Meet Our Team

Jennifer is the founding director of the Office of Military Services established in 2011. She joined the university following her transition from active duty to the reserve in the United States Air Force, where she ultimately retired after 25 years of distinguished service. Her advocacy is deeply informed by personal experience—not only as a veteran, but also as a military spouse and parent of four children who have utilized VA education benefits. She serves on the Virginia State Council of Higher Education Military Education Advisory Committee (MEAC), representing the interests of both the university and military-connected students and their families. Her dedication was recognized with the inaugural Admiral John Harvey Career Achievement in Military Education Excellence Award. In her spare time, she enjoys being a wife, mom and grandma. She can be reached via email.  

Ryan is a United State Marine Corps combat veteran. After serving at the peak of GWOT, Ryan began his educational journey at Northern Virginia Community College, transferring to George Mason University to complete his bachelor's degree. He joined the military services team in 2014. Ryan's unique experiences really translate well to many of our student veterans. He is able to mentor and guide students through the transfer admissions and VA benefits processes. Ryan has cultivated relationships across the campus and in the community to help our students navigate challenges. Ryan is the recipient of multiple university level awards and was nationally recognized as the 2022 Veteran Champion of the Year in Higher Education. In his free time, Ryan enjoys the peaceful charm of country living with his wife, Stephanie, where they savor fine wines, care for bees, experiment with hydroponics, and delight in feeding the local wildlife. Ryan can be reached via email at tbarnet4@gmu.edu.

Fernando served in the United States Marine Corps prior to joining the office and is passionate about helping others. He is program manger for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Program (VMSDEP). He also is able to help students and families navigate Department of Veteran Affairs benefits. In his spare time, Fernando enjoys running, powerlifting and generally anything outdoors. He is very proud of his heritage, spending much of his free time as part of a Bolivian Dance Troupe. He can be seen at festivals across the DMV. Ultimately, he is dedicated to his family, raising a beautiful little girl. You can reach out to Fernando via email at faguila4@gmu.edu. 

School Certifying Officials (SCO) are in the University Registrar Office and the Office of Student Accounts. The SCOs are responsible for certifying enrollment, reporting changes in enrollment, apply current Department of Veteran Affairs rules and policies, reporting accurate and complete information to the VA, invoicing, retaining records, and leading compliance surveys. They work tirelessly to process benefits.  

At any given time, you may call or walk into the office and be helped by a VA Work Study Student. Our student workers are able to help with general benefit questions and how to utilize entitlements at George Mason. These students are enrolled at least 3/4 time and using a VA education benefit. Priority is given to veterans and veterans with a disability. Please reach via email if you are interested.