Meet Our Officers
HeatherJustPlay is a community-driven, volunteer-run organization and everything we do is made possible by the incredible people who show up, step up, and help bring the magic to life.
This quarter, we’ve transitioned to a crew-based leadership model: 10 collaborative teams, each focused on a key area of the HJP experience. From planning events and welcoming new members to documenting our journey and dreaming up what’s next, these crews are the heart of our operations.
But beyond the responsibilities, these leaders are also players, creators, dreamers, and friends. Scroll down to meet the folks behind each crew, learn what they’re passionate about, and see how they help shape the world of HJP, one quest at a time!
Leadership Crew Roster
8BitCerberus / Shandril Shesair / Darientaru Taru
EVENTS CREW, PODCAST CREW, IMPACT COMMITTEE, MODERATOR
I’m a lifelong video gamer, started back in the 80s and haven’t stopped. Firm believer in you’re never too old to play video games. My first video game system was an Atari 2600 in 1982. Then in 1986 I got an NES for my birthday, and that’s where my obsession really took off.
I didn’t pick up PC gaming until the 90s after I got a shareware disk of Wolfenstein 3D and then shortly after, Doom, and it blew me away that this kind of gaming was even possible. I’ve been pretty much a Nintendo + PC kid since then. Over the years I have also gotten other consoles as well, but only as needed if / when there are enough games available that I both want and can’t get anywhere else.
Beyond video games, other hobbies include bicycling and running. Had a bit of a health scare in 2020 and that kicked my butt into gear to finally make a change. Started eating right, exercising regularly, and got into cycling and eventually running. The latter being the biggest shock, because in 40+ years the most I’d ever run in my life up to that point was maybe 100 yards.
In 2022 I ran my first half-marathon, which is still absolutely insane to me. Unfortunately probably my last too — turns out old bodies with a lifetime of neglect tend to injure easier. Who knew?! Still cycling though, and it is still a goal of mine to do a full marathon some day, even if I have to walk a good portion of it.
Favorite Games: The Legend of Zelda (all of them), Metroid (all of them), Final Fantasy (all... wait, most of them 😅 13 almost got me to swear off FF entirely, but I'm glad that it didn't! I still don't like it, but it's also been over 15 years since I initially played/hated it... so one of these days I'd like to give it another shot to either confirm my initial opinion, or to see if maybe time has changed it.)
Arcana Dawn / Celestina Evenstar / Celes Teeeny
MEMBERSHIP CREW
Hiya all, I’m Arcana Dawn / Celestina Evenstar / Celes Teeeny etc. etc. lol (I may have an alt problem). I’ve been playing video games most of my life (shout out to the cousins who had an Atari back in the day -yes, I’m that old-) I started playing FFXIV in 2019 however, after bouncing around a plethora of other games, and spending far too much time and money playing WoW. I dipped my toes in Everquest, LOVED Guild Wars (both 1 & 2), and much to my current chagrin, had fun for years with WoW, both retail and classic when it first came out.
In 2019, I was part of the WoW exodus, and moved over to FFXIV. I’m so glad I did. I still take breaks every now and then from my main game; currently I also play Coral Island and Palia; but now I don’t feel punished if I take a break. As video games have been such a big part of my life for so long, they mean a lot to me. They are my escape from my real life struggles, and my primary connection to the outside world, as I am disabled, and do not leave the house often.
HJP has been such a good place for me to grow and try new things. This community is something unique and meaningful to me in ways words struggle to convey. Whether It’s HJP time, doggo time (I’ve got 3 medium sized dogs, an Am. Staff. mix, a Pitbull mix, and an Alaskan Husky mix), chill with the hubs time, or any other time, I know I’ve got a safe welcoming community waiting for me in HJP, and that they’ll be there to help when I run events, or when I want to take some time, they’ll support me. HJP is like an extended online family to me. <3
Favorite Games: (in no particular order) FFXIV, GW2, Palia, Coral Island
Beholy (Sihreen Rotan)
IMPACT COMMITTEE
Career system and project engineer.
Before video games, it was the original Dungeons & Dragons (the starting 3 booklet set in 1975).
Been playing video games since the original Atari 2600 and that was a ways back ☺ Moved onto computer games with the TRS-80 and never looked back. Could not even guess how many computers and consoles I have owned and built over the years.
