Introducing the Fukuoka AJET team!
Contact them at AjetinFukuoka@gmail.com Instagram: @fukuokaajet2020-2021 Team:
Ross Miller | Prefectural Representative and Charity Director
Hello everyone! This is Ross Miller, serving as this year’s FAJET Chairman, and Charity Director. I’ve reached the mythical 5th year on JET at a single private high school in Fukuoka City. While it’s
complicated, I would claim to be half New Yorker and half Californian, most recently hailing from the former.
I’m a big fan of music- from karaoke to creation and can often be seen walking around Hakata with a large set of headphones on. I also enjoy games of all kinds-card games, board games, video games- and love to travel. Admittedly, I also enjoy drinking- lemon sour after a hard day, tequila shots at the club, a rosé with dinner- I’m down for it!
I pledge to you all that I will do my best to support and provide you a happy and rewarding time in Fukuoka as well as give you a community you can be proud to be a part of!
Amanda Goberdhan | Treasurer
Hey, how yuh going? (How are you?) my name is Amanda Goberdhan. I am a second year JET, from Trinidad and Tobago! I love to meet new people and learn about different cultures. I’ve always wanted to live in Japan since I was a child, so I’m super excited to be fulfilling my dream.
I performed Accounting at my previous job in my home country, hence my interest in the Treasurer position.
Looking forward to meeting you!
Rodney Marsella | Secretary
Good day. My name is Rodney Marsella, the current Secretary for FAJET. I am from The United States, and currently serving as a fourth year Kitakyushu Municipal ALT.
My hobbies include hiking, baking, games, and visiting aquariums. I’m quite proud to have conquered dozens of both mountains and aquariums in my time in Japan.
As secretary my main role is running the FAJET Bereavement fund every year as well as doing various tasks for the organization depending on need. I look forward to continuing to serve in that capacity.
Chelsea Huddy | Scholarship Director
Hello everyone! My name’s Chelsea and I’m on my third year on JET. I currently live and work in Moji at a combined Junior and Senior High School.
Kitakyushu is by far one of my favorite places in Japan as you can easily jump between city and rural life—not to mention the sense of community. I enjoy watching movies, listening to music (occasionally singing along horribly), meeting new people and exploring Japan via walking or trains. Did you know you can learn lots of kanji just by taking the train? I’m also interested in international human rights, law, politics, refugees, and video games. If you’re ever down for a gaming session—I’m your girl!
Mark Christensen | Events Co-ordinator
Hello! My name is Mark Christensen, and I’m a second year SHS Jet living down in Omuta. I’m originally from the Seattle region of Washington, so it goes without saying I have a strong passion for mountaineering, nature photography, and video games. I think Kyushu is a wonderful area, and there’s no shortage of fun events, beautiful volcanoes, or unique experiences to be had here.
I look forward to organizing fun events for you this year, and I hope you’ll join us! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Nkechi Kamalu| Events Coordinator
Hello, I’m Nkechi Kamalu. I am a second-year JET in Tachiarai Town, Fukuoka. I teach a Junior High School and some Elementary Schools. I am one of the Event Coordinators for AJET. My hobbies are drawing, watching TV and playing pool.
Áine Reilly | Communications Officer
Hello! I’m Áine from Ireland and I’m one of the communications officers for AJET. This is my third year in Japan as one of the Kitakyushu municipal ALTs.
I’m a self-professed foodie and enjoy exploring Japan’s culinary delights in my free time, as well as practising Kyūdo in my local dojo and hitting the karaoke booths whenever I can.
I’m looking forward to keeping you all up to date with AJET events and happenings!
Valerie Osborne | Communications Officer
Hi! I’m Valerie. I’m from Pennsylvania, USA. I am currently a third-year JET working at two senior high schools in the Chikuho area just outside of Kitakyushu. I will be serving as one of AJET’s communications officers this year.
I love reading, karaoke, cats, and chocolate. In my free time, I’ve been (slowly) trying to learn how to play the piano. I also love traveling and am grateful for the opportunities JET has given me to explore Japan. I hope AJET can help to provide you with some fun experiences and fond memories during your time in Japan!
Hui Lin Ng | CIR Representative
Hello! I’m Hui Lin from Singapore, and am currently a second year CIR at Kyushu National Museum in Dazaifu City, where I work closely with various departments in the museum on language accessibility projects, as well as exchange student events. When I’m not working, you can usually find me looking out for events and exhibitions in Fukuoka City to go check out, or spending time with friends.
As CIR representative, in addition to making sure that CIRs are made aware of FAJET developments, I also would like to start bridging the English and non-English speaking CIR community in Fukuoka. While we are still in the fledgling stages of this initiative, I am excited to be laying down the groundwork for future events and projects for English and non-English JET participants alike!