Christie.technology

Bio

In 1999, while working as a Maid and living in an RV with no computer or internet, I decided to start teaching myself how to code using a book I had borrowed from a friend. I would go to a family member's house or a library to use their computers on dial-up internet. A couple of years later, in 2001, I was offered my first programming job as a Logistics Analyst. For my first project, I was tasked with developing a database-driven Night Vision Goggles inventory system for a US Navy Vision Lab.

Programmer

Business:
athenablue.dev
Email: chris@athenablue.dev
Location: West Virginia

Books: Amazon
Links: Linktree
Freelance: No Availability

My Books

Tech for Kids: Girls in Tech Coloring Book

"Girls Can Code" is a coloring book designed to inspire and empower young girls in technology! This engaging coloring book showcases the incredible potential of girls in the tech industry through enchanting illustrations and captivating scenes. "Girls Can Code" celebrates the unique talents and capabilities of girls in tech while fostering a positive mindset and self-belief.

Embrace your passion for STEM, showcase your creativity, and bring these inspirational girls and their tech-filled world to life through color and imagination!

5/5 Inspirational Coloring!
"Inspire girls to learn computer science, coding, programming, and careers in technology with this wonderful coloring book. Created by a real computer programmer who is self-taught and self-employed."

5/5 Girls Can Code is a winner!
"I loved the cover and the pages. It shows that you can code no matter your background or disability. It allows girls to dream and steers them toward future coding experiences. Each picture kind of tells it’s own story. I admire the encouragement given to young girls. It would be a great asset for classrooms."

5/5 Super Cute! My Niece Loves It! "My niece loves this book. She has colored… and asked me to color with her. 🥰 And she grabbed her toy laptop to play pretend. Sooooo cute! I love the diversity and inclusion, too!"

Tech for Kids: The Glitch - Pixel's Bug Adventure

The Glitch serves as a metaphorical exploration of the complex and unpredictable nature of technology and captures the essence of creativity, resilience, and problem-solving inherent in coding!

Join Pixel, a lovable "special character", as he journeys into life beyond the code. Along the way, he encounters a world of chaos with bugs and glitches everywhere!

Follow Dot and a nefarious gang of bugs as Pixel transforms from a curious and special character in Code Country to a mischievous bug in the Big City app. Will he and his new friend Dot find a way to restore order and redeem himself?

Tech for Kids: Am I A Robot?

Embark on a thought-provoking journey exploring the wonders of artificial intelligence and what it means to be human. Am I a Robot? is a part of the Tech for Kids book series of engaging stories encourage tech-savvy kids to explore the limitless possibilities of technology while fostering a love for learning and creativity.

Harvesting Change: The Transformative Power of the Plant-Based Diet

"Harvesting Change: The Transformative Power of a Plant-Based Diet" is a beginner's guide that empowers readers to embrace a plant-based lifestyle and transform their overall well-being. This book is perfect for anyone wanting to feel better, have more energy, and live more fulfilling lives. The plant-based lifestyle is about thriving, not just surviving!

With a wealth of information and practical tips, "Harvesting Change" is an easy-to-follow guide that will help you easily transition to a plant-based diet. From understanding the benefits of plant-based eating to learning how to stock your pantry and create delicious plant-based meals, this book has everything you need to get started on your journey to optimal well-being.

Upcoming Events

Past Events

July 11 and 13, 2023

CodeWV Week of Code

Holiday Inn in Charleston, West Virginia.
CodeWV will offer introductory computer science professional learning for elementary school (CSF/Apple), middle school (CSD), and high school educators (both CSP and CSA). I will be speaking in 2 groups. More details to follow.

July 22, 2023

WV Author Meet & Greet

Dunbar Library in Dunbar, West Virginia.
I will have a table set up with copies of the Girls Can Code: Girls in Tech Coloring book, Harvesting Change, and The Glitch: Pixel's Bug Adventure. I will have stickers and pins and a giveaway for a WV gift basket.

July 29, 2023

Back to School Event

More Details Coming!
I will be giving away free Girls Can Code: Girls in Tech coloring book pages, crayons, bookmarks, and stickers!

August 4, 2023

Kids Can Code

Dunbar Library in Dunbar, West Virginia.
Join me for an Hour of Code! Limited to 10 seats. Pre-teens. Future events may be scheduled for other age groups. More details will follow.

Programming Work

Athena Blue, LLC

2020 - Present

GirlsCanCodeBook.com
PlantBasedNerd.com
AthenaBlue.dev
CMSCalls App: Dealership Training App
DDOTS: SaaS Development for their CTMS (Clinical Trials Management System)
Nature-Child Reunion: WV-based Childrens Book Author
WildAndWanderin.com
Logan Radio Rocks - Animation for Twitch Overlays
Logo design for various businesses and professionals.

SQL Developer > Developer Senior

2016 - 2020

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, WV

Primary Skills Used: SQL Server, ColdFusion, Object Oriented PHP, mySQL, Oracle, CSS, Bootstrap, jQuery, JavaScript, SQL, t-SQL, pl/SQL, HTML.

