WHO I AM
WORK HISTORY
I took and passed state boards for Cosmetology before graduating from high school, and I have kept my license up to date since 1977. I worked as a Secretary/Administrative Assistant for over 15 years for various companies. I worked for AT&T for two years, and two weeks before my son was due I was laid off. Needless to say, we do not use ATT as our long distance carrier! I began working for Nationwide Insurance in 1996. I worked with claims as well as sales. I was promoted to a claims processor in 1997. The need for creative people is rather limited in this field, so to fulfill my need for creativity, I began submitting stories on the net - and had more than 30 stories published between 1998 and 1999. I also took a class in Web Development where I discovered my calling. I began working from home as a part time contractor and did several Web Sites for local businesses and organizations.

In then winter of 1999/2000, I was offered an opportunity to work as an intern for Richmond Times Dispatch as a Web designer. It was a part time, no benefits position, but I felt it would help me launch the career of my dreams. I excelled at Web Development, and met all professional goals I set for myself. Because of my enthusiasm, my manager sent me to the University of Richmond School of continuing studies to prepare for the CIW certification.

In January 2001, I was offered the position of Web Systems Administrator with VHDA (Virginia Housing Development Authority). I assist in maintaining the internet, intranet and extranet sites for the Authority. I had the opportunity to develop logos for several events and projects. The logos were printed on T-shirts and other printed material. I became the graphic designer for all of VHDA for web and some print projects as well.

I worked for VHDA for 4 years and left to expand my graphic and web career by contracting for several companies such as Philip Morris, Aqent and a start-up newspaper in the Chesterfield area. I have also done training in Photoshop, Dreamweaver and InDesign for several companies including Gallaudet University in Washington DC. This was a great career move as I have had some great experience and met some wonderful people.