Kristen's Koncepts
I have been brought in for special website security work, to recover from hacking attacks, to perform simple updates to content, and to do complete redesigns of websites. No job is too big or too small and I enjoy providing these services for my clients! Banking websites in particular are especially vulnerable to hackers and other cyber attacks simply because of the frequency with which bank websites are targeted. I understand that a successful bank website needs to not only present the public with a stylish and easy-to-use interface, but also must be fully protected against malicious threats, and must comply with all regulations governing web applications for financial institutions. When you put my specialization to work for your bank, you will be delighted with the difference you experience!
I believe that clients should be able to have a real working relationship with their developer. I do not utilize impersonal support ticketing systems or anything like that. I am always available to my clients via email, text, or phone call. Emergencies happen and you deserve immediate attention and resolution of your issues, not to have to wait in queue.
My experience in web design and development began in 1997 when I quickly learned that I could transfer my design skills over to websites fairly easily and the programming just came naturally. I have maintained my skills throughout the years and developed a specialization in WordPress. I first used WordPress when it was in pre-release beta and fell in love! Back then, there were no real themes or plugins, we had to hand-code everything ourselves! The availability of such a huge library of themes and plugins has simplified and sped up the development process compared to how it was back then.
I began working with financial institutions back in 2006 and have maintained a positive working relationship with the Community Bankers Association of Illinois. I understand the special concerns and regulations for banking websites.
Each person and each bank is unique, so why settle for a cookie-cutter website that looks almost exactly like everyone else? I will develop a custom site for you that fits into your fiscal needs and timeline requirements. From large-scale applications to more simple yet full-featured quick-start sites that can be ready within a week, I will create the site that you want and need. Utilizing my specialization in WordPress sites will ensure that you can easily publish updates yourself if you so desire, to keep important information up-to-date, such as interest rates that need to be updated regularly. As always, I am available to help you to get updates published or to show you how to do it on your own.
Meet Kristen: Your Web Development Professional
I began developing my first site in pure handwritten HTML (in Notepad) back in 1997. The main purpose of this first attempt at coding was to give more expression to my written poetry with graphics and colors. I quickly learned basic HTML and moved to the styling elements that were available at the time.
I stayed on top of current technology ever since and have enjoyed the advances, especially in dynamic content and screen optimization. Writing the code just came naturally, the languages seemed to make sense to my brain and it just “clicked”.
I began working as a freelance web developer in 1999. Most jobs were small little sites but I enjoyed the work. I was hired as Lead Web Developer by DBS Services in 2006. I continued with that company, taking on more responsibilities and learning more as I went along. By 2007, I was performing my duties as Lead Web Developer as well as Systems Administrator, managing their Linux servers and Barracuda email spam filters. I developed and deployed websites for several banks during my time with DBS through their partnership with the Community Bankers Association of Illinois. I also developed a custom prototype website for The Corkscrew Wine Emporium that integrated their online e-commerce system with their in-store Point of Sale and inventory system, custom-coded in PHP, MySQL, and VB.NET. Technology has progressed quite a bit since those days, but it was one of the first full POS and Ecomm integrations that I am aware of!
By the middle of 2008, I had to return home due to a family emergency. I resumed freelance work until the birth of my son in 2009. Through the years, we discovered our son is on the Autism Spectrum and has several special needs. With my husband working, it has been ideal for me to continue my work from home where I am available for our son whenever he needs me. Both my son and I have been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which causes some limited mobility for me. I have also been diagnosed with severe heat intolerance and an allergic-type sensitivity to ultraviolet light, so I limit my time outside in the sun. I tend to spend more time indoors these days, where I can work throughout the days in a more controlled environment
On a personal level, I am a muscle car enthusiast and own a 2015 Dodge Challenger that I used to enjoy displaying at car shows. I enjoy live music and have attended dozens of live concerts. My hobbies include spinning yarn, weaving, knitting, crocheting, leatherwork, beadwork, and Indigenous American crafts. I am a member of the SCA, Society for Creative Anachronism, and enjoy participating in their events. I am a proficient seamstress and enjoy making period-appropriate garb for SCA and Renaissance Faire events. My husband and son are Indigenous Americans from the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and we enjoy attending PowWows together.
