Wisconsin Academy for Graduate Service Dogs (WAGS) began in 1987 with a mission of increasing functional independence and improved quality of life for people with physical disabilities through highly-skilled service dogs.
Today, WAGS mission has expanded to include providing clinical support to students in local schools through the WAGS School Service Dog Program, and partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District.
Aaron Backer, Executive Director
Aaron Backer joined WAGS as Executive Director in June 2008. For more than 20 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. Aaron can be contacted at the WAGS office or by email at abacker@wags.net.
Sarah Sirios, Program & Training Director
Sarah has worked with dogs professionally for over twenty years, and in the non-profit world for over 30. As a specialist in canine learning, and in training people and dogs, Sarah brings extensive knowledge to the job of teaching volunteer trainers, dogs-in-training and human/dog teams. She was mentored by CAAB Dr. Patricia McConnell PhD, and has served as a Canine Behavior Consultant with Dogs Best Friend Training in Madison, WI specializing in treating aggression, anxiety and other behavioral problems. Sarah is also a certified Natural Lifemanship Fundamentals practitioner through the Natural Lifemanship Institute, utilizing a relationship-based model for working with humans, horses and other animals. Sarah’s belief in the transformative potential of interspecies relationship is at the heart of her work with WAGS. She is regularly inspired and deeply gratified to witness the ways WAGS dogs are positively impacting the experience of kids and adults in our communities by providing comfort and companionship. You can reach Sarah at 608-250-9247, or by emailing wagsacademy@gmail.com.
WAGS Board of Directors
Patrick Hereley, President (Realtor, First Weber)
Allen Ackers, Vice-President (Retired, State of WI)
Nick George, Treasurer and Secretary (Retired, Midwest Food Products Association)
