Indiana GEAR UP Team

Regional Director - Full-Time - Multiple Locations

External Link (for those not currently employed by Purdue): https://tinyurl.com/INGURDFT

Internal Link: (for those currently employed by Purdue): https://tinyurl.com/INGURDFTPU

Please copy and paste the appropriate link into your browser for position details and application

Data Analyst - Full Time

External Link (for those not currently employed by Purdue): https://tinyurl.com/INGUAnalyst

Internal Link: (for those currently employed by Purdue): https://tinyurl.com/INGUAnalystPU

Please copy and paste the appropriate link into your browser for position details and application

Research Account Specialist - Full-Time - Through Purdue Finance Department

External Link (for those not currently employed by Purdue): https://tinyurl.com/INGUAcctSpec

Internal Link: (for those currently employed by Purdue): https://tinyurl.com/INGUAcctSpecPU

Please copy and paste the appropriate link into your browser for position details and application

Dr. Virginia L.J. Bolshakova

Executive Director

Dr. Bolshakova is the executive director and principal investigator of the Indiana GEAR UP Program. In her role she provides logistical and conceptual oversight for the entire program, monitors budgeting and compliance, manages reporting, engages in research, and disseminates information to stakeholders. Virginia advises science work for Indiana GEAR UP and conducts research focused on out-of-school programs’ impact, community ecology, and student self-efficacy in STEM.

Steve Heinold

Associate Director, Director of School Programs

Steve Heinold is the Director of School Programs and Associate Director of the Indiana GEAR UP program. He provides program oversight across our nine school district partners to achieve day-to-day goals and program objectives. Steve also develops curriculum and oversees its implementation for partner school STEM programming and teacher professional development.

Tabitha Cinowski

Director of Operations

Tabitha Cinowski is responsible for all logistical aspects of the Indiana GEAR UP program. Her duties include developing processes/procedures, oversight and analysis of data to inform programming, marketing, communications, supervising tutors, training, approving, reviewing and tracking expenditures. Her background is in travel, office administration, and accounting.

Brooke Stafford

College & Career Specialist

Brooke Stafford is the College and Career Specialist for the Indiana GEAR UP program. She supports students, parents, schools, and communities across the state with programming related to career exploration, college preparation, and a successful transition from high school into postsecondary education. In this role, she enjoys helping students identify their career passions and overcome barriers to reach their educational goals. Brooke’s background is in mentorship, integrated agriculture and STEM programming, career planning with young adults, and Extension education.

Joshua Faith

Curriculum & Instruction Specialist

Joshua Faith was a Regional Director for the Indiana GEAR UP program with a specialization in mathematics and has transitioned to the Curriculum & Instruction Specialist position. Joshua works with program staff and partners to develop and deliver curriculum and instruction to staff, teachers, parents, and students. Joshua has been an educator for over 13 years in middle and high school settings, specializing in teaching mathematics to students with disabilities.

Anita Johnson

Regional Director, West Side Leadership Academy

Anita Johnson is a Regional Director for the Indiana GEAR UP Program based at West Side Leadership Academy in Gary, IN. She has over twenty-five years of experience as an educator in middle school/high school education specializing in English/Language Arts (ELA). Anita was also an Educational Consultant for the State of Indiana, advocating for Indiana’s foster youth. Aside from being a West Side alum, Anita received her BS in English/Journalism Education at Indiana State University, and a MA in Adult Education and Training. As Regional Director, Anita collaborates with administrators and the building coordinator to provide educational support to teachers and students in the classroom, after-school tutoring program, community outreach support, and enrichment sessions. As of recently, she completed her certification to obtain her administrative license at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Tom Lyon

Regional Director, Muncie Central High School

Tom Lyon is a Regional Director based at Muncie Central High School specializing in science curriculum. He provides educational support to administrators, teachers and students with a focus on STEM related activities, after school tutoring programs, and community outreach. Tom is recently retired from a 33 year career in education and athletics administration.

Pamela Bailey

Regional Director

Pam Bailey is a Regional Director for the Indiana GEAR UP program with a specialization in mathematics and physics. She works with students, teachers, and building coordinators to provide educational and instructional support and facilitate a tutoring program. Prior to GEAR-UP, Pam was a mathematics and physics teacher at Warren Central High School for 35 years where she specialized in a lab-based approach for teaching mathematics.

Sarah Newsom

Regional Director, Arsenal Technical HS

Sarah works at Arsenal Technical High School as the Regional Director and provides on-site educational and instructional support to both teachers and students. Her background is in science.