Our Stories
Alexis Keenan
Vivacious Videographer
Oakland, CA
Anna Byun
I am a web designer/developer and print designer, originally from NYC but currently based in Chicago.
When I graduated college with a degree in Fine Arts I knew I wanted to work in a visual field, but didn't know what to do beyond that. My first job was with the Marketing Communications department of a financial company, and after working closely with the agency they'd hired to manage their advertising, I realized that I wanted to do what they were doing. I took some computer classes and began my career as a Graphic Designer. With time I found myself becoming increasingly fascinated with web design, and when I decided to look into coding I was hooked.
I feel really lucky to have a career that excites me, challenges me, and scratches both my creative and analytical/problem-solving itches.
My goal is to create designs that are functional, user-friendly, and that generate results - all wrapped up in a pretty package.
Values
I value security because when my world is stable, it gives me the courage to focus on other things, knowing that I’ll have a safe place to land.
I value compassion as a quality in both myself and others, because the more we commit to treating each other with respect and integrity, the more there will be positive emotions, thoughts, and actions in the world.
One fun fact:
I started running when I discovered a race that serves chocolate at all of the water stations - great motivation!
Anna Byun
Divine Designer & Coder
Chicago, IL
Corina Pfeffer
I am a Web Designer and Developer, originally from Venezuela, currently based in Norton, MA.
I have a BS in Industrial Mathematics and initially worked on the management side of tech startups in Latin America. Almost 3 years ago, after becoming a mom, I started a lifestyle/mommy blog and realized that I wanted to learn to design and code so I could make it look the way I really wanted. I completed a Web Design course and with these newfound skills began freelancing, designing and developing mostly WordPress sites.
I love being able to combine my mathematician problem-solving abilities with my visual side. It truly is a perfect balance, allowing me to be creative when designing in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and technically making these designs come to life with HTML, CSS, Less, and PHP.
My goal is to make beautiful, functional, responsive websites and to go the extra mile ensuring that clients get the best solutions for their business to succeed.
Values
I value growth, having patience with myself in the learning process, compassion when things don’t go as planned, vulnerability to ask for help, and gratitude regardless of the outcome.
I value connection, setting aside time to foster the love and joy of belonging to a community, nurturing friendships, and caring for my family.
One fun fact:
I'm a serious chocoholic. I need to have dark chocolate every single day!
Corina Pfeffer
Rockstar Coder & Designer
Boston, MA
Danielle Iera
In summation-I am a writer, a proud mama, closet nerd, refined yinzer, and big on brainstorming n'at. I enjoy every kind of conversation and consider everything in life to be "a good thing" until proven otherwise. Proud RMU Alumna (Go Colonials)! A good cupcake = everything.
My official journey with the interwebs began in 2007 while writing for a motorcycle lifestyle print and digital publication. I was very fortunate to work with a talented team of professionals who had vast experience in digital publishing, search engine optimization and marketing, and web design. My passion for digital marketing only grew from there. Over the past ten years, I've dabbled in everything from digital advertising to inbound marketing to eCommerce strategy in various industries, such as manufacturing, publishing, construction, and fashion. To backtrack a bit, my passion really started as a young girl who watched her father (a seasoned IT professional) leave the corporate world behind only to create a very successful (online) business from the ground up.
I love working with websites because there's always something new to do or learn. You also meet the best people along the way.
My goal is to LAUGH every chance I get, and also kick ass.
Values
I value authenticity because we feel safe when we’re vulnerable, gain wisdom and understanding through acts of forgiveness, adapt, get curious, and learn without restraint, build respect, integrity, and reliability through teamwork, confidently create quality work that we love— which all comes to fruition as a fun, hopeful, trusting, and inclusive group of unique individuals that become inspired by and intricately drawn toward one another by the simple act of self-expression.
I value compassion because it allows people to accept and provide criticism with warmth while also recognizing and appreciating others through meaningful acts of kindness, gratitude, giving back, and support that encourages healthy interpersonal relationships, a positive impact on performance culture, and the innovation of our overall value system — ultimately creating a sense of community, well-being, belonging, and a true desire to make a difference.
One fun fact:
I am fluent in American Sign Language.
Danielle Iera
Digital Daydreamer & Project Director
Pittsburgh, PA
Diane Pauley
I go by many titles, but above all else, I'm a storyteller. I hail from the east coast, but now call Colorado home.
My creative journey started after I graduated from college. I worked for a law firm, thinking I wanted to be an attorney, but soon realized that career path wasn't for me. Long story short, I actually became a life coach. I started blogging, tweeting, getting familiar with WordPress, and before long I had a business with clients. At first, I was helping people navigate career changes but that eventually evolved into helping entrepreneurs with their businesses. I added my love of writing into the mix and before I knew it, I was doing content strategy and copywriting for clients. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working alongside a handful of web designers because I believe content and design go together like a good PB&J sandwich. They're a match.
