My journey began at the University of Vermont, where I earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Sociology in 2010. This foundation in human behavior would prove invaluable in my future careers. After graduation, I embarked on a four-month cross-country adventure, exploring America’s burgeoning craft beer scene. During this time, I also nurtured my lifelong passion for music, which had been a part of me since childhood.

From 2011 to 2014, I worked as a security guard at Fenway Park, witnessing high-profile events like the Boston Marathon bombings and a visit from SEAL Team 6. These experiences exposed me to rigorous security protocols, planting the seeds for my future in cybersecurity. Concurrently, I pursued my musical interests at Berklee College of Music, studying theory, composition, and ear training. This period of my life was marked by a blend of practical experience and continued learning.

In 2015, I pivoted back to technology, earning a master’s certificate in computer science from the University of Vermont. To support myself during this time, I worked at craft beer stores and breweries, deepening my industry knowledge. This tech education laid the groundwork for my future IT career. It was during this period that I began to see how my diverse experiences could converge into a unique professional path.

My IT career began in operations, quickly progressing to roles in web development and support. I honed my skills in HTML, CSS, DNS management, and client support across various companies. Each role added layers to my understanding of technology and security. This hands-on experience complemented my formal education, creating a robust skill set.

The pandemic brought unexpected changes, leading me to found my own web administration and IT consultation business. During this time, I built a network area storage device, which later evolved into a robust server. This project rekindled my interest in network security and set me on the path to cybersecurity. To make ends meet, I also bartended at renowned Vermont craft breweries, maintaining my connection to the industry.

For the past two years, I’ve served as the webmaster for a K-12 school district, a role that has expanded significantly. Given that K-12 schools are prime targets for cyber threats, I’ve essentially become a one-man Security Operations Center (SOC). I’ve applied my IT skills to build a proper SOC on our network, equipped with tools like Suricata, Elk Stack, Wireshark, and more. This role has been a crucible for learning, pushing me to rapidly expand my cybersecurity knowledge.

I’ve been actively enhancing my skills through Hack the Box, completing the SoC Analyst path and earning the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. I also hold a CCRE, allowing me to assess the security posture of public schools. Currently, I’m using both blue team and red team skills to enumerate our network, identify vulnerabilities, and harden our defenses. This continuous learning process keeps me at the forefront of the rapidly evolving cybersecurity field.

Looking ahead, I aim to transition into a dedicated cybersecurity role, leveraging my diverse background and specialized skills. I aspire to work remotely, tackling complex security challenges and contributing to the safety of digital ecosystems. Throughout this journey, music has remained a constant, with my early experiences in MIDI and digital audio workstations evolving alongside my professional growth. Similarly, my passion for craft beer continues, informed by my experiences working with renowned breweries and staying engaged with industry trends.

My story is one of diverse interests converging into a unique professional path. From psychology to music, from craft beer to cybersecurity, each experience has shaped my approach to problem-solving and innovation in the tech world. I’m excited to continue this journey, always learning, always growing, and always seeking new challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity and beyond.