Hi, I’m Jay and I’ve been living in South Korea since August 2024.  I live just south of Seoul in Suwon with my husband.  Before we moved here we lived in California for 3 years.  Whilst in California I volunteered with various organisations, joined a hiking group, and enjoyed meeting new people and travelling.  I have a management and HR background and was Practice Manager in GP surgeries (medical centres) in the UK for the 10 years prior to moving abroad.  My family all live in the UK and I have 2 children who have recently graduated and work in the UK.  I understand how it feels to find yourself in a new place and to leave family behind and was very pleased to have found BASS so soon after arriving in South Korea.  I am new to this role and the Committee but very happy to support this great organisation and help foster a welcoming and supportive environment for all. 

I was raised in Los Angeles, California and have lived in several cities across the U.S. In 2012, our family moved to India and later, to Japan. In 2021, we made South Korea our home. Joining BASS was a great way to meet people from all over the world who know what it’s like to build community in a new place. When not out discovering the best of Seoul with BASS friends, I’m raising two teenage boys in Yeonhui-dong.  

I hail from the land down under, starting my expat life many years ago (1985) in Papua New Guinea. Spending most of our time since then in Asia, the Middle East and Australia. We have three adult children and 2 grandchildren. In addition to travelling and making new friends, I love the great outdoors, especially bush walking, camping, birdwatching and gardening. When I can I also enjoy mahjong, reading and knitting. Arriving in sunny Seoul last August I consider myself very fortunate to have found BASS. So welcoming and friendly, ensuring I was not so overwhelmed during my first few months. Over the years, moving to and from countries, I too have found that groups such as BASS provide invaluable support and friendship to those of us who are making new lives away from our home countries, our extended families and friends. It is a privilege to help out in any small way I can.