Our Team
Alison Chen
Web Development Instructor
Alison is a seasoned web developer with over 10 years of experience. She has worked on projects ranging from small business websites to large-scale enterprise applications. Her expertise lies in front-end development, specifically React and Angular. Alison is passionate about teaching and helping students build their own web applications from scratch. Before joining NovaLearn, Alison worked as a lead developer at TechForward Solutions in Austin, TX, where she mentored junior developers and led key projects. She holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin and regularly contributes to open-source projects. When she's not coding or teaching, Alison enjoys hiking in the Texas Hill Country and attending local tech meetups. She believes in the power of continuous learning and strives to create a supportive and engaging learning environment for her students. Alison is committed to helping her students become proficient web developers and achieve their career goals.
Ben Rodriguez
Data Science Instructor
Ben is a data scientist with a passion for uncovering insights from complex datasets. He has a strong background in statistics, machine learning, and data visualization. Ben has worked on projects in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. He excels at explaining complex concepts in a clear and concise manner, making data science accessible to students of all backgrounds. Previously, Ben worked at DataWise Analytics, a leading data consulting firm in Austin. He led a team of data scientists in developing predictive models for Fortune 500 companies. Ben holds a PhD in Statistics from Stanford University and has published numerous research papers in top academic journals. In his free time, Ben enjoys participating in data science competitions and exploring new machine learning algorithms. He is dedicated to helping his students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the rapidly growing field of data science.
Carmen Gomez
Digital Marketing Instructor
Carmen is a digital marketing expert with over 8 years of experience in the industry. She specializes in SEO, social media marketing, content marketing, and paid advertising. Carmen has a proven track record of driving business growth through effective digital marketing strategies. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping students master the latest digital marketing techniques. Before joining NovaLearn, Carmen was the Marketing Director at Thrive Digital Agency, where she managed a team of marketing specialists and oversaw all digital marketing campaigns. Carmen holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Texas A&M University and is a certified Google Ads and HubSpot Marketing professional. Outside of work, Carmen enjoys volunteering at local non-profits and mentoring aspiring marketers. She is committed to helping her students build successful careers in the dynamic world of digital marketing and believes that anyone can master the skills necessary to thrive with the right guidance and resources.
David Parker
Cybersecurity Instructor
David is a highly experienced cybersecurity professional with over 15 years in the field. He's worked as a security consultant for numerous Fortune 500 companies, helping them protect their valuable data from cyber threats. His expertise includes network security, penetration testing, incident response, and security awareness training. David is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience to help students develop the skills necessary to defend against ever-evolving cyber threats. Before joining NovaLearn, David held a senior security role at SecureTech Solutions. He also possesses several industry certifications, including CISSP and CEH. David has a passion for making cybersecurity accessible and understandable for everyone, regardless of their technical background. In his spare time, David enjoys participating in capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions and contributing to cybersecurity communities. He is dedicated to providing students with practical, real-world skills that are immediately applicable in the cybersecurity industry.
Elena Sanchez
UX/UI Design Instructor
Elena is a talented and passionate UX/UI designer with over 7 years of experience creating user-centered digital products. She is skilled in user research, wireframing, prototyping, and visual design. Elena believes in the power of design to improve people's lives and is dedicated to helping her students develop the skills to create meaningful and engaging user experiences. Prior to NovaLearn, Elena worked as a lead UX/UI designer at DesignFirst Innovations in Austin. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from Rhode Island School of Design. Elena also frequently speaks at industry conferences about the importance of user-centered design. When she's not designing, Elena enjoys exploring the Austin art scene and volunteering her design skills for local non-profits. She believes a human-centered approach is critical to successful design and is passionate about teaching her students how to empathize with users and create intuitive interfaces.