Organizational Development and Learning
About Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day
Each year, Mason designates a day for the purpose of bringing faculty and staff together for professional and personal growth, known as Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day (FSED). FSED offers professional and personal development workshops, time for reflection, and a chance to network with other Mason employees. All Mason employees are invited to participate! Supervisors are encouraged to provide flexibility during work hours for their team to explore the offerings.
Welcome! On behalf of our planning team, producers, and facilitators, I am delighted that you have chosen to join George Mason University’s Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day.
We’ve all heard so much about burnout and the need for resilience in a changing and uncertain world. Our goal in planning today’s lineup was to provide manageable, action-oriented strategies to help all of us cultivate self-awareness and build and practice skills around resilience and coping with burnout. We hope you find the sessions meaningful and, above all, actionable.
Please take today for yourself. Shut down your email and IM and be present in the sessions. Over the lunch hour, take time to go for a walk, meditate, stand in the sunshine, or practice something you learned in the morning. Step away from screens during the breaks between sessions. Join us at a Reflect & Ready Learning Lab, where we’ve created opportunities to turn your learning into positive change.
Even though our event is virtual, please engage with your colleagues throughout the day. We would love to see your camera on and your hear your thoughts in the session chats. Mention us on Twitter or Instagram (@GMUHRandPayroll) and use the hashtag #fsed2022 to share a-ha moments, thoughts, and questions. Share your stories with us as you take action to renew, refresh, and reimagine.
Thank you for being here as we learn, grow, and engage together. I hope your day is filled with great connections, moments of reflection, sparks of inspiration, and good old-fashioned fun.
Robyn Madar
Director, Organizational Development & Learning, Human Resources & Payroll
Morning Keynote
Stacy Campesi
Senior Consultant, OKA
Stacy has over 10 years of experience in executive and career coaching, leadership training, organization development, and career counseling. She is passionate about helping passionate leaders make the necessary shifts that empower their team to handle the day-to-day operations, so they can fully step into their role as a visionary.
Stacy is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation with over 500 hours of coach training. She also holds a B.A. in Sociology and an M.A. in Leadership and Public Administration from Centenary University.
About the Morning Keynote Workshop: Developing Resilience
We are immersed in a VUCA world (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous), and these stressors strain our health, relationships, work effectiveness and overall well-being. Research tells us the core strengths and behaviors of the resilient—the people who endure, bounce back, and even transform through life’s disappointments and diminishing events.
This fast-paced, online workshop helps participants strengthen resilience by using selected Emotional Intelligence behaviors known to battle stress and boost agility. Timely and highly practical, this workshop requires no experience with Emotional Intelligence.
Afternoon Keynote
Shernita Rochelle Parker, JD
Assistant Vice President, HR Strategy and Talent Management
Shernita Rochelle Parker serves as the Deputy Chief Human Resource Officer and Assistant Vice President of HR Strategy and Talent Management for George Mason University. In her role, she provides leadership for the Talent Acquisition, Organizational Development and Learning, Employee Relations, and Faculty/Staff Engagement teams, in addition to supporting strategic planning and implementation for university-wide HR initiatives. Her work is focused on serving and supporting faculty and staff throughout the employee life cycle. She and her team work to facilitate, deliver, and support the professional and individual development of faculty and staff – with an emphasis on creating opportunities to further “human possibilities”. Her areas of interest include: conflict resolution, positive leadership, interpersonal communication, resilience, diversity and inclusion, mindfulness, coaching, and individual and organizational well-being.
In support of the Mason community, in 2020-2021 she served as co-chair of the President’s Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) Task Force. Additionally, she has served as a member of MasonLeads and the Strengths Academy executive committee. She received her coaching certification from the George Mason University/Philosophy IB Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance program. Prior to joining Mason, her work in higher education included William & Mary Law School, Georgetown University Law Center, and American University. She received her B.A. in Political Science from Boston College and her Juris Doctor from the University of Maine School of Law.
About the Afternoon Keynote Workshop: Exploring How We Rebound From Life’s Gut Punches
Life is complicated, complex, volatile and challenging. It asks much of us and can seem to take even more. So, how do we resiliently move forward and feel empowered to help ourselves thrive – not merely survive? We will discuss how we individually have information within ourselves that better equips us to meet this goal of thriving.
