Our Team
The people who work at Grove share the values of our community.
We’re driven by the vision that the best care comes from communication, kindness, and compassion.
Tap Photos Below to Read Staff Bios
Janelle Upthegrove, BCBA
Janelle grew up loving life in the Fox Cities and is proud to now be in the local small business community. She earned her M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. As she is nearing retirement from the US Navy Reserves, Janelle shared that she is grateful for the many opportunities she has had as a Sailor in the Navy. At home, Janelle loves to garden, camp, and play outside with her family. She feeds all the stray animals and thinks you can never have too many cats!
Janelle Upthegrove, BCBA
Owner | CEO
Katrina Verhagen, BCBA
Katrina is an Appleton native who loves being a force for good in our community. She earned her M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. You can read her published thesis here. She is a big believer in mindfulness and knowing that not everything we see behaviorally is black and white; both personal and learning histories play a large role in how we show up every day. Outside of Grove you can find Katrina in her garden, tending to her houseplants, playing with her two cats, Baby and Kallea, or spending time with her nephews and nieces!
Katrina Verhagen, BCBA
Clinical Director
Shelley Blaylock
Born and raised in the Northwoods on the shores of Lake Superior, Shelley built her diverse array of skills over a 25 year career and senior leadership positions at a major insurance company. She expertly handles Grove’s billing, scheduling, manages authorizations, and keeps the administrative department in shipshape. When asked why she loves working in this field she said, “Connecting with our kiddos and seeing the growth as they progress and master their goals is so amazing!” When Shelley isn’t working, you’ll find her enjoying live music at local concerts!
Shelley Blaylock
Administrative Manager
Ariel Wenzel
Meet Ariel! She lives in the Fox Valley and brings a love for parent coaching to the Grove family. She earned her M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ariel loves breaking large skills into manageable learning bites to help kids grow, and wants everyone to know that this strategy works for all people! In fact, she’s used ABA strategies with herself to learn to drink more water and workout more often. Outside of work she loves to spend time with her husband, their newborn son, and their black lab, Sully.
Ariel Wenzel
Supervising BCBA
Ashley Kitzman, BTT
Ashley is an Indianapolis native who brought all her sunshine and joy to Wisconsin! She is a compassionate professional with a Master of Arts in Special Education and a Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Purdue University. She treasures the connections she builds with the kids and their support systems, finding it a privilege to learn from their unique perspectives. Supporting their growth, celebrating their achievements, and helping them overcome challenges makes her happy!. In her free time, Ashley enjoys the outdoor activities and festivals in the Fox Cities, weekends in Milwaukee, and soaking up the beautiful weather.
Ashley Kitzman, BTT
Assistant Supervisor
Kayla Johnson
Kayla is a compassionate and unwavering soul who holds an M.A. in Special Education with a concentration in ABA from Arizona State University. She sees every day as a new adventure, and is devoted to making a positive impact in the lives of our families. A fan of the Fox Cities area, she enjoys peaceful walks around downtown Neenah and relaxing at Riverside Park. At home, her three big dogs and one little chihuahua keep her on her toes and add a bit of sweetness to her life!
Kayla Johnson
Assistant Supervisor
Kaitlyn Pierret
Kaitlyn is an amazing burst of energy and enthusiasm! Having earned her B.S. in Psychology from UW Whitewater, we are grateful she then decided to Grow with Grove. Fond of natural environment play strategies for teaching skills, Kaitlyn can be found growing and exploring alongside our clients in her role as an assistant supervisor. At home, she loves to dote on her three pet snakes, and misses her favorite tarantula, Terry.
Kaitlyn Pierret
Assistant Supervising BTT
Sarah Michaels
Meet Sarah, one of our bright and bubbly team members with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. Her passion for helping our clients grow their skills shines through every day, and she loves the variety that each new day brings. A true Wisconsinite at heart, she cherishes the changing seasons and enjoys exploring the state's many lakes. When she's not at the clinic, you can find her hiking, playing board games, or indulging in her love for all things Pokémon.
Sarah Michaels
Assistant Supervisor
Anna Racinus
Anna is a bright and sunny human being who is working hard on her M.A. in Exceptional Student Education with a Specialization in ABA. She thrives on the fun each day brings and delights in getting to know the unique personalities and interests of our clients. Watching kids grow and witnessing their progress over time is her greatest reward. Originally from Chicago, she’s embraced Wisconsin’s welcoming community, especially the passionate football culture (Go Packers!). Outside of work, she loves exploring the state’s natural beauty and reminiscing about her years as a competitive gymnast!
Anna Raciunas
Assistant Supervisor
Wyllow Garton, RBT
Hailing from Eau Claire, Wyllow is an outstanding addition to the Grove family. She excels in naturalistic play during early intervention and has a true talent for teaching through imaginative games. Your child will never know they’re learning when Wyllow is around! Currently, Wyllow is pursuing her Bachelors in Psychology at UWO. Her passion for vintage thrifting and new adventures make her a joy to work beside!
Wyllow Garton, RBT
Lead RBT
