I am a software developer and creative based in Aotearoa New Zealand.
I am an American of mixed European descent. My ancestors are English, Irish, Norwegian, Swedish, Polish, and Russian.
My mountain is Wy'east (Mount Hood).
My river is the Columbia River.
I moved to Aotearoa New Zealand in January 2023 after traveling the world for two years while waiting for New Zealand's borders to open.
Technology Background
I began teaching myself HTML/CSS in 2004.
In 2006, I moved on to PHP/MYSQL in order to build more complex systems. These included an awards system for the Philadelphia theatre community.
In 2011, I started learning how to use APIs like SendGrid, Twilio, and Stripe.
In 2016, I taught myself how to write basic APIs for a series of web-based financial games. For this I created a fictional working stock exchange.
My next project was to teach myself React Native and in 2019, I built and published my first app in the Apple App Store (Quiptical/Quiptickle).
In 2023, I began the Master of Software Development programme at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand in order to round-out my software development skills and adding Java development to my repertoire. My expected graduation is July 2024.
Business Background
In 2011, I joined the Cloud PaaS company AppFog as employee #3, the VP of Operations. I managed all HR, Finance, Accounting, and Legal operations for the company. AppFog raised $9.8 Million in venture funding in two rounds before ultimately being acquired by CenturyLink in 2014.
At CenturyLink I pivoted into marketing and communications, serving as the Director of Communications for the CenturyLink Innovation Lab.
After this I enjoyed business management roles at a yoga teaching school and an Emmy-winning film production company.
I then joined another venture-funded startup, Sightbox, as a marketing executive. Sightbox was acquired by Johnson and Johnson and I was promoted to Chief Experience Officer of Sightbox, managing a team of 35.
Since 2020, I have worked as a marketing and product management executive at my third venture-backed startup, Joyous.
Creative Background
I have a deep background in English and Russian Literature and in Theatre.
I have authored dozens of full-length and one-act plays, television scripts, novellas, and short stories.
I have directed acclaimed productions of Caberet and Urinetown: The Musical.
Since 2009 I have been creating for the Empire of Australia project.