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!).

  • “…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 wish I had this product years ago! It is an invaluable tool for time and resource-strapped HR departments to quickly turn out quality HR practices and procedures..."

    Coleen Hunter | National Director, Human Resources, PharmaSave
  • "...We needed a starting point for everything from policies to manager resources and got so much more."

    Karen Buchanan | Office Manager, BCTIA (BC Technologies Industry Association)
  • "...In a small business, best HR practices are sometimes not implemented due to a lack of resources or HR knowledge. With ConnectsUs products, we were able to implement them quickly and easily."

    Chris Breikss | President, 6S Marketing Inc. | New York, New York
  • "...My partner and I will be forever grateful to ConnectsUs HR toolkits for helping us get our personnel back on track with clear policies and procedures. Getting on board with the product was a piece of cake..."

    Sherrita Magalde | Co-Owner, Amigo Travel | Salt Lake City, UT
  • “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.