Recent Projects

Epicenter Software, Pasadena, CA, 2007–Present

• Creating and updating online help system for software used in visualization and statistical analysis of DNA data—includes glossary, index, screen captures (optionally visible or hidden), and extensive cross-reference links (using RoboHelp)

The Write Connection, Laguna Hills, CA, 2008 & 2009

• Helped with updating user guides for Toshiba laptops (used FrameMaker)

BIS Computer Solutions, Inc., La Crescenta, CA, 2008

• Edited and reformatted user guide for database management system

InnTechnology, Glendale, CA, 2007

• Created online documentation for software used to provide in-room services for hospitality industry

Network Automation, Los Angeles, CA, 2006–2007

• Redesigned, updated, and rewrote help system for automation software—reorganized to align with users’ purposes and needs (used RoboHelp)
• Conducted research by testing pre-release build of system—provided valuable feedback to developers regarding bugs and usability

Castec, Inc. (custom window shading mfr.) North Hollywood, CA, 2001–2005

• Created and maintained user documentation for database management systems used in sales and inventory management—included glossaries, indices, flow charts, and screen captures
• Created reference documentation and training materials for call-routing software system
• Organized, updated, wrote, and maintained installation instructions for over 30 different custom window shading products
• Researched and wrote policies & procedures for sales and accounting departments
  (used FrameMaker, Word, and Visio)

TelSoft Solutions, Inc., Glendale, CA, 1998–2005 (intermittent projects)

• Created 220-page user guide for telephone accounting software system—included glossary, index, appendices, and screen captures
• Used FrameMaker conditional text to create second manual from single source for alternate software version
• Wrote supplemental guides for modules of main software system
  Created 80-page training manual including examples and exercises
  (used FrameMaker)

SeeBeyond, Inc., Monrovia, CA, 2000–2001

• Created training programs for integration software
  (used Visio and PowerPoint)

FatPipeU, Irvine, CA, 2000

• Worked as team member designing instructional materials for broadband cable installers—wrote text, devised practical exercises, and directed use of illustrations

Countrywide Home Loans, Moorpark, CA, 1998, 2000

• Designed, wrote, and maintained policies & procedures manual for construction lending department—included tables, diagrams, sample forms, index, and extensive glossary
  (used Word)

Authoring Tools

Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe RoboHelp, Adobe Acrobat Distiller, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft PowerPoint, Corel Paint Shop Pro, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Excel, IMSI Hijaak Pro

Education

Journalism & Business, Valley College, Van Nuys, CA, 4.0 GPA, 1986, 1993
English & General Studies, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, CA, 1972, 1974

Affiliations & Publications

Society for Technical Communication—Member, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
Toastmasters—Competent Toastmaster Status
Published in:

• Los Angeles Daily News, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007
• Freedom Magazine, Volume 30, Issues 1 & 2
• The Latest, 1996, 2000, 2006
• The Buzz, 1996
• The Valley Star, 1993