Meet Our Team
Owner and Head Trainer
Casey McGee, CBCC-KA, CSAT, CTC
Casey is a Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA), Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) and an honors graduate of Jean Donaldson's Academy for Dog Trainers, where she earned her Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC).
Casey became a force-free dog trainer after a heartbreaking experience with her own dog Cooper who became dangerously aggressive after she used traditional harsh training methods. It was her short time with him that led her to pursue a career showing that modern, force-free methods of training are effective in even the most severe cases of fear and aggression. Like many of her colleagues and more and more dog professionals around the country, she’s known as a crossover trainer. Casey combines compassion, formal education, and 10 years of professional experience to meet you and your dog exactly where you are. No judgment!
When you train with us:
You'll learn to change your dog’s behavior with skill and kindness
You’ll get long-lasting results from training with positive reinforcement
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of what makes your dog tick
Our Staff
Gracia Larson, MS
Gracia has an MS in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and Vocational Evaluation, and a background working with people with sensory disabilities. Her behavioral journey with Lucy, her beloved Great Dane, brought her to Upward Hound.
She is currently enrolled in the Academy for Dog Trainers. Dogs have brought immeasurable joy to her life and have taught her to slow down and be more present in the moment. She looks forward to helping dogs and their people have better lives together.
Gracia loves travel, reading, being outside, and hanging out with her dog-like cat, Chiron.
Super Puppy Program Co-Coordinator
Lilliana Wilson, FFCP
Super Puppy Program Co-Coordinator
Fear-Free Certified Groomer
Lilly’s lifelong love of dogs brought her to Upward Hound, along with the happy realization that she could have a career working with them! Even being a dog fanatic, she says she had NO IDEA what her dog was trying to tell her and feels that since joining the staff at Upward Hound, she has learned to read her dog’s body language and increase his quality of life substantially.
Lilly is enrolled in the Academy for Dog Trainers and formally educated through the Paragon School of Grooming and is Certified Fear-Free (FFCP).
Betsy Callahan
Super Puppy Program Trainer
Deb Campbell
Deb received a puppy as a high school graduation present - the start of a lifelong devotion to her furry family members. A need to help her rescue hound, Jimmy, with anxiety issues led her to Upward Hound and a new world opened up! Deb is a believer in the power of force-free training and is excited to share that with other dog parents.
Deb loves to cook, read, and hang out with her husband, children, grandchildren and of course, Jimmy and his three canine siblings.
Super Puppy Program Trainer
