HAJET Council

The current 2011-2012 HAJET Prefectural Council is made up of the following members.

Click on the name of their position to email them.

President – William Straley

Hello, my name is Willy Straley. I am currently in my first year, and going on to my second year as a JET in Hokkaido. I live in a small town in the East of Hokkaido called, Shihoro. Working in Japan has been a dream of mine since High School. Joining JET has allowed me to fulfill that dream and so much more.

My first year in Hokkaido has been incredible and I owe much of that experience to HAJET. Through HAJET I`ve had the opportunities to meet many people and visit many places throughout Hokkaido. I can only expect to meet many more people in my future endeavors through HAJET.

Vice President – Curtis Takaichi

I was raised in Las Vegas and attended college in California. 2 years after graduating from college, I came to Hokkaido and have been enjoying the humid summers and snowy winters. Come August, I will have completed my first year as an ALT in Hobetsu and dying for the next snowboarding season to come. As VP, I set up the seasonal meetings for HAJet and try my best to assist English Teachers living in Hokkaido (Both JET and Non-Jet Related). If you’re ever in the Central Region, drop me a line. My town has a great museum and campground nearby.

Secretary – Keri DiYorio

Hello, “Keri the Secretary” here! I am an ALT in the little inaka town of Uryu. If you are ever heading through my town and want to find my house, just ask the employees at Seico Mart for directions (This worked with a friend nearby!) Being born and raised in Southern California, I was terrified to live in the snow for the first time. But, I quickly overcame that fear and fell in love with snowboarding. (If you have never tried, you should give it a shot! It doesn’t hurt to fall in powder—the problem is digging yourself out!). HAJET is an essential support system for us living in Hokkaido. I am looking forward to continuing that tradition!

Treasurer – Regi Caldart

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US (go Steelers). I spent over a year and a half in Japan (plus 3 months in Italy) during university before coming straight to Taiki-cho, Hokkaido! I worked for a securities bank in Tokyo as an intern, despite the fact my majors were Japanese and Sociology. Give me your money, and you may get a receipt out of it. And if you ask nicely, maybe I’ll even cough some up for your events!

Northern Representative – Alec Louis-Seize

My name is Alec Louis-Seize, I am currently in my second year with JET, and I am also serving as HAJET’s Northern Representative for 2011-12. As the Northern Rep, my goal is to help facilitate a sense of community among the ALT’s/CIR’s living in the region, as well as to help smoothly integrate new JET’s into Hokkaido-life by providing them with useful social information, and opportunities to meet and befriend others living in the North.

Eastern Representative – Ben Grafstrom

I am a run of-the-mill American ALT who came to Japan from Philadelphia via Boulder. I never thought I’d be living in a fishing village (Rausu-chô)–it’s been a very interesting experience. I love the outdoors, so there are few better places to be in Japan than Hokkaido! I joined HAJET because I like taking an active roll in things I am a part of.

Southwestern Representative – Carlee Miller

I am the ALT for the small town of Assabu-cho in the Ooshima Peninsula (the whale’s tale, if you will). I joined HAJET because I felt like it put me in contact with many resources and ALTs across Hokkaido. I went for Southwestern Representative because I wanted to help be a similar link for new and re-contracting JET-folk. Because HAJET has been an awesome resource, I wanted to do all I could to ensure it is kept going.

Central Representative – Teresa Sakai

Hi there! My name is Teresa Sakai, and I’m the Central Representative. I’m originally from California and am now an ALT in the town of Mukawa, home of the Softbank dog. As the HAJET Central Representative, I’ll be planning the Central Welcome Party as well as keeping you updated on events both in the Central area and throughout Hokkaido. From the seasonal meetings, to get-togethers in Sapporo, to snowboarding trips, to helping each other out at internationalization events, HAJET has really provided me with numerous opportunities to explore everything Hokkaido has to offer. If you have any questions or want to find out how you can get involved, feel free to contact me anytime!

