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.

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.

Jennifer “Jenn” Frame serves as GEAR UP SWV’s Partnership Coordinator. She manages the county work plans, amendments, data, and budgets throughout the year, working directly with the Local Coordinators in Monroe, Raleigh, and Summers Counties to help them meet GEAR UP goals and objectives. Jenn has a Bachelor’s degree from Fairmont State University with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, and she is completing a Master’s in Social Work at Concord University.

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.

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.

Kristen Williams is responsible for coordinating summer programming initiatives and organizing college visit experiences for students. Before this role, Williams served as the Director of Veterans Upward Bound under the TRIO program. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Concord University, a Master of Science degree from Appalachian State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration with a minor in Psychology from Bluefield State University.

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 GEAR UP Coordinator and Community Outreach Specialist 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.