team members
Danielle Graczyk
Founder | Executive Director | Dog Trainer
CIC began in 2010, when professional dog trainer Danielle Graczyk became aware of the role her dogs played in her recovery. Recognizing the support her dogs brought to her during this hard time, she felt called to share her experience with others. Canine Inspired Change developed organically from her dog behavior knowledge and personal evolution. On this path Danielle developed relationships with legal experts, behavioral analysts and education experts, all reinforcing the transformative nature of connection and community, inspired by the unconditional, non-judgmental love dogs provide.
Alyssa Boldischar
Director of Operations
Alyssa met Danielle at a charity therapy dog calendar photoshoot in 2013. She instantly fell in love with what Canine Inspired Change does and how the organization brings people together to positively change lives. In addition to volunteering with her dog Cloey, she works as the official dog photographer, helps with public relations, outreach and raises awareness about the organization’s work. She enjoys hanging out with her three dogs, pottery, fishing, and going on photography adventures.
Gina Landsee
Mental Health Advisor
Gina is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) who has been journeying with people for the last 15 years (12 years in rural Wisconsin and the last 3 years in the Twin Cities). Gina connected with CIC through CIC's partnership with Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. Gina got a new puppy, Fozzie, in March of 2021 and immediately started training with Danielle to ensure that the best puppy human relationship would be developed. Gina and Fozzie became a CIC therapy dog team in March of 2022. Gina will be developing the therapist role at CIC as it is a new position and will be engaging with therapeutic curriculum development, leading classes, research, and data collection. Gina takes a person centered approach when working with individuals and is able to view people through a trauma focused lens. Gina is DBT, EMDR, and AIR Network trained. Gina loves walking alongside people as they move towards healing and growth. Gina spends most of her time hanging out with Fozzie, hiking, paddleboarding, and spending time with friends and family.
Kate McMullen
Program Director
Kate’s passion for community involvement and belief in the healing power of animal-human connections drives her work at Canine Inspired Change. Kate got her start at CIC as a therapy dog team with her yellow lab, Millie. As Program Director, she spearheads the day-to-day operations of CIC, connecting CIC therapy teams with schools and community programs and building relationships with people interested in learning how to “do good with their dog.” In her free time, Kate loves spending time with her family and exploring new places, preferably in the great outdoors.