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.

Leo Scott, GEAR UP Administrative Assistant

Leo is a graduate from Glenrock High School and is currently working towards an associate’s degree in Business Administration at Casper College. He has been a member of GEAR UP for five years. In his free time, Leo enjoys spending time with his dog, family and friends, and doing needle crafts.