After years of working with various organizations, I transitioned to freelancing, a move that allowed me to take full control of my career and focus on the projects that I am most passionate about. As a Freelance Developer, I have had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. My freelancing work has primarily focused on building accessible, user-friendly web applications using modern technologies. I have leveraged my extensive experience in front-end and back-end development to deliver high-quality solutions that meet the specific needs of my clients. Technologies I frequently use include JavaScript, React, Next.js, AWS, and Firebase, as well as HTML, CSS, and Tailwind CSS for front-end design. One of the most rewarding aspects of freelancing is the ability to choose projects that align with my values and expertise. I have worked with clients from various industries, providing them with customized solutions that improve their online presence, enhance user engagement, and increase accessibility. My work often involves close collaboration with clients to understand their goals and challenges, allowing me to deliver solutions that are not only technically sound but also aligned with their business objectives. Freelancing has also allowed me to continue my commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in web development. I make it a priority to ensure that every project I work on adheres to the latest accessibility standards, providing all users with a seamless and inclusive experience. Whether it’s implementing WCAG guidelines, optimizing for screen readers, or designing responsive layouts that work across all devices, accessibility remains at the forefront of my work. In addition to my client work, I also dedicate time to staying updated with the latest trends and advancements in web development. I regularly attend webinars, participate in online courses, and contribute to open-source projects, all of which help me stay at the cutting edge of the industry. Freelancing has been an incredibly fulfilling journey, allowing me to grow as a developer while making a meaningful impact through my work. I look forward to continuing to build on this experience, taking on new challenges, and delivering innovative solutions that make a difference.

At Neil Squire, a national not-for-profit organization that uses technology, knowledge, and passion to empower Canadians with disabilities, I served as a Website Developer. My primary responsibility was leading the development of LipSync Connect, a Next.js application designed to enhance device accessibility and user customization. LipSync Connect was an ambitious project aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing them with a customizable interface to control their devices using the LipSync mouth-operated input device. This project was particularly meaningful to me, as it aligned closely with my personal and professional commitment to accessibility. My role involved every stage of the development process, from initial research and UX/UI design to prototyping, testing, and deployment. I collaborated with cross-functional teams, including UX/UI designers, accessibility experts, and beta testers, to ensure that the application was user-friendly and met the specific needs of its target audience. The application was built using Next.js, a powerful React framework, and integrated with Firebase and MongoDB for data storage and management. The front-end was designed with accessibility in mind, incorporating features such as high-contrast modes, customizable font sizes, and compatibility with screen readers. One of the key challenges of this project was ensuring that the application was both flexible and intuitive, allowing users to easily customize their experience without overwhelming them with options. To achieve this, I conducted extensive user testing and gathered feedback from beta testers, which was invaluable in refining the application’s features and functionality. In addition to LipSync Connect, I also contributed to maintaining and updating the organization’s WordPress-based website, ensuring that it remained current, functional, and optimized for search engine visibility. My work involved implementing SEO strategies, improving website performance, and developing new features that enhanced user engagement and accessibility. My time at Neil Squire reinforced my passion for using technology to make a positive impact on the lives of others. The experience deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the importance of creating technology that is not only innovative but also inclusive and accessible to all users.

