Meet the officers
Here are your JETAASC officers for 2025!

Co-President
Kay James
​Originally from "The Sunshine State", Kay was a JET ALT in Hokkaido from 2017 to 2021. While there, she enjoyed teaching classes ranging from upbeat nursery school classes to adult conversation classes. Hokkaido was also the first place where she experienced snow; and thanks to the help of friends and staff at her Board of Education, she quickly got accustomed to driving around in winter.
As Co-President of JETAASC, Kay looks forward to advertising Japan-related events across the region and regularly attending those in Orange County.

Co-President
Adrian Teng-Amnuay
Born and raised in LA, Adrian was an ALT for JET in Ishikawa Prefecture from 2015-16. During his time in Japan he taught at nine different elementary schools (is that a record?!) and enjoyed scenic drives along the Oku-Noto peninsula.
After leaving JET, Adrian returned to his original line of work in Software Engineering. He now works in the cybersecurity space.
Outside of work, Adrian is passionate about personal finance and studying the Japanese language. He also enjoys exploring new places to eat and hang out with his wife, Vicki and Bichon-poo, Katsu.

Treasurer
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.

Secretary
Tahirah Newkirk
JET Placement and Years: Miyazaki 2017-2023
​
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.)