Mahj Life Instructor Guild > Teaching FACE-TO-FACE and ONLINE, nationwide!

Dana Cadonau-Huseby is a passionate American Mah Jongg instructor who makes learning joyful, empowering, and fun. She was first introduced to the game over twenty years ago when friends needed a fourth player. From that very first session, she was hooked. After a long break, Dana rekindled her love for the game in early 2024 and immersed herself in learning through Michele Frizzell’s Mahj Life channel. Formal lessons quickly transformed her casual curiosity into confident, strategic play. As Dana’s skills grew, so did her desire to share the game. Her wife Anita joined in, friends asked for lessons, and Dana discovered that teaching Mah Jongg was just as rewarding as playing it.

At *Flying Tiles Academy*, teaching isn’t just what Dana does- it’s who she is. As a practicing psychotherapist, she brings compassion, patience, and insight to every lesson. She understands that learning something new, especially a game as rich and layered as American Mah Jongg, can sometimes feel overwhelming. She creates a gentle, encouraging, and attuned space for each student’s pace and needs. With kindness at the core and joy as the guide, she helps players build skill and confidence, one tile, one smile, one “aha!” moment at a time.

Dana lives in Danville, California, with her wife Anita and their schnoodle, Cookie. When she’s not with clients or mentoring Mah Jongg students, you’ll find her playing in tournaments, cheering on new learners, or dreaming up new ways to spread the Mahj magic.

Student Skill Level: Beginner

In-Person Group Size: Up to 4

Online Group Size: Up to 2

Microcredentials:

First Principles Promise: I promise to teach you the first principles of mah jongg using the official rules, giving you a strong foundation and the confidence to play with anyone, anywhere.

Variations Awareness Pledge: I pledge to distinguish house rules from the official rules and help you understand their impact so you can confidently adapt and enjoy the game anywhere.

Pride In Excellence Initiative