While I love words, what I really love is seeing stories come to life. And what better way to do that than by helping businesses tell their brand stories on the digital screen.
My ultimate goal is to help people as much as I can, be of service where I can, and be a part of a mission greater than myself.
Values
When we’re open with ourselves, and one another, we create space for authenticity, vulnerability, and growth to take place.
By being kind to others, we are able to fill the world with a little more compassion, understanding, and connection. That’s how we make a difference.
One fun fact:
I don't know how to drive (like at all).
Diane Pauley
Sweet Storyteller
Denver, CO
Heather Bauer
I’m a WordPress-obsessed graphic designer, originally from Portland, Oregon, but since 2013 you can find me in sunny, beautiful Colorado.
My obsession with designing visual media started in 2001 when I designed my first (print) page layout. I’ve been learning new skills, exploring new techniques, and increasing my knowledge about effective design ever since.
I have a wealth of experience from over 10 years of working in marketing departments for companies of all sizes in a variety of industries. I love the unique design challenge that each client brings, and my goal is always to showcase our clients' best attributes authentically in a format that makes it easy for users to connect and interact.
When I’m not reading up on the latest design and marketing trends, you can find me tending my vegetable garden, cooking or baking in the kitchen, or supporting children’s performing arts programs in my community.
Values
I value usefulness as a combined measurement of quality, efficiency, reliability, and success in my work.
I value creativity because it often requires curiosity, beauty, and humor.
One fun fact:
I collect mid-century modern furniture!
Heather Bauer
WordPress Obsessed Graphic Designer
Highlands Ranch, CO
Jessica Vangrud
I grew up as an “agency kid.” My career journey actually began with my first part-time job in a Modeling/Talent and Photography agency and I've been hooked ever since. There's something special about providing a service to people that I'm drawn to. Years later, I have worked with different agencies serving many industries, learning all I can along the way.
I see all sides of the coin and try to help others do the same. Though my degree is in Business Administration, my real passion lies with what makes people tick. I'd say that my brain functions similarly to an Excel spreadsheet. If I had to pick one function to describe the way I think, it would be the IF/THEN function. I love looking at big picture, cause and effect, and turning that into a strategy.
What I enjoy most about my position at Smack Happy is that I get to continue my journey and follow my passion: helping companies grow while being able to use my creative mind to help others.
Values
I value authenticity because you should never have to guess where you stand with people. Making yourself open and vulnerable helps develop trust in relationships. Trust promotes honesty, loyalty, and respect. When people are genuine, relationships become stronger.
I value freedom because it encompasses so many things. Freedom is personal. It enables you to find meaning in every moment, deepens relationships, and provides the opportunity to live in harmony with any and all aspects of your life. Ultimately, you feel empowered when you own your autonomy. I am free to be confident, creative, and curious.
Fun Fact
The only way I can really swim is to back float. I can't even go underwater without having to plug my nose.
Jessica Vangrud
Director of Operations
Omaha, NE
Josslyn Van Estenburg
As resident Office Manager Maven, I enjoy keeping the team well-connected with clients. I also love keeping things fun and creating fabulous drawings during our remote team game sessions.
I’m quite keen on a good cup of tea, good music, and a comfy pair of slippers. You won’t find me without my furbabies!
Fun Fact
One fun fact about me is that I love to carve animals and flowers out of wood.
Josslyn Van Estenburg
Office Manager Maven
Cleveland, OH
Natalie Milton
I am Natalie Milton and I am a Designer/Developer from Lafayette, Louisiana.
I first got interested in web Design and Development from playing with my MySpace Profile (cringe). I got my degree from the Art Institute Online, but since web technologies change so often, I am mainly self-taught. I am a big lover of art and design of any kind. I also love solving complex puzzles, so I think that’s why I enjoy what I do so much. I see each project as a fun, new challenge, and get excited about each one. PHP and Javascript are my fav languages, and I specialize in e-commerce websites.
My goal is to continue to grow as a designer and developer, and to learn as much as I possibly can during my lifetime.
Values
I value perseverance because it leads to growth and inspires hope and curiosity that help towards making a difference in the world.
I value trust in the people around me and understanding the importance of sticking to a commitment and the impact it has on effective teamwork.
One fun fact:
I can't ride a bike! I can go straight, but don't ask me to turn.
Natalie Milton
Designer & Web Alchemist
Lafayette, LA
Meet Our Fabulous Owner
Nicole Hanusek
Nikki Stormborn of the House Smack Happy, First of her Name, the Custom Coded, Queen of the Designs and the First Website, Nichole of the Great List of Typos, Breaker of Rules, and Mother of Puppies.