Played all kinds and types of computer and video games over the years, from war game simulations to first person shooters, to arcade, well you get the idea.
Started with MMOs in EverQuest 2, then World of Warcraft (Burning Crusade), Elder Scrolls Online, Guild Wars 2, Lord Of the Rings Online, and at least 10 others, some of which are no longer in existence. Now, its FFXIV and with a group of helpful folks in HJP. It has been a very rewarding journey so far, as I am only working on the Heavensward portion of the story as I write this.
If you want to know what I receive from video games, well that might be best summed up in a line from an original Star Trek episode (Shore Leave) “The more complex the mind, the more the need for the simplicity of play”. Video games let me spend time exploring and resting in a virtual world, where the rules are more fixed and simple than the real world and the penalty of error very small indeed.
Within the HJP community, I have found a group of kind, helpful, diverse, imaginative & positive folks brought together in the huge umbrella of games. In today’s world, there are far too many negative and far too few positive communities, to not cherish the positive vibe that flows from the HJP community!
BrutaliTea (FataliTea)
FFXIV CREW
I have been playing games for most of my life. I mainly play FFXIV but I sometimes play some Black Desert Online, Guild Wars 2, Overwatch, or Marvel Rivals.
I’ve played WoW, Runescape, original Guild Wars, Ark Survival Evolved and multiple other survival games like DayZ and Miscreated.
I started playing FFXIV in September 2021 at the suggestion of some friends. FFXIV quickly became my favorite game of all time. This game helped me through some tough times and was like a therapy of sorts. I’m a bit of an altaholic and I love the housing (not the lotto system though!)
What I love most about HJP is finding other people to play FFXIV with. The HJP community is very welcoming and inclusive even if they just met you! This community has people that are excited to do all the different things this game has to offer. This FC is popping and has tons going on!
Also I don’t drink tea hardly ever, but I love coffee.
Ciri Legolas / Bree
EVENTS CREW
I really started leaning into playing games in 2018 with God of War 2018, even though we always had at least 1 gaming system growing up. I cannot remember how I even heard of FFXIV, but I started playing in February of 2020 and I will forever be grateful that I did. That trickle down effect has led me to SO many amazing things that I can’t fathom living without today. After getting obsessed with Eureka and running the Baldesion Arsenal I ended up finding people who wanted to do The Epic of Alexander and fell so in love with raiding and specifically Ultimate raiding. It’s the most fun content in final fantasy xiv for me. Outside of gaming I love to read fantasy or romance books and watch/read too much anime/manhwa. Fun fact I've got 9 (i think lol) tattoos and I play D&D with my best friends who i met thanks to a brief twitch streaming career. As a human I'm not the best at being present with people in my life or putting myself out there (it’s a work in progress). Finding HJP has been a highlight in my life. So many fun, thoughtful, and positive imperfect people who strive to be better and stay engaged. So many laughs and good moments! Very lucky to be able to be involved and be a part of this community.
Favorite Games: Fire Emblem three houses, Breath of the wild, Baldur’s Gate 3, Repo, Persona games, and FFXIV.
Hifumi Izanami / Vettie
EVENTS CREW, HISTORIAN
Chi-chi-chissu~! (#justhifumithings) I've been playing video games since the 80s. The first system I played as a kid was Nintendo with that Super Mario Bros/Duckhunt combo. I have enjoyed video games since then, being that they have always been the coolest thing in the world to me, ESPECIALLY how they have changed and improved over time. Every day I am amazed at the kinds of things that can be done in video games with graphics and gameplay. Even with FFXIV as I recently have completed DT and was amazed by how incredible the dungeons and trials have been, especially compared to ARR. I started this game 10 years ago on free trial through the recommendation of my friend (aka she told me I can be a cat boy and also showed me her cute cat boy so how can I say no?!). This game was my very first of this kind so I had no idea what tanking or AOEs or DPS and all that even meant for the longest time. It took until recently for me to find a group who I am comfortable with and can actively play with.
Before HJP, I had gone from FC to FC as each of them kept becoming inactive or disbanding for one reason or another. The HJP community has been the light of my life and I am so grateful to be a part of something that brings joy to the lives of others! Outside of video games I enjoy music, doing karaoke, traveling, doing karaoke, crocheting, music, watching/reading anime/manga, doing karaoke, and eating cheesecake.
