- Community-builders who want to improve workplace well-being of the George Mason community
- Committed to participating in deeper, more interesting conversations
- New to George Mason or want to expand their social circle
- Interested in getting to know others in a small group setting (4 to 6 participants)
- Willing to commit to all session dates
This program is sponsored by the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Any questions can be directed to Zareena Khan at [email protected].
Register for a Group
Register now for either one of these fall 2026 online groups:
- Fridays at 12 noon via Zoom, on September 4, September 11, September 18, September 25, and October 2 – Register here
- Thursdays at 2 p.m. via Zoom, on October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5, and November 12 – Register here
Facilitator Bios – Faculty/Staff Groups
Stephanie Barnett: Stephanie is an Instructional Designer and Trainer with Human Resources at George Mason — and a George Mason grad herself, with a bachelor’s in Global Affairs (and currently working on a graduate degree at George Mason too!). She spent her first decade at George Mason (2008–2018) working in Student and Academic Affairs, then took a leap into something new: professional coaching. She completed ICF-accredited training, started her own coaching practice, and held the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from 2020 to 2023. In 2021, George Mason pulled her back in — this time as a trainer focused on employee learning and organizational development — and she’s since grown into her current role supporting onboarding and other HR training efforts. Stephanie has been a Bridge to Belonging facilitator since Fall 2023, and she loves that it gives her a chance to connect with people across the George Mason community while championing mental health and well-being. When she’s not at work, you’ll usually find her being a happy homebody on the four acres she shares with her husband, their border collie, two cats, and whatever stray cats or wildlife have wandered in that week. She’s also a sucker for live music, road trips to historic small towns, and a good afternoon in Virginia wine country.
Katie Clare: Katie is the Director of Well-Being Programs for the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being (CWB) where she is responsible for leading and collaborating on well-being programs offered to our campus community such as the Resilience Badge, Mental Health First Aid, mindfulness training courses, and Bridge to Belonging. Knowing the significant relationship between social connection, mental health, and well-being, she is proud to help foster connections as a Bridge to Belonging facilitator. When not working, Katie loves spending time with her teenage son, reading, going to museums, and cooking/baking new and favorite recipes.
Stacey Ellis, M.Ed, MS: Stacey is passionate about well-being, health, wellness, event planning, team building, reward/recognition, kindness, engagement, and belonging. As the HR Faculty and Staff Engagement Program Manager, with Human Resources, and a member of the Mason Chooses Kindness Executive Committee, Stacey has 17 years of higher education experience, including diverse experiences in Student and Academic Affairs. Stacey has been a Bridge to Belonging Facilitator since Fall 2023 and enjoys the opportunity to create connections and belonging across units and work locations. Stacey encourages all Mason faculty and staff to participate in Bridge to Belonging to decrease loneliness in the workplace and enhance well-being! Outside of work, Stacey can be found cheering on her boys at a variety of sporting events, reading, running, paddleboarding, hiking, and just about any outdoor adventure! To learn more about the offerings of the Faculty and Staff Engagement Team, including flexible work, rewards and recognition, the faculty and staff experience survey, professional development, employee resource groups, performance management, well-being, and more, visit the Faculty and Staff Engagement website or email [email protected] with questions.
Contact Us
Bridge to Belonging is sponsored by The Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. If you have questions or would like more information about Bridge to Belonging, please contact Zareena Khan, Assistant Director of Student Well-Being Programs, at [email protected].