About Me

Bridging the gap between cybersecurity excellence and mental well-being in tech

My Journey

I'm an IT/Cybersecurity professional with over two decades of experience, having worked across federal systems, cloud environments, ERP solutions, and academic institutions. I've worn many hats—consultant, engineer, and now an IT Specialist focusing on Linux/Cloud Infrastructure advancing genomic research.

As the field evolved, so did I. I've grown from technical tinkering to mentoring others and exploring how cybersecurity intersects with mental health. This site is my outlet for awareness, education, and inspiration.

Credentials & Achievements

  • Master's in Cybersecurity: University of Maryland - Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigations
  • Certifications: AWS Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA Security+, CySA+, Cloud+, Linux+, (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity
  • Experience: 25+ years in IT & Cybersecurity, Federal IT Specialist, and College Instructor
  • Key Achievements: Reduced vulnerability reports by 60% at USDA, improved system uptime to 99.9%, and enhanced network security by identifying and mitigating 95% of vulnerabilities
  • Specializations: Cloud security architecture (AWS, Azure), SIEM, penetration testing, infrastructure automation, federal compliance (FISMA), and digital forensics

More Than Tech

Beyond my technical work, I'm a passionate advocate for mental health in the tech industry. I understand the unique pressures and challenges faced by cybersecurity professionals, and I'm committed to creating environments where both security and well-being are prioritized.

Looking ahead, I'm focused on integrating AI and machine learning into cybersecurity education while developing resources for mental health support in tech. Because in our digital age, the strongest security systems are built by healthy, balanced professionals.

Book Recommendations

A curated selection of books that have shaped my understanding of cybersecurity, technology, and human behavior.

The Ransomware Hunting Team

By Renee Dudley and Daniel Golden

A thrilling true story of a band of civilians who have banded together to investigate and thwart cybercriminals. This book reveals the hidden world of ransomware attacks and the unsung heroes who help victims fight back.

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The Body Keeps the Score

By Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.

A groundbreaking approach to understanding and treating traumatic stress. This book explores how trauma reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers' capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. Essential reading for understanding the intersection of mental health and professional performance.

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Movie Recommendations

A selection of films that offer compelling insights into cybersecurity, social engineering, and human psychology.

Silicon Cowboys

2016 Director: Jason Cohen Documentary

This fascinating documentary chronicles the rise of Compaq Computer Corporation and its three founders who challenged IBM's dominance. It's a David versus Goliath story that showcases innovation, determination, and the early days of the personal computer revolution. The film captures a pivotal moment in tech history when a small Houston startup dared to challenge the industry giant.

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Silicon Valley

2014-2019 Creators: Mike Judge, John Altschuler, Dave Krinsky TV Series

A brilliant satire of the modern tech industry, following a group of programmers trying to build a revolutionary compression company. The show expertly balances technical accuracy with humor, tackling real issues in tech like data privacy, corporate espionage, and the challenges of maintaining integrity in a profit-driven world. It's particularly relevant for understanding startup culture and the ethical challenges in tech.

View on IMDb