Jamie A. Iiams, CWC GEAR UP WY Program Director
Jamie is a lifelong Lander resident and Lander Valley High School alumna; Jamie has been a dedicated member of GEAR UP Wyoming since 2019. As a first-generation college graduate, she brings a unique and personal perspective to her work, having navigated the path to higher education herself. After studying human resources at Central Wyoming College, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family, Consumer, and Human Development from Utah State University. Jamie is passionate about helping students navigate their own paths to college and takes pride in collaborating with local families, community partners, and school districts. Having witnessed many of her students successfully graduate, she firmly believes that the GEAR UP program truly works. Outside of her professional role, Jamie enjoys reading, traveling, camping, fishing, and art. Her greatest fulfillment is found on her family ranch, where she continues a deep-rooted ranching legacy while cherishing time with her son and family.

Tanya Lopez, CWC GEAR UP WY Grant Support Specialist
Tanya is a dedicated Grant Support Specialist for CWC GEAR UP WY, bringing over 23 years of experience to the program. A proud product of the Wyoming education system, she is an alumnus of both Central Wyoming College, where she earned her associate’s degree, and the University of Wyoming, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Her deep-rooted connection to GEAR UP WY and her extensive tenure makes her a cornerstone of the GEAR UP initiative, leveraging her background in education to support student success across the state.

Beth Sandlian, CWC GEAR UP WY Curriculum Coordinator
Beth brings 19 years of diverse teaching experience to our team. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Early Childhood, with dual endorsements in General and Special Education (Birth–Grade 12). Beth is dedicated to helping students identify their unique strengths and navigate the path to college and career success. Beyond her professional expertise, she is a busy mother of five who is eager to collaborate with families and community partners to empower the next generation of learners.

Sondra Brown, CWC GEAR UP WY Academic Coach and College Freshman Advisor
Sondra is a graduate of Fort Hays State University with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught middle school in Kansas before moving to Wyoming in 2006 to embrace a ranching lifestyle that her family still enjoys today. For the past three years, Sondra has focused on 7th–12th grade college and career readiness, specifically guiding high school seniors and college freshmen through the transition into their first year and beyond. She is deeply passionate about “gearing up” students for long-term success and prides herself on building mentor relationships that endure long after students arrive on campus. When she isn’t supporting her students, Sondra loves spending time with her husband and three children while enjoying the beautiful Wyoming outdoors.

Donna Apland, CWC GEAR UP WY Academic Coach, Thermopolis
Donna joined the GEAR UP Wyoming team following a distinguished 29-year career as the Secretary for Hot Springs County High School, where she retired in 2021. Born and raised in Wyoming with deep roots in her community, Donna is passionate about continuing her legacy of service by supporting HSCHS students in their academic pursuits. In her role as an academic coach, she helps students successfully navigate the transition to postsecondary life. Outside of her professional work, Donna has been married for 42 years and stays busy enjoying time with her two daughters and four grandchildren.

Pam Hull, CWC GEAR UP WY Academic Coach
A University of Northern Colorado alumna with a background in Speech-Language Pathology, Pam spent several years working in school districts and Child Development Services. She enjoys applying her experience in student advocacy to help local youth reach their academic goals. She cherishes spending time with her family and friends and enjoys spending time with her husband and raising their three sons.