Meet the team
Meet the team that supports the students at Arise Campus Ministry!
Drew Ensz
Ministry Director
Drew grew up around the Baltimore area and graduated from Virginia Tech in 2006 with a major in Sociology and a minor in Religious Studies. He attended Eastern Mennonite Seminary and graduated in 2014. He has worked in ministry since 2007 including student ministry, local church ministry, and since 2016 campus ministry. In 2009 he met his lovely wife, Catie on eHarmony (still waiting for that call to do a commercial). They have four children. Drew enjoys hanging out with people, learning people’s stories, and forming authentic, Christ-centered relationships.
Alison Murphy
Fairfax Campus Coordinator
Ali is a dedicated advocate from Northern Virginia and has consistently shown a commitment to positive change throughout her life. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from George Mason University, she delved into the complexities of human relationships and societal challenges. Her internships at a housing nonprofit and a local church fueled her passion for addressing root causes of social issues. Committed to inclusivity, Alison, who uses She/Her/They/Them pronouns, strives to create spaces that honor diverse identities and experiences. Bridging social work and ministry, Alison aims to create communities where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported in personal and spiritual growth.
Felix Harper
Administrator
Felix Harper (They/Them) is a 5th year Community Health Major at George Mason University. They are a student leader with Arise Campus Ministry, play ultimate frisbee for GMU, are on the Executive Council for Club Sports, is a Peer Advisor with University Studies, and works at Fairfax County Park Authority as an administrative assistant. Felix is originally from Central Illinois (not Chicago) and has experience working with youth and young adults. In the future, they would like to get their PhD and do research relating to the effects the US foster care system has on youth.
OLIVIA ANDRES
Graphic Design and Creative Systems Admin
Olivia Andres (she/her) is a daughter in a military family, and has lived all over the southeast growing up. She has recently settled in NOVA. Being in a military family, she learned the importance of leadership and fostering community with her peers. Right now, she is a student NOVA studying Fine Arts. Olivia loves drawing, painting, crochet, playing the clarinet, and fashion design-- anything creative. Olivia also has a nerdier streak, having a passion for video games and Dungeon and Dragons.
During her high school years, Olivia combined her passion for leadership and community with her hobbies by being President of a couple clubs in high school: Sequential Art club and Smash Bros club. With music, she participated in many ensembles and was a section leader in her marching band, creating connections with people all throughout the music department. Olivia is also an academically accomplished individual, being a current member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and an alumna of the Tri-M music honor society.
Now, Olivia is excited to continue combining leadership and community by the fostering of a welcoming and affirming community at NOVA with Arise. Ultimately, Olivia wants to empower people to live their best life with Christ at their side.
During her high school years, Olivia combined her passion for leadership and community with her hobbies by being President of a couple clubs in high school: Sequential Art club and Smash Bros club. With music, she participated in many ensembles and was a section leader in her marching band, creating connections with people all throughout the music department. Olivia is also an academically accomplished individual, being a current member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and an alumna of the Tri-M music honor society.
Now, Olivia is excited to continue combining leadership and community by the fostering of a welcoming and affirming community at NOVA with Arise. Ultimately, Olivia wants to empower people to live their best life with Christ at their side.
Madi Porter
Fairfax Intern
Madilynn Porter (she/her) is currently studying Elementary Education and American Sign Language at George Mason and is set to graduate in spring of 2026. Madilynn helps lead life groups at Arise and loves making connections with students who love God as she does. She is passionate about teaching, making education accessible to all, and caring for others. Her love of travel has taken her to several European countries, all across the east coast, and she plans to add more stamps to her passport very soon. Madilynn holds friends and family very dear, and loves getting to spend quality time with them while also getting the occasional alone time to throw herself into a good book. Madilynn is committed to making students and all those around her feel welcomed, affirmed and know that they are loved no matter who they are.
John Cannon
Media Director
John (he/him) always had a love for anything involving media. A "Media jack of all trades" he is a videographer, photographer, and graphic designer. Always trying to learn something new! When he isn't working on a computer he is probably at the gym or enjoying some time with friends. He is happy to be working with Arise as our Graphic Designer and Media Consultant. We are so happy to have John serving all of our media needs at Arise.
Chloe McCashland (She/They) is a senior at George Mason University majoring in Tourism & Event Management. They are the president of Arise Campus Ministry, secretary of the TEM Society, and works with the GMU Office of Disability Services. She's originally from Maryland and enjoys puzzles, crafts, and movies. After graduation Chloe wants to plan and manage international events. As a part of Arise, she hopes to create and welcoming, safe, and fun space for everyone.