My name is BJ Yamamoto, and I live in Los Angeles with my dog, Jade. I’m pursuing a PhD in Education at Claremont Graduate University and serve as the co-founder and CEO of AlohaMusic, a nonprofit organization based in Hawaiʻi that produces all-state student music festivals and advocates for music education in public schools.

I also live with severe Bipolar Disorder and ADHD. I follow a consistent medication and treatment plan and work closely with both a psychiatrist and a psychologist. These conditions are lifelong and complex, and while I am highly productive during stable periods, I experience manic-depressive cycles every 4–6 weeks, each lasting 1–2 weeks. During these times, I struggle with basic functioning—getting out of bed, feeding Jade, even answering an email becomes an overwhelming task.

Despite these challenges, I’ve never stopped striving. My PhD has been a long-standing dream, and I’m deeply committed to the work we do at AlohaMusic. I’ve learned to “roll with it” during the down times, but life doesn’t pause for my illness. Deadlines, bills, responsibilities—they accumulate and weigh heavily once the cycle lifts. The result is burnout, anxiety, and a constant game of catch-up.

Last year, I hired a part-time assistant with my own funds. It was transformative. They helped me maintain momentum by stepping in during my down cycles—managing schedules, sending reminders, replying to emails, keeping my nonprofit operations on track, and helping me transition smoothly back to productivity. Unfortunately, I had to let them go when funds ran out.

Now, I find myself once again in urgent need of help. I’ve just come through a particularly difficult cycle. While I managed to raise funds for AlohaMusic’s Showcase of Music Festival on May 4, 2025, and kept up with coursework using accommodations, my personal finances are dwindling. I don’t want a short term solution—I want the tools to thrive, and a personal assistant is one of the most essential tools I could have.

With the support of my mental health providers, I’m raising funds to hire a personal assistant for six months. This person will play a critical role in helping me stay functional and focused.

Their responsibilities will include:

Time & Task Management: maintaining and optimizing my Google Calendar, including time blocking for rest, work, and health needs; creating weekly task lists tailored to my mental health rhythm; and sending daily reminders and check-ins.

Administrative Support: managing my email inbox, handling forms and basic data entry, and helping prepare grant applications and nonprofit reports (with guidance).

Project Coordination: supporting AlohaMusic with scheduling, donor follow-ups, and event logistics.

Personal Logistics: coordinating appointments, managing simple errands or local tasks, and helping with Jade’s care when needed.

Progress Documentation: tracking workflows and impact to help make the case for future insurance coverage of these services.

Though my current insurance won’t cover this position, my providers are willing to submit letters and documentation to support a case for future coverage if we can demonstrate clinical improvement and functional outcomes.

I am seeking funds to cover this assistant’s salary, administrative costs, legal fees, and placement expenses over a six-month period. With this support, I truly believe I can regain stability, stay on top of school and nonprofit responsibilities, and ultimately thrive—not just survive.

Thank you for considering my story. Your support means everything—not only to me but to the work I’m doing to empower young musicians and advocate for mental health and arts education.

Love,

BJ

bjyama.me

Cost Breakdown for an Executive Aide 6-Month Trial

Personal Assistant Salary $18,000.00

Administrative Fees $300.00

Legal Fees $500.00

Supplies $500.00

Screening Service $700.00

Total: $20,000.00 - Current Goal: $11,000 to start services.