Transition to Computer Science

After spending 30 years in health care administration, I made a bold and rewarding career shift in 2012. I stepped away from corporate life to start a small business focused on building websites and mobile apps. While much of my programming knowledge is self-taught, I’ve had invaluable guidance from David Book, founder of Buzztouch, and my son Shane Smith, a professional programmer. Their support—and that of my husband, who encouraged me to pursue this new path—made the transition possible, and I’m deeply grateful to them.

My Skills

I specialize in creating eCommerce websites using WordPress and WooCommerce. My technical skills include HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, and occasional JavaScript. Since most of my clients are small businesses, I often serve as a one-stop resource for their technology and design needs. I’m a natural project manager with a strong focus on execution and results. With an M.B.A. and a deep interest in business strategy, I enjoy aligning technical solutions with my clients’ broader goals.

Love of Education

Education has always been a passion of mine. My undergraduate studies included secondary education, history, and music. In 2014, I launched two Girl Develop It chapters—one in Minneapolis and another in Phoenix—to support women learning to code. Today, I’m a part-time instructor in the Computer Science Department at Saint Paul College and maintain a website for my students at WebDevStudents.com, offering tools and resources to support their learning journey.

White Buffalo Websites

My business is called White Buffalo LLC. In Lakota culture, the birth of a white buffalo is a symbol of hope and good fortune, which inspired the company’s name and logo. The logo features a young white buffalo named Hopi and her older brother Tatonka, representing guidance, growth, and the journey of learning.