About me

From IT to Full Stack Development

I started my career in the IT industry as an Apple Genius, where I spent years diagnosing and fixing software issues. This experience gave me a deep understanding of how software works from the user’s perspective, but I knew I wanted to do more than just troubleshoot—I wanted to create. That realization led me to take a bold leap during the pandemic and enroll in Full Stack Academy’s intensive boot camp.

Leaving a traditional university program at the University at Buffalo was a tough decision, but the high cost of tuition and the slow pace of the degree path pushed me to seek a more direct and immersive route into the tech world. The boot camp was a perfect fit, combining my love for learning with my passion for problem-solving. It was challenging, but I thrived in the fast-paced environment, mastering JavaScript, React, Express, and Sequelize to build full-stack applications from the ground up.

Teaching and Mentoring at Full Stack Academy

After graduating, I was offered the opportunity to stay on at Full Stack Academy as a mentor and associate teacher. This role was incredibly fulfilling, as I got to work with students who, like me, were making significant changes in their lives to pursue a tech career. It was inspiring to witness their growth from the basics of HTML on day one to building full-fledged e-commerce sites for their final projects. Being part of their journey and helping them navigate the challenges of learning to code was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

Professional Growth at Helm Experience and Design

My next step was joining Helm Experience and Design, where I quickly advanced to the role of Developer 2. At Helm, I had the privilege of working on some truly exciting projects that allowed me to apply my skills in meaningful ways. One of my standout experiences was working with Shea’s Performing Arts Center on their Season Announcement, which required a blend of creativity and technical precision to bring their vision to life.

I also had the opportunity to contribute to local Buffalo projects, such as the Explore and More Museum and the Go Buffalo Niagara transportation site. Each of these projects presented unique challenges, from creating engaging, interactive experiences for museum visitors to developing a user-friendly platform for Buffalo’s transportation needs.

One of the highlights of my time at Helm was working on Stratic, an app designed for NFL agents to connect with players. This project was particularly exciting because it combined my love for sports with my technical expertise. Additionally, I helped develop a comprehensive booking and management system for Hatchets and Hops, which streamlined their operations and improved customer experience.

Launching SABN Apps

In 2024, I took another leap and founded my own app company, SABN Apps. This venture is the culmination of my experiences, allowing me to finally work on the projects I’ve always dreamed of creating. My vision for SABN Apps is simple: to build fun, engaging apps and games that people will love using. I’m currently working on two games that are in development, and I can’t wait to share them with the world.

Life Beyond Code

When I’m not immersed in coding, I’m living life to the fullest in Buffalo, NY, with my partner Alex, our dog Bruce, and our cat Norma. We’re huge Buffalo Bills fans and love cheering on our team. Our love for Disney and Star Wars often takes us on trips to Disney World, and we’re avid cruisers who enjoy exploring new destinations.

At home, we’re big gamers—whether it’s video games or tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, where I take on the role of Dungeon Master. I also have a creative side that I express through crocheting, and I’m a voracious reader who always has a book on hand.