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 highly-skilled clinical therapy dogs to support local communities and organizations, including partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District and Madison Police Department.
Meet the Team
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 ssirios@wags.net.
Kelly Meyer, Marketing Director
Kelly is the Marketing Director for the WAGS, where she leads marketing and communications efforts to help advance the organization’s mission of improving lives through highly skilled service and therapy dogs.
With more than a 15 years of experience in digital marketing, Kelly has worked across agency, corporate, and nonprofit organizations, developing strategies that connect people with meaningful products, services, and causes. Her background spans brand strategy, digital marketing, content, paid media, CRM, and marketing operations, with a passion for making marketing both effective and authentic.
As a longtime volunteer, Kelly is proud to help tell the stories of the people, dogs, volunteers, and trainers who make WAGS such a special organization. She believes the best marketing creates value, builds trust, and helps organizations make a meaningful impact. Kelly can be reached at kmeyer@wags.net.
WAGS Board of Directors
Allen Ackers, Vice-President (Retired, State of WI)
Patrick Hereley, President (Realtor, First Weber)
Nick George, Treasurer and Secretary (Retired, Midwest Food Products Association)
Brad Stamper (Pres. & CEO, Bankers Bank)
Kyle Pahnke (Wealth Management Advisor)
Lori Bowman (Retired, State of WI)
Meet the People Behind the Mission
Behind every WAGS service dog is a dedicated community of volunteers who give their time, talent, and hearts to changing lives. From raising puppies to supporting clients and programs, our volunteers are the foundation of everything we do.