Favorite Games: Sonic Adventure 2 Battle, Sonic Heroes, Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, Sonic 3 and Knuckles, Sonic Frontiers, Sonic x Shadow Generations, Son-- anyway I also like Journey, Sims, Mario and Kirby games, plus mobage like Hypnosis Mic ARB (HI-FU-MI-!) and Honkai Star Rail so hit me up let's be friends I stan the Stellaron Hunters especially Blade ok bye!
Kaeyin Se
FFXIV Crew
Heyo it's me Kaeyin or you can call me Kae. I'm a part of this officer because i love helping sprout (newbie term for FF14) whether they play in the game or in this discord community, i would love to help in any way possible. If there's any question feel free to ask, oh one more thing. I'm a captain / raid leader called 'Team Nutsy' in this community, and our goal is to get Ultimate title someday. Wish us luck!
MaplePaint / Ettie Rohesia
HISTORIAN
Hey it's Maple/Ettie! I have been playing video games since I was little, starting by playing with my brother on my dad's NES, and also by playing on my own gameboy. I started playing Final Fantasy 14 in 2019 at the recommendation of my friends and started playing it a lot more when between jobs. FF14 is my first Final Fantasy game and the first MMORPG I've really gotten deep into, but I have played many single player RPGs in the past. I have always enjoyed video games as an immersive form of story telling. Some video games, like FF14 have even changed the way I look at the world and impacted who I am today. I also enjoy games as a sandbox to explore, create, and be social in. I have made some good friends via online video games but HJP is the most welcoming and friendly community I've had the pleasure of coming across. HJP has become important to me during a time when I feel like it has become harder to make new friends as I get older, and also it’s provided a confidence boost while also giving me an outlet for my desire to build and contribute.
Aside from video games, I also enjoy art and reading. My favourite books to read are mysteries and fantasy stories. For art, I enjoyed drawing a lot while I was in school, though I haven't done it as much since leaving, which is something I'm currently working on. I also love learning about art history and how much art, culture, and humanity all tie into each other. I believe video games are a form of art and enjoy discussing them with anyone willing to listen.
Favorite Games: Final Fantasy 14, Legend of Zelda series, The Sims, Her Interactive's Nancy Drew Series, Stardew Valley, Minecraft, Undertale, Portal, City Skylines, Skyrim, Slime Rancher, And more but this list is long enough :)
Mordak (Arawyll) Wolfgate
EVENTS CREW, MODERATOR
I am an Engineer & Draftsman in the telecom space. Been in the field for 30ish years now and worked for all the major telecoms in Texas. I mostly engineer and design construction prints for fiber optic service to businesses & homes. It’s not glorious work but keeps me entertained enough.
In my younger years I was a Martial Artist, but got hurt, then got old. Been working to fix that. I study Tang So Do, Tae Kwon Do, and Brazilian Jujitsu.
Spend most of my life studying art. Had formal classes in Watercolor painting when I was young. Always picked the art electives going through school, so lots of drawing & sketching. Found sculpture in high school and really enjoyed it. It was the same time I found drafting and learned with pencil & paper before CADD was common. After high school I got into telecom. It wasn’t until much later I would go back to college and get a degree in Game Art & Animation. I was always wanting to learn how to make digital assets and build worlds for games so when the market crashed in ’08, I took the opportunity to learn that.
Started gaming when I was wee lad, on a Commodore 64. The first game I played was The Last Ninja. Then came the Atari, Nintendo’s, Playstation’s then PC again where I prefer to game. I also enjoy traditional gaming, tabletop, DND, cards, and billiards. Chess being my favorite game of all time.
Favorite Games: (And not in any particular order) Zelda, Metroid, Crystalis, Secret of Mana, Ultima, FF, The Witcher 3, Skyrim, Oblivion, Minecraft, Terraria, Cyberpunk 2077, Tomb Raider, Everquest 2, Star War “The Old Republic”, REPO.
Oliver Benley / Heather Ramirez
CAPTAIN
i’ve been a content creator for nearly a decade but i’ve been a gamer my whole life. i started playing Final Fantasy XIV in 2022 and instantly fell in love with the incredible story. building our free company, Kraken’s Call, and the HJP community has been one of the most incredible adventures of my life and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us!
