I am
a Chicago-based independent software engineer and web developer, specializing in digital media and information technology. I create robust web applications, dynamic websites and interactive experiences to meet my clients' technological needs. I am a true geek who loves to find a clever way to make things work and still gets excited about a slick interface, an ingenious technology and the information capabilities of the internet. I also have a unique ability among tech people; I can communicate with real people, and have the degree in English Language & Literature to prove it.
I am not a multinational military defense corporation. Rather, I'm a woman (yes) named after a Greek Philosopher who has a Dutch last name. I also like Macs, live music, unpredictable endings, my bicycle, Thai food, ee cummings and the thought of being done rehabbing my condo.
I am not a multinational military defense corporation. Rather, I'm a woman (yes) named after a Greek Philosopher who has a Dutch last name. I also like Macs, live music, unpredictable endings, my bicycle, Thai food, ee cummings and the thought of being done rehabbing my condo.
I create
- .. web applications with Ruby on Rails and PHP
- .. standards-based websites using XHTML, CSS, AJAX and JavaScript
- .. SQL database-driven dynamic websites
- .. content management run websites with ExpressionEngine, WordPress or a custom-built solution
- .. website structure & information architecture
I've worked with
TotalMusic, LLC and Universal Music Group
Senior Software Engineer / Ruby on Rails Consultant August 2007 - February 2009
Software Engineer November 2003 - March 2007
Web Application Developer November 1999 - October 2003
Senior Software Engineer / Ruby on Rails Consultant August 2007 - February 2009
- .. Worked on a Ruby on Rails development team to create a robust set of RESTful APIs to power a next-generation Digital Music Service. Co-architected the overall system.
- .. Focused on the development and architecture of the music cataloging, playlisting and charting services
- .. Developed an interactive testing environment called FishKazoo for developer testing of our APIs, incorporating both Rails testing conventions and a front-end sandbox that utilized all aspects of the music service.
- .. Lead a PHP development team to create an AJAX-enabled front-end music playlisting and streaming service that utilized our APIs and interacted with Facebook and Twitter to share songs across "the cloud."
Software Engineer November 2003 - March 2007
- .. Developed a Music Content System, a web application used by music programming, licensing, and content to manage music metadata, pricing, licensors, take-down requests from labels.
- .. Worked on a Pricing System which was used to determine the prices and costs of albums and tracks, based on business rules, and worked on billing system integration and a refund module for the billing system.
- .. Implemented CSS and JavaScript designs for the front-end music service.
- .. Developed Cello, a front-end system for Customer Service which allowed for license reissues, credits & refunds, cancellations and upgrades, and an overall view of all customer data.
- .. Web Production work turning PhotoShop designs into standards-based CSS and XHTML
- .. PHP Development using symfony framework.
- .. Development and design implementation of Cooler By The Lake online magazine
- .. Integration with ExpressionEngine content management system
- .. Provided general consulting on technological needs for the organization
- .. Work as a general technological consultant for the Canadian Youth Services organization
- .. Implemented Illustrator design comps using CSS, XHTML, JavaScript, and Flash with ActionScript, using the Expression Engine CMS and PHP, and was actively involved in the actual design of the site.
- .. Extended Expression Engine as needed to allow end-users to have full control over all aspect of the content of the website, and implemented RSS feeds for news and blogs.
- .. Worked with Communications Director to create the information architecture and design of the site from start to finish, and created the Project timeline and milestones.
- .. Organized the development of the website two years in a row for the annual Barenaked Ladies fundraiser for Serve!
- .. Spearheaded the design ideas and secured graphic designer for the creation of the site.
- .. Implemented design comps and created an AJAX-based slideshow.
- .. Worked with Communications Director to create the information architecture and design of the site from start to finish, and created the Project timeline and milestones.
- .. Designed and implemented websites for different non-profit organizations using the company's proprietary content management system
- .. Helped clients of the organization use the content management software
- .. Provided technological consulting help to company's lead designer, assisting with CSS transition and development of dynamic menu systems.
Web Application Developer November 1999 - October 2003
- .. Designed, developed, and implemented corporate Succession Planning and Employee Review web applications.
- .. Worked on Emergency Closing Center website for WGN, creating dynamic PDFs for member schools to send to students’ families.
- .. Created dynamic employee directory for the corporate intranet, including a printable phone directory.
- .. Created a web application for Tribune Legal to monitor and keep notes on ongoing legal cases, as well as keeping track of outside law firms working with the company.
Other past clients include
words + stuff designs, Future Arts Research @ Arizona State University, Fold Four, Inc., Chicagoist (Q&A column writer), Yummy Mummy Maternity, It's Academic, "The Dating Scene" radio program, Access Innovations