Team

Empathetic, Curious, Resilient, Insightful, Warmhearted, Tenacious

Jessica Doty (Lilly) brings more than 14 years of award-winning journalism and strategic communications experience to her work supporting college access initiatives with GEAR UP SWV. She leads media relations and crafts culturally sensitive communications that authentically represent Appalachian communities, helping build trust with families and students. 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 a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Electronic Media and Public Relations as well as an MBA from Concord University. Jessica also serves on the NCCEP/GEAR UP Communications Advisory Committee and shares her expertise on strategic communications at national conferences.

Name

Kristen Williams

Title

IHE Coordinator

Phone

(304) 384-5269

Email

Open-minded, compassionate, motivated, optimistic, reliable, and a team player.

Kristen Williams currently serves at the GEAR UP SWV Central Office, where she is responsible for coordinating summer programming initiatives and organizing college visit experiences for students. Prior to 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.

Loves life, at peace, free-spirited

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.

Book-loving, musician, baker, crafter, advocate, leader

Sheila Barnhart Womack serves as the Interim Director, providing support and guidance to the team as GEAR UP SWV to provides impactful services to Southern WV scholars. She has over 10 years of experience in grants and administrative roles. Sheila holds Doctor of Musical Arts, Master’s of Music degree from West Virginia University and a Bachelor’s of Music degree from Westminster College.

Music Art Cats and Friends

Jennifer “Jenn” Frame helps counties plan and coordinate services and activities for GEAR UP SWV students. Jenn manages work plans, amendments, data, and budgets throughout the year.

Dog lover, walking/hiking lover, and foodie at heart.

Emily Peck graduated from Concord University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and Accounting as well as an MBA. Emily work closely with the subrecipients on reimbursements and the financial side of the grant to ensure compliance. Emily works on budgets, reimbursements, contracts and anything else that pops up in this area.

Family-focused, God-fearing, fun-loving, bargain shopping, mama of triplets

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 learn to access and use the resources available to them.

dedicated, loving, fun, energetic, data-driven, responsible

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.

Student-centered, supportive, detail-oriented, organized, driven, and energetic.

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.