Meet the team.
Meet the team that supports the students at Arise Campus Ministry!
Drew Ensz
Ministry Director
Drew (he,him) is the Ministry Director of Arise. Drew grew up around the Baltimore area. He 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 as a youth director for eight years in northern Virginia. In 2009 he met his lovely wife, Catie on eHarmony (still waiting for that call to do a commercial). They have four children, Josiah, Benjamin, Anna and Lydia. Drew is a pastor in the United Methodist tradition, but loves working with all six of Arise’s partner denominations. Drew enjoys reading, playing with his children, video games, and generally being goofy. He enjoys hanging out with people, forming authentic, Christ-centered relationships.
Alison Murphy
Fairfax Campus Coordinator
Alison Murphy is an accomplished individul who graduated from George Mason University with her Bachelor's degree in Social Work. Throughout her academic journey, she demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a strong commitment to fostering a supportive community. As the president of George Mason's social sorority, Gamma Rho Lambda, she played a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity, empathy, and social engagement among her peers.
During her time at George Mason University, Alison's dedication to academic excellence earned her a place on the Dean's List, highlighting her exceptional scholastic achievements. Her passion for creating an environment that celebrates diversity and embraces all individuals propelled her to actively participate in various campus initiatives focused on promoting social justice and equality. This includes involvement with her senior practicing placement at a housing nonprofit, involvement with fraternity and sorority live, as well as the LGBTQIA+ office.
Hailing from Northern Virginia, Alison brings a deep-rooted connection to the local community and a passion for creating community. Alison is committed to fostering a welcoming and affirming environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. She firmly believes in the power of building strong relationships and empowering individuals to discover their true potential. With a genuine passion for social work and a desire to make a positive difference, is excited to begin working with Arise Campus Ministries.
During her time at George Mason University, Alison's dedication to academic excellence earned her a place on the Dean's List, highlighting her exceptional scholastic achievements. Her passion for creating an environment that celebrates diversity and embraces all individuals propelled her to actively participate in various campus initiatives focused on promoting social justice and equality. This includes involvement with her senior practicing placement at a housing nonprofit, involvement with fraternity and sorority live, as well as the LGBTQIA+ office.
Hailing from Northern Virginia, Alison brings a deep-rooted connection to the local community and a passion for creating community. Alison is committed to fostering a welcoming and affirming environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. She firmly believes in the power of building strong relationships and empowering individuals to discover their true potential. With a genuine passion for social work and a desire to make a positive difference, is excited to begin working with Arise Campus Ministries.
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
NOVA Campus Intern
Olivia Andres is a student at NOVA studying Fine Arts. She has a passion for the arts that bleeds into her life. Drawing, painting, crochet, and fashion design are some of her artistic hobbies. Olivia is also loves music, having joined many of her high school's musical ensembles with her skills as a clarinetist. Olivia also has a nerdier streak, having a passion for video games and Dungeon and Dragons. She is heavily involved with her church, St. Peter's in the Woods. Olivia has a passion for leadership, having served time as President for her school's sequential art club and Smash Bros. club, as well as being a section leader during marching band. 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.
Olivia is deeply committed to creating a welcoming and affirming environment so that all different types of people are empowered to live their best life
Olivia is deeply committed to creating a welcoming and affirming environment so that all different types of people are empowered to live their best life
Juls Buyaki
Social Media Manager
Hailing from Charlottesville, VA, Juls Buyaki (she/her) graduated from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA, with a B.S. in Psychology. Juls' strongest academic focus in UMW's Psychology department was research focusing on the correlation between religiosity, psychache, and internalized homophobia in adult LGBT+ individuals. During her time in Fredericksburg, Juls was an active member of both the Campus Christian Community and The House FXBG, UMW's progressive and LGBT+ affirming Christian campus ministries. Juls' passion emphasizes the place of LGBT+ people in the church, ranging from protection and healing to affirming and celebrating. Juls currently works as a QMHP-T serving low-income families with behavioral and mental health needs in the Northern Virginia area on her way to becoming a clinical therapist. During her free time, Juls enjoys painting, playing Genshin Impact, and dreaming up new ideas for her novels.
Coming Soon
Fairfax Campus Intern
Coming Soon