GEAR UP Staff

Andrea Covert, GEAR UP Regional Director

Andrea holds a Master in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska Omaha and a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming. Andrea has been with the GEAR UP team for several years and has spent over a decade assisting students in their preparations for college and beyond. In her spare time, Andrea loves relaxing with her beautiful puppies, reading, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Heidi Galagan, GEAR UP Case Manager

Heidi holds a M.S. in Special Education from Western Governors University and a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming.  She has worked with students and families in various settings for the last 10 years (including a year spent teaching in Tanzania) and is excited to be a part of the GEAR UP team!  When she is not working, Heidi loves spending time with her dog, Gabe, reading, quilting, baking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Carley Thompson, GEAR UP Case Manager

Carley earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from University of Wyoming at Casper College. She has worked with the adolescent population for the past couple years and is excited about continuing to work with this population through GEAR UP. In her spare time, Carley is an avid reader, and enjoys spending time with her three dogs, traveling, drinking lots of coffee, and spending time with friends and family. In addition, you will often find her quoting her favorite TV show “The Office.”

Alaura Tuft, GEAR UP Specialist

Alaura earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology, from University of Wyoming at Casper College. She has served families in Natrona County while focusing on early childhood development, parenting strengths, and locating resources. She is excited to assist parents and families in other areas of life as part of the GEAR UP team. In her free time, Alaura enjoys gardening, sewing, making art, traveling, and seeing friends and family.

Rebecca Sowers, GEAR UP Administrative Assistant

Rebecca earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wyoming at Casper College. She has been serving upcoming college students while working at the Casper College Admission and Student Success office and youth in other capacities for a little over four years. When Rebecca is not working she loves to play and write music, read books, take walks, play video games, and spend time with family and friends.