The Team – Shizuoka AJET

2020-2021 AJET Council

The Greatest of All Time

Laura Bruening

President

City/Region: Shizuoka City, Chubu
Year started JET: 2016

Hello, hello, hello!

I’m Laura hailing from Shizuoka City!

Originally I’m from Omaha, Nebraska which is one Shizuoka Sister City. We have a super strong connection with each other. In Omaha we even have sections dedicated to Shizuoka at the Lauritzen Gardens and The Henry Doorly Zoo!

I found myself coming to Japan to kind of fulfill a “sign” from my grandparents after they passed away. So coming to Japan has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

I majored in Musical Theater so I can sure “act” like I know a thing or two. My special skill is rambling off about useless information, which I’m unsure if it’s something to be proud of yet...anyway-

I hope you enjoy upcoming AJet events!

Alex Toro

Vice President

City/Region: Numazu, Tobu
Year started JET: 2018

Read more about Member

I grew up in Rhode Island, USA, big fan of EDM, an idea guy, loves connecting with people, posing interesting questions, talking silly. Going out to eat, going to the movies, playing games brings me the greatest of joy.

Frances Lockett

Treasurer

City/Region: Makinohara, Chubu
Year started JET: 2016

Read more about Member

I’m Frances
I live in the seaside town of Makinohara, a surfer spot surrounded by green tea. If you need a beachy staycation in Shizuoka I’m your girl.

Originally from London, I have a bachelors degree in history, with a specialisation in the role of war on development of international education.

I joined JET in 2016, and ajet in 2018. My hobbies include partying (we english do love a little drink!), cooking, going to see live music/shows and anything to do with art.

Mark Griffis

Mr. Webmaster

City/Region: Fuji, Tobu

Year started JET: 2018

Read more about Member

Hey fam! It's your boy, Mark! Comin' at ya with the slickest darn bio you've ever read. I'm from Athens, Georgia (kind of). I graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Psychology. So if you ever want to get ✧・ﾟ:* mind freaked *:・ﾟ✧ give me a call and I can arrange that for you.

When I'm not pulling elaborate Inception-style mind-heists, I write things. You can find some of my writing on my website here.

I live in Fuji City so please come and visit if you are a smoke stack enthusiast there are so few of us left in this world.

Ama Charles

Secretary

City/Region: Hamamatsu, Seibu
Year started JET: 2018

Read more about Member

Heya everyone, Ama, at your service. I'm from London, I studied 2D Animation at uni, and I love getting music recommendations. Please show me your favourite song some time!

When I travel, I like to take (way too many) photos, eat, meet new people, go for long walks, get lost, eat, share unforgettable moments with my friends, get all nostalgic over places I've never been.... and eat.

I know many JETS probably say this about their placement, but I'm so happy I ended up here. Let's meet at some event or another, to make new friends and explore the wonders of Shizuoka prefecture (and beyond)!

Flora Lam

Event Coordinator

City/Region: Shizuoka City, Chubu
Year started JET: 2017

Read more about Member

Hello! My name is Flora. I’m originally from San Francisco, the land of fog. I earned my B.A. in Linguistics at UC San Diego, as well as a certificate in TEFL. I’m interested in education and Japanese culture, which is what led me to the JET Program.

I am currently finishing up my first year in JET. I’m placed in Shizuoka City at a private Pre K-12 school. I love Shizuoka and all it has to offer from its plethora of green tea fields to the amazing view of Mount Fuji. I also love traveling (trying to visit all 47 prefectures!), eating, and taking pictures. If you want to explore inside or outside of Shizuoka, eat good food, or have a photo shoot, feel free to hit me up!

I’m excited to be a part of the AJET team to help plan wonderful events and meet new people! I look forward to meeting you all at the next event!

Samantha McCallion

Event Coordinator

City/Region: Fujinomiya, Tobu
Year started JET: 2019

Read more about Member

Hi, I`m Sam! I came on JET in 2019.

Originally from New Jersey, USA, I now live in Fujinomiya.

Fujinomiya is famous for being the closest city to Mount Fuji, Shiraito Falls, and also for the Mt. Fuji world heritage site. If you`re looking to visit I have room!

I went to college in NJ (`19), and majored in Elementary Education and History and have been teaching ESL for four years. I also lived in Czech Republic as a student teacher! I am very passionate about how we learn language.

In my free time I like to paint, hike, swim, travel, and go to onsens. But, I think my favorite thing to do is make new connections with other people. I`m down to eat and do almost anything. Let`s eat our way through 47 prefectures!

I`m excited to see what the next year brings!

Sean Robinson

Event Coordinator

City/Region: Hamamatsu, Seibu
Year started JET: 2019

Read more about Member

Kia ora! My name is Sean, I'm currently living in Hamamatsu, Japan's city of music, and the home of Yamaha.

I come from Aotearoa (New Zealand), and have been skulking around Shizuoka since 2019. I've got a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media studies, so if you want a film recommendation I'll do my best.

I love the beach, beer and big laughs with my mates. If you're ever Hamamatsu bound, drop me a line and at the very least I'll find you a beer.