Eleven years as an avionics technician on C-130 Hercules programs, then more than fifteen years freelancing in graphic design, content creation and web development. Each shift has meant picking up new tools, most recently building websites with AI-assisted development and editing video in DaVinci Resolve.
Work experience
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2024 – present
Web developer, video editor and designer
Freelance, Creston, British Columbia
- Build new websites and update existing ones for small businesses, using AI coding assistants for speed while directing the work and reviewing and testing everything myself.
- Hosting and domain setup are available through oswebhosting.com, so clients can get the whole package in one place.
- Video editing and production in DaVinci Resolve.
- Photo editing, retouching and print graphics in Photoshop.
- Data entry and ongoing site updates for regular clients.
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2023 – present
Co-owner and kids' instructor
Creston Combat Fitness, jiu-jitsu club and gym
- Co-owner of the club with my husband, who looks after the day-to-day running of the gym.
- Taught the kids' jiu-jitsu classes for ages 4 to 7, currently taking a break from teaching.
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2010 – present
Packaging and box design
MistKing and Jungle Hobbies (mistking.com, junglehobbies.com)
- Long-term design client since around 2010: product boxes and packaging for the MistKing misting systems and the Jungle Hobbies product lines.
- Artwork prepared print-ready in Photoshop, working from the client's product specs and dielines.
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May 2009 – 2023
Freelance content creator, graphic designer and web developer
- Content creation and management, graphic design, data entry and website development for a range of clients.
- Worked in the Adobe suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere, Encore), WordPress, HTML, CSS and PHP.
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June 1998 – May 2009
Avionics technician
SPAR Aerospace
- Worked on all phases of aircraft maintenance: system removals, harness building, safety inspections, repairs, testing and troubleshooting of avionics systems, and carrying out and inspecting C-130 Hercules service bulletins.
- Programs: Avionics Update Program (AUP) and Periodic Safety Inspections (PSI) for the Canadian Department of National Defence; PSI program for the United States Coast Guard; C-130 Hercules centre and outer wing refurbishment; C-130 AUP programs for the Hellenic Air Force, the Royal Norwegian Air Force and New Zealand.
- Trained in compass swing and fuel system calibration, strain gauge installation and testing, fibre optic installation, termination and testing, workplace safety and hazards, confined space, fall arrest, and man lift and scissor lift operation.
- When floor work was slow, took on clerical duties including data entry and production of aircraft service manuals.
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December 1988 – September 1996
Rural route mail contractor
Canada Post
- Held a contract for rural route mail delivery, including sorting, delivery and pick-up of mail.
- Worked with the public daily, solving customer problems and concerns.
- Responsible for documentation of parcel pick-up and delivery.
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May 1988 – August 1989
Grounds and facilities
Edmonton Soaring Club, Chipman, Alberta airfield
- Maintained the runway, campground and clubhouse, and looked after equipment such as mowers and trimmers.
- Occasionally helped with glider assembly and take-off.
- Worked with little supervision.
Education and training
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2020 – present
Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Creston Combat Fitness
- Training at our own club in Creston. Our team is affiliated with the Bonners Ferry BJJ team.
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2018 – 2021
Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Bonners Ferry BJJ
- Trained with the Bonners Ferry team until running our own club in Creston left no time to keep training there.
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1996 – 1998
Diploma in Electronics Engineering – Avionics
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
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1993 – 1994
Private pilot's licence and night rating
Airista Aviation ground school and pilot training
- Gained mountain flying experience at Babin Air in Invermere, British Columbia.
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1982 – 1987
Lamont Jr./Sr. High School
Lamont, Alberta