Meet the 2024 FuJET Council!

  • Claire Sullivan - Event Director

    Hello! Claire here! I’m a 4th year JET from Massachusetts, U.S. I live in Iwaki, and I’m an elementary school ALT .

    Iwaki is very big, I still haven’t finished exploring it! I’m right on the coastline, so if you love the ocean come visit! There is a beautiful fireworks event in summer near the Onahama port. I enjoy watching movies, playing games, eating good food, and the occasional hike or bike ride.

    I have enjoyed my time living in Fukushima so far, and FuJET has been a big part in helping me settle in. I really enjoy going to FuJET events and I hope to help create more accessibility and opportunity for others to do the same. This year I’m challenging myself as Event Director, let’s create fun memories together!

    Don’t be a stranger, feel free to message me with questions or in general! I look forward to spreading fun events around Fukushima, see you there!

  • Tito Santare - Assistant to the Event Director

    Hey Everyone, I think at least a few of you are familiar with me by now because I've been in Fukushima for 12 years now. I started my first year out in Kitakata inspiring my love for the greatest ramen, but now I'm in Miharu where I teach English to all elementary grades and occasionally at a few preschools. I'm big into different types of coffee brewing, electronics and gaming so you'll rarely see me without a handful of gadgets when out and about. My favorite experience that we coordinate in FuJET has by far been the CANYONS trip. So I'm looking forward to contributing my experience and bringing your opinions into the many events that we'll be coordinating through the school year.

    Salute!

  • Patryk Skrzynski - Treasurer

    Hello everyone, I'm Patryk, originally from New Zealand and currently in Iwaki where I'm a first year elementary teacher! When I'm not out exploring Japan in all it's many forms, you can find me catching up with friends, or tucked into my favorite smartphone game. Highlights of my time here so far have included easy access to our beautiful ski resort Inawashiro, and catching the Aizu summer Samurai Festival! I'm looking forward to being a part of and seeing what FuJET has to offer this year.

    See you round!

  • Mayra Lozano Roman - Media Manager

    Hi~! I’m Mayra from South Carolina, U.S.A. I’m based in Fukushima City where I’ve been teaching at one elementary school and one junior high school since August 2023.

    So far I’ve really been enjoying my time here as I have met some of the nicest and most willing to help people. On my down time I usually prefer to chill at home, but I also love hanging out with friends and exploring new places in Fukushima. FuJET has definitely played a notable role in helping me meet people and introducing me to some really cool places.

    Thus, it is my hope that I will be able to do the same for you! I look forward to seeing you at one of our events!

Meet Fukushima’s Area Support Leaders!

  • Benevolence Changara - Kenpoku Area

    I’m Bene Changara, a 2nd year JET from the UK based in Fukushima City.

    Fukushima Prefecture is a beautiful place to live in. With the numerous mountains, lakes and seaside, you can do and see so much here! Fukushima City is known for its local Mt. Azuma, the fruits, the 3 onsen towns in the surrounding area and our cute mascot Momorin. I hope you grow to love the prefecture during the time you are placed here! I enjoy skiing in winter, riding my bike, walks, jogging and reading when I have some free time.

    Email: bwchangara@hotmail.co.uk

  • Rachel McDonald - Kenchu Area

    Hello friends! My name is Rachel. I’m originally from North Carolina, USA but now I call Koriyama, Fukushima home. Welcome to Kenchu, I’m so happy you’re here!

    Kenchu has some amazing restaurants, hiking trails, shrines, and festivals. There’s always something to do. In Koriyama, we have easy access to transportation that can take you so many places. Need a recommendation? I got you!

    I’m always available for coffee chats, picnics in the park, and a round of darts! Most importantly, I’m here to support you in anyway I can. I’m just a message away. I’m looking forward to enjoying Kenchu together!

    Email: ramcdonald.308@gmail.com

  • Melissa Pulido-Jaimes - Kennan Area

    Hello! I’m Melissa and I’ll be your ASL for the Kennan area. I arrived in 2023 from California, United States. I’ve lived there my whole life so moving to a new country after college was a big change! I had great support when I first arrived and I can’t wait to pay it forward. Welcome to Fukushima!

    I've come to find that Kennan is a humble but charming area to live in. Many beautiful forests, scenic trails, and hidden gem cafes/restaurants. Fukushima in general has so much to offer both culturally and historically given that it's Japan's third largest prefecture. We are also really close to Tochigi which makes a great day trip!

    I enjoy filling up my free time with things like listening to music, cooking new recipes, or visiting a cafe. 😊 

    Need anything? Let’s chat over a cup of coffee!

    Email: melissapjaimes@gmail.com

  • Hannah Alcorn - Aizu Area

    Hello everyone! I’m Hannah, a first year JET and the Aizu ASL. I’m from the golden state of California, US, and now happily call Aizuwakamatsu my home away from home. I love reading, making new friends, eating yummy food and exploring the outdoors!

    Aizu is a beautiful region with tons of hidden charm. We have a wonderful castle, a fascinating samurai history, delicious local food, lovely onsens and so many cool landmarks. I’m sure you’ll come to love it just as much as I have.

    Please don’t hesitate to reach out! Whether you need help with the complicated trash system, just want to find a new place to get some coffee, or anything in between, I’m here for you. Let’s enjoy Fukushima together!!

    Email: hannah.alcorn01@gmail.com

  • Eleanor Sollitt - Soso Area

    Hello! My name is Ellie I’m a third year JET, and I am the ASL for the Soso region. Originally from England I came to Japan just as it started to open up after COVID, so I’ve been able to see the comeback of many festivals and school events!

    Soso has faced hardships in the past but the whole region is full of revitalisation and exciting experiences to explore! We have the beautiful ocean with fresh fish, a unique horse festival, amazing firework displays right over the sea and so much more!

    I’m always down for finding hidden gems and helping those around me so please feel free to reach out to me for anything, you can find me on Facebook under the name Ellie Sollitt or Discord under the name morbidpumpkin. Welcome to Fukushima!

    Email: elliesollitt@gmail.com

  • Nina Acero-Liebman - Iwaki Area

    Hello, everyone!

    My name is Nina! I'm a 2nd year JET and I'm the Area Support Leader for Iwaki City! I’m from California in the US. I want to welcome you to Iwaki; I’m so excited that you’re finally here!

    Iwaki is on Fukushima's southeastern coast. It’s very sunny and warm for most of the year with mild winters; I was pleasantly surprised when I found out how similar it was to my own hometown. Iwaki has natural beauty that you can enjoy throughout the year, from riverbank cherry blossoms in spring to the stunning beaches and coastline in summer. If you want to warm up in winter, Iwaki has one of the oldest hot springs in Japan!

    In my free time, I like to try out new recipes, visit hot springs, ride trains, and find new cafes and restaurants to try!

    I am always available for a chat, from offering local recommendations to answering any questions you have! Don't hesitate to ask me anything; I'm here to support you, and looking forward to exploring more of Iwaki and Japan together!

    Email: nina.a.liebman@gmail.com

  • Alexander Glaister - Minami-Aizu Area

    Hi! My name is Alex and I'm based in Minamiaizu. I am originally from London, England, and I am on my first year of JET.

    I feel extremely lucky to be placed in rural Fukushima as we are surrounded in natural beauty in the from of mountains and forests, We have skiing in the winter, and hiking in the spring & summer. In my free time, I like to engage with local cultural events, such as the Bon festival, Hanami viewing, and viewing the local Kabuki shows. I also like to collect shrine stamps (goshuin), singing karaoke, and learning about japanese folklore.

    Email: alex.glaister@protonmail.com