Emily McGowty is the founder of Against the Grain Business Solutions, a company committed to empowering agricultural businesses with strategic financial management and customized office systems designed to drive growth and efficiency. Raised in Rotterdam, NY, Emily’s deep-rooted passion for agriculture inspired her to pursue an Associate Degree in Equine Science and Management, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business Development from SUNY Morrisville.

With extensive experience in accounting, bookkeeping, and business operations, Emily has developed a comprehensive understanding of the unique financial and operational challenges agricultural enterprises face. She combines her technical expertise with a practical, hands-on approach to deliver tailored solutions that help ag businesses streamline their processes, improve record keeping, and make confident decisions for long-term success.

Outside of work, Emily finds joy in gardening and values spending meaningful time with her family, friends, and dogs.

Jessica Kiesznowski grew up on a dairy farm in Central New York, where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for agriculture. Her upbringing instilled in her a commitment to supporting rural communities and the people who power them.

She holds a degree in Humanities and Social Science and has experience in small business accounting. Jessica is passionate about using her skills to help agricultural and small business clients succeed, combining practical knowledge with a personal connection to the farming way of life.

Outside the office, Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and visiting parks with her daughter and their two Saint Bernards.

Alyson Casler is an Accounting Specialist at Against the Grain Business Solutions, where she combines her financial expertise with her deep agricultural roots. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business from SUNY Cobleskill and has three years of professional accounting experience.

Raised on her family’s dairy farm, Alyson developed a strong appreciation for the hard work and resilience that define agriculture. This background gives her a unique perspective when supporting clients, as she understands firsthand both the day-to-day challenges and long-term goals of running a farm or ag business.

Alyson is passionate about helping clients stay organized, streamline their bookkeeping, and gain confidence in their financial decisions. She believes that solid accounting practices create the foundation for growth and success, and she takes pride in offering dependable guidance tailored to each client’s needs.

Heather Wood brings a diverse background in healthcare, business management, and accounting to her role at Against the Grain. With strong rural roots, she values hard work, community, and supporting local business.  In addition to her career as a dental hygienist, Heather has hands-on experience managing small business operations, including bookkeeping, financial organization, and day-to-day administrative functions. She has developed a strong understanding of the financial side of running a business and the importance of efficiency, accuracy, and profitability.

Known for her attention to detail and strong organizational skills, Heather takes pride in keeping financial processes accurate and well-managed. Her experience has given her a deep appreciation for the unique challenges and needs of small business owners, allowing her to provide thoughtful, practical support tailored to their operations.

Liz Cashell is an Accounting Specialist who brings a unique blend of science, agriculture, and hands-on experience to her work. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Penn State University and a Master’s degree in Reproductive Physiology from Washington State University.

Liz spent five years managing processing labs and overseeing quality control for Genex, where she developed a strong attention to detail and a practical, problem-solving approach. With over a decade of farming experience, she understands the day-to-day realities of agricultural businesses and the importance of keeping operations running smoothly.

She thrives on a good challenge, values building strong relationships, and takes pride in helping others get back to focusing on what they do best. Outside of work, Liz is a proud mom to her three kids—Brynn, Easton, and Rhett.

She holds a degree in Humanities and Social Science and has experience in small business accounting. Jessica is passionate about using her skills to help agricultural and small business clients succeed, combining practical knowledge with a personal connection to the farming way of life.

Outside the office, Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and visiting parks with her daughter and their two Saint Bernards.

Michael Card is an Accounting Specialist at Against the Grain Business Solutions, where he supports clients with accurate financial reporting and efficient business processes. He holds degrees in Accounting and Finance from Mercyhurst University, which built him with a strong foundation in both technical accounting and financial strategy.

Raised on his family’s dairy farm in Central New York, Michael developed a practical, hands-on understanding of how businesses operate day to day. As he grows in his career, he is dedicated to helping clients operate more efficiently and achieve long-term success. 

Outside of work, Michael enjoys helping on the family farm, spending time with family and friends on the lake or snowmobiling, and going on adventures with his dogs.