Morning Sessions
Title: Using Mindfulness to Cultivate Wellness and Resilience
Presenter: Heather Gwaltney, Founder/CEO of Center for Mindful Business
Description: According to the American Psychological Association, work is one of the two "leading causes of stress for three-quarters of Americans". Additionally, a Gallup study found that "63 percent of employees who feel (stress-related) burnout are 2 -1/2 times more likely to look for another job". With the “Great Resignation” at hand and professionals experiencing extreme burnout, how do we stay healthy and engaged at work? In this one-hour session, you will learn how to:
- Practice Mindfulness Meditation and apply it at work
- Increase your general wellbeing and reduce stress
- Become more resilient and engaged by dwelling in joy
Title: Find Renewal Through Movement
Presenter: Julia Morelli
Description: Too often we are overwhelmed and feel stuck physically and psychologically. Learn practices and strategies that support your ability to respond and move forward. Develop somatic (body) awareness and use mindful movements to develop habits that can create a sense of renewal. These practices do not require a lot of time, and you can do them at work. Come learn about the importance of self-awareness and the power of movement. All it takes is an open mind, and commitment to start with small changes.
Title: Designing Your Work Future
Presenters: Ann Garner
Description: The pandemic has changed many things about the way we live and work. Have you considered changing your career path? Leveraging transferrable skills in a new direction? Don’t know where to start? No worries. Engage in this active session where the facilitators will guide you through a technique which helps you identify your interests and skills and how you’d like to use them. This session will be part individual work and part small group work.
Title: Mitigating our Voices of Judgment
Presenter: Millie Rivera
Description: All of us engage in mental conversations. In fact, we have many inner voices we listen to—e.g. self-doubt, sarcasm, fear, pessimism, "poor me," etc.—and these voices have a powerful influence over our moods, our self-perception, and our actions. In this workshop we will explore how to identify these “voices of judgment”* and reduce their negative impact in our lives.
*Lynne, A. (2005) The EQ Difference: A Powerful Plan to put Emotional Intelligence to Work.
Title: Mindfulness Meditation Practice
Presenter: Michael Galvin
Description: In this session, participants will learn about the basics of mindfulness and forms of meditation aimed at fostering it. After a brief didactic segment, Michael will offer detailed instructions on preparing for meditation and the process of observing our physical and mental experience with wisdom and acceptance. Participants will leave the session with a mindfulness meditation practice to develop and work with on their own or with others.
Title: MAP Reimagined
Presenters: Jessica Adams, Heather Aleknavage, Yolanda Tamayo, Lillian Virgil
Description: The Mason Administrative Professionals group (MAP), chartered in January 2015, is designed for people who work in administrative professional roles on campus, and is connected to the HR Administrative Professionals Certificate Program. This community of practice can be a great resource as work styles continue to change, and administrative professionals rely on connecting and networking across campus to share information and ideas on working smarter. Now more than ever, we need to understand our resources and build our community. Please join us for this session as we reimagine and refresh the MAP group through the lens of knowledge management. Learn how communities of practice at Mason can help you be more successful in your role and participate in a brainstorming session to help drive the future of this group.
Title: The Future of Performance Management and Career Development at Mason
Presenter: Andrew Lane
The words “performance management” don't always evoke feelings of joy or the anticipation of a positive experience at work, and yet the end goal of feedback, coaching, and the annual appraisal process should be to recognize, sustain, and enhance an employee’s engagement with their work and achievement of professional goals. As we work together to build a culture of feedback and engagement, Andrew Lane, HR & Payroll’s new director of Performance Management and Faculty/Staff Engagement, will share some updates and provide an opportunity for you to think about how you can be involved in this shift. Learn more about the 2022 Gallup Faculty and Staff Experience Survey and other initiatives for enhanced engagement with performance management through meaningful goals, networking, mentorship, and recognition programs, and explore ways you can be engaged in these initiatives and thrive at Mason.
Title: Free Your NO, and Your YES Will Follow
Presenter: Jackie Browning
Description: We will examine what our hesitation is in using the word “NO,” learn how to use “NO” to set personal boundaries, and explore how to say “NO” using complete sentences.
Title: I Care
Presenter: Ethan Carter
Description: Everyone can benefit from a little care. Don’t you agree? Let me introduce you to I CARE. I CARE stands for Interests, Convictions, Activities, Roles and Responsibilities, and Experiences. It is an acronym that Jim Knight shares with readers in his book, Better Conversations: Coaching Ourselves and Each Other to Be More Credible, Caring, and Connected. The goal of the model is to provide us with questions that move us towards finding common ground in conversations with others.
In this session you will...
