My non-linear path
My professional journey didn’t begin in tech—it began in healthcare. As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), I worked closely with patients to help them regain independence and improve their quality of life. That experience shaped my work ethic, empathy, and communication skills. I learned how to break down complex tasks into manageable steps, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and stay patient through challenging situations. Although it wasn’t a technical role, it built the soft skills that I still rely on today as a developer.
Over time, I became increasingly curious about technology and problem-solving in a different context. That curiosity led me to join 100Devs, a community-driven software engineering program focused on full-stack development and career transition. Through 100Devs, I immersed myself in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, backend development, and networking. More importantly, I learned how to think like a developer—how to debug, how to read documentation, and how to approach challenges methodically. The program gave me both technical foundations and the confidence to pursue opportunities in tech.
After completing the program and continuing to build projects, I landed my first role in the industry. Transitioning into tech was both exciting and intimidating. I had to adapt quickly to new tools, workflows, and expectations, but my background in healthcare helped me remain adaptable and team-oriented. I focused on learning as much as possible, asking thoughtful questions, and becoming increasingly independent in my responsibilities. Getting that first job validated the risk I took in changing careers.
Unfortunately, like many others in the industry, I eventually experienced a layoff. While it was a difficult moment, it also gave me space to reflect on my direction and growth. Instead of viewing it as a setback, I chose to treat it as a pivot point—an opportunity to reassess my goals, strengthen my skills, and refine the type of work I want to pursue. I began revisiting projects, upskilling, and exploring areas like CMS development more intentionally.
During this transition period, I’ve been contributing my skills to support a local nonprofit little league organization. Helping them with their web presence and digital needs has allowed me to combine technical ability with community impact—something that has always been important to me. It’s reminded me that technology isn’t just about code; it’s about serving people and making systems easier to use and maintain.
Looking back, my journey from healthcare to tech hasn’t been linear—but it has been intentional. Each stage, from COTA to 100Devs, from landing my first job to navigating a layoff, has strengthened my resilience and adaptability. Now, as I continue building and refining my skills, I’m focused on creating meaningful digital solutions while staying grounded in the people-first mindset that started my career.
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