About Me

Woman in front of desk

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
– Albert Schweitzer

Hi, I’m Amanda, a dedicated Network Administrator with a passion for cybersecurity and a knack for demystifying complex tech concepts. My journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the College of Charleston, where I first discovered my love for building secure, efficient systems.

Since then, I’ve earned industry certifications like CompTIA Security+, Network +, and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, diving deep into the world of network security, cloud infrastructure, and system optimization. With hands-on experience in everything from configuring firewalls and segmenting networks to setting up honeynets in Azure, I’ve built a skill set that bridges the gap between IT and cybersecurity.

When I’m not troubleshooting network issues or enhancing system defenses, I’m sharing insights and lessons learned to help others navigate their own tech journeys. Whether you’re a beginner curious about cybersecurity or a professional looking for relatable advice, I aim to provide content that’s educational, approachable, and actionable.

Here, you’ll find a mix of technical deep-dives, career tips, and personal anecdotes, all aimed at helping you thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Let’s make technology more secure—and a little less intimidating—together.

My Experience

SCDOT
BCCSD
DTC

South Carolina Department of Transportation

Network Administrator

11/2023 - Present
  • Ensuring secure network information flow in alignment with cybersecurity policies.
  • Proactively monitoring and resolving network incidents using tools like SolarWinds and Cisco Secure Network Analytics.
  • Documenting processes and escalating potential threats for swift resolution.
  • Configuring, deploying, and managing Cisco routers and switches to optimize network performance and security.

Barnwell County Consolidated School District

IT Technician

07/2021 - 10/2023
  • Maintained a 98% customer satisfaction rate by resolving technical issues quickly.
  • Hardened operating systems and software for robust security and performance.
  • Mentored an apprentice to ensure technical knowledge transfer.
  • Delivered technical support while mitigating vulnerabilities in network configurations.

Denmark Technical College

IT Technician

09/2020 - 07/2021
  • Successfully implemented JAMF School and Microsoft Endpoint Manager for managing Apple devices.
  • Managed student and employee accounts using Azure Active Directory.
  • Delivered remote support, enhancing operational efficiency across locations.
  • Supported Microsoft Office 365 environments to improve productivity.

Skills and Expertise

Network Expertise

  • Firewall Management & VPN Management
  • Network Segmentation & Threat Prevention
  • LAN/Wireless Configuration
  • Monitoring Tools (Solarwinds, Wireshark)
  • Tcp/ IP Protocol

Cybersecurity Skills

  • Identity Management & Access Control
  • Security Protocols and Policies
  • SIEM Tools & Threat Detection (Wazuh)
  • Incident Response and Threat Hunting
  • Vulnerability Assessment and Management

Cloud & Virtualization

  • Microsoft Azure Infrastructure
  • Virtualization Platform (VirtualBox)
  • Cloud Security Implementation

Technical Proficiencies

  • Scripting & Automation
  • Linux & Windows Administration
  • Active Directory & Azure Active Directory
  • Intrusion Prevention & Detection Systems