Introduction
From building my first desktop at age eight to leading technical projects today, my journey in technology has been driven by a deep passion for innovation and problem-solving. Early exposure to programming through tools like Alice and languages like C++, Java, and Python sparked my interest in software development and robotics, eventually leading me to found a high school cybersecurity club that competed at the state level.
Over the years, I've expanded my expertise to include web design (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), network infrastructure, and advanced programming, supporting small businesses with web development and hardware deployments. This entrepreneurial experience taught me the importance of clear client communication and robust network security, laying the groundwork for my professional growth.
In 2023, I transitioned to teaching as an assistant instructor for a cybersecurity bootcamp, mentoring aspiring professionals in the fundamentals of information security. This same year, I took on the role of IT Technician for a nonprofit, contributing to critical health and community services across five counties in Virginia. In 2024, I advanced to IT Applications Administrator and BI Reporter, where I now oversee complex data systems and application integrations, driving impactful technology solutions for my organization.
Skills
Backend Development
Business Intelligence & Data
Cybersecurity & Training
Frontend Development
IT Administration
Other Skills
Experience
IT BI Analyst
Encompass Community Supports VA
- Administrated and maintained a comprehensive BI reporting system using Power BI, enabling the organization to track key performance indicators and make data-driven decisions.
- Created and updated over 50 reports and dashboards, including custom metrics for the organization's performance and progress.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to identify and prioritize reporting needs, ensuring that the system met the organization's requirements and provided actionable insights.
- Implemented and maintained a robust data pipeline, integrating data from multiple sources and ensuring that the system was reliable and scalable.
IT Applications Analyst
Encompass Community Supports VA
-Led the administration and optimization of critical business applications and data systems, implementing automated workflows and integrations that improved operational efficiency by 25%.
-Developed and maintained comprehensive Power BI reports and dashboards, providing actionable insights to stakeholders and enabling data-driven decision making across departments.
-Managed user access controls, security configurations, and system updates for multiple enterprise applications, ensuring compliance with organizational policies while maintaining system stability.
-Collaborated with vendors and internal teams to troubleshoot complex application issues, implement new features, and provide technical documentation for business processes.
-Oversaw data quality initiatives and system integrations, establishing automated validation processes that reduced manual data entry by 40% while improving accuracy.
IT Support Technician
Encompass Community Supports VA
-Provided comprehensive IT support across 5 counties in Virginia, managing hardware deployments and software configurations for over 400 users, resulting in improved system reliability and user productivity.
-Implemented and maintained Active Directory policies and Microsoft 365 configurations, enhancing security protocols and streamlining user access management across multiple locations.
-Managed Windows Server infrastructure and network systems, ensuring high availability and minimal downtime for critical healthcare and community support services.
-Coordinated with vendors and internal teams to resolve complex technical issues, maintaining detailed documentation of solutions and contributing to the organization's knowledge base.
-Conducted regular system maintenance and updates across the organization's IT infrastructure, proactively identifying and addressing potential technical issues before they impacted operations.
Teaching Assistant
eDX
-Led hands-on cybersecurity training sessions covering network security, penetration testing, and threat analysis for 80+ UConn students, achieving a 95% participant satisfaction rate.
-Developed and delivered supplementary learning materials on key topics including cryptography, malware analysis, and incident response, contributing to a 15% improvement in practical assessment scores.
-Collaborated with lead instructor to enhance curriculum and lab exercises, incorporating real-world case studies and industry best practices to better prepare students for cybersecurity careers.
-Implemented version control workflows using Git to manage course materials and student projects, streamlining content delivery and enabling effective collaboration across multiple cohorts.
-Provided individualized mentoring through weekly office hours, helping students overcome technical challenges and develop professional problem-solving skills while maintaining a supportive learning environment.
Technical Specialist
Tesselex Solutions
-Founded and operated an IT consulting business serving small businesses in the Hamden/New Haven CT area, providing comprehensive technical solutions and support.
-Developed and launched custom WordPress and HTML/CSS websites for 5+ local businesses, increasing their online visibility and customer engagement by an average of 40%.
