Debbie Barnett has been playing Mah Jongg for over 45 years. Her love for the game began at the Colony Beach & Tennis Club in East Haven, CT. After relocating to South Florida in 1988, she continued playing the game by organizing various social groups. In 2006, she decided to spread her passion for the game through teaching. She has since taught hundreds of students locally and at various venues including a program for Leisure Time Tours held at the Boca Raton Resort & Spa.
Debbie has now taken her teaching to a higher level with a distinctive, interactive, teaching platform. Now students can be taught in the comfort of their homes on their desktop or tablet while the game works in the background just as if they were sitting around a table with her. Through Debbie’s unique and concise way of teaching, students will be sure to grasp all the rules and concepts needed to play this game independently.
Debbie also offers a lifetime mentorship to all her students. She understands that although students learn the rules during class, there are times they will forget. The mentorship allows them to text her with a question and even send a picture of their hand or exposure that might simply say, “Can I do this?” or “Can I use a Joker in a pair?” etc. She feels the mentorship is especially important during the first year of playing socially which is where the biggest learning curve is encountered.
Stacy Budkofsky has been playing Mah Jongg since 2004. From the moment she learned to play she absolutely loved the game and found a way to spread that love by teaching it to others. Stacy has been teaching students of all ages, from 2nd graders to senior citizens, for many years at community centers, libraries, recreation centers, assisted living facilities, schools and camps. Her patience and love for the game shines through in her careful explanations of the rules and strategies.
Stacy has also played in several tournaments, so she has an understanding of how to play the game competitively. She can give tips and strategies on how to play smarter and faster for those who are looking to engage in tournament play.
Stacy also makes herself available to students once their classes are over. Her former students will text with questions, photos and sometimes just to say hi or share a Mah Jongg themed joke, some news or article. She is excited to be partnering with the School of American Mah Jongg to offer lessons to people anywhere through this innovative teaching platform.
To inquire about Stacy's classes, email: stacymahjongg@gmail.com
Rory Bellow learned to play Mah Jongg in 2012 and has been in love with this fascinatingly addictive game ever since. Formerly an attorney and HR consultant, Rory left her full-time career in 2020 to stay home with her 3 children. Looking for a daytime hobby to fill some time during the school day, she began teaching Mah Jongg around her community. As the Mah Jongg “bug” caught on, her new hobby organically turned into a part-time job.
Rory loves teaching women (and men!) to play as it gives them a social outlet plus a new and lasting way to exercise their brains. Her love for the game shows in her precise but witty explanation of Mah Jongg rules, etiquette and strategies.
Rory offers lessons for beginners as well as those looking for tips on strategy or score keeping. She loves to stay in touch with her students post-lesson and is always available for questions and quick tips. In addition to offering lessons, Rory helps facilitate Mah Jongg tournaments, charity events, play days, parties and webinars. Rory is thrilled to partner with School of American Mah Jongg to expand her teaching to a virtual platform.
To inquire about Rory's classes, email: rory.mahjong@gmail.com
Iris Pressman has been playing Mah Jong for more than 20
years. She enjoyed playing with friends in a relaxed social
environment while exercising her brain, both in Baltimore, MD,
and Sarasota, FL. After retiring as an educator (regular and
special education, reading specialist and finally teaching
instructional technology), she began teaching others how to
play her favorite game. In addition to teaching beginners, she
has dedicated considerable time to instructing strategies that
evaluate the game beyond the basics.
Over the years, Iris has cultivated a supportive network of
former students who remain connected and engaged, often
reaching out with questions and insights.
She is thrilled about joining the School of American Mah Jong,
where she will have the opportunity to bring her decades of
experience and passion for teaching Mah Jongg online. She is
eager to share her knowledge and strategies with a wider
audience in a virtual setting.
To inquire about Iris's classes, email: Irispressman@gmail.com
Jamie has been playing American Mah Jongg since 2012 and teaching since 2016. She learned to play when she relocated to Michigan to be closer to family. Both her grandmother and mother were players who inspired her to learn and join them in the game. Since then, she has developed a deep passion for it. She has taught many students, friends, her children and husband to play. She enjoys playing with friends and family. Playing at a multigenerational table is one of her favorite activities. In 2017 her Mother in Law taught her to play Taiwanese Mah Jong which she continues to play and teach as well. In 2024 Jamie learned Siamese Mah Jongg. She is excited to be expanding her teaching virtually with the school of American Mah Jongg.
To inquire about Jamie's classes, email: mahjonggmommas@gmail.com
