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 dogs she has also served on the Board of Directors for the last 10 years. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dogs, creating pottery, fishing, crystal mining, and hanging out at the lake.
Kate McMullen
Finance 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.
Taylor Iverson
Program Director
Taylor came to CIC while trying to find a Therapy Dog organization that was a good match for her young Golden Retriever, Dory. Upon completion of the course and volunteering at CIC sessions, Taylor felt a deep connection with the mission of CIC. She started out her professional career in a nonprofit animal shelter. She attended the University of Minnesota and earned her BS in Companion Animal Science. Additional professional experiences include working in many doggy daycares/boarding facilities, vet clinics, dog rescue, and dog training at facilities. Taylor is Fear Free certified(FFCP), an American Kennel Club(AKC) approved evaluator for Canine Good Citizen, STAR Puppy, and Trick Dog programs, a member of the Association for Professional Dog Training International (APDT) organization, and is a certified Family Dog Mediator(FDM). Outside of the professional sector, Taylor enjoys crafts, hiking, and a good tv show.
Mara Winke
Development Director
Winke joined CIC in 2024 to develop new sources of revenue through fundraising and grant writing. Mara has served as a fundraising consultant to nonprofits in the Twin Cities for over 20 years. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and holds an MBA in Nonprofit Management from the University of St. Thomas and a BA from St. Olaf College. A lifelong pet lover, Mara is passionate about the mission of CIC and the healthy impact that it is making in our community. When she’s not working, Mara enjoys running and being outside with her dogs, sun or snow. She is hoping to try skijoring with them this winter.
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.