Stories from the Hackery

Albert Chittaphong graduated with Web Development Cohort E16.

Madden Purcell graduated with Web Development Cohort E16.

What you call it when computer programmers make fun of each other? Cyber boolean. My name is Madden Purcell and I have been coding since March 2021. I started coding to develop new skills during early COVID lockdowns, and I immediately fell in love. I enjoy the structure of good code, yet have a great time getting creative with different solutions!! In my free time, I enjoy kayaking, playing and writing music, video games, and hanging out with my gecko, Rhae.

Grace Sutherland graduated with Web Development Cohort E16.

After an educational background in fine art and many years in the food service industry, I decided to change career paths into software development. I applied and was accepted into Nashville Software School’s part-time, full-stack, web development E16 cohort. I am halfway through the year-long program, and I have learned so much and cannot wait to continue my learning throughout the rest of my career. I have found that my background in art has helped develop my eye for detail needed for programming and design knowledge for front-end development. My experience in the service industry has also made me an excellent team member and empathize with the user in all my applications.

Caitlyn Brown graduated with Data Analytics Cohort 6.

For the last three years, I have worked as a Senior Customer Success Manager for a K-12 learning analytics platform. I enrolled at NSS to better understand the process of transforming raw data into actionable insights. I look forward to using these new skills to help design process schemas and products that drive value for customers.

Klay Thacker graduated with Web Development Cohort E16.

Prior to starting my journey in software development, I was learning welding technology and even got certified to do three different types of welding. I enjoyed the opportunity to bend and put together metal, create art projects from scrap, and learning how to think outside of the box to complete projects. After I left the welding field, a friend of mine introduced me to software development when I was working as a software analyst. I fell in love with coding instantly when I started trying to learn it. I'm looking to create a better foundation for my family and to do something I love for a long time.

Daniel Sitarek graduated with Web Development Cohort E16.

Prior to my journey into software development, I worked as a Nuclear Weapons Technician/Team Chief in the US Air Force. In this role I learned, among other things, how to perform technical work with attention to detail, quickly reference information from vast sums of documentation, and discipline. After the Air Force I became a Machine Builder in the automation field. There I used my technical skills to help fabricate and build automated assembly technology for several different industries. As I looked to expand my skills and education, I became interested in software development due to its problem-solving nature, and compatibility with the knowledge and mindset gained in my previous work. When I started learning to code, I became entranced with what seemed like an near infinite set of tools to solve almost any problem. I then wanted to expand my new found passion into my profession.

Austin Parker graduated with Web Development Cohort E16.

Derek Baylor graduated with Web Development Cohort E16.

I’ve always enjoyed working with computers. My journey into tech started when I learned how to build a Microsoft Access application to help the company I was working for at the time track the costs of repairs I was performing on their equipment. Soon after I started looking into ways to get into the tech industry but it wasn’t until NSS that I felt comfortable taking that leap and I have loved every minute of it.

Jennifer Williams graduated with Web Development Cohort 53.

Halie Dyer graduated with Web Development Cohort E16.

Bob Ross would say the bugs in your code are just "happy little accidents." I am a TN native and have been described as a "grandmotherly" type, and you'll see why in my choices of capstone projects. Along with gardening and cross-stitching, I also like to spend my free time cooking, crocheting, watching tv and movies, antiquing and sewing. When I'm not doing one of those things - or coding - you'll probably find me hanging with my cat, Ellie.