Jeny Hague

My name is Jeny Hague, and I was in Maebashi-shi, Gunma, from 2015–2020. During my five years in Gunma, I taught at the high school level. One of my proudest achievements was pioneering an "International Day." I invited ALTs from various countries to my school to facilitate a cultural exchange. In return, my students taught the ALT visitors about Gunma's unique local traditions. This event became a staple of the school's curriculum and continues to be held annually.

Currently, I am a high school ESL teacher at Carl Hayden Community High School in Phoenix, and I am working toward transitioning into a Japanese language teaching role there soon.

Arizona has a vibrant and growing community of JET alumni. I believe local representation is necessary to host localized, in-person gatherings for alumni residing in Arizona, strengthening the network between AZ-based alumni and the broader JETAASC chapter while fostering Japanese cultural exchange within the Southwest region.

Philip Holleb

Hello JETAASC community! My name is Philip Holleb, and I served as an ALT in Engaru-cho, Hokkaido from 2023-2024. During my time in Japan, I helped organize events promoting international culture and had the opportunity to build meaningful connections with the local community. Since returning to Los Angeles, I've been actively involved in JETAASC, attending various events.

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The transition back from JET can be challenging, and the JETAASC community has been invaluable in helping me adjust to life after the program. Being able to connect with people who have gone through similar experiences has been a real help. I'm interested in the co-president role because I'd like to help create and strengthen those same connections for other alumni. As co-president, I'd focus on building a welcoming community that brings together not just JET alumni but also friends of the organization who share an interest in US-Japan relations. I'm excited to potentially work with the board to organize more events that foster these connections and help our chapter continue to grow. I'd be honored to contribute to such a positive organization, and I hope to have your support.

Michael Coleman

Hailing from the East Coast, Michael served on JET from 1997-2000 in Ibaraki Prefecture, home of Natto and Aikido. While there, he was Social Coordinator for AJET, climbed Fuji three times (and twice more after leaving), and mastered cooking okonomiyaki. Since returning to the states, he has interviewed JET candidates every year, joined JET recruitment panels at conventions, and forced his children to go to a Japanese Immersion school.  He currently lives in Los Angeles working as an actor and was recently elected to the local Neighborhood Council, where he previously served as Treasurer. 

Tahirah Newkirk

JET Placement and Years: Miyazaki 2017-2023

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Hi! My name is Tahirah. I'm currently a law student at UCLA School of Law. I love board games and volleyball, so let's play sometime! I was on JET for 6 years. Yes, six. COVID was crazy. I was an ALT for 4 years and a PA for 2 years. I want to get to know everyone, so feel free to reach out at any time!

Hobbies and interests include sudoku, board games, volleyball, competition reality shows (The Traitors, Big Brother, etc.)