WAGS Staff

Aaron Backer, Executive Director

Aaron Aaron Backer joined WAGS as the new Executive Director in June 2008.  For more than 10 years Aaron has worked in leadership positions at non-profit organizations that work directly with children, youth and families.  Aaron has accumulated valuable experience in fundraising, program development and non-profit administration at each of these organizations, utilizing these skills in daily practice at WAGS.  In addition to his work at WAGS, Aaron also serves on the Dane County Youth Commission.

Aaron was attracted to the unique mission of WAGS and its potential to be the best organization in the area for providing quality services to the surrounding community utilizing the compassion and skills of service dogs.  However, his three cats at home don't understand why he would choose to work around dogs!  Aaron can be contacted at the WAGS office or by e-mail at abacker@wags.net.

Sarah Sirios, Training Director

 

In November 2008, WAGS welcomed back Sarah Sirios as the new Training Director.  With ten years of non-profit experience, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the program position that works directly with volunteer trainers, breeders as well as the WAGS puppies and dogs-in-training.  In addition to her experience in the non-profit sector, Sarah is a Dog Behavioralist with Dog’s Best Friend Ltd. in Madison, WI, and enjoys conformation, obedience and agility training with her English Springer Spaniels.  She also has a strong interest in canine behavior, nutrition and complementary medicine.

 

 Sarah sites her belief in the transformative possibilities of the human/canine relationship as the inspiration behind coming to work for WAGS: “the right dog, at the right time can be life-changing”, she stated, “and when someone has a disability, that change has the potential to be even more profound.”  Please contact Sarah at the WAGS office or by e-mail at ssirios@wags.net.      



Joy Wood, Executive Assistant

Joy Wood joined the WAGS staff in June of 2007.  She brings 25+ years of small business savvy to the Executive Assistant position.  Her many years as a volunteer with a number of non-profit and business organizations has given her a unique knowledge of the organizational and financial side of agencies like WAGS.  “It is a great opportunity for me, as the new Executive Assistant, to be able to use my skills for WAGS, an agency that fosters deep, committed relationships between its volunteers, clients and donors (And DOGS!).”

Joy and her family share their rural home with Rita, the Australian shepherd, who enjoys herding the family, the cat, the squirrels and anything else that moves.