Erika serves as Co-Chair of Paws for Patrick’s Therapy Dog Program alongside her beloved dog, Sutter. The two have been a certified therapy dog team for more than five years, even before Paws for Patrick was founded.

Growing up next door to Fronzie in Glencoe, Illinois, Erika and Fronzie have shared a lifelong friendship. “When Patrick passed, I was desperate to do anything I could to ease Fronzie’s suffering,” Erika recalls. “When she reached out with her vision to bring animals to those struggling with mental illness, I was thrilled to help make that dream a reality.”

Today, Erika helps lead and inspire new therapy dog teams. “If you think your dog has the temperament and discipline for therapy work, and you’re passionate about helping others, reach out to me or Julie Shaw,” she encourages. “The experience has been phenomenally rewarding.”

Her compassion, expertise, and leadership continue to strengthen the Therapy Dog Program and advance Paws for Patrick’s mission of bringing comfort and connection to young people through the healing power of animals.