northStudio

Dieter Gerhard

Dieter Gerhard, has ten years experience as a college instructor teaching certificate and diploma programs in marketing, business administration, paralegal studies, web site development, e-commerce and search engine optimization and marketing. Dieter also guest lectures at other events and learning institutions, most recently at UVic.

Dieter also operates the well known Birds of a Feather Ocean-front Bed and Breakfast. Dieter also holds a seat on The Tourism Board of Victoria's West Shore Chamber of Commerce. His insights into the accommodation and tourism sectors of the hospitality industry are invaluable to our clients in this industry. Dieter's other interests include traveling and boating. His marketing savvy and familiarity with organic search engine optimization and marketing give all our clients an edge over their competition. If Dieter has search-engine-optimized your site, you'll likely find yourself in the top 10 of Google.com in your category.

When he disappears around here in the summer months he can usually be found on his Zodiac conducting Marine Eco-Tours.

Chris Boag

Chris has over 9 years of hands-on experience in Web Development and has developed more than 1000 websites and web applications over the span of his career. He began by developing Dreamweaver HTML websites for educational facilities in 2000 and since has moved on to building robust ecommerce applications, CMS and CRM systems. Chris oversees product development and implementation of business, educational, and government solutions. His extensive experience in the field and capacity for the ‘big picture’ allows web solutions to move forward, reaching the vision and goals of the client.

Chris is also responsible for program development (Web Design Certification, Web Developer Diploma Programs and Drupal Open Source Development and E-Commerce Diploma Programs) at VSBT.ca (the only Adobe Authorized Training facility on Vancouver Island) and also oversees VSBT’s internationally recognized one-of-a-kind web development internships. Chris has taught Web Design and Internet Technologies at the University of Victoria.

Gord Christmas

After spending nearly ten years working with an Internet Service provider on Salt Spring Island, Gord decided to join our team in Victoria. He has many years of hands on troubleshooting experience with computers and complex networking arrangements. Having worked as a private in-home computer consultant, Gord has also honed his ability to listen and explain our clients' needs simply and directly.

Programming for Gord started early with BASIC, Hypercard and Pascal in the mid-eighties. Since then worked with Delphi, Assembly, JavaScript, PHP, Visual Basic, and many other programs. Working with PHP and databases is his most recent focus, developing online web applications for niche markets. Reading technical and programming manuals doesn't put him to sleep, as it would any sane individual.

Gord enjoys extracurricular activities like trail riding on dirt bikes, motorcycle riding, hiking and woodworking. He also enjoys computer gaming and radio controlled model cars.

Simon Vreeswijk

Simon is a former VSBT graduate and intern. He completed both the Web Designer and Web Application Programmer tracks, each followed with a six month internship. Simon is now working as an SEO & Internet Marketing Specialist with the northStudio.com team and heads up Stikky Media Internet Marketing, a division of northStudio that is dedicated to SEO, Social Media Marketing, PPC and all other aspects of online marketing.

Simon has more than four years experience as a Web Developer and SEO specialist. He has taught basic computer courses, office courses, and provided one-on-one Macromedia Dreamweaver training as well as providing in-home tech support for VSBT. Simon also teaches the Search Engine Optimization portion of the Web Developer Diploma course.  Aside from Internet Marketing, Simon is skilled in Drupal Development, Wordpress, CSS, HTML, PHP, MySQL and most other aspects of the web design business.

If Simon is not in front of his computer you will probably find him making music or out playing one of the many sports he enjoys.

Aysha Ozcetin

After moving to Canada I left the workforce to raise my two boys. When it was time to go back to work again, I realized that on Vancouver Island my chances of finding a position in international trade which I had been working in after having my BA degree were quite slim. It was time to make a career change, and I found the Web Designer Certificate program at northStudio.com. After finishing the program, I worked as an intern at northStudio. In September 2006, I joined the team in the developing department and have been taking on new challenges in web development.

Chris Deakin

Chris is a master of Flash and has been a Macromedia-Certified Instructor for the past five years in both Dreamweaver and Flash. More recently, Chris became an Adobe-Certified Professional and Instructor, one of only a handful in Greater Victoria. He also teaches Fireworks and Freehand.

Chris has taught at the University of Victoria, Royal Roads University and Camosun College, and has worked for clients such as IBM and Electronic Arts.

Chris is one of our most versatile and skilled instructors.  He can design and create various types of computer media, make interactive presentations, CD-ROMs and DVDs. His “special” specialty is making web-based Flash animations, though he also works with digital video and audio, using it both for CD/DVD productions and web sites.

When not teaching at VSBT, he’s either mountain biking or roaming around with his trusty new Pentax. He also loves camping and backpacking.

