The People of BRIE

Jessica Smith is the founder and president of B.R.I.E. She is a wife and mother in a family of 6. She was born in Okinawa, Japan and was raised by a Japanese mother who did her best to keep the Japanese culture alive in their household. Because of this, Jessica has always loved Japan and its people. She loves sharing both of her cultures with the people in the U.S and in Japan. Starting a culture sharing program between the U.S. and Japan has been a dream of hers for many years. Landon Smith is an educator and traveler. He loves to learn about other cultures and countries and will tell you all about it if you let him. He supports and helps Jessica with all the different facets of BRIE.

Chris Hatch and her kids have been a host family since 2014 and absolutely love it. Each family member has volunteered with other exchange organizations, ensuring safety, a positive experience, and fun for the Japanese visitors. Their dream is to travel to Japan one day and reunite with the dozens of friends they've made over the years. 

Bryan and Monica- Bryan served as missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he lived in Japan for two years. He fell in love with the people, culture and language. He studied Japanese at the University of Utah. Monica and their three sons enjoy the Japanese people and culture as well.

Josie Fielding- Josie (on the right) is the 4th of 8 kids and the proud aunt of 7 nieces and nephews. She attended school at Utah State University where she played Lacrosse and studied Psychology and Social Work. She served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines where she grew to love the Filipino people and appreciate other cultures and languages. Currently she is working as a Family Advocate for a non-profit called CSS-Grandfamilies where she helps families who are raising a relative's child.