Meet Our Team
Our Staff’s Promise to You
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
We also recognize your role as a learner, and treat you with patience and respect
Founder
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. After 12 years at Upward Hound Casey has now retired, but she can be found behind the scenes as advisor and mentor.
Owner and Head Trainer
Lilly Wilson, FFCP
Lilly is enrolled in the Academy for Dog Trainers, formally educated through the Paragon School of Grooming and is Certified Fear-Free (FFCP).
Lilly’s lifelong love of dogs brought her to Upward Hound in 2022 as our first low-stress, fear-free groomer. She’s always been a self-identified dog fanatic, but after her happy realization that she could have a career working with them she committed herself to gaining as much formal education and soaking up as much practical experience as possible. She soon took over the Super Puppy program, learned the class curricula, and now is responsible for all day-to-day operations. Lilly finds the deepest joy helping shy dogs gain confidence and seeing owners achieve goals with their dogs they never thought possible.
Betsy Callahan
Super Puppy Program Trainer, Class Assistant
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 children and grandchildren, and is a dedicated foster mom to homeless dogs.
Super Puppy Program Trainer