Melanie Seal-Jones

From a young kid I knew I would be a Graphic Designer, I remember my kindergarten teacher scolding me, for drawing advertisements instead of animals. After graduating with honors from the University of Manitoba, I ran sales teams that allowed me to travel throughout Canada, the Us and Europe. Eventually landing in BC I worked for newspapers, design firms and print shops until I landed the Dream job at North Studio and VSBT. Being able to teach, design, and still have the flexibility to run my Photography business is amazing. It is very satisfying when I can deliver a design that is not only visually stunning but also helps the business grow. The "ah ha" moment when a student really gets it or they learn a new way of doing things that saves them tons of time. My husband is a little worried about my love-affair with photography, InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator but I do pull my self away once in a while to help with our house renovations, to play fetch with our cat ...

Candace Bates

A fork in the road brought Candace to British Columbia all the way from Ohio. Now part Canadian, she is the newest member of our team.

Candace graduated from Ohio University in 2005 with a degree in Multimedia and an area of specialization in Business. Although she spent many hours hidden behind her computer at University most of her time was spent on the basketball court as a member of the Ohio University Women's Basketball Team - Go Bobcats!

At the conclusion of her studies at Ohio University she found herself enrolled in post graduate studies at the Victoria School of Business and Technology. How did someone from Ohio discover the Victoria School of Business and Technology in British Columbia? The internet of course....That's some great Search Engine Optimization!

Now proudly part Canuk and member of the team at northStudio if Candace is not knee deep in Basecamp you can find her playing basketball, flag football, surfing, biking, running, hiking....Or pretty much any activity that keeps her moving.

Shane Vincent

Born in Vancouver BC, he spent the first 7 or 8 years of his life in some sort of coma, until that is.. his parents brought home their first computer. Well ever since that wonderful day where his life was given a purpose, he has devoted a RIDICULOUS amount of time to computers, electronics, and everything in between. Shane completed the web developer certificate program offered at VSBT and apparently did pretty darn good! He now works along side his former teachers developing content for the web.

Greg Voakes

With a background in Internet marketing and search engine optimization and a great interest in social media, Greg brings an abundance of knowledge and numerous ideas to the table in the marketing department.

If you need help getting your site found on the internet, Greg is the guy that can make it happen, along with his skilled marketing team.

Greg enjoys traveling the world, and hopes to someday travel through all of the continents. When he isn't traveling, you can find him listening to his music, watching a movie, and spending time with his friends and family.

Shane Graham

Shane is a graduate of the Web Design Certification and Open Source Developer Certification. He followed up both certifications with a 6 month internship (one year total) with an emphasis on each respective field. Shane also has certifications in the following areas:  A+, Network+, iNet+, MCDST, MCP, ETA CST, ETA CNST. Shane lives in Metchosin with his horse Misty, and is an avid video gamer.

Ryan James

A native of Victoria, Ryan is a graduate of the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Systems Engineering. He interned at northStudio Inc. from 2004-05 before deciding to move East to Toronto. A couple short years later he realised the err of his ways and returned to the West coast. Re-joining northStudio Inc. as a Drupal programmer, he brings with him 3+ years of Web Application and e-Commerce programming experience.

His engineering background has also provided him skills and experience with network and server administration, computer architecture and design, as well as other concepts a bit more foreign to Web Development such as robotics and artificial intelligence.

On the side he enjoys outdoor activities such as soccer, hockey and mountain biking, to name a few.

Richard Pattee

Richard grew up all over Canada and Europe. He has a B.A. in Classics from the University of Manitoba. Richard was also trained as a chef at Cordon Bleu in Paris and has worked in many restaurants across Canada and Europe. After receiving his diploma in web design and development at VSBT, he commenced work with NorthStudio interning and moving on to Teaching Assistant. He has now been promoted Project Management. Richard looks forward to serving NorthStudio clients with customer service in mind.

Tara Shannon

Tara is a graduate of Concordia University in Fine Arts and Art History. She went on to study Multimedia at the Montreal Academy of Design where she learned to incorporate her artistic abilities onto the web. She specializes in organic design but enjoys incorporating her technical background into the mix.

Tara has eight years experience in the web design industry. She loves flash animation and video editing whenever she gets the chance. On her free time, Tara enjoys yoga and hanging out with her kids. Originally from the East, Tara is a huge fan of the West Coast.

Anne Stefanyk

Anne has mastered the art of solution management and high-wire walking. But oh, no, that is not all. Her extensive Drupal experience allows her to understand the needs of the client, address them quickly and accordingly. Professional, but not overly serious, Anne will not bore you with charts and pie-graphs, but inspire you with purpose and proposition. Anne gets it done and get you moving to your next project.

Her quick wit, Drupal knowledge and cheery disposition makes this gal an ally to all of her clients. Anne is that person that comes to mind when your friend says in exaggerated Italian accent "I know a guy who knows a guy." Except that she is a girl. 