Grant Time & Effort System: Development of a data-driven web-based application for Faculty and Staff to log time and effort spent on Medical Research Grants. This system has digital signature features, automated e-mail notifications, and Summary Reports for Auditing purposes to meet Federal guidelines for time and effort on research grants.
Admissions Committee Decision Reporting: Developed a system of tracking decisions and notes for applicants during the Admissions process. Admissions Committee Report allowed team members to sort based on specific criteria to have a broad overview of applicant data. This report was used as a final sign-off for the Dean during weekly Admissions Committee Meetings.
ClinSy: Developed a responsive web-based version of a previously attempted iOS app from student developers. GTAs polled students on the existing iOS app, and this feedback was used to build a new, responsive web-based application that would allow study materials, video demonstrations, medical documentation, special tests, and OPP to be uploaded and reviewed by students.
Compensation Calculator: Developed a ColdFusion and SQL Server web-based system with pie charts to calculate total compensation for an employee based on many WV state factors, such as PEIA, Basic Life, Accrued Leave, and more.
Moodle Syllabus Builder: Developed a custom plugin for the Moodle platform to allow Course Directors to build Syllabi and submit for the Curriculum Committee to review.

Freelance Programmer

2015 - 2016

Primary Skills Used: SQL Server, Object Oriented PHP, mySQL, jQuery, JavaScript, SQL, t-SQL, Bootstrap, jqPlot, HTML

Developed custom macros for importing and exporting data from over 20 mines located in West Virginia and Kentucky. New report system improved performance and decreased man hours and data retrieval time.
Developed database application to display data gathered from Continuous Miners in multiple states for Mining Industry Executives to monitor drilling information.
Developed database application which parsed XML files and allowed users to search, view and print records 24/7 from any internet-ready device. Data collection was from across the state of WV.
Developed database application for customer resolutions in the Medical Industry for hospitals located throughout West Virginia.
Developed initial web presence for Neany, Inc.’s Persistent Ground Surveillance System.

Marketing Assistance

2011 - 2015

Phillips Machine in Beckley, WV

Primary Skills Used: ColdFusion, Object Oriented PHP, SQL Server, mySQL, PostgreSQL, jQuery, JavaScript, SQL, t-SQL, pl/SQL, CSS, Bootstrap, FusionCharts, HTML, Photoshop, Edge Animate, After Effects

Lead POC and Programmer for PhillipsMachine.com, a fully customizable database- driven web application used across the globe. Custom ECM (Enterprise Content Management) to allow for easy management of site content, job postings, adding pictures or new content, etc.
Lead POC and Database Programmer for Engineering Parts Book Search which converted the existing Windows based search process for large PDF documents. Allowed users throughout the company to locate parts for all customer's mining machinery within milliseconds. Previous process could take several man hours to find the necessary documents. This project included programming, server automation, database server setup and management.
Lead POC and Database Programmer for the Engineering Non-Compliance System. System provided automation and tracking for Parts Books issues, revisions and resolutions.
Lead POC and Database Programmer for the Engineering Parts System. System developed to prevent duplicate parts in inventory, provide Document Tracking with an Approvals Feature, Notes Feature and automated emails.
Lead POC and Database Programmer for the Quote System. This project was to convert the existing business workflow from a spreadsheet and email based process to a database-driven application to allow for better tracking of customer proposals. System included Proposal Creation, Revision History, File Uploads, Approvals & Rejections Feature, Notes Feature, Automated Emails, Request for Review feature and metadata on all activity while logged into the system.
Lead POC and Database Programmer for the MineLink project. Worked with Engineering team and PLC programmer to push data from Shuttle Car mining machinery to a SQL Server Database. Database application allowed companies to view activity collected from the Shuttle Cars while they were in operation.
- Data included items such as what direction the equipment was travelling, how many tons of coal it had loaded, if the driver was in their seat, the speed the equipment was travelling, oil levels and many other pivotal features measures by sensors installed throughout the equipment.
- Near Real-time results with data appearing on any internet-ready device within seconds of the equipment recording the data.
- Created Data Visualization using Line Charts and Bar Charts to display current and historical data of alarms/sensors that were tracked on the equipment. Development of MineLink was featured in World Coal Magazine.

Software Developer

2008 - 2011

Citynet in Charleston, WV

Primary Skills Used: ColdFusion, SQL Server, JavaScript, SQL, t-SQL, CSS, HTML

Developed and deployed new applications as well as application enhancements for a suite of the company's internal database-driven business applications.
Lead Software Developer for http://crs.citynet.net which is a tool for telecommunications companies throughout the country, such as Verizon, Sprint, etc. to port customers. This system auto-generates internal work orders, sends automated emails, auto-schedules into Tech Calendar and follows all current FCC rules and regulations for simple and complex port orders.
Developed pivotal accounting reports for managing all revenue, credits, payments across Citynet (locations in Ohio and West Virginia). Previous Accounting Reports had thousands of dollars of errors and some took 30 minutes or more to run. Worked with Database Administrator to create a Data Warehouse and a nightly backup process which allowed us to improve the runtime to seconds. Extensive query optimization and data auditing throughout 2010 provided the most accurate reporting in the history of Citynet, allowing Accountants to track all revenue down to the penny.
Optimized FTP, Website and Domain Provisioning to accommodate new server farms. Development included replication of Microsoft IIS metabase across multiple Windows servers. Modified scripts to iterate across all servers.
Modified CallerID scripts for VoIP system to more accurately and promptly return CallerID records to customers.

