More Than a Nonprofit. A Community Built on Hope.
Creating safer lives, unforgettable memories, and a true sense of belonging for individuals of all ages with disabilities and their families.
Who We Are
Lyla’s Legacy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating safer lives, unforgettable memories, and genuine belonging for individuals of all ages with autism and other disabilities Through life-saving safety initiatives, family-centered events, and community partnerships, we strive to ensure that every individual is valued, supported, and celebrated.
Our Mission: To empower individuals with disabilities and their families by providing life-saving safety resources, meaningful community experiences, and unwavering support in a world where everyone belongs.
Our Vision: A future where every person with a disability has equal opportunities to live safely, participate fully, and be celebrated within their community.
- Belonging
Everyone deserves a place where they are welcomed, valued, and celebrated exactly as they are.
- Safety
Protecting lives through education, advocacy, and access to life-saving safety resources.
- Compassion
Serving every family with dignity, empathy, and respect.
- Community
Building lasting connections through inclusive experiences and partnerships.
How We Make a Difference
Every program we offer is designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families live safer, more connected, and more joyful lives.
- Safety Net Project
Life-saving safety equipment and resources for individuals of all ages.
- Fencing for Families
Helping create secure outdoor spaces to reduce the risk of wandering.
- Signature Events
Life-saving safety equipment and resources for individuals of all ages.
- Celebration Circle
Recognizing birthdays, milestones, and achievements because every accomplishment deserves to be celebrated.
- Community Partnerships
Working alongside businesses, organizations, and volunteers to expand opportunities and strengthen support for families.
Meet Our Founder
Erin McGoldrick
Founder & President
Erin McGoldrick founded Lyla’s Legacy after realizing that too many families raising children with disabilities felt isolated and without truly welcoming spaces in their communities. Inspired by her daughter, Lyla, she transformed her family’s experiences into a mission of creating safety, belonging, and joyful opportunities for individuals of all ages with disabilities.
Today, Erin works alongside an incredible board, volunteers, and community partners to expand programs that help families feel supported, connected, and celebrated. Every event, safety initiative, and project reflects the same simple belief that inspired Lyla’s Legacy from the beginning: everyone deserves to belong.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Ashley Gaddy
Chairwoman
Ashley has been part of Lyla’s Legacy since the very beginning, standing beside Founder Erin McGoldrick as the organization grew from a single idea into a mission that serves families throughout the community. Always ready to step in wherever she is needed, Ashley is known for her unwavering support, dependable leadership, and willingness to do whatever it takes to help make each event and program a success.
Karen McGoldrick
Interim Executive Director & Board Member.
Karen has been part of Lyla’s Legacy since the very beginning—as Lyla’s grandmother and one of the organization’s earliest supporters. She helps oversee the day-to-day operations of the nonprofit while working closely with the board, volunteers, and community partners to ensure every family feels welcomed and supported.
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Evan Ingleston
Board Member
As one of the original members of the Lyla’s Legacy Board of Directors, Evan has been committed to the organization’s mission from the very beginning. Always willing to jump in and help wherever needed, he brings a dependable spirit, a servant’s heart, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference for the families we serve.
Brandi Ellis
Board Member
For more than two decades, Brandi Ellis has dedicated her career to caring for children and supporting families through her work in healthcare. Her journey eventually led her to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), where she discovered an even deeper passion for advocating for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Mikayla Perdue
Marketing Director & Board Member
Mikayla has been a dedicated supporter and trusted friend of Lyla’s Legacy, generously sharing her time, and talents to help the organization grow. As a talented photographer, she helps capture the smiles and unforgettable moments that families treasure long after each event has ended. Mikayla brings valuable marketing expertise that helps share Lyla’s Legacy’s mission with the community and connect more families with the organization’s programs and resources.
Kalyn Stowers
Board Member
Kalyn Sowers brings valuable experience in the financial industry and a passion for helping communities grow stronger. As both a mother and a board member, she offers thoughtful ideas and perspectives that support Lyla’s Legacy’s mission of serving individuals with disabilities and their families.
Kelly Cook
Board Member
A lifelong friend of Founder Erin McGoldrick, Kelly Cook has been a steadfast supporter of Lyla’s Legacy since the organization was first established. Believing in the mission from the very beginning, she was proud to help lay the groundwork for the nonprofit and continues to champion its work.
Be Part of the Story
Every smile, every safe home, every unforgettable memory, and every moment of belonging is made possible by people who choose to care.
Whether you volunteer your time, support our mission through a donation, become a community partner, or simply share our story, you become part of something bigger—a community where individuals with disabilities and their families know they belong.
