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 Lucy, Lucy’s best friend, and 3 cats.

Super Puppy Program Coordinator

Lilliana Wilson, FFCP

Fear-Free Dog 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 formally educated through the Paragon School of Grooming and is Certified Fear-Free (FFCP). She says, “I’m looking forward to making grooming a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved.”

Betsy Callahan

Class Assistant

Angie Swagger

Angie has a BS in Veterinary Medicine and was a dog groomer for 35 years before joining our staff as a class assistant. She has trained and shown her dogs, even competing in AKC confirmation. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her family of 5, traveling, horseback riding, and hanging out with her menagerie of cats, dogs and small critters.

Office Manager

Sue Katt

Human Resources & Accounting

Sue grew up with dogs, starting as a baby with a collie named Lassie, and they have always been a big part of her life. Sue loves to go adventuring with her dog Abby, who is always up for an outdoor pursuit - be it hiking, paddleboarding, snowshoeing, or dog agility!