My tenure at Youneeq, a company dedicated to enhancing website traffic and engagement through cutting-edge solutions, was marked by significant contributions to their development team. I joined Youneeq as a Fullstack Front End Developer, where I was responsible for both the development and implementation of innovative web technologies aimed at improving user experience and accessibility. One of my most notable projects at Youneeq was the development and publication of a Google Chrome extension designed to enhance web accessibility. This extension was part of a broader initiative to make the internet more accessible to individuals with disabilities, allowing users to customize their browsing experience according to their needs. My work on this project involved close collaboration with designers and accessibility experts to ensure that the extension met the highest standards of usability and compliance with accessibility guidelines. In addition to my work on the Chrome extension, I played a key role in the development of Youneeq’s Visualization Dashboard. This project was a transformative upgrade from the company’s previous .NET-based dashboard, and it was designed to provide clients with a more intuitive and efficient way to view and understand their website statistics. The dashboard was built using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) and integrated with Chart.js for dynamic data visualization. We also utilized Material-UI for the front-end design, ensuring that the interface was both sleek and responsive. My responsibilities at Youneeq extended beyond just coding. I was also involved in project documentation and code updates, which were managed using BitBucket. This required meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of version control systems to ensure that our codebase remained clean, organized, and easily maintainable. Throughout my time at Youneeq, I remained committed to continuous learning and improvement. I regularly researched new technologies and best practices in front-end development, implementing them to enhance our development processes and deliver better products to our clients. My work was consistently focused on optimizing performance, improving user experience, and ensuring that our applications were accessible to all users. My experience at Youneeq not only honed my technical skills but also strengthened my ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The projects I worked on there were challenging and rewarding, and they reinforced my belief in the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in web development.

My role as a Full Stack Developer at CanAssist, a unique organization at the University of Victoria, was both challenging and deeply fulfilling. CanAssist’s mission is to develop innovative technologies, programs, and services that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. This focus on accessibility and inclusivity resonated with me on a personal level, and I was proud to contribute my skills to such a meaningful cause. Over the course of more than 13 years, I played a key role in developing secure and scalable full stack applications tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities. These applications were designed to be intuitive, user-friendly, and accessible, ensuring that they could be used effectively by people with varying levels of ability. My work involved the integration of various social media APIs, which enriched user engagement by enabling seamless interaction with popular platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. I utilized a diverse range of technologies in my role, including JavaScript, C#, React, MongoDB, and Firebase. I was also responsible for developing server-side logic with Node.js and Express, as well as creating dynamic and responsive user interfaces using React and Tailwind CSS. My ability to work across the full stack allowed me to oversee projects from conception to completion, ensuring that the final product met the highest standards of quality and accessibility. Collaboration was a key aspect of my role at CanAssist. I worked closely with UI/UX designers, project managers, and other developers to create solutions that were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and easy to use. We employed agile methodologies and the Scrum framework to manage our projects efficiently, allowing us to deliver high-quality software solutions on time and within budget. In addition to my technical responsibilities, I also took on a mentorship role, guiding junior developers and helping them navigate the complexities of full stack development. My time at CanAssist was marked by continuous learning and professional growth, as I stayed updated with the latest technological advancements and industry trends. This experience solidified my commitment to using technology to make a positive impact on people’s lives, particularly those who face challenges due to disabilities.

During my time at Camosun College, I pursued a comprehensive program in Information and Computer Systems, which was composed of a one-year full-time certificate followed by a one-year diploma. The program was designed to provide students with a strong foundation in computer science, software development, and systems analysis. The curriculum was both technical and rigorous, requiring students to commit 25-30 hours per week in the classroom and an additional five hours daily for homework, including weekends. In the first year of the program, I developed a robust understanding of operating systems, web development, software engineering, and several programming languages. Courses included hands-on projects that required me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering a deep understanding of how different technologies interact. I gained proficiency in languages such as Java, C#, and JavaScript, and learned the fundamentals of web technologies like HTML and CSS. This foundation allowed me to create dynamic and responsive web applications, setting the stage for my future work as a full stack developer. The second year of the program focused on more advanced topics, including system analysis and design, applied software development, and implementing security in various situations. I learned how to analyze complex systems, design efficient solutions, and ensure the security and integrity of software applications. The program also emphasized teamwork and collaboration, as we worked in groups to complete projects that simulated real-world development environments. Additionally, Camosun College offered an optional Co-op/Internship program, allowing students to supplement their classroom learning with up to three paid work terms. Although I was fully immersed in my studies, this option provided valuable real-world experience for many students, helping them transition smoothly into the workforce upon graduation. The combination of rigorous academics and practical experience prepared me to tackle the challenges of the tech industry with confidence and competence.