Team
GEAR UP Southern West Virginia is supported by a central team based at Concord University and New River Community and Technical College. Here, you’ll find contact information for the staff who lead communications, data, programming, partnerships, and student services across the region.
Looking for your school’s GEAR UP coordinator?
Visit our Local Coordinator Contact Page for county-specific contacts in Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming.
Together, we’re helping students across Southern West Virginia build bright futures.
Staff Spotlight Coming Soon!
Central Office Staff
Ashlei Collins leads all efforts to maintain, promote, and support programs and services provided by the GEAR UP SWV grant to cohort students. Collins is the project leader for SSA, Tutor.com, and CCC. She assists teachers with integrating resources into their classrooms, creating ready-made lesson plans for utilizing the resources, and visiting classrooms to help students access and use the resources available.
Ashley Vaughn serves as Assistant Director of GEAR UP Southern West Virginia. In collaboration with the Director, she oversees management and quality assurance of all recruitment and activities, student services, and oversight of data collection with school-based staff. Ashley has over 18 years of experience with the public school system, with 11 years being at the district level. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, multiple Masters’ degrees including Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology, Education Law, and Brain Research from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor’s of Music Education, PK-Adult from Concord University. Outside of work, Ashley resides with her husband of 20 years and two teenage children.
Ms. Robinson is the Family Engagement Coordinator at GEAR UP SWV. She enjoys working with the Local Coordinators to ensure that families receive the resources needed for their students to be successful. She also hosts family events and family college tours. Ms. Robinson graduated from Bluefield State College.
Jeremy Wood has five years of experience in West Virginia public schools. He earned a B.A. in English and an M.A.T. from Concord University, as well as an M.A. in English from Marshall University. With GEAR UP SWV, he works directly with Mercer and Wyoming Counties throughout the year to develop and manage work plans, oversee data reporting, and track budgets.
Kurt Lester is one of two Partnership Coordinators for GEAR UP SWV. Kurt’s background includes years of service in public education as an administrator and athletic director. After completing his undergraduate degree at Concord University, he earned master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction.
Jessica Doty (Lilly) brings more than 14 years of award-winning journalism and strategic communications experience to GEAR UP SWV. She leads media relations while crafting messages that authentically represent Appalachian communities. Jessica spearheaded the launch of WVCU, Concord University’s student-run radio station, and has earned national honors, including a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award and a Regional Emmy nomination. She served on the Virginias Associated Press Board of Directors for 10 years and holds an M.B.A from Concord University as well as a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in both Electronic Media and Public Relations. Jessica also serves on the NCCEP/GEAR UP Communications Advisory Committee.
Karen is the Finance and Contracts Manager for GEAR UP SWV, bringing over 25 years of experience in bank accounting and regulatory reporting. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Concord University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Auburn University Montgomery. Outside of work, Karen enjoys spending time with her family, as well as appreciating nature, reading, and music.
Mindy brings warmth and dedication to everything she does. She comes to GEAR UP SWV with nearly 30 years of office experience, including nine years as a Financial Secretary at Princeton Middle School with Mercer County Schools. While there, she connected with students so they always felt they had “a person,” reestablished the Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS), and was nominated for Service Personnel of the Year at the school. She went on to earn Mercer County Service Personnel of the Year for 2022–2023 and had the honor of representing the county at the state level. Before working in education, Mindy spent 15 years as a receptionist for an OB/GYN, forming lasting bonds with patients and supporting families through pregnancies and deliveries. When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family, being on the lake, and singing on the worship team at church, and recently I have been learning to crochet.
Sandra “Sandy” Sheatsley is the Assistant Director of Federal Programs. Sheatsley supports outreach, proposal development, and policy enforcement to ensure program efficiency and federal compliance. With over 40 years in education, she has professional experience as a teacher, principal, academic coach, Director of Elementary Education and Federal Programs, and Assistant Superintendent in Raleigh County Schools. Sandy was also the first National Board Certified Teacher in the Raleigh County. Sandy holds a BS from The Ohio State University and an MA from Marshall University.
Sheila Barnhart Womack serves as Director, providing support and guidance to the team as GEAR UP SWV provides impactful services to Southern WV scholars. She has over 10 years of experience in grants and administrative roles. Sheila holds a Doctor of Musical Arts, also a Master’s of Music degree from West Virginia University and a Bachelor’s of Music degree from Westminster College.
With over 22 years of experience in public education, including roles as a teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal, Tammy Mills is the Interim Director of GEAR UP at New River Community and Technical College. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, both from Concord University. She’s a student-centered, passionate leader dedicated to empowering students and making a lasting impact on their futures.