- About Us -

What is GEAR UP?
GEAR UP is a seven-year program of the United States Department of Education designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education by providing academic support, college preparation, and family services. GEAR UP Wyoming provides services to 2,000 7th-12th grade students each year.

What is GEAR UP's goal?
Our goal is to see students succeed in academics, know their educational and career options and have a detailed plan of their future.

What does GEAR UP stand for?

Gaining
Early
Awareness and
Readiness for

Undergraduate
Programs

Meet Our Team

Wiesje Bryan

Program Assistant & Academic Coach

About Me

I was born and raised in the Netherlands, hence my uncommon name. It's pronounced something close to "Veesha". As a student scientist, I have studied in Antarctica, South America, and a laboratory on top of a Wyoming mountain peak. I have a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in atmospheric science. I enjoy hiking, running, camping, gardening, subbing at the junior high and playing in the yard with my husband Ben and our kids.

Lyndee Christopherson

Family Engagement Leader & College Freshmen Academic Coach

About Me

I have lived in Wyoming my entire life. I grew up in Southwest Wyoming and moved to Gillette 17 years ago.  My husband and I have 2 boys and they keep us super busy.  We ride dirt bikes and Harley’s in the summer and snowboard in the winter. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and have been teaching for 12 years.  I love working with people of all ages and helping them reach their fullest potential.  I can’t wait to help our GEAR UP students and families find success in their future.

Arianna Fischer

Academic Coach

About Me

I have grown up in Buffalo, Wyoming where I now get to share my future with my husband and our two children. Working with young people in an empowering way has always been where my heart lies. I’m currently finishing my AS in Psychology, AS in Human Services and Addiction Practitioner Certificate; plans to finish my bachelors and master’s in social work. Our family loves spending time together, whether we are going exploring new areas, baking at home or watching a good movie.

Marlena Hale

Assistant Site Coordinator

About Me

After graduating from CCSD I attended Gillette College and graduated with my A.S. Degree. Fun fact: I have experience with fourteen musical instruments! I've worked with GEAR UP for three years before moving to Colorado where I volunteered to lead elementary school parents & teachers in creating a supportive educational community for their children. Recently, I have returned to Wyoming and am resuming my work  at GEAR UP. I enjoy herbalism, geology, and spending time with my family.

Victoria Largent

Academic Coach

About Me

I currently have a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and two minors in Mathematics and Finance. Outside of GEAR UP, I live and work on a family ranch, and love spending time with my family and friends. Recently, I have taken it upon myself to learn how to snowboard. So far, I have loved every second of being a part of GEAR UP and helping the students in my community.

Stephanie Martinson

Academic Coach

About Me

I love to travel and be with my family. I graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor’s in Education and a Bachelor’s in Spanish. I have been a Spanish teacher for fourteen years. I am a mom of two kids, a wife, an entrepreneur, and a real estate investor. My goal as an academic coach is to teach students finances, how college is attainable, and expectations for when they start their lives on their own.

Denise Scammon

Site Coordinator

About Me

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Montana State University and I have been working for the GEAR UP program for 10 years. One of my favorite parts of my job is being able to open the eyes of our students and families to the possibility of a college education! My goal is to help each student realize their full potential and to help equip them with the tools & skills they may need to not let setbacks & obstacles stop them from PURSUING THEIR DREAMS! 

Lindsy Turgeon

Academic Coach

Contact

About Me

I was born and raised in Cody, Wyoming. When I was 18, I moved to Florida and Tennessee for several years. My husband and I have three daughters aged 16, 13, and 3. I recently graduated with my Associates in Psychology, Human Service and my Addiction Practitioner Certification. Now, I am heading to UW for my Social Work degree. I also work part-time for Step Stone Counseling. I love outdoor activities from camping to snowboarding. I recently just started doing CrossFit and I fell in love with the program. I love helping people; it is my calling. I cannot wait to help students and families build a successful plan for after high school.

GEAR UP NWCCD serves the following schools:

Campbell County School District

Johnson County School District

Sheridan County School District #1

Sheridan County School District #2

Northern Wyoming Community College District

What are students and parents/guardians saying about GEAR UP?

ITS AMAZING! super helpful, fun, and at the end of your high school career, feels like a family. I truly enjoyed our meetings so much. -TRHS GEAR UP Student


It's heaven sent, the people that you get the opportunity to work with are amazing and very helpful. If you have any doubts they'll help you! -CCHS GEAR UP Student


It has prepared me with tips on how to make sure all of my tasks are done and make sure I’m on track. It is really fun to go to the meetings that we have once a month. We play games that teach you about colleges and professions that you can go into. - GEAR UP Student


I wish I had gotten in sooner so that I wasn’t trying to cram everything in my senior year! GEAR UP has helped me choose a solid route in selecting my courses so that I am well prepared for future college classes. GEAR UP helped me pay all my fees and reduced my enrollment fee. GEAR UP helped me pick a steady path to follow so that I can graduate as efficiently as possible. I would say that gear up is an excellent program not just for college preparation but for academic and life help in general. GEAR UP has many excellent opportunities to help you select a career and prepare you for the future. -GEAR UP Student


I would say that GEAR UP is an excellent program not just for college preparation but for academic and life help in general. GEAR UP has many excellent opportunities to help you select a career and prepare you for the future. -CCHS GEAR UP Student


It is really fun to go to the meetings that we have once a month. We play games that teach you about colleges and professions that you can go into. - TRHS GEAR UP Student


It’s a great program to help with your high school and college experience. - CCHS GEAR UP Student 


It’s something that you put a little bit of effort into and later saves you a ton of stress and heartache. - BHS GEAR UP Student


You should join GEAR UP. They help with all kinds of stuff. -CCHS GEAR UP Student


You have greater chances in better colleges and you get to visit colleges outside of Sheridan for FREE! - JCSCS GEAR UP Student


This is a helpful program for students going to college. The only thing that was a struggle with me was staying communicated with them and putting my best effort in. You have to work and ask question because it will not just be given to you in whatever it is. - TRHS GEAR UP Student


Join GEAR UP because it opens pathways you never thought about before. - SHS GEAR UP Student


It is something you should definitely participate in its extremely helpful and gives you great tips. - SHS GEAR UP Student