About Us
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The award winning Creative Services team is comprised of five UI/UX designers and six web developers who are incredibly passionate about what they do, and take pride in being industry leaders. Get to know the team by viewing their individual bios below.
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The Design Team
Industry Knowledge/Skills:
User interface design, user experience, interaction design, responsive web design, accessibility, web standards, typography, logo design, corporate identity, brand development, enrollment marketing, digital illustration, photo editing, wireframing, prototyping, information architecture, journey mapping, problem solving, project management, customer service
What We Do:
- Design Made to Order (custom) templates and Design Ready (library) templates
- Deliver the Template Configuration Service training for Design Ready templates
- Design custom website projects (changes being made to existing websites)
- Logo design and logo refresh services
- Project management throughout the lifecycle of the design project – creating documentation and sign offs, outlining scope, projecting timelines, etc
- Technical Support - Assist the WCM Support team with design related support cases
- Pre-sales assistance – providing quotes for website changes, selling additional services and add-ons, setting expectations with new and prospective clients, etc
- Assist Marketing and internal teams with presentations on design best practices, webinars, and blog posts
- Internal and non K12 projects – these range from assisting with graphics, designing websites, designing new module library apps, assisting the product development team, higher education projects, designing new icons for the WCM icon library, etc
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The Development Team
Industry Knowledge/Skills:
Front-End web development expertise - HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, accessibility, web standards, web optimization, responsive web development, web application engineering, cross-browser compatibility, API integration, front-end frameworks, technical troubleshooting, project management, customer service
What We Do:
- Develop Made to Order (custom) templates and Design Ready (library) templates
- Made To Order template support - Deliver the Regulatory Maintenance Package for improved accessibility, WCM updates, defect fixes, etc.
- Design Ready template support - Apply updates for improved accessibility, WCM updates, defect fixes, etc.
- Engineer and support custom apps and Module Library apps
- Develop custom website projects (changes being made to existing websites)
- Technical Support - Assist the WCM Support team with resolving development related support cases
- Pre-sales assistance – providing quotes for website changes, selling additional services and add-ons
- Internal and non K12 projects – these range from developing internal websites, creating new module library apps, assisting the product development team, higher education projects, etc
Creative Services
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Meghan Hawk
Senior Manager, Creative Services
I graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. I've been with Blackboard since 2009 and am based in State College, PA. I love to travel and am a passionate hobby photographer. I also enjoy hiking, kayaking, gardening, beekeeping, and getting lost in a good book. My son, daughter, and two mini dachshunds keep me busy!
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Jacinda Grannas
Principal Web Developer
I have a AS degree in Multimedia Technologies with a focus in Web Development from Pittsburgh Technical College. I joined Blackboard as a Web Developer, I never imagined finding my dream job so quickly. It has been an amazing experience working my way up and expanding my skill set along the way. In January of 2016 I became a mommy to the sweetest, yet silliest, little boy who absolutely loves our two crazy Pugs. I'm a huge fan of the Cleveland Indians and I enjoy bowling, snowboarding and dirt bike riding in my free time.
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Kimberly Filko
Senior UI/UX Designer
I have a BS in Graphic Design from the Pennsylvania College of Technology and a Google Certificate in UX Design through Coursera. Prior to joining the Creative Services team, I worked for Disney in areas such as attractions, guest relations, VIP tours, training and class facilitation. I met my husband while working at Disney and we have two great kids. I'm a national championship clogger and I have a second degree black belt in karate.
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Adam Cruse
Senior Web Developer
I have a BS in Communication from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Blackboard, I ran my own website design business. After a brief transition I rejoined the Blackboard Creative Services team. I love playing Legos with my kids and I DJ weddings on the weekends.
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Kyle Taylor
Senior UI/UX Designer
After time in the military I started my journey as a designer with a BA in Graphic Design. I love that through design, I'm able to serve the education community. Apart from design I spend a good deal of time with my family and enjoy sports such as skiing/boarding, soccer, and tennis. I'm also into theology and metal (of the music variety).
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Paul Nauman
Senior Web Developer
I have an AS in Multimedia Technologies with a focus in Web Design and Development from Pittsburgh Technical College and a Certification from the Web Design program at Lancaster County Career and Technology Center. Prior to joining Blackboard, I worked on a number of freelance web design projects. I enjoy hiking, camping and kayaking along with other activities. I also volunteer as a part-time audio technician.
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Tony Mantia
UI/UX Designer
I have a BFA in Communication Design, Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a minor in Art History. I worked as a Freelance Designer for the first 2 years after college until I joined SchoolCenter in 2006 as a Web Designer. After the Blackboard acquisition in 2011, I have gladly continued my rewarding career in the EdTech industry. There isn't too much that I like more than acting goofy with my little princess, and jumping on the Harley for a nice ride down a windy road.
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Jeremy Katlic
Senior Web Developer
I have a degree in Information and Technology with an emphasis on web and app development from South Hills School of Business and Technology. Building the client’s dream website and working with an awesome team is what I enjoy most about my job. In my free time you will find me out in the woods hiking or kayaking. Some of my other hobbies include game development, playing guitar, snowboarding, fishing and mountain biking.
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Marcy Smith
UI/UX Designer
I have a BS in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining Blackboard, my focus was on design and production of corporate identity, design layout, interactive and web design and other various promotional pieces. I enjoy time with my family, taking photos and painting. I run an online shop with my husband where we make artisan, wood signs to help people celebrate milestones and endure hardships.
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Matt Bassett
Web Developer
I have a BA in Marketing with a minor in Accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an Associates Degree in Web Design Technology from the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology. Prior to joining Blackboard, I freelanced in Web Design during my 20 year career in Accounting before switching full time to Web Development. I enjoy playing and coaching the "beautiful game" (soccer), especially when I get to do it with either of my two sons.
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Megan Patzem
Associate Web Developer
After studying at Arizona State University, I earned a BA in Media Arts, and Sciences (Digital Culture). Graduating in 2017, I immediately started working as a MultiMedia Artist creating various designs, working in post-production videography, and web development. Over time, I ended up falling for the web development side of my work, and landed here with Blackboard. In my spare time, I enjoy playing video games, birdwatching, and making playlist mixtapes for friends.