-Managed end-to-end website hosting services, including domain registration, SSL certification, and ongoing maintenance, achieving 99.9% uptime for client websites.
-Implemented complete network infrastructure solutions for small businesses, including hardware procurement, network security configurations, and disaster recovery planning.
-Deployed and configured business-critical software solutions including POS systems, accounting software, and productivity tools, resulting in 30% improved operational efficiency for clients.
-Conducted regular security audits and implemented robust cybersecurity measures, protecting client networks from potential threats while ensuring business continuity.
Technical Associate
Staples
-Provided expert technical consultation and sales support for computer hardware, software, and services, consistently exceeding monthly sales targets by 20%.
-Performed comprehensive diagnostics and repairs on customer devices, including virus removal, hardware upgrades, and system optimization, maintaining a 95% customer satisfaction rating.
-Delivered personalized product recommendations based on customer needs, specializing in custom PC builds, peripherals, and software solutions, resulting in high repeat business rates.
-Conducted one-on-one technology tutorials for customers, helping them understand their purchases and maximize device functionality.
-Collaborated with team members to maintain organized repair queues and detailed service documentation, ensuring efficient workflow and clear communication with customers.
Professional Training
Credible BI Builder
Qualifacts
A 3-day course that covers the fundamentals of BI and the Credible BI toolset.
Credible System Administrator
Qualifacts
A 3-day course that covers the fundamentals of the Credible EHR system and the System Administrator toolset.
Microsoft Dashboard in a Day (DIAD)
Microsoft
A 1-day course that covers the fundamentals of Microsoft Power BI and the workflow of creating a dashboard.
Achievements
Cyberpatriot
Awarded while completing in the Cyberpatriot competition.
BI Analytics
Completed a BI Analytics with python course.
Leadership
Cyber Security Club
Founded and led a cybersecurity club that competed at the regional level in penetration testing, capture the flag, and cyber challenges.
- Led a team of 8 peers through various cybersecurity competitions and challenges at the district, state, and regional levels.
- Organized and hosted weekly meetings and workshops to educate members on cybersecurity concepts and tools.
- Collaborated with local universities and cybersecurity experts to provide real-world insights and resources.
Java Programming Team
Led a team of 6 students through a VCU-hosted Java programming competition.
- Led my team through a series of coding challenges to achieve third place in the competition.
- Facilitated a productive and collaborative environment for my team to work together and learn from each other.
- Worked alongside my team under pressure to complete the challenges in a timely manner.
Community
Pro Bono Developer
Our Mother of Hope
Provided full IT support to OMH, a non-profit organization.
Impact:
- Designed and developed a website and branding.
- Provided ongoing support and updates to the website.
- Implemented a donation system to support the organization's mission.
Pro Bono Developer
Landell's Cleaning
Provided full IT support to Landell's Cleaning, a family-owned cleaning company.
Impact:
- Designed and developed a website and branding.
- Provided ongoing support and updates to the website.
- Implemented an appointment and booking system to improve customer service.
Open-Source Contributions
A procedural terrain generator for Unreal Engine 5. Uses the Diamond Square algorithm and perlin noise to generate custom terrain on a procedural mesh. Also generates trees, rocks, and flowers, accordingly.
A map generator for UE5. Procedurally generates a map of tiles, with five biomes and the equator in mind. Is seeded and has a map save/load feature implemented.
A python version of the RPi_FmTransmitter repo. Converted from bash and includes functionality to show song names using an LCD display. Requires the built fm_transmitter repo as well as this repo to run: https://gist.github.com/DenisFromHR/cc863375a6e19dce359d
A dynamic web portfolio/resume built using HTML, CSS, JS, and JSON. All data is dynamically read from JSON files that I can easily update, without having to touch the HTML code. I use Google Firebase to host a live version at: https://portfolio-skaranda.web.app/
Contact Me
Contact Information
Here are the best ways to reach me.
Availability
Currently employed full-time, but open to discussing new opportunities. My typical response time is within 24 hours.
Acceptable opportunities are those that align with my skills and interests, including BI Engineer, BI Analyst, and Junior to Mid-Level Data Science roles.