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.

Kelly O'Ferrell, Program Director

Program Director, Kelly O'Ferrell joined the WAGS team in December 2005. When you hear Kelly say the word “dogs” you know immediately that “she's not from around here”. No, Kelly says “dogs” with that wonderful Southern drawl that can only come out of North Carolina and “dawgs”, as she says it, means Dogs Assisting With Grace and Skill.  Her degree from the Assistance Dog Institute brings WAGS a level of expertise specific to training Service Dogs, training Service Dog clients and matching the two together in successful working teams.

Kelly made the move to WI and WAGS with her dog Lucy, who generously shares Kelly's office and home with whichever WAGS dog they're training at the moment.

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.