Donna Batdorff has been teaching people the things she loves for decades and now brings that desire to share, to her passion for Mah Jongg.  A go-getter, and natural organizer, Donna saw a lack of NMJL rule-following mahjong groups in her home city of Grand Rapids, Michigan.  So, in late 2025 she started a weekly Mah Jongg get together, partnering with a local golf course restaurant. The main mission was to have fun, while following NMJL rules. The group grew from a core of 5 people to over 70 players in the span of 3 months. 

Donna works with beginners to get them up to speed to join the rest of the group.  A self-proclaimed rule nerd, Donna makes sure her students are taught the right way to play, going beyond the basics and getting into advanced rules many beginning classes don’t emphasize. She shares strategies, and tips and upon graduating from her classes, students will possess the confidence and knowledge to play at an accelerated level compared with most beginners. 

Donna is a “mostly retired” Realtor with former careers in advertising, marketing, food service, and retail. When she’s not playing or teaching Mah Jongg, She spends time with her standard poodle Georgie, goes camping, boating, designs Pysanky eggs, and makes and decorates elaborate cakes and cookies.