Favorite Games: chrono trigger, the yakuza series, final fantasy, REPO, persona 5 royal, tetris, octopath traveler, ace attorney series, return of the obra dinn, tears of the kingdom… and probably a lot more i’m not thinking of right now 😝
UPSChurch / Houka Oza
FFXIV CREW, PODCAST CREW, MERCH GUILD
The first time I played video games was at one of my parents' friends' houses, and their kids had the Atari 2600 and Nintendo Entertainment System. Since then, my parents got me the N.E.S. for my birthday and have not looked back. Thanks to them, I became a lifelong fan of all things gaming, from board games to tabletop games. I started my journey with PC gaming with the games DOOM and Wolfenstein 3D. That branched out for me playing Real Time Strategy games like Starcraft, Warcraft.
My first MMO was Eve-Online as part of the corporation, Everlasting Vendetta. Started as a miner, then part of the Electronic Warfare wing, and became a Human Resource Officer. Let’s just say I paid CCP to sit in the station and read applications, interviews, and attend meetings. I was a part of that world for a couple of years before switching over to World of Warcraft. Played WoW until the end of Warlords of Draenor.
It's the spring of 2020, during the height when the world shut down, I tried out Final Fantasy XIV from a recommendation from a friend I met in a Twitch stream. Fell in love with the game right away. While one of our mutual friends decided to skip the story altogether and went straight to raiding. I progress with the story from beginning to end. Enjoying every moment of the story (yes, including ARR).
HJP has been great for me. It's a community that I have been searching for years now. It has been a joy to be part of HJP not only in Final Fantasy XIV, but also with R.E.P.O, Palworld, and more. Outside of that, I spend a lot of time with my family, listen to music (mostly Kpop, Jpop, and rock music), watch and talk about sports, and more. Found a new home in HJP and will continue to support everyone in HJP as long as I can.
Violet Cathdraig
FFXIV CREW
My profession is basically “I drink (tea) and I know things (usually).” My past career and education consists of a lot of “You shall not pass (get promoted).” So, I just went and “Did it my way” when I remembered to do it. What I’m trying to say is that I’m a big fat nerd who loves geeky nerdy things. Remember that part it’s important for later.
My wife got me to start playing World of Warcraft with her as a form of flirting in 2004. We had already been LARPing Vampires and Werewolves together for a few years. I then proceeded to have a very mild 14 year intermittent hyperfocus. Apparently, I had a cheeky little thing for MMOs. I saw the potential for friends to play together (not that I could properly herd that clowder of cats). I had met friends. I had done things and had great memories.
Alas, hyperfocus can wane, luster gets rubbed off. No matter, I had a family now, responsibilities, and a brand new hyperfocus on food, ah, well. Wait, what’s that shiny new thing? Full of amazing sound tracks, exciting animations and friendly people?
It was Final Fantasy XIV Online. I had never played a Final Fantasy game, but it didn’t matter. I didn’t need to know the names or the places or anything, this was the shiny new hyperfocus I was looking for! I decided that for once I was gonna go all in. I was gonna get good. At one game. Most of the time.
Strangely enough, I succeeded and I found tons of friends, a phenomenal player base, and now a group of people who want to create a community center for not just that game, but so many others. I am so proud to be a part of the HJP community and I want to help facilitate that feeling of awe and accomplishment for everyone who wants to experience it!
Leadership Teams
Events Crew
The Events Crew helps bring community ideas to life by planning, scheduling, promoting, and documenting HJP events, from FFXIV adventures to fun icebreakers and beyond. Their mission is to make it easy and exciting for members to host events, while capturing and celebrating the moments that make HJP special.
Crew Members: 8bitCerberus / Darientaru Taru, Ciri Legolas / Bree, Hifumi Izanami / Vettie, MordakW / Arawyll Wolfgate, Sarilla Renald / Soun
FFXIV Crew
From Main Scenario Quest progress to Sprout to Ultimate Legend raids, the FFXIV Crew supports members on their in-game journey. They support player progression through check-ins, shout-outs, and sprout guidance, and they coordinate in-game events like roulettes, glam contests, and map nights to keep things fresh and fun. They also oversee raid groups like Sprout to Ultimate Legend and track Free Company activity to make sure our in-game experience stays aligned with HJP’s mission of growth, connection, and collaborative play.