- Be introduced to I CARE
- Have an opportunity to explore how the I CARE process can apply to you
- Develop your own I CARE validation cheat sheet
Afternoon Sessions
Title: Mindfulness Meditation Practice
Presenter: Michael Galvin
Description: In this session, participants will learn about the basics of mindfulness and forms of meditation aimed at fostering it. After a brief didactic segment, Michael will offer detailed instructions on preparing for meditation and the process of observing our physical and mental experience with wisdom and acceptance. Participants will leave the session with a mindfulness meditation practice to develop and work with on their own or with others.
Title: Doing What You Can, With What You’ve Got, Where You Are
Presenter: Jennifer Beck-Wilson
Description: Most employees, from individual contributors to CEOs, feel they lack the authority and/or control to be more effective in their roles and to improve organizational performance and culture. This leads to frustration, discouragement and disengagement. While systems, structures and supports can limit, or even impede employees’ sense of power, they often possess more authority and control than they realize. This session will help participants at all organizational levels assess how much authority/control they actually have. It will also provide an action planning tool to help participants create and execute improvement opportunities.
Title: "Vision" for your Future
Presenter: Stacey Ellis
Description: Taking the time to set intentions and goals keeps one grounded and moving in a positive direction. Following a discussion on intentional goal setting and dedicated time for personal goal reflection, participants will be introduced to the process of creating a Vision board. Vision boards are a visual representation of personal goals and a guide for future aspirations. During the session, participants will create digital vision boards that will serve as a positive motivator and reminder of the good things to come in one’s personal and professional life.
Title: The Future of Performance Management and Career Development at Mason
Presenter: Andrew Lane
The words “performance management” don't always evoke feelings of joy or the anticipation of a positive experience at work, and yet the end goal of feedback, coaching, and the annual appraisal process should be to recognize, sustain, and enhance an employee’s engagement with their work and achievement of professional goals. As we work together to build a culture of feedback and engagement, Andrew Lane, HR & Payroll’s new director of Performance Management and Faculty/Staff Engagement, will share some updates and provide an opportunity for you to think about how you can be involved in this shift. Learn more about the 2022 Gallup Faculty and Staff Experience Survey and other initiatives for enhanced engagement with performance management through meaningful goals, networking, mentorship, and recognition programs, and explore ways you can be engaged in these initiatives and thrive at Mason.
Title: Purpose: The Key to Meaningful Work and Life
Presenter: Andria Rollinson
Description: For many, the experience of meaningful work is deeply personal and finding purpose and fulfillment at work is an individual endeavor. Many of us feel we have a purpose in life, even if we’re not sure exactly what it is. The pandemic has also inspired many to reflect on what’s truly important to them that aligns to their values, strengths, and personal goals. In this session, you will gain a better understanding of what purpose is, why you need it, and how to find it.
Title: Discover the Beauty of Team Mapping
Presenter: Lewis Forrest II
Description: CliftonStrengths Team mapping is widely used to identify a team's collective strengths visually. Not only is it effective, but the process can be beautiful. This session will introduce the importance of timing, familiarity of individual CliftonStrengths, and the benefits of the tool for team development and cohesion.
Title: Your Resilience = Your Well-Being
Presenter: Katie Clare
Description: Before we can renew, refresh, or reimagine, we need to look at what we have. This session will prompt you to explore your resilience, consider how it contributes to your well-being, and then reimagine your resilience for the future. You will have the chance to brainstorm how you might deepen your resilience by renewing a commitment to some of your existing practices and even refreshing those practices with new strategies.
Jessica (Jessi) Adams joined Mason in 2011 working in Career Services, then transitioned to University Life Central in 2014, finally landing in Fiscal Services in 2017. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Director for Knowledge Management in Fiscal Services, where she uses her passion for connection to further the efforts of training and engagement for the Mason community. Jessi considers herself a full-circle Mason Patriot as an employee, an alum of the Schar School (2019, MS Organization Development and Knowledge Management), and the current Vice-Chair of Staff Senate (of which she's been a member since 2019). Jessi believes that sharing knowledge should be rewarded, and that we should celebrate and share our abilities and insights across positions, departments, and campuses.
Heather Aleknavage has an extensive background and progressive experience in service oriented environments in a variety of positions at Mason where she has worked for over 20 years. She currently serves as the Office Manager and HR Coordinator for the Office of Sponsored Programs. Her leadership qualities reflect a high level of motivation which is why she joined the Mason Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). She served as Chapter President in 2013-2014 when IAAP Headquarters restructured its membership model and the Mason Chapter was dissolved. She led the charge to form a new group serving Mason administrative professionals called MAP. In addition to her positions at Mason, Heather created the Support Group for Working Moms, and recently earned an MAIS in Higher Education and a graduate certificate in Women and Gender Studies. She also serves on the Faculty and Staff Experience Committee and is a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).
