Mahjong facilitation for the league is provided by Bird Bam Mahjong and its founder, Sheila Chandonnet. Sheila loves Portsmouth and the Seacoast and has enjoyed being part of the area for the past five years. She learned American Mahjong through organized lessons in Florida and quickly discovered that the best part of the game was the connection created around the table.
Sheila’s interest in teaching grew naturally from organizing games and meeting people who wanted to learn but found Mahjong intimidating. She especially enjoys welcoming brand-new players, breaking the game into manageable steps, and helping them build the confidence to join a table and play.
Bird Bam Mahjong creates more ways to learn, play, and connect through American Mahjong on the Seacoast. Bird Bam offers hands-on beginner instruction, guided play, social events, and pop-ups for players at different stages of the game. It is currently expanding its programs while working toward a permanent home in Portsmouth.
When she is not teaching or playing Mahjong, Sheila can often be found on the pickleball court or spending time with her husband and their two adult children.