When not acting as the fighter for client justice and defender of the faith against the evils of poor web usability, Anne spends her time building treehouses and practicing round off back hand springs.

Anne's strengths lie in project management, user experience and information architecture. She currently oversees large web development projects from conception to implementation. She has also recently worked in real estate project management where she was responsible for managing the implementation of project details and facilitating the coordination of multiple initiatives. Prior to this, she worked with a large event marketing company, managing innovative guerrilla marketing projects. Her clients included Coca-Cola, Labatt, Gillette, Proctor & Gamble and Rogers.

She has a passion for education, usability and treehouses. Anne obtained a commerce degree from the University of Victoria, majoring in Entrepreneurship with a focus in Marketing.

Andrea Nurme

Andrea is a recent graduate from the Applied Communication Program through Camosun College. Where she studied web and graphic design, tv, radio and journalism, graduating in April 2009. She began working at VSBT North Studio in April 2009, and is thrilled to be here among working professionals.

Chris Jeffery

After successfully completing the Web Design Certificate course at VSBT, Chris decided to go deeper into the field and took the Open Source Web Development and e-commerce course, completing the Web Developer Diploma. Chris enjoys working with Drupal as a CMS, and is happy to be able to implement what he has learned in the previous courses into real life everyday websites.

Chris is also very active away from the office.  He enjoys BMX racing and is on the executive council for the Greater Victoria BMX association. His best finish so far is a 2nd at the Black Gold Nationals in Cumberland BC. He likes to bring in his trophies to work (if they can fit on the desk!)

Chris looks forward to expanding his knowledge of web development in working with the Northstudio team.

René Haché

René, 35, has been with northStudio and VSBT from the start. He plays a key role in helping NS clients get the look they want – not just for their websites, but also for printed media such as magazines, brochures, business cards and posters. He also prides himself on getting his projects done on time, and within budget.

Leaving New Brunswick for the bright lights of Ottawa in the early ‘90s, René studied business and economics and worked for a variety of companies doing mostly print-related work. He discovered a real talent for layout and design, and for color management in particular – the art of achieving consistent and accurate colors across multiple media. This led him to internet web design, where he transferred his skills from print to electronic media. 

René is particularly adept with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.  He also teaches VSBT students how to use  CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and Content Management Systems (CMS).

He has been a keen photographer since he was a young man, and many of his photos have been used in his print and internet designs.  Although he used to spend his spare time hiking and taking photos, René is now a confirmed “family man” and spends most of his free time looking after his 20 month old son.

Jim Keith

Jim has over 30 years experience in public and private business sectors. Mr. Keith has worked in the Information Technology sector, writing, implementing, and supporting software applications. He started his career working with Canada Post as a junior clerk, hidden away inside their philatelic vault counting stamps. Today he is a freelance consultant to businesses and government in Victoria. He sits on the board of NorthStudio and contributes his talents to development projects. Mr. Keith lives in Sooke where he has a wife, three cats, and two full grown sons in the construction industry.

Graydon Gibson

Graydon is a former print and radio journalist with an additional 25 years experience in media, public relations and communications.  He is also a certified web developer (a graduate of VSBT) and has a good understanding of web design and construction issues and techniques.  However, Graydon is still a writer at heart, and brings his expertise in plain language and effective communications to the northStudio.com team.   Graydon can work with you to develop your website content from scratch, including identifying your target audiences and key messages, or he can take whatever you have already prepared and edit it to make sure your message is as focussed and clear as it can be.  Graydon also teaches a one-day course in Plain Language & Effective Communications.
When he's not writing or surfing the net, Graydon can usually be found on the golf course, where he grapples with a mismatched set of clubs and an unrealistic expectation that he will one day get his handicap down to a single digit!

Sean Hamill

Sean Hamill grew up in Victoria, BC where attended the University of Victoria for a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Computer Science, with Software Engineering option, and Minor in Mathematics. Sean also attended Camosun College and received his Web Design Certificate in July 2004. Sean is a self-taught entrepreneur, who has been designing and developing online systems since the age of fourteen.

During high school he developed an online, interactive gaming website that attracted in the high tens of thousands of unique visitors per day. Post high school, Sean created his own web design company, named after him as a joke to humor his friends and family. Sean was soon unable to escape this company name, as his talents spread like wildfire across Victoria and many cities through the United States.

Over the years, Sean managed to setup two primary offices in downtown Victoria and Halifax, serving over one-thousand clients from all over the globe.

Karen Smallwood

I came to Canada in 2008 looking for a new life and complete career change. I previously worked for the UK Government in a variety of roles, pretty much all over the UK. I spent a lot of my time working in the sidelines on various IT projects and as the years went on my interest moved towards web design/development. Moving to Victoria was the perfect opportunity to work a field that I love. I am a former VSBT graduate having completed both the Web Designer and Open Source Development Course and I am now working as a Web Developer with the northStudio.com team.