Jennifer Beck-Wilson is an Organizational Development Specialist and Program Manager in Mason's Human Resources and Payroll Department. She has over twenty years of experience working in the non-profit sector continuously improving people, culture and systems. She has designed, facilitated and evaluated a variety of training programs and OD interventions across the country. Over the last sixteen years, Jennifer has served in a variety of roles at the National Center on Education and the Economy, an education research and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring all students have equitable access to a quality education. A first-generation college graduate, Jennifer received a bachelor's degree in international relations from American University. She then pursued a master's in education from the University of Virginia and a certificate in organization development from Georgetown University.
Jacqueline (Jackie) Browning is a leadership, life, and executive coach and a human resources consultant. Before retiring from a global automobile manufacturer as Employee Relations Manager, Jackie acquired over 25 years of coaching and HR leadership experience in employee relations and engagement, talent management, succession planning, and performance management. She is the founder of Parkside Consultants, LLC, and has functioned as a consultant for ten years in the areas of healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing, and coached in ecclesiastic, healthcare, manufacturing, utilities, and women’s business organizations. Jackie is a former president of the Michigan chapter of the International Coach Federation (ICF). She earned a B.A. degree in Business from the Detroit Mercy University. She graduated from the Certified Coach Program (GPCCTM) at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, and is credentialed by ICF as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC). Jackie also completed the Group Coaching Essentials Program through Potentials Realized, in Toronto, Ontario, and completed the Certification for Mentor Coach through inviteCHANGE in Freeland, Washington. She is also a certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) accessor and a member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). Jackie is a highly sought-after partner for growth-minded individuals, teams, and businesses and a proven catalyst for quickly influencing the development of strategies and straightforward tactics to drive lasting results.
Ethan Carter is the Associate Director of Programs, Well-Being & Assessment for Mason Recreation and has been a campus recreation professional since 2007. He has a Dual Degree in Athletic Training and Fitness Development, as well as a Masters in Exercise Science. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Strength and Conditioning Coach. Mr. Carter enjoys speaking about leadership and a healthy lifestyle for lifelong health. Favorite quote: “Always walk with integrity and courage. Courage faces fear and thereby masters it.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
Katie Clare is the Associate Director for Resilience Programs with the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. In this role, she collaborates with campus partners to manage the university’s Resilience Badge. In addition, she helps to run Mindful Mason Moments and is one of two Mason employees certified to teach Mental Health First Aid through the National Council for Mental Well-Being. She is in the process of becoming a Certified Koru Mindfulness Teacher. Prior to joining CWB and since 2001, she served in a variety of roles at George Mason University — all of which focused on student success. For more than 10 years, she served as the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She has taught for the Honors College, the Department of English, and the UNIV 100 program, and she has served as the faculty member for the Well-Being Learning Community. Katie’s interests include how we embody well-being concepts such as mindfulness and resilience in our daily lives and how writing benefits mental health and well-being. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing (Poetry) in 2005 and her BA in English and Art History in 2001.
Stacey Ellis is the newly hired Faculty and Staff Engagement Consultant within the Human Resources and Payroll department at Mason. With 12 years of full-time teaching experience with Laurel Ridge Community College – serving as the Program Lead and Associate Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation – Stacey has extensive experience facilitating workshops related to health, wellness, engagement, and beyond. Stacey holds a Masters of Education in Kinesiology, a Masters of Science in Health and Wellness, and is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in Student Affairs Administration. Stacey is excited to share her passion and enthusiasm for well-being with Mason’s faculty and staff.
Lewis Forrest II – Coming Soon
Michael Galvin is the Associate Director of Regional Campuses within University Life at Mason. He also collaborates with the Mason Chooses Kindness initiative. His practice began with Transcendental Meditation training at age 16 (1973). It has evolved with influences from Nichiren, Jodu Shinshu, and most recently Vajrayana (Tibetan) schools of Buddhism. He began facilitating mindfulness practices at Mason and elsewhere in 2010 and continues his own studies in Shamatha, Vipassana, and Deity Yoga practices under the supervision of Drikung Kagyu Lama Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche. He also trains with the Buddhist Geeks sangha, and the gold standard two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teaching Certification Program under Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. Michael is an Associate Director for Regional Campuses with University Life, stationed at the SciTech Campus. He begins each practice with a light guided embodiment meditation, brief mindfulness meditation instructions for newcomers as needed, and 25 minutes of silent sitting. Outside of Mindful Mason Moments, Michael facilitates Metta practices, basic and advanced mindfulness meditation, and social meditation theory and practice sessions on Zoom.
