Our Professional Team
Rachel Iversen
Associate Director of Team Training & Leadership
Rachel Iversen is originally from North Carolina. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation in 2009 and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2012 from the Universit
y of North Carolina at Greensboro. Rachel has 19 years of experience facilitating team building programs. She has worked professionally in University outdoor recreation programs since 2012. Rachel is an ACCT certified Level 2 Challenge Course Practitioner and Course Manager. Rachel is passionate about program development in diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and social – emotional learning.
A favorite quote “Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.” Max Ehrmann”
Telephone: 703-993-7112
Email: riversen@gmu.edu
Rhys Franck
Assistant Director of The EDGE
Rhys is a George Mason alumnus, with a degree in History and a minor in Recreation Management. Rhys has a diverse outdoor and recreation portfolio, from high school athletics coaching, to summer camp director, to mountain bike instructor, and facilitator. Rhys has spent over 1,000 hours facilitating high and low ropes programs and training others in challenge course facilitation. In his free time, Rhys loves to engage in endurance sports, play board and video games, watch trees grow, compose and experience live music, and share stories, especially with his kids.
Rhys’s advice to students is as follows:
- Embrace moments of change and times of struggle; growth is uncomfortable.
- Understand that you are not supposed to be anything other than who you are.
- Give yourself grace and afford that same grace to others.
- Listen to music that is new to you.
- Go outside and touch grass.
Email: rfranck2@gmu.edu
Cathy Holt
EDGE Sales Consultant
Cathy is our sales coordinator, contract generator and collector of questions. Cathy has been with the EDGE since 2013. She received a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and still pursues creative solutions in multiple mediums. Her granddaughters, husband, and natural settings expand her capacity for joy.
“Questions are powerful tools used in attaining knowledge, problem solving and making connections. Asking them is essential. It helps us identify gaps in our understanding and make sure we’re on the right track when finding solutions. They also help us engage in meaningful conversations, build trust, and develop relationships.” From The Importance Of Asking Questions – Oxford Open Learning
Telephone: 703-993-4313
edge@gmu.edu
Madi Schott
Graduate Professional Assistant
Madi Schott graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences with a minor in Captive Wild Animal Management. She has worked in outdoor recreation for over five years. While at Mizzou, Madi served as the Venture Out Student Administrator where she developed team-building initiatives, managed climbing wall and challenge course program operations, and collaborated with other recreation departments. She was in Marching Mizzou for four years and served as a Color Guard Section Leader for two of those years. Through this organization, Madi performed at events including the 96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. She is a Mizzou ’39 recipient, an award that goes to 39 of Mizzou’s outstanding seniors that are chosen for their academic achievement, leadership and service to Mizzou and the community.
Madi is pursuing a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Development at Mason. She is passionate about enhancing the student experience within higher education. She loves spending time in the outdoors, is an avid dog-lover, and enjoys playing board games with friends.
Madi’s Advice to Students: “Learning never stops. Continue to explore and discover new things. There is so much waiting for you out there.”
Email: mschott2@gmu.edu
Telephone: 703-993-9816
For a full directory of all Mason Recreation Staff click here.
Our Facilitator Team
Our facilitator team is made of a mix of Mason students, adjunct faculty, community members, and professional facilitators. It is important to us that our facilitator team reflects a diversity of experience, skill, and knowledge to best match the diverse needs of each group.
Our senior level facilitators join us with years of experience in diverse fields. Some of our senior level facilitators are former teachers, organizational development consultants, course inspectors, and corporate coaches.
Our entry-level facilitators are trained to work initially with youth and college students. Work at The EDGE starts with a mandatory 40+ hour training that aligns with Challenge Course Operations standards set by the Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). Topics covered during initial training include: Introduction to The EDGE; Experiential Learning Theory; Policies and Procedures; Challenge Course Operations; Group Management; Risk Management; Technical Skills in Aerial Elements; Activity Planning and Sequencing. After initial training, our facilitators spend time observing and co-facilitating programs with experienced staff before they are scheduled with a group on their own.
Work with Minors: Facilitators are trained in compliance with Mason’s Minors on Campus policies. Training includes Mandated Reporter Training and American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.
Want to work with us?
George Mason University students can apply on Handshake.
All other applicants can find the posting at jobs.gmu.edu.
Search terms like “EDGE” “Team Building” and “Challenge Course Facilitator” to find the most recent posting.