WAGS Staff

Sarah Sirios, Executive Director

In September 2006, WAGS welcomed Sarah Sirios to serve as new Executive Director. With ten years of non-profit leadership experience, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to her new position in such areas as program management, financial development, marketing, community and media relations, strategic planning and administration. In addition to her experience in the non-profit sector, Sarah is an Assistant Family Dog Trainer with Dog’s Best Friend Ltd. in Madison, WI, and enjoys conformation, obedience and agility training with her English Springer Spaniels. She also has a strong interest in canine behavior, nutrition and complementary medicine.

Sarah sites her belief in the transformative possibilities of the human/canine relationship as the inspiration behind coming to work for WAGS: “the right dog, at the right time can be life-changing”, she stated, “and when someone has a disability, that change has the potential to be even more profound.” Sarah is very pleased to combine her passions for both philanthropy and dogs, and looks forward to helping WAGS continue to grow through connecting volunteers, dogs, and the clients they serve with the larger community. Please contact Sarah at the WAGS office or by e-mail at ssirios@wags.net.

Kelly O'Ferrell, Program Director

Program Director, Kelly O'Ferrell joined the WAGS team in December 2005. When you hear Kelly say the word “dogs” you know immediately that “she's not from around here”. No, Kelly says “dogs” with that wonderful Southern drawl that can only come out of North Carolina and “dawgs”, as she says it, means Dogs Assisting With Grace and Skill.  Her degree from the Assistance Dog Institute brings WAGS a level of expertise specific to training Service Dogs, training Service Dog clients and matching the two together in successful working teams.

Kelly made the move to WI and WAGS with her dog Lucy, who generously shares Kelly's office and home with whichever WAGS dog they're training at the moment.

Joy Wood, Executive Assistant

Joy Wood joined the WAGS staff in June of 2007.  She brings 25+ years of small business savvy to the Executive Assistant position.  Her many years as a volunteer with a number of non-profit and business organizations has given her a unique knowledge of the organizational and financial side of agencies like WAGS.  “It is a great opportunity for me, as the new Executive Assistant, to be able to use my skills for WAGS, an agency that fosters deep, committed relationships between its volunteers, clients and donors (And DOGS!).”

Joy and her family share their rural home with Rita, the Australian Shepard, who enjoys herding the family, the cat, the squirrels and anything else that moves.