Data Sorceress crafting digital magic in Olympia, Washington, US
I transform complex data challenges into elegant solutions, bringing nearly three decades of tech wizardry to the table. Whether I’m automating workflows or building smart homes, I believe technology should make our lives not just easier, but better.
What Makes Me Tick
Technology has been my compass since I first laid hands on a VTech Laser 128 (a scrappy Apple //c clone) back in 1984. These days, you’ll find me deep in VSCode, crafting solutions that bridge the gap between complex systems and the humans who use them.
I find joy in the intersection of artificial intelligence, automation, and the Internet of Things. There’s something magical about watching systems work in harmony, especially when they make someone’s day a little brighter.
My Journey
Remember 2001? While everyone was still talking about the Y2K bug that wasn’t, I wrote a tiny program that ended up saving thousands of hours of manual work for a regional mobile carrier. That moment reinforced something I’d always felt: automation isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about giving people back their time.
By 2010, I’d already built an internet-connected garage door (before “smart home” was really even a term). Today, my entire house is automated, serving as both a testing ground and a reminder of how far we’ve come. But my proudest moments? They’re from my time in rural northwest Kansas, teaching retired farmers and teachers how to send their first emails. Those experiences taught me that the best technology is the kind that anyone can use.
Professional Evolution
Currently, I’m weaving my magic at SCJ Alliance as their Data Sorceress (yes, that’s my real title!). After serving as their Information Services Manager for a decade, I’m now focusing on what I love most: building automation systems that make work feel less like work.
Before SCJ, I founded Megagram, where I provided full-spectrum IT solutions. Earlier adventures included roles as a Senior Programmer at Conceptual Arc and Data Services Manager at Westlink Communications. I even created the hey.nu Network and ran DediHost—each step adding new threads to my technological tapestry.
My Technical Arsenal
I speak fluent Go, TypeScript, and JavaScript (among many, many others), but my true passion lies in making different systems talk to each other. I’ve delved deep into the AI realm, working with everything from OpenAI and Google Gemini to Claude and custom RAG implementations. Home automation is my playground—Home Assistant, ESPHome, Zigbee, Z-Wave—if it can make life smoother, I’ve probably tinkered with it.
I’ve also left my mark by distributing my efforts through various platforms, from Firefox Add-ons to the Debian Perl Packagers Team and Google’s Play Store. Each project has been another chance to make technology more accessible and useful.
Beyond the Day Job
When I’m not crafting solutions for SCJ Alliance, you’ll find me deeply involved in the Twitch community. I moderate a number of Twitch streams, helping create safe and engaging spaces for creators and their communities. It’s a natural extension of my passion for building bridges between technology and people.
Speaking of which, I’m particularly proud of CharmCrafter, my LLM/AI-powered Twitch and Discord chat bot. Currently enhancing the experience in around 50 different streams, CharmCrafter represents everything I love about technology: it’s helpful, accessible, and brings people together. The bot combines my enthusiasm for AI, automation, and community building into one delightful package.
I also stream on Twitch as SorceressEmmaly, sharing my own tech adventures with a community that’s just as passionate about the possibilities of technology as I am. Whether I’m coding, troubleshooting, or exploring new AI capabilities, my streams are where technology meets teaching—continuing that same spirit from my days helping folks in northwest Kansas send their first emails.
Let’s Connect
Have an interesting project or just want to chat about the future of tech? Email · LinkedIn · GitHub
I’m always excited to explore new possibilities and collaborate with fellow tech enthusiasts who believe in technology’s power to improve lives.