Antelope Intros is a recurring GCU Today feature that introduces some of our new employees to the people around them in a way that is fun and informative. Employees are eligible to be featured in the month following their orientation.
JENNIFER PELLISH
Job title: Full-time Faculty Online Division, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Job location: 27th Avenue campus
What attracted you to GCU? GCU’s reputation for high quality and growth attracted me. I feel blessed to be part of this community, and I am certain that I have the best co-workers on campus. Shout out to CHSS!
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Don’t groan, but I really enjoy physical exercise. I work out at EOS several times a week, and I am part of a weight-training exercise class on Saturday mornings at Hitz. I also enjoy hiking during the cooler months -- Piestewa Peak is my favorite spot.
What are you passionate about? My greatest passion is the Lord Jesus Christ. The power of His love and forgiveness still amazes me! I am also passionate about learning. The older I get, the stronger my desire to learn grows.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? First Fridays in downtown Phoenix -- what an eclectic experience! Harkins Theater -- for the best popcorn and reclining seats. Ethington Theatre -- several of my former students have been in productions, and I enjoy seeing them perform. "Free to Laugh, Laugh to Free" -- comedy fundraiser to support anti-human trafficking efforts. Chase Field -- baseball is a favorite family event.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: Having a background in theatre, I often have directed shows or been involved in the behind-the-scenes shenanigans. However, I had always wanted to play a villain. After a failed attempt to be the Wicked Witch of the West, I landed the role of Fruma Sarah in "Fiddler on the Roof." Appearing in my full grave-attire costume, my youngest (who was 5 years old at the time) didn’t recognize me and was deathly afraid to come near me. Every once in awhile I will shriek out “Lazar Wolf” to haunt him. (Don’t worry -- he’s now 18 and fully capable of processing fear.)
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my husband. He is one of the pastors at Bethany Bible Church and a rock star in my eyes! He also is the founder of "Free to Laugh, Laugh to Free" and has raised nearly $500,000 in the fight against human trafficking. His passion and drive are contagious, and he is relentless in his pursuit to end modern-day slavery. Go, Brad!
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TARA CONDON
Job title: Assistant Athletic Trainer
Job location: Lopes Performance Center, main campus
What attracted you to GCU? I was really attracted to the new environment and forward momentum of the school. Being a part of GCU truly makes it easy to grow as a person and professional since growth is instilled in the very nature of the University.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I really enjoy cooking -- it is one activity that helps to make the West Coast feel like New York.
What are you passionate about? People -- I enjoy getting to know a person and what they want to improve on. Whether it is sport or something else in their life, meeting new people from different backgrounds helps to cultivate a greater worldview.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I absolutely adore downtown Phoenix. From the art on Roosevelt Street to the stadiums down the road, the downtown area has a wide range of activities that can entertain a wide range of audiences.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I spent four months in Ireland where I worked as an athletic therapist and played Gaelic football. Gaelic football is one of three main Irish sports played in Ireland as a part of the Gaelic Athletic Association. It’s mainly played in Ireland and major cities in the U.S. with Irish populations. There is a league in New York City that I learned about growing up from my friends. The sport is a combination of soccer and handball and played over a field that’s twice the area of an American football field. It’s fast, exciting and a bit crazy.
What are you most proud of? Being able to have the success I have had in my professional and educational career and the opportunities it has given me despite my age.