I've been designing and coding websites since 1998. Yep, that's before the Internet was popular! I currently live in San Francisco, but I started out in Cleveland, OH. In college my major was illustration and one day I was working in the computer lab and my colleague was looking for jobs in our industry. I thought to myself, "I should probably do that too!" So I sent my resume to every place that offered graphic design positions in my area. I interviewed at a web consulting company, and the owner asked me why I wanted the job. I didn't even know what the job was! He hired me anyway, and on the first day, the Art Director handed me a thick book and said, "here, learn HTML." And so I did, and here we are. I'm hooked.
What I like most about building websites is that I get to be creative visually and solve problems. Growing up, I was a huge fan of math and science, so the coding part of the job scratches that logic and trouble-shooting itch. I get to partake in the artsy side and analytical side - the best of both worlds!
My goal is to help make everyone's life easier. By building easy-to-use websites, I can help my clients, as well as their clients.
Values
I value excellence in the work we do, the things we create together, the way we treat each other and communicate, and the way we affect the world.
I value curiosity because it leads to growth, knowledge, compassion, openness, and risk-taking.
One fun fact:
I still love to paint and doodle on the side. Ask me about my artwork any time
Specialties:
Design, Problem Solving, Running SHD
Nicole Hanusek
Founder / Designer / Coder
San Francisco, CA
Ruben van Engelenburg
My name is Ruben van Engelenburg and I'm a full-stack web developer working from Irvine, Orange County.
My web development adventure started back in college (mid 90's) when I created my first website using basic HTML and JavaScript. In the late 90's, I created my first webshop using Perl and JavaScript. Since the advent of PHP and ASP, a lot has changed. PHP and JavaScript are my weapons of choice for many web projects now and I'm on a continuous journey of learning new things, most of it related to web development.
Web development is continuously changing; new technologies, languages, frameworks and devices are added to the mix. This forces me to constantly learn new things, which is a lot of fun.
My goal is to always deliver beautiful and easy-to-use web applications that are easy to maintain.
Values
I value excellence in the quality of my work, using the team’s resourcefulness to achieve the best possible results.
I value teamwork to accomplish our goals, I show respect for my teammates and contribute to a fun work environment.
One fun fact:
Willing to wait in line for hours to get that one special release of craft beer.
Ruben van Engelenburg
Programmer Extraordinaire & JavaScript Guru
Los Angeles, CA
Viktor Angelopoulos
I'm a full-stack web developer from Athens, Greece. My office is also occupied by my boxer-amstaff mix, who has been my sidekick for over 12 years.
My father passed down his love of computers - he was an early adopter and used the Apple Macintosh II for his graphic design work. During my teenage years, I discovered the ever-growing World Wide Web and was fascinated by how websites worked. My curiosity inspired me to teach myself how to make my first one. A couple of books and many long hours of trial and error later, I had built my first website. After high school, while enrolled in Software Engineering, I found my passion for PHP development. As years passed and while working with clients, I learned about the front-end of things as well and was able to rediscover my creative side. I stumbled across WordPress when it was still a blogging tool and I stuck with it as it became a powerful Content Management System. I grew professionally alongside WordPress and now specialize in web development using the "engine" behind almost 30% of the websites online today.
I love turning ideas into reality. The whole process of creating a website that provides a proper experience for its audience is what motivates me to adhere to high-quality standards while being creative. My work keeps my interest because every project is different and I get to work with different teams and clients. I always feel I've learned something new after every website launch.
My goal is to create beautiful, functional websites that do justice to the ideas behind them. My life philosophy (of course, I'm Greek!) is to continuously evolve as a professional and as a person by welcoming challenges and devising innovative solutions.
Values
I value integrity because it builds trust and allows us to make a difference in the way we work by being reliable, caring, and fair to each other.
I value excellence because it requires teamwork and resourcefulness in order to execute the vision of each project and deliver success.
One fun fact:
Although I'm left-handed, I operate my keyboard & mouse just like a right-handed person would. By the time I learned it could be switched around, it was too late because I had already adapted!
Viktor Angelopoulos
WordPress Fanatic & Developer
Athens, Greece
The SHD Pet Family
Steals/hides our hooman's things they're not looking or not home.
Sometimes thinks the green porch rug is also the grass.
Thinks hooman is someone new if hooman hasn't moved for a while and then gets up.
Comforts hooman when sick.
Takes one piece of food at a time into the corner to eat so hooman won't steal it.
One fun fact:
Most of us sit right next to, underneath, or on top of our hoomans at any given time during their workday.
Specialties:
Appearing on-screen during an important work meeting.
Values:
Treatz
**
Our pets (and kids too!) mean everything to us. They are a part of our little Smack Happy family. It's not uncommon to randomly meet one or more of them during a project meeting.
Doggos & Kitties
We Lovz Treatz & Hoomans
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One World.
All Walks of Life.
"Our people don't have one look, one background, one culture, [..] the common thread is they are themselves. They are genuine."
- Erik Nordstrom
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