Simply Mahj
Meet Holly Atienza
Owner / Founder / Creator / Master Instuctor / Event Facilitator
League & Tournament Organizer
Holly Atienza is a proud band Mom, and self-proclaimed mahjong enthusiast who found her calling one tile at a time. Growing up playing Chinese and Filipino Mahjong, Holly always had the game in her blood but when she discovered American Mahjong in August 2024, something clicked. She was hooked, and she never looked back. What started as a personal passion quickly grew into a mission to build a space where everyone could experience the joy, connection, and pure fun that mahjong brings.
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With a BA in Psychology from UTSA and a Master's in School Counseling from Lamar University, Holly has always been a teacher and community builder at heart. Creating Simply Mahj was the perfect collision of everything she loves — people, learning, and of course, tiles! When she's not running classes or hosting events, you'll find her at home binge-watching her favorite shows or planning her next cruise adventure. She truly believes mahjong has no borders — so don't be surprised if you spot her on a mahjong cruise somewhere around the world!
Our Story
The Simply Mahj Story
Simply Mahj was born from a dream — literally! In April 2025, founder Holly Atienza woke up with a vision of teaching mahjong and decided the very same day to make it a reality. The name was chosen with purpose — to bring accessibility and simplicity to a game that many feel intimidated to learn. What started as a passion project quickly became a full lifestyle brand, complete with a signature tile line, a competitive social league, and a thriving community across the Greater Houston Area. The dream is very much alive, and the best tiles are still yet to come!
Meet our Team
We are a group of Mahjong Enthusiasts.
Our Mission is to make you fall in love with Mahjong just as much as we have!
Aiden Atienza
Head Instructor / Operations Coordinator / Event Facilitator
About me:
Hello! I’m Aiden. I work full-time as a teacher’s aide for a 6th grade class, and I’m proud to be part of the Simply Mahj team as both an instructor and event facilitator.
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I’ve assisted in over 100 classes and have developed a true passion for teaching and helping others learn the game. I enjoy working with players of all levels and love creating a fun, welcoming environment at every table.
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I’ve been playing mahjong for over 7 years and have experience with a variety of styles. No matter the version, I enjoy them all and continue to grow my knowledge and appreciation for the game.
Outside of the store, I’m always looking for ways to deepen my understanding of mahjong—especially its history and strategy.
I’m incredibly grateful to be part of Simply Mahj and even more proud to watch it grow into such a special community.
Lisa Stratton
Operations Lead / Event Facilitator
About me:
Hi, I’m Lisa, a local mom of two here in the Cinco area! I learned to play mahjong a little over a year ago and quickly fell in love with the connections and sense of community the game creates. When I’m not at the mahjong table, you can usually find me reading, indulging in delightfully bad reality TV, or tackling pickleball with enthusiastic beginner energy. I’m so excited to be part of the Simply Mahj team and can’t wait to play with you!
Dannielle Hickin
Event Facilitator / Retail Associate
About me:
Hi, I’m Dannielle.
I’m a Mom of two living in the Cinco area. Originally from Scotland, we moved here in July 2024 and quickly settled into Houston life.
I discovered Mahjong in 2025 and was instantly hooked. I love the challenge, the strategy, and the sense of community it brings. I’ve even had the joy of teaching lots of friends along the way.
When I’m not playing Mahjong, you’ll usually find me behind a camera, lost in a good book, or line dancing — a very fun part of embracing Texas life.
I’ve met so many wonderful people through Mahjong, and I’m excited to now be part of the Simply Mahj team.
Natalie Halladay
Event Facilitator / Retail Associate
About me:
Natalie is a Nurse Practitioner by trade who fell in love with the game of American Mahjong for the way it effortlessly gathers women around a table — blending strategy, laughter, and just the right amount of friendly competition. For Natalie, the game is more than tiles on a table — it’s a space where women can step away from daily life, challenge their minds, and build lasting friendships.
When she’s not working or playing Mahjong, Natalie enjoys traveling with her family and caring for her lively menagerie of pets.
Alejandra Acevedo
Event Facilitator / Retail Associate
About me:
Hi! I'm Alejandra, a Houston based school Program Manager, librarian, educator and a lifelong learner both in the classroom and at the mahjong table. Since I started this journey in August, I’ve loved how this game brings people together. I even launched a Mahjong club at my school to share that magic with my students!
I love to keep things flexible, light, and fun at the table! As an educator, I know that learning something new can be intimidating, but if my table is laughing and not taking themselves too seriously, I’ve done my job.
I'm so lucky to be able to facilitate these games and make connections with people just like you. See you soon!
Kiara Thompson
Event Facilitator / Retail Associate
About me:
I’m an education administrator by day and a mahjong enthusiast by passion. I started playing in May after a friend taught me and instantly saw how it brings women together as a fun, relaxing, and mentally stimulating outlet. I’m also a mom to a fun-loving 6-year-old daughter who plays mahjong alongside me, and we enjoy traveling, trying new adventures, and making memories together.
Holly Ybarra
Event Facilitator / Retail Associate
About me:
Hi, I’m Holly!
I’m a mom of two boys and have lived in the Katy area for 15 years. I discovered American Mahjong in the summer of 2025 after a short lesson at my church—and I was instantly hooked.
I love the challenge of the game and the connections made around the table.
When I’m not playing, you’ll find me volunteering at my sons’ elementary school as a PTA board member, spending time with family and friends, or enjoying country music.
Mahjong has brought so much joy into my life, and I’m thrilled to be part of the Simply Mahj team!
Abby Dorsey
Event Facilitator
About me:
I’m a proud mom of two with a love for food finds, cruise vibes, strong coffee, and all things mahjong. After discovering American mahjong, I quickly fell in love with the way it brings people together — turning ordinary nights into memories around the table with family and friends.
I’m based in the Clear Lake area and passionate about continuing to grow my love and knowledge of the game. Through Simply Mahj, I hope to help create welcoming spaces where new friendships are formed, confidence is built, and people of all backgrounds can connect through a shared love of mahjong — one tile at a time.
Nathaly Carrasco
Event Facilitator / Retail Associate
About me:
I’m a veteran math teacher and proud mom of two boys who loves finding joy both in and out of the classroom. When I’m not teaching, you can usually find me traveling with friends, getting lost in a good book, or enjoying a great game night. Since learning American mahjong through Simply Mahj, I’ve especially loved the mix of strategy, challenge, and community that the game brings into my life.