About

Work Experience

• Senior Software Engineer, OCAD University

  Jan, 2025 - Present

  • Promoted to senior engineering role in recognition of leadership in architecture, DevOps, and technical planning

  • Led architecture, development, and DevOps for university-wide LMS and digital infrastructure

  • Delivered solutions across multiple platforms, including Ruby on Rails 7.2, Drupal, and WordPress

  • Integrated applications with enterprise systems including SIS/ERP, identity providers, and analytics platforms

  • Designed and implemented CI/CD pipelines using GitLab and GitHub, improving deployment reliability and frequency

  • Delivered accessible, standards-compliant web applications used by thousands of students and faculty

  • Mentored junior developers and led workshops on accessibility and internal digital tools

  • Introduced performance profiling and expanded automated test coverage across critical systems

• Web Application Developer, OCAD University

  Jul, 2011 - Jan, 202513 years 6 months

  • Developed and maintained custom web applications supporting academic operations and digital learning tools

  • Built full-stack features using Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, and CMS platforms such as WordPress and Drupal

  • Contributed front-end components using Stimulus, React, jQuery, and SCSS

  • Integrated third-party systems including SIS, ERP, LDAP, and media platforms via REST APIs

  • Designed automated test suites and introduced basic monitoring and logging tools

  • Delivered training workshops for faculty on adoption of new technologies

  • Provided Tier-3 support and cross-departmental collaboration with IT, Communications, and Design teams

• Academic Web Technician, OCAD University

  Aug, 2007 - Jul, 20113 years 11 months

  • Developed and maintained in-house LMS built with PHP and the Zend Framework

  • Created custom digital signage content tools using Adobe Flex and XML-based data integrations

  • Supported academic departments through workshops and one-on-one training in digital media tools

  • Collaborated with Media Services and central IT to enhance system usability and stability

  • Maintained and updated campus systems integrated with registration and LDAP services

• Freelance Web Developer, Freelance

  Jan, 2007 - Dec, 201711 years

  • Designed and developed custom websites and web applications for clients in education, public health, arts, retail, and government

  • Delivered full-stack solutions using Ruby on Rails, WordPress, Drupal, and custom PHP applications

  • Built and maintained e-commerce platforms with Magento, integrating payment gateways and POS systems

  • Prioritized accessibility (WCAG compliance), performance, and mobile responsiveness across projects

  • Managed client relationships directly, from discovery and scoping through deployment and support

  • Collaborated with creative agencies, small businesses, and subcontractors to deliver projects ranging from two-week builds to six-month engagements

  • Provided documentation, user training, and ongoing maintenance contracts to ensure long-term client success

• Full-Stack Web Development Instructor, OCAD University

  Jan, 2008 - Dec, 201710 years

  • Designed and delivered curriculum for introductory and advanced web development courses, with a focus on real-world application

  • Taught HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, WordPress, and ActionScript to students from diverse academic backgrounds

  • Created course materials hosted on the university LMS, including lectures, exercises, and assessment rubrics

  • Provided detailed, constructive feedback on student work and supported learning outcomes through one-on-one mentorship

  • Collaborated with faculty and instructional designers to align courses with evolving web standards and industry practices

  • Fostered an inclusive and engaging learning environment that encouraged experimentation, creativity, and foundational skill development

Projects Experience

• Open Source Contributions

  - Present

  • canvas_lms_api – Developed a Ruby wrapper for the Canvas LMS API to automate content management, including assignments and file updates

  • canvas-file-zapper – Created a CLI tool to batch-delete Canvas course files, improving data hygiene and reducing storage bloat

  • ruby-lsp.nvim – Contributed Ruby-specific enhancements to the Neovim LSP ecosystem for improved developer experience

  • Canvas LMS (instructure/canvas-lms) – Submitted patches, enhancements, and debugging support for the core open-source learning platform

  • Lando – Contributed to lando/core, lando/ruby, and lando/mariadb, supporting smoother containerized dev environments

  • Phlex / Literal – Participated in early-stage Rails community projects focused on clean, component-based views and developer ergonomics

• DesignJam

  - Present

  Drupal development and front-end implementation for a collaborative design workshop platform

• Fourth Floor Distribution

  - Present

  Custom website design and Magento eCommerce development, including LiteSpeed web server optimization and POS integration

• Ontario Public Health Association

  - Present

  Developed and maintained multiple custom PHP-based websites, focusing on front-end development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

• Philips Lifeline Microsite

  - Present

  Built a custom PHP microsite to support marketing campaigns and product information dissemination

• Urchin Press

  - Present

  Provided web development framework research and consulting services to support digital publishing initiatives

• WordPress Development (Various Clients)

  - Present

  Created custom WordPress themes and plugins with front-end development for clients including MargaretMacLeod.com, LeannaMclennan.com, DorkShelf.com, and FramingMatters.ca

Skills

Education

Certificates

Awards

Publications

Interests