it.
And because Erin is worth it.
Who would continue telling people about the little girl with the beautiful smile and the unique way of seeing the world?
Who would tell them about the child who stacked every ring backwards, placing the biggest purple ring on top? It was as if she were reminding us that different isn't wrong, it's just different.
Who would make sure her story continues to help other families?
That is why Erin's Way exists.
It exists because we know firsthand the challenges families face. We know the fear that comes with wandering. We know the exhaustion of advocating for your child. We know the heartbreak of loss.
Most importantly, we know the power of community.
When our world fell apart, this community carried us.
Friends showed up. Neighbors showed up. Complete strangers showed up.
The love we received during our darkest moments helped us survive. Erin's Way is our attempt to give some of that love back.
Every sensory kit, every educational program, every wandering prevention initiative, every mobile calming space, and every family we support is part of Erin's legacy.
We would trade every one of those things for one more day with her.
But since we can't, we will continue doing everything we can to make sure her life changes the lives of others.
As we remember Erin today, we want to thank everyone who has walked beside our family over the past two years.
You have cried with us, prayed for us, encouraged us, and believed in a mission that began with one little girl.
You have celebrated our victories, carried us through our hardest days, and loved our children as they have learned to navigate a world without their sister.
Because of you, Erin's story continues.
Because of Erin, children and families are finding support.
And because of Erin, we will never stop working to create inclusion, compassion, and hope for every child.
With gratitude,
Katie & Dennis Feeney
Mommy & Daddy to Erin
Founders, Erin's Way
