Kara is the Director of Software Engineering for SkillSmart. With 20 years of experience as a full-stack developer, Kara creates strategic plans and processes to move the development team forward and participates in front-end web development with a focus on user experience.

Prior to joining SkillSmart, Kara was a founding partner of Tamberra Web Development, leading digital initiatives for large media companies building out their new digital agencies, as well as guiding their news/media sites to profitability with new features and functions.

Kara graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

In her community, Kara volunteers her time as a mentor to future technologists at the Suncoast Science Center. She is also the co-founder of When She Happens, which hosts several events a year with the purpose of promoting women in business and giving back to local nonprofits with a focus on women and children.

With over 30 years of experience developing commercial software applications, Bob serves as the development lead for all SkillSmart products, focusing on the data modeling and web services. Bob also takes the lead in architecting the SaaS technology stack and CI/CD processes for the products.
Before joining SkillSmart, Bob was a founding Partner in Conscientia, Inc., served as Senior VP of Development at netDecide Corporation, was Director of Product Development at Decision Dynamics for eleven years, and co-founded SimBLOX, LLC.
A graduate of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Bob earned his Master’s in Engineering and Public Policy from Washington University in St. Louis.
Outside of work, Bob spends his time as a sailor, maker and baker. He holds National Marine Electronics Association certifications as both a Marine Electronics Installer and NMEA 2000 Network installer, basic keelboat sailing, basic coastal cruising, bareboat cruising and cruising catamaran, and celestial navigation certificates. He is currently working toward his captain’s license. When not sailing, Bob spends time exploring home automation technologies, woodworking and baking/cooking for his wife.

John has more than 25 years of experience working with underserved youth and families. As director of client services, he is responsible for assisting clients with the implementation of workforce development products.

Before joining SkillSmart, John co-founded workforce.io as part of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s New Options Project, which utilized principles of design and innovation for social impact. Workforce.io developed solutions for the entry level employment market and serves as a great segue for John to manage our client portfolio and strategy.

A graduate of the University of Maryland College Park, John began his career with Living Classrooms in Baltimore, MD, a nonprofit overseeing educational and workforce development programs that provided an array of services to non-traditional job seekers, youth, and those engaged in re-entry programs. John managed the successful expansion of Living Classrooms to the DC metro area, where it currently offers four tracks of education.

With experience in coaching, management, and product support, Lisa serves as a member of SkillSmart’s client services team. She is responsible for assisting clients with the implementation of workforce development products, resolving clients’ questions and requests, and ensuring positive customer satisfaction.

Lisa has leadership and human resources experiences across a wide range of industries, including hospitality, fitness, health services and retail.  Prior to joining SkillSmart, she worked in both IT product support and human resources for a healthcare IT company where she trained clients on software applications and supported 300 branches with technical, application and customer support.

As a certified USA Triathlon Coach, Lisa started her own business, TriVenture Sports, LLC, to provide triathlon, running and lifestyle coaching. She augmented her coaching and competitive drive with massage therapy and data analytics to help her clients achieve their personal and athletic goals.  

Lisa graduated from Towson University with a degree in Sports Management.

A competitive athlete herself, Lisa has built skills in strength and endurance—both mental and physical—through competing in 10 IRONMAN races, the Boston Marathon, and as a member of the USA Duathlon team at the World Championships in Ottawa. Between balancing her work, training, and mothering two student athletes, Lisa has perfected the skill of time management.

Kyle has nearly a decade of experience as a researcher and data analyst. As Product Manager, he’s responsible for working with SkillSmart’s product team to develop and enhance our product offerings to meet the needs of our growing client pool.

Prior to joining the SkillSmart team, Kyle served as council staff for the Montgomery County Council, and as an economic development consultant for Orion Ventures. Additionally, Kyle has worked with nonprofit groups in the greater Washington, DC region focused on the areas of economic and community development.

Kyle graduated from Bucknell University and received his Master of Business Administration from Mount Saint Mary’s University.

In addition to learning in the classroom and through work experience, Kyle works to hone his skills in financial anaylsis; setting up, operating and troubleshooting A/V equipment; and Recipe Development and Coffee Knowledge.

A results-oriented software programmer, both professionally educated and self-taught, Michelle is responsible for updating and designing SkillSmart’s platforms and products to best meet the needs of its customers, job seekers and communities, with a focus on human-user interfaces and front-end web development.

Before joining SkillSmart, Michelle served as a freelance software developer for several clients, as well software developer for Xccepted Technologies, a start-up that designs wearable infant safety hardware and software. Prior, she served as a social media marketer and membership administrator for Energy Fitness & Yoga. There she maintained the company’s website and social media channels, implemented SEO strategies, and led member communications to increase membership enrollment and retention.

Michelle graduated from Douglas College in British Columbia with a Degree in Computer Science and also attended the University of Victoria where she majored in Business.

She keeps her software development skills current through online coursework, including Android Development, Front-End Web Development, and Data Structures and Algorithms in Java.

She also builds her leadership skills through active involvement in the technology community, including Women Tech Makers and Google Developers. She has played an active role in organizing International Women’s Day in Baltimore, DevFests, Hackathons and a women leaders in technology speakers’ series.

As the Labor Compliance Manager, Dayana is responsible for supporting client success, labor compliance, data support for construction contractors and construction workforce inquiries.

Prior to joining SkillSmart team, Dayana served as a Human Resources/Workforce Development Specialist for Fluor on the Purple Line Light Rail Transit Project where she supported Construction Labor Workforce Development & Diversity Initiatives to achieve a diverse workforce and to provide eligible individuals with employment opportunities on the Project.

In this role, Dayana served as a link between management, employees and was also responsible for partnering with different community organizations, including subcontractors, trade organizations and labor unions to reduce barriers to employment and to facilitate employment of Nationally Targeted Workers of Social and Economic Disadvantage.

While off duty, Dayana is an avid volunteer, participating in organizations that provide resources to disadvantaged communities. In her free time, she enjoys sports and exercising outdoors.