Role: My role here at George Mason is Office Manager for the Mason LIFE (Learning Into Future Environments) program. For those not familiar with the program, it is a postsecondary program that provides an inclusive and supportive university experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is an academic program within the College of Education and Human Development. I am often the first and main point of contact for anyone wanting to get more information about the program, which is the best part of my job. Daily tasks include answering questions from students, overseeing the HR process for all the student-wage and non-student wage support staff, and providing administrative support to all administrators and other stakeholders in the program.
George Mason journey: I am now a proud double George Mason alum, having gotten both undergraduate (BA Sociology ’98) and most recently, my master’s degree (MAIS ’23). After having spent most of my career as an administrator at a private preschool, I joined the staff at George Mason in April 2015. I previously served on the Staff Senate 2015 until 2022 before rejoining again this year.
Best thing about working at George Mason: The best thing about working at George Mason is interacting with the students. Seeing the growth from a shy, unsure first-year student to a confident, capable graduate at the end of their four-year journey is amazing!
Another wonderful thing about George Mason is the diversity of the student body, faculty, staff, and university community. I am proud to work at such a thriving university, welcoming environment, and with others who are passionate about the mission of the university.
Why serve on the Staff Senate: When I joined George Mason in 2015, I realized that I was doing the same thing that I had done as a commuter student in the late 90’s… I was coming to campus, doing my job, and then leaving. I didn’t venture out of my office in Krug Hall much, if at all. I thought back to hearing the Staff Senate presentation at my orientation and decided that would be a great way to learn more about other departments, get outside my comfort zone, and interact with more of the university community. I enjoyed my previous stint with Staff Senate and after taking time off to devote time to completing my graduate degree, I am happy to return to the Staff Senate to continue the mission of advocating for staff, educating staff about benefits and resources available, and appreciating all that George Mason has to offer.
At the end of the day: I love being part of the Mason LIFE program. I love that George Mason is an inclusive community for many different people, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the saying goes, George Mason is better together and diversity is definitely one of our strengths.
