Centriq Blog Category: Featured Students

Lindsay Astelford

Bio

Coming from a background in research and healthcare, I had pursued a career as a physician because of the meaningful relationships with patients, helping others, while solving problems. In my third year of medical school, I became unhappy with the slow progress of the healthcare system and the dwindling minutes I had to spend with not only each patient, but also my family and friends.

I had been tangentially associated with development through friends in the industry.  Tech seemed like a natural transition for me because it welcomed quick adaptation, continual challenges, and collaboration which are areas where I thrive!Read More

Nicholas Landolt

Bio

My love for technology started at a young age when I would take apart and rebuild video game consoles in an attempt to make them run faster without overheating. On top of that whenever a family member got a new TV or VCR, I would be the one in charge of hooking them up and making sure they were configured correctly.Read More

CARLOS PADILLA

Bio

Since childhood, I’ve had a penchant for technology, which resulted in taking every computer class in high school from keyboarding and multimedia design to introductory programming and web design. I joined the US Navy after high school as an IT where I did two deployments to the Middle East, administrating the ships’ networks. I also worked as an IT Assistant for the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. At this point, I’m pretty sure I dream of electric sheep!

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MALCOLM LEE

As early as 11 years old, I had been building my own computers and diving into the evolving internet as a hobby. I studied Psychology and Mathematics at the University of Kansas and initially started work as a Technical Support Specialist and had moved on to Software Testing but couldn’t stomach the notion of cubical life at such a young age. I have worked as an Arborist until I had broken my leg in a skateboarding injury in March of 2017. During recovery I picked up Mountain Biking as a low impact form of rehabilitation and have traveled across the US from KC to Oregon exploring trails along the way and back.
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Samantha Turpin

Bio

I received my bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology and spent two years working as a Zoo Keeper. My most recent position was at the Reptile House at the St. Louis Zoo. I enjoyed working with my team to create enrichment for the animals, and used critical and logical thinking to solve problems. My greatest accomplishment during my time there was working with my coworkers to create a new enclosure for a group of our animals. It was the first time I was able to create something that I could share with the public, and took great care in helping to make it perfect.

In addition to my love of animals, I am also an avid gamer. I have been playing since the mid 90’s, where I started to make basic games in my spare time. I just started to delve into Unity, a product used to create both 2D and 3D games. Although I enjoyed my job as a Zoo Keeper, I realized I couldn’t see myself doing it as a career for the rest of my life. While I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, I kept going back to technology. My dad received his degree in Computer Science, and we always had technology in our house. We got our first home computer when home computers were just starting to become commonplace, and since then I’ve always had an interest in figuring out how programs run. That interest pushed me into coding and development.

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ROBERT SVEC

Bio

My love of technology pushed me to an early start as a technician at my hometown PC shop and soon moved up to administrator at the local theatre.  I served in the Navy where I learned electronics and worked on F/A-18 Super Hornet avionics.  I ran my own business creating STEM curriculum for children and teaching electronics/robotics at schools and makerspaces.

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Jessica wilson

I come from a diverse professional background, which has been great for exploring different industries. I also have a diverse educational background, from nursing to accounting. I’ve always had a knack for all things tech related, that goes back to spending hours on MySpace manipulating HTML to make my profile awesome or playing video games! Outside of tech, I am a Mom to an 8-year-old miniature version of myself as well as 2 active Boxers.
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Russell Cross

Bio

I began my career in banking as a Financial Analyst and progressed in my career to become the Head of Compliance. Both roles helped me develop analytical and critical thinking skills, and taught me the importance of effective communication.

My proudest accomplishment was being involved in a start-up business. It was the most stressful venture I’d ever undertaken, but it taught me the importance of customer service, time management, and effective leadership.

Throughout my career, I have always been the guy my co-workers would call on to troubleshoot their computer problems. I enjoyed this more than any other work I have ever done, and I found myself in a position where I could turn this passion into a career. With the hands-on experience I have gained at Centriq, I believe I could add value to any team.

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Ephraim brown

I am a KC native that grew up in Blue Springs. The past 6 years I have worked in fast food. My last position was as Store Manager where I really discovered my love for training and helping others reach their potential. In March I decided it was time for me to pursue my original ambitions of working in the IT field and enrolled in Centriq Training.Read More

Jason Yoder

Bio

I spent several years troubleshooting and researching PC problems and network issues among my home computers. Online forums were instrumental in my troubleshooting. I devoted twelve years to the United States Army, as both an Infantryman and an Allied Trades Specialist. After separating from the service, I decided to pursue my passion for technology with formal education at Centriq Training, where I earned my CompTIA A+ certification. I have been amazed at the vast opportunities within the IT career field.
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