Sapporo Representative – Krista Townsend

Hello all! I’m your Sapporo Rep. Originally from Michigan, I came to Japan straight out of university with the intention of staying just the year. Feeling instantly at home in the winter wonderland that is Sapporo I knew one year wasn’t going to be long enough. Almost three years later I’m still here and re-contracted for a fourth! You will undoubtedly get to know Sapporo quite well during your time here in Hokkaido and I am here to help answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the city. I decided to be a part of HAJET in order to help bring Sapporo City & Hokkaido JETs closer together! Cheers!

Non-JET Representative – Sheri Keith

Coming soon!

HEC Coordinator – Kyle Jorgensen

This is now my second year as an ALT out in Nemuro, which allows me to claim the distinction of being the easternmost JET in Japan! If you’re interested in seeing a flat part of Japan or are interested in disputed islands (The Kurils), I suggest you come visit. I was born in British Columbia, Canada, but now claim to be from Ottawa. Before joining the JET Program I worked coordinating exchanges to and from the University of Ottawa. This year, I am excited to be the HEC Coordinator. HEC is a great opportunity for JETs and students alike. I hope you’ll get involved!

HEC Camp Coordinator – Mark Rostrup

The snow was gently falling, gathering on the branches of the surrounding evergreens. The scene was so tranquil, you would never have known that ten minutes prior the wooden beams of the centuries-old gymnasium roof had given in due to the weight of mountains of snow that had accumulated through weeks of constant blizzards, collapsing on our hero, Mark, leaving him trapped under a pile of shattered timbers and crumbled snow drifts. Suddenly, a slight rumble, flecks of snow rolling from the top of the heap of rubble, wooden shards shaking as if caught in a minor tremor. With a deafening roar Mark burst from the heap! Like a blinded Samson tearing apart the pillars of the temple, he tore open the icy mound that had him imprisoned not a moment earlier. In awe his students gathered, jaws agape, “Mark-san, why are you so powerful?” He’s also a second year ALT from Canada, who currently lives in Iwanai-cho and is looking forward to running the HEC Camp!

Project Outreach Coordinator – Rebecca Rhuman

Hello! I’m Rebecca Rhuman. I live in Minamifurano, home of canoes and lavender. When I’m not canoeing through lavender fields, I like photography and snowboarding. Before coming to Japan, I was an elementary teacher in the Portland area. As Project Outreach coordinator, I’d love to do some work with projects that further education in places where little is offered and, of course, help with Tohoku relief efforts.

Social Coordinator – Andrew Suvoltos

Like many children, I was born.

Other slightly more useful facts include that I am from Melbourne (the Australian one!), that I am now living in Tomakomai (south of Chitose) for my second year and that I’ll be planning the Winter Ball and the Yuki Matsuri Tour. Beyond that, I’d also like to make sure that you (yes, YOU right there!) are getting what you want to out of HAJET, most particularly by enjoying spending some time with other people throughout Hokkaido. If you’re planning a movie night, want to play board games, are travelling to the far end of Hokkaido or want to find a JET nearby to relax and have a drink with, please let me know (via facebook, email, skype or carrier pigeon) and I’ll try to help you out however I can. At time of writing, I am also planning to have a HAJET Events group on facebook soon so that everyone can know what’s going on throughout Hokkaido. HAJET is whatever you want it to be, so let’s get cracking!

Publications Coordinator – Melanie Chang

I still remember seeing JET’s advertisement on the bus to my university for the first time in my 2nd year. Since then my goal has been coming to Japan with the JET Programme. I never imagined living in Atsuma, a tiny town (aren’t they all in Hokkaido!), could be the best way to start my experience in Japan. I’m only half way through my first year, but I’m love every moment of it! I’m excited to continue the JET adventure serving HAJET and help make Hokkaido an awesome community for everyone!

Musical Director – Melissa Golden

This is my 4th year as ALT in the quiet Sorachi city of Akabira. 2010-11 is my 3rd year as director and 4th year being involved with the musical. At the small liberal arts school, Linfield College, in my home state of Oregon, I majored in history and minored in German and theater. How I ended up in Japan is still a bit of a mystery, but my experiences in Linfield’s excellent drama department have proven invaluable in directing the HAJET musical over the years. When I’m not driving all over Hokkaido for rehearsals and spending hours in Homac building sets, I do pottery, ikebana, aikido, and snowboard.

