Curriculum Vitae

Summary

I began my career in IT, first building computers out of necessity and later discovering a true passion for programming. After college, I worked in Training and Development at Cape Fear Valley Health, where I wasn’t just behind the computer — I was also teaching CPR, ACLS, and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. Over the years, my journey evolved from writing code to repairing stringed instruments, but my love for problem-solving has always remained the same.

I’m a lifelong learner, constantly seeking to expand my knowledge — from software systems to physical instruments. Today, I bring that systems-oriented mindset to the repair bench, helping restore and maintain the quality of every instrument I work with. Each project, whether teaching a class or reworking a violin, is another opportunity to grow and share what I know.

Skills

Languages & Frameworks: ASP Classic, VBScript, HTML, CSS, SQL, VB6, COBOL, Perl Tools & Platforms: IIS, SQL Server Express, MS Access, MS Office, PrototypeJS Creative & Technical: Graphics Design, Audio Recording, Video Processing, Teaching, Writing Preferences: 👍 Writing, Teaching, Audio Recording, Guitars, CSS, Graphics, HTML, ASP Classic 👎 Server Administration

Experience

Stringed Instrument Repair Technician

Music & Arts — Sep 2017 – Present

Repair and refurbish violins, violas, cellos, double basses, and guitars.
Maintain shop tools and materials.

Computer-Based Training Developer

Cape Fear Valley Health System — Dec 2003 – Dec 2017

For 14 years I worked in the Training and Development Department of a large health system (~6,000 employees) as an IT “jack of all trades.”

When I started at Cape Fear Valley, I wrote the online training system we used. Until a decision was made to switch systems, I maintained and enhanced that system.

As an IT worker in the education department, I had an interesting mix of challenges and freedoms. While I did not have access to all the tools and services available to the hospital IT staff, I had a lot of freedom in implementing whatever needed to be written to solve the task at hand.

My official title was “Computer-Based Training Developer,” and my job encompassed:

Programming new features for the CMS used to manage online, classroom, and hybrid education.
Performing CMS maintenance.
UI design.
Database administration duties.
Server administration duties.
Testing.
Providing technical support for the system.
Performing editorial and publishing duties for educational content.
Tackling any other job that came with running the system.
Teaching classes including Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, CPR, ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support).

Lead Lifeguard, Assistant Swim Coach

Fayetteville YMCA — 2001 – Dec 2003

In looking for a job with hours better suited to returning to school, I returned to lifeguarding — this time at the Fayetteville YMCA, where I:

Taught Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR classes.
Taught all levels of the Swim America program.
Earned a Level II Coaching License.

I also acquired several other roles and certifications, including:

Swim America Site Supervisor.
Lead Lifeguard.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor.
Assistant Swim Coach for the AACY Swim Team and Cumberland County High Schools.
Certified Pool and Spa Operator’s License.

Quilting Machine Operator, Order Fulfillment

Jackson Mattress Company — 2000 – 2001

During my year-long semester off, I worked at Jackson Mattress Company. In my short time there, I learned many skills and was:

Cross-trained on three types of quilting machines.
Responsible for loading trailers for the warehouse.
Implemented the electronic barcode system for the warehouse.

Education

Guitar Repair Courses
Colorado Institute of Musical Instrument Technology (CIOMIT) Jan – Mar 2020

Coursework included setup, fretwork, structural repair, and finish care for electric and acoustic guitars.

A.A.S. Computer Programming
Fayetteville Technical Community College 2001–2003

After switching to Network Administration from the “I’m not sure what I’m doing” degree program, I found my home after taking the required Intro to Programming class. It was that semester I switched to Computer Programming (and the short-lived Media Integration Technology program).

My class project for Database Design and Programming was adopted by the Aquatics Department at the YMCA where I worked to track employee training, certification, and other records of note (e.g., write-ups, verbal warnings, and positive notes).

Last updated: 2025-10