Meet the Contributors

Hey everyone! I'm Aaron Kern, a Software Engineer right here in Colorado Springs. I've been diving deep into web development for a while now, and I'm pretty comfortable with tools like Next.js, React, TypeScript, and Node.js. I've had the chance to work with some cool local teams and have a good handle on cloud stuff and getting things deployed smoothly. Really looking forward to helping build an awesome online home for our Colorado Springs JavaScript Meetup!

I'm a software developer and homelab enthusiast trying to grow out more roots in the Colorado Springs tech community. My journey started in federal work but shifted into full-stack development, DevOps, and cloud infrastructure — and I've loved being part of and seeing more of the vibrant and growing scene here ever since.

I'm passionate about automation, self-hosting, and building resilient systems. Whether it's optimizing a Minecraft server, fine-tuning Proxmox VMs, or experimenting with local AI models, I love diving deep and sharing what I learn.

Fun fact: I co-host an anime podcast where we unpack storytelling and themes from a developer's lens — and yes, I've definitely named my servers after anime characters.

From my early days hacking my Atari 800XL, I've been fascinated by computers. While I consider myself a seasoned senior programmer, I'm constantly amazed at the genius of my peers. I'm also passionate about giving back to the community.

As a member of the Colorado Springs ISSA, I'm a strong advocate for cybersecurity awareness and share my knowledge through my business, People First CyberSecurity, offering free resources and talks. When I'm not coding or talking security, you can usually find me lost in the pages of a good SciFi, Fantasy, or Cozy novel.

As a teaching assistant for remote Web Development courses, I'm excited to also be a recent addition to the Colorado Springs JavaScript Community. I've been enjoying life in Colorado for the past couple of years after previous stops in North Carolina, Oregon, and Utah. My passion lies in web and mobile development, and I find it incredibly rewarding to help others on their JavaScript learning journey.

Living and working as a web developer right here in Colorado Springs, I'm driven by a deep passion for learning - there's always something new capturing my attention! Lately, I've been diving into a diverse mix of creative pursuits, from songwriting to live performances to exploring the worlds of film/video editing and even crafting my own maps. Of course, website building is always on my radar, alongside the imaginative realm of DnD campaign creation.

On the visual arts side, I enjoy oil painting and digital line art. My curiosity also extends to the practical, with explorations into electricity & microcontrollers, and the tangible satisfaction of gardening/landscaping and home remodeling projects (tiling, flooring, drywall, and painting). When I need a break from the indoors, you might find me on the pickleball court or training for a triathlon. My historical interests are currently focused on 16th-century sailing.

Above all, it's incredibly important to me to balance all these passions while fully supporting my wife's endeavors and creating meaningful learning experiences for my children. I genuinely love connecting with others and discussing any of these interests!