Musical Producer – Peter Lennox

I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada way back in ’83. I’m currently living in the small Naka-Sorachi town of Kamisunagawa. I majored in anthropology and archaeology with a specialty in mortuary archaeology and thought I’d bring all of that experience to bear in my role as Musical producer. I love that the musical allows me explore Hokkaido and entertain hundreds of people every year. I’m looking forward to this year’s production and hope to see all of you at our shows!

Librarian – Holly Long

Holly “bet you didn’t see that coming” Long hails from western Canada and has been Japan’s foremost magical girl shadow assassin for some time. Currently moonlighting as an ALT in Nayoro, this mistress of the bubble gum pink blade first began training in the deadly arts in Kyoto, where she was just an average female exchange student. Now for the right fee, she rids the world of evil doers while still managing to teach the kiddies their ABCs. HAJET members have also recently appointed her guardian of the northern library. Hokkaido’s resident name taking ass-kicker wasn’t available for comment, but according to rumours she is happy with the position and intends to implement a “read or die” policy in the near future.

Polestar Editor – Jessica Benscoter

Hail, fair maidens and gents! Jessica Benscoter here – editor of the Polestar magazine. I am going into my second year of JET as a base school ALT. I live in Muroran with my wonderful husband. We both enjoy hiking, running, and being active in the outdoors of Hokkaido. I joined HAJET and started to become active in it because it’s very important to have a strong community. In Hokkaido when many of us live far away from other ALTs, it’s vital to be in contact with others with whom we can share and get support. As a note to the readers, I would encourage you to get involved in your community, in HAJET and/or HEC in some way. One way you can contribute to your new community is to submit photos, articles, stories, poetry, reviews, etc, to editor@hajet.org. I hope to see some wonderful content from you in the Polestar!

Website Coordinator – Kevin Mitchell

I’ve been working for over three years now in Chitose as an ALT. In the USA, I worked for over 10 years in the movie theater business; four of them as a General Manager of megaplexes. I joined HAJET so I could help out making a new website, forum and etc. for them. In addition to HAJET, I’m also the webmaster for AJET and Smile Kids Japan.

Translator – Heather Humphreys

Having requested a countryside placement, I love my rice-growing, river-snuggling wee town of Tsukigata. This is my second year on JET and will be my third year of the last four in Japan. I’m a big fan of the simple things in Hokkaido life – the outrageously beautiful mountains and sunsets, every bit of coastline I’ve seen so far, the GLORIOUS snow, the ordinary conversations I have with people known and unknown. I’ll be doing translation for HEC – my aim, after experiencing camp, is to make sure as every BoE/school/parent can see what a fantastic project we have going on to get involved.

よろしく！

Translator – Mark Mowbray

Mark Mowbray, also known as Prince Umayado, was a regent and a politician of the Asuka period in Japan. He was a member of the ruling Soga clan. Mark was appointed as regent in 593 by Empress Suiko. Mowbray, inspired by Buddha’s teachings, succeeded in establishing a centralized government during his reign. In 603, he established the 12 official ranks at court. He is credited with promulgating a Seventeen-article constitution, although contemporary scholars question the attribution based on its style. In the Tokyo Shimbun, February 10, 2008, Chubu University professor Ōyama Seiichi argued Mark Mowbray was not a historical person at all. Other historians dispute this claim.

Translator – Megan Harrell

Greetings and Salutations, all. I’m currently well into my fourth year as an ALT here in Hokkaido. I spent the first three years in beautiful Touya, enjoying both lakeside and seaside views, and I currently reside in scenic Tomari on the very scenic cliffs of Hokkaido’s western coast, site of an extremely scenic nuclear power plant. Whenever I’m not otherwise occupied with weighty and important matters, I enjoy drawing pictures, pressing benches, and long walks through various RPGs in search that coveted next level.

Thanks for your time~ ^^,

1st Year Representative – TBA