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!).

  • "...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
  • "...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)
  • "As a fresh start up with big growth plans, ConnectsUs products were the perfect tools for establishing our HR baseline. It's truly invaluable.”

    Bill Tam | CEO, EQO Communications
  • “…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 just wanted to write to say that ConnectsUs HR™ for Consultants is truly a gift. I've been searching for this type of support with other service providers with no luck. The templates and Resource Center you have created are so helpful, and provide a comprehensive menu of topics, best practices and well-written content that would have taken months to create from scratch. In most cases, my clients don't want to wait long to see results. I am very thankful to have found your product that makes me look so good!

    Thank you again!

    A new and thankful customer

    Stacey Messner | Principle Consultant | staceymessner.com
  • "...Never before have I seen a product that so easily and completely supports the creation of HR practices. Don't reinvent the wheel - buy one of the best wheels invented to take your small business forward..."

    Patti Sheehan | Principal, Puget Sound People Solutions | Seattle, WA