alison j bates
I am a Web Developer, and I like it.
Senior Web Developer
specializing in WordPress customization
About me
check it
Senior Full Stack Web Developer @ /makes-magic
As a programmer, I have over 20 years of experience specializing in website development. My particular expertise is in WordPress CMS customization, theme development, and custom plugin development. I have an extensive background in front-end programming (HTML, jQuery, CSS), back-end programming (PHP and MySQL), and database design and management.
I focus on the user experience, website architecture and organization, ease of content management, and the role of the website in the overall marketing plan. My goal is to provide real-life programming solutions using the latest web standards and practices.
I have worked with clientele with varying website needs, including small start-ups needing beautiful brochure websites, established retailers operating e-commerce shops, fully realized marketing departments, and non-profits seeking pro-bono support in various web endeavors. Although technically-minded, I pride myself on my ability to communicate easily, regardless of the technical levels of my clients.
- e-mail alison@makes-magic.com
- phone 971.270.0728
- website alisonjbates.info
- living Portland, OR
- LinkedIn /alisonjbates/
- Freelance Totally
Things I do
Puzzles
I have a quick eye, so the harder the better. My largest puzzle is 5,000 pieces, though I typically stick to the 1000 piece range. I also enjoy logic puzzles, which I do with my erasable pen.
Travel
You know what's amazing about my job? I can do it anywhere. In the past I've spent time in Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, and over of the US. Where to next…
Soccer
I’m a Portland Timbers season ticket holder, and I have been known to wait in line overnight for a prime seat in the Timbers Army. Don’t even ask how long I waited when we hosted the 2021 MLS Cup!
Camping
I love a good campfire, and I can start one. I camp year round, sometimes in my car but mostly in a tent. Putting me in a good hammock mid-summer is perfection.
Testimonials
"I’m honored to recommend Alison, an incredibly talented Senior Web Developer who has been a game-changer for our team at Jama Software, as well as for previous mutual clients. Alison’s exceptional work has been instrumental in driving our Demand Generation, Digital Marketing, and Sales efforts forward. She’s not just a developer—she’s a tactical magician with a mastery of WordPress that I’ve never encountered in my 25 years in marketing. Her deep understanding of marketing stack integrations with the WordPress CMS allows her to deliver intuitive, elegant solutions that others simply cannot achieve. Alison excels at balancing technical and visual requirements, ensuring her solutions meet client needs while optimizing for usability and performance."
"Alison is one of the top people on my list of "Best Developers to work with ever". When LinkedIn gave me a list of things to check of about Alison's positive characteristics... I could check them all with confidence she fit the bill! Alison has done excellent works on projects we collaborated with, and every time we catch up and chat about other projects, she impresses me with some other project she is tackling. I highly recommend Alison. Her innovation, drive, and talent make her one of the most competent web developers I know of to date."
"I worked with Alison at LVD Media and she is spectacular! Not only does she have amazing skill as a programmer that produces great results, but she is fun to work with and very responsive. Alison can explain programming to both clients and staff in a manner the average person can understand, and she is very willing to help everyone learn about why and how she does what she does. Alison's communication is what I appreciate the most. She responds quickly, always keeps in contact with the staff about project progress, and makes sure clients and employees alike are happy with the results."
Resume
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Experience
07.2012 - Current
Principal Web Developer / Owner
/makes-magic, Portland, OR
• Design and develop custom WordPress themes and plugins for clients, ensuring compatibility with the latest HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery standards.
• Implement SEO-friendly website structures, improving organic traffic through proper HTML semantics, site schema, structured data, and on-page optimizations.
• Create cross-browser compatible and fully responsive websites, ensuring seamless user experiences across devices.
• Work with version control systems (Git, SVN) to maintain project integrity and streamline collaboration in Agile/SCRUM environments.
• Develop and integrate third-party web applications, including payment gateways, marketing automation tools, and industry-specific APIs.
• Apply Agile development methodologies, collaborating with designers, developers, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality web solutions.
• Provide WordPress CMS training and custom user guides, enabling clients to manage website content effectively.
03.2011 - 07.2012
Director of Programming and Web Development
LVD Media, LLC, Portland, OR
• Led the development team in creating custom WordPress and Drupal websites, ensuring high performance, security, and usability.
• Established company-wide digital marketing best practices, optimizing site structures for SEO and conversion rate improvements.
• Managed end-to-end project lifecycles, overseeing budgets, deadlines, and technical implementation.
• Conducted code reviews and performance optimizations, ensuring efficient and scalable codebases.
• Integrated third-party applications and APIs, streamlining website functionalities for clients
12.2006 - 07.2009
Software Engineer
General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, MIDeveloped and maintained intranet and Internet based Web tools and databases to facilitate corporate processes and CMMI Level 5. Planned, proposed, demonstrated, and implemented internal, customer specific Web applications, including several survey tools, employee skill tracking tools, project problem reporting tools, and peer review tools. Each application contained Excel report download capability, PDF options, graphs, network security, and various access levels. Provided testing, user training, and written documentation. Version control performed in team development environment.
06.2005 - 12.2010
Photographer, Owner
bates photographic, LLC, Metro-Detroit, MIProvided photographic services for wedding, portrait, event, and commercial clients. Including digital and film photography, album design, order fulfillment, and Website/ Blog implementation. Responsible for day-to-day business operations, customer service, studio coordination, intern supervision, contractor relations, and Web system customization and maintenance. Photography services discontinued due to relocation. Existing client services still maintained.
Web Developement
WordPress
HTML
CSS
PHP
jQuery
JavaScript
MySQL
Google Apps
cPanel/ phpMyAdmin
MAMP/ Sequel Pro
Tortoise SVN (Subversion)
GitHub/ Beanstalk
Pardot/ Salesforce
Marketo
Project Management
Wrike
JIRA
Basecamp/ Freedcamp
Dropbox/ Box
Slack
Microsft Teams
ClickUp
Design
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
Education
2003
Bachelor of Science Communications/ Photography
Grand Valley State University2004
Graduate School of Art, Photography
Washington University in St. Louis2006
Certificate in Digital Arts: Web Design Certificate Program
College for Creative Studies2010
Associates in Small Business Management
Oakland Community CollegePortfolio
look what I've done
Contact
get in touch
Get in Touch
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