Andrea - The Professional Side

What I do @ ConnectsUs

  • Manage Technical Website Development Crew
  • Website System Architect
  • Head of Complaints Department

Background

Andrea studied Computer Science at the University of Toronto, specializing in Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence. It was at this time that she founded Brainflex, a project that began life as a computer enrichment program for children.

Upon graduation, Andrea knew that she was definitely not interested in being a ‘code monkey’ (not that there’s anything wrong with that :-) ). So she packed her bags, left the big city, and traveled to Asia.

For the next three years she spent her time teaching, dancing, trekking, lounging, becoming a frog in a puddle during the monsoons… you get the picture. She learned a lot about herself, including the fact that “the mountains help me to breathe.” When she returned from her travels, she landed on the west coast of BC (mountains, yes, but still lots of puddles), and traveled inland to find community, less puddles, and a career building websites for a Photoshop wizard of a designer.

Ten years have passed, and Andrea’s communication, planning, and organization skills, together with her desire for creativity and variety in her work, have led her into the chair of project manager/website architect. When she’s not working with us at ConnectsUs, this talented and versatile web mistress builds and administers systems for a myriad of online businesses, including potters, painters, candle makers, landscapers, singers, firefighters, inventors, photographers, importers, social services, and professional associations. You can see her extensive portfolio at brainflex.ca.

One project that is particularly close to Andrea’s heart and definitely keeps her busy is WWOOF Canada (our tech wiz, Fish, is an integral member of the WWOOF Canada team too!).

  • "...An HR resource at your fingertips; take it as it is, or customize it to meet your needs. Just what every business owner needs!"

    Carol Hama | Director, Professional Development & Services, HRMA - British Columbia Human Resources Management Association
  • “…We were constantly “reinventing” the wheel when it came to establishing even the most basic administrative policies, procedures and templates (we were constantly “borrowing” examples from our sister organizations).  Your product provides us with virtually everything we were looking for in one nice, neat customizable package.”

    Brenda Taillefer | Executive Assistant, Athabasca Watershed Council
  • “I love your products. You have done a truly fabulous job with your toolkits. I’ve just spent 3 hours customizing your toolkit for one of my clients, and what I’ve done already would have any senior management team ecstatic. Talk about return on investment!”

    Deborah Nicols | Principal HR Consultant, Nicols & Dymes Consulting Inc.
  • "Entirely straightforward!  Our Office Administrator basically took the templates and ran with them in a few days…professionally written using common language, and demonstrates significant and immediate value."

    Kent Toy | Director, Finance & Administration, Antarctica Systems
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    George Reznik | Chief Operating Officer & CFO, Infowave Software
  • "...Easy to use and cost-effective.  ConnectsUs HR toolkits has all the tools I need for developing my HR policies and procedures, and company information."

    Matthew Eichhorst | President, Expedia CruiseShipCenters