Computer Programmer I > Computer Programmer II > Development Project Manager

2003-2008

Florida Digital Networks in Orlando, FL

Primary Skills Used: ColdFusion, SQL Server, AS400, JavaScript, SQL, t-SQL, CSS, HTML

Worked with a team of 10-13 Programmers developing database applications used for CRM, order processing and automated system processes.
Lead POC and Programmer for database application under the Vice President of Operations. This Dispatch system handled scheduling for dispatching technicians with several enhancements which acted as the tracking and notification system for managing Field Technicians across the East Coast.
Lead POC and Programmer for database application, Escalation System, handling customer support issues, which included an email notification system and scheduled tasks for automation. This application has assisted in resolving customer issues in a more effective and timely manner and is widely used by over 1,000 employees spanning several states on the East Coast.
Lead Programmer for the Automated Customer Email System, enhancing communication with both FDN customers and employees.
Lead Programmer for “plug and play” menu system for wholesale customers, which allowed FDN to offer wholesale partners access to our CRM/Ordering System within just minutes and with less training.

Logistics Analyst

2001 - 2003

Spectrum Sciences in Hollywood, Maryland

Created database applications for government contracts ers implementing Section 508 and Navair Security standards.
Lead POC for engineering and implement animations, graphics, web, print and CD production including graphic/interface design for US Navy, Marines and specifically Navair.
Lead POC and Programmer for Night Vision Goggles Inventory Management System for the Vision Laboratory at Patuxent Naval Air station operated by Jerri Tribble, Ph. D.
Lead POC and Programmer for database application for the Department of Veterans Affairs to convert their existing paper and fax process to find Physicians for Veterans health needs to a web-based application that was available 24/7 from anywhere in the world.

Field Service Technician

2000 - 2001

NMCI (Navy Marine Corps Intranet) in Patuxent River, MD

Temporary contract for the initial phases to develop an intranet for the Navy and Marine Corps (NMCI, or Navy Marine Corps Intranet) which evolved to now include over 350,000 computers serving over 700,000 Sailors, Marines and Civilians.
Assisted in surveying computers, tracking hardware and software, as well as running diagnostics used to map and engineer networks at Patuxent Naval Air Station and Webster Field in Maryland.

Supporting STEM

Speaking, Presenting and Volunteering

I enjoy speaking with our youth about STEM. Please contact to schedule.

Empowering Girls In STEM: A Conversation With Programmer And Author Christie Trent

July 2023

www.joejustice.org

I sat down with my friend on the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast to talk about my two favorite things: STEM and books.

From Code To Cuisine: Christie Trent’s Journey To A Plant-Based Lifestyle And Content Creation

May 2023

www.joejustice.org

I sat down with my friend on the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast to talk about two of my favorite things: Code and cuisine.

Hour of Code

December 2022

www.code.org

Spoke with students virtually during Computer Science Week at Petertown Elementary School in Peterstown, WV.

Department of Defense Education Activity

2020 - 2021

DoDEA.edu

Volunteer Speaker for the Hour of Code

Mountain Moot

2019

Mountain Moot 2019

Speaker - Syllabus Plugin

STFM Conference for Medical Student Education

2019

Society of Teachers of Medical Education

Poster Presentation - ClinSy Web Application

Hour of Code

December 2017

www.code.org

Volunteered during Computer Science Week at Petertown Elementary School in Peterstown, WV.

100 Girls of Code WV

Initial startup. Funding and location was put on hold.

Hour of Code

December 2015

www.code.org

Volunteered during Computer Science Week at Mary C. Snow Elemetary in Charleton, WV.

WV Hive - Coding Lab

2015 - 2016

https://wvhive.com

Volunteered to setup Coding Lab at WV Hive location in WVU Tech in Beckley, WV.

Academy of Careers and Technology

2016 - Current

http://actwv.net

Technology Advisory Board

Center for Independent Living

2004

https://www.cilorlando.org

Volunteered design and development in Orlando, FL.

Prototypes and Testing

Some fun projects I have been piddling around with.

JavaScript AI Chatbot

Heart Health

GitHub Lookup

D.O.G.

Food Sensitivities

Contact

Location:

Charleston, WV

Email:

chris@athenablue.dev

Plant-Based Nerd

One of my many passion projects has been the Plant-Based Nerd community. Through this platform, I passionately share my personal journey in embracing a plant-based lifestyle, which has proven transformative in addressing a multitude of lifelong issues from battling chronic back pain, allergies, migraines, and persistent ear infections throughout my childhood and well into my 40s.

You can find more info on my website (PlantBasedNerd.com) or by following @theplantbasednerd on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.