Our Team

Meet the staff members at Arise

 
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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. 

Madi Porter - GMU Fairfax Campus 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.

Olivia speaking at Convention 2023 for the Diocese of Virginia.

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, crocheting, and fashion design are some of her artistic hobbies. Olivia 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

Alison Murphy - Fairfax GMU 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 the 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 - Office 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.

John Cannon

John Cannon - Media director

John 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.