Ann Garner has worked in the field of career development for 25 years in both government and higher education. She’s a Mason alum with a Masters of Arts In Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Counseling and Training. She’s also an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation, and a member of the coaching faculty at the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Ann has worked at George Mason University in University Career Services for over 10 years in a variety of advising and coaching roles.
Heather Gwaltney, founder and CEO of the Center for Mindful Business, began her career in the private sector working for boutique-sized firms in marketing research, strategy, and design. Over the course of her 25-year professional history, she has expanded into the non-profit, education, and public sectors—providing communications, organizational development, and education. What she also brings to Mindfulness in the workplace is 12 years of leadership experience with tech and finance companies and a 20-year practice of Mindfulness Meditation. Ms. Gwaltney is a former Adjunct Professor at George Mason University and has taught numerous in-person and online courses for organizations. As a Mason alumna, she has a Master of Science in Organization Development and Knowledge Management and a Bachelor of Art in Psychology: Minor in Business Administration. Furthermore, Ms. Gwaltney is a Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, Author of a self-help book for women, and Director of a documentary being used in higher education. She has a practical approach to teaching with an emphasis on compassion and humor. For more information, visit her website.
Andrew Lane joined the Human Resources and Payroll department as the Director of Performance Management and Employee Engagement in June. He has more than 20 years of experience in HR, primarily serving in government public service and nonprofit HR roles, and held a role similar to his position at Mason at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs. His experience includes talent development, employee relations and performance management, and employee experience. He has facilitated many training programs to assist employees with career and professional development, including various levels of supervisory development programs, understanding the relevance of performance management, feedback and coaching, and workshops to facilitate employee engagement and enhance employee experience. Andrew holds PHR and SHRM-CP human resources certifications and a master’s degree in human resources management. Andrew’s work includes supporting and sustaining a culture of positive performance management at Mason where faculty and staff are engaged and can thrive.
Julia Morelli began combining mind-body practices (yoga, qigong, and meditation) with constructive conflict engagement twenty years ago. Movement and somatic (body) awareness are central to her work with leadership, conflict, and change management. She provides training and facilitation and is a workplace coach for Human Resources/Payroll. Julia is President of the George Mason University Instructional Foundation (GMUIF) and a Senior Fellow with the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being.
Dr. Milagros (Millie) Rivera is the Director of Faculty Diversity, Inclusion, and Well-Being in the Office of Faculty Affairs at George Mason University. In that position, she leads efforts to implement and strengthen institutional initiatives around Mason’s strategic goal of recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty. She is also a senior scholar with the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Before joining Mason, Millie was a Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Science at the University of the Free State (UFS) in South Africa, where she also held the role of Acting Dean of the Faculty of the Humanities. At UFS she successfully diversified her departmental faculty, improved student learning outcomes, and transformed the departmental culture through professional development programs that included a seven-module Self-mastery course, which she offered through UFS’ Center for Teaching and Learning and the Wellness Division of the Human Resources Department. She developed the Self-Mastery course for the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business Executive MBA Program, where she worked as a faculty fellow. Prior to living in South Africa, Millie spent 10.5 years at the National University of Singapore, where she was the founding chair of the Department of Communications and New Media (CNM). In that role, she led the department to being ranked third best in the world (World Rankings by Subject, 2012), also leading her teaching staff to win over 24 faculty college and university-wide teaching awards. While at NUS, she ran a four-year mindfulness program that supported over 1,000 students and staff; this earned her the 2011 NUS Wellness Ambassador Award. Millie was a faculty member at the University of Florida and Indiana University-Bloomington prior to moving to Singapore.
Andria Rollinson is a Trainer and Organizational Development Consultant in Mason’s Human Resources and Payroll Department. She has over 14 years of experience in Learning & Development with a joy and passion for training and delivering impactful learning solutions to diverse audiences. She’s a certified Instructor/Facilitator, Certified Instructional Designer and Developer and Certified professional in Talent Development. Andria has a MS degree in Public Management from Florida A & M University and a MS in Human Resource Management from Georgetown University.
Yolanda Tomayo – Coming Soon
Lillian Virgil – Coming Soon