Crew Members: Brutali Tea / Fatali Tea, Jero Baka, Kaeyin Se, UPSChurch / Houka, Sarilla Renald / Soun, Violet Cathdraig
Lore Guild
The Lore Guild helps shape the shared world of Kraken’s Call by supporting members in developing their character backstories, maintaining lore consistency, and keeping our community’s evolving story alive and accessible. Through prompts, creative events, and collaborative worldbuilding, this guild nurtures a space where members can explore identity, imagination, and the magic of collective storytelling.
Crew Members: Tinael Nochlomin
Creativity Circle
The Creativity Circle supports and celebrates artistic expression in all forms — from digital art to content creation and everything in between. They organize low-pressure creative challenges, uplift member creations, and help make creativity feel accessible, joyful, and fun. Whether you’re sharing a sketch, editing a video, or trying something new for the first time, this crew is here to cheer you on and help your creativity shine.
Crew Members: Ishtar Maira
Podcast Crew
The Creativity Circle supports and celebrates artistic expression in all forms — from digital art to content creation and everything in between. They organize low-pressure creative challenges, uplift member creations, and help make creativity feel accessible, joyful, and fun. Whether you’re sharing a sketch, editing a video, or trying something new for the first time, this crew is here to cheer you on and help your creativity shine.
Crew Members: 8BitCerberus / Darientaru Taru, Persant D’Inde, Sarilla Renald, Soun, Tinael Nochlomin
Merch Guild
The Merch Guild is all about turning HJP’s heart and style into something you can wear, sip from, or stick on your laptop. They research vendors, design merch (or coordinate community submissions), and handle the logistics of pricing, setup, and fulfillment. Through limited drops and fun giveaways, this guild creates meaningful, tangible ways for members to rep the community they love, all while helping support HJP’s continued growth.
Crew Members: Persant D’Inde, Tinael Nochlomin, UPSChurch / Houka
Impact Committee
The Impact Committee helps ensure that everything HJP does is aligned with our mission. They meet regularly to reflect on events, programs, and community experiences to identify what’s working, what could be better, and where we’re making the biggest impact. Their insights are shared with the board of directors and help guide the future of HJP with care, clarity, and intention.
Crew Members: 8BitCerberus, Beholy (Sihreen Rotan)
Historians
The Historians capture and share the magic of HJP. Whether it’s through blogs, social media, video content, or other creative outlets, their goal is to document the transformative moments, connections, and adventures that make HJP special — and bring that story to a wider audience. They maintain a growing archive of highlights, celebrate member experiences, and help the world see just how powerful play can be.
Crew Members: Ishtar Maira, MaplePaint / Ettie Rohesia, Hifumi Izanami / Vettie, 8BitCerberus / Darientaru Taru, Sarilla Renald / Soun
Membership Crew
The Membership Crew is all about helping people feel like they truly belong. From welcoming new members and hosting orientation events to sparking conversations and shouting out awesome contributions, they create a supportive, low-pressure environment where connection can thrive. Their mission is to make sure every member — whether brand new or long-time — feels seen, appreciated, and part of something special.
Crew Members: Arcana Dawn / Celestina Evenstar, Jero Baka, Sarilla Renald / Soun, Zro Day
Moderators
The Mods Team helps keep HJP safe, respectful, and welcoming for everyone. They monitor activity across Discord, YouTube, and FFXIV, stepping in when guidelines are crossed or support is needed. Whether it’s navigating conflicts or clarifying expectations, they approach every situation with fairness and care. The goal isn’t just to respond. It’s to model the kind of inclusive, compassionate community we’re all here to build.
Crew Members: 8BitCerberus, Bon Elisan, MordakW, Persant D’Inde, Pimpy Shortstocking
Captain
The Captain steers the ship and holds the overall vision of HJP. As the founder and executive director, the Captain leads with heart, ensures everything stays aligned with our mission, and supports each crew in doing their best work. From strategy and storytelling to behind-the-scenes logistics, the Captain keeps us moving forward — always with purpose, clarity, and a whole lot of fun.
Crew Member: Oliver Benley / Heather Ramirez