About

Who Am I?

Aloha! I am Carissa O'Connell

As a passionate Full Stack Software Developer, I'm dedicated to harnessing the power of algorithms to craft innovative solutions that simplify workflows and elevate user experiences. With a strong foundation in mathematics and a creative approach to problem-solving, I'm driven to improve efficiency and accessibility in everything I build.

I strive to develop technology that positively influences people's daily lives, crafting user-centric and visually appealing solutions that provide seamless access to the information they need. Driven by a passion for innovation, I continuously seek out new challenges and opportunities to enhance my skills and expertise.

When I'm not coding, you can find me exploring projects related to healthcare, finance, language learning, board games, and the arts - with a special interest in sewing and architecture.

I also enjoy engaging with the world through rock climbing, swimming, freediving, sailing, designing and sewing garments, baking, gardening, and sauntering through the mountains with my husband and dogs.

Let's connect and explore how we can create meaningful technology together!
Making Software Happen

Inside this geek brain you will find

Innovative Ideas

Finding creative ways to implement methods

Useful Functions

Identifying ways that encourage users to utilize the program

Versatility

Functions for the programs are designed to have reusable codes

Meticulous

Programs are triple checked to make sure all requirements are meet and test cases are passed

Security

Appropriate security measures are implemented to protect the clients data and the integrity of the business

Latest Ideas

I enjoy researching and keeping up to date to find the latest features used for programs

Data Structures and Algorithms

Continuously learning about algorithms in order to optimize space and time on how the program runs

Descriptive

Providing thorough documentation thorughout the software development process

My Skills

Areas of Expertise

Throughout my education and pursuits in developing programs, I continue to challenge myself to learn mastery of the coding laguages I learn. These are some of the coding langauges I have learned so far and I am continuing to learn about others.

Education

Education

Degree Focus: Software Development

My studies include:

  • Software Development
  • Software Integration, Configuration, and Testing
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Data Structure and Algorith Analysis
  • Database Design and Architecture
  • Applications in Information Security
  • Information System Analysis and Design
  • Microcomputer Applications
  • App Development for Mobile Devices
  • Web Development

Degree Focus: Early Childhood Education

My studies include:

  • Early Childhood Development Theories
  • Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children
  • Children's Literature
  • Inquiry based Approach to Physical Education Curriculum
  • Language and Creative Expression Curriculum
  • Hawaiiana for Young Children
  • Human Development

Bachelor of Applied Science with a specilization in Accounting

Sacred Hearts Academy

Honolulu, HI

Achievements

Badges and Certificates

Hyperskill

  • SQL for Backend Developers - Completed on 6/2024
  • Databases with SQL and Python

    65%

Oracle

    Oracle Cloud Data Management 2023 Foundations Associate

    85%
Experience

Work Experience

OptumRx

April 25, 2022 - Present

Customer Service Advocate

  • Responded to incoming calls from customers with issues based on benefit eligibility and prescription and order statuses.
  • Guided and educated callers on their prescription benefits, use of plan, formulary, premiums, and claims statuses.
  • Assist members with navigating through the portal.
  • Identified issues and communicated solutions and steps to the customer, pharmacies, and physicians, with prescription orders and claims statuses.
  • Made outbound calls to customers on prescription orders and payment issues, requests to doctor’s offices for prescriptions, and local pharmacies for prescription transfers.
  • Adjudicated claims with pharmacies

Freelance Software Developer

Jan 2021-Present

Assist clients in the development of their websites and designing programs.

  • Collaborated with clients to understand their unique needs and goals, and developed tailored solutions to enhance their online presence and program offerings.
  • Designed and built custom websites that catered to the specific requirements of clients and their target audiences, ensuring a seamless user experience and optimal functionality.
  • Facilitated brainstorming sessions with clients to generate innovative ideas for programs, identifying opportunities to drive engagement, improve efficiency, and increase revenue.
  • Developed robust data structure functions to support the backend of client programs, ensuring data integrity, scalability, and performance.
  • Stayed up-to-date with the latest UI/UX design principles and methodologies, applying this knowledge to create intuitive and visually appealing interfaces that met the needs of diverse user groups.
  • Created detailed wireframes for mobile programs, providing a clear visual representation of the user interface and user experience, and guiding the development process to ensure a high-quality final product.

The Nurtured Child

February 2014 – April 2022

Home Educator / Tutor

  • Work with families to create a personalized curriculum.
  • Remote tutoring in Math and Language Arts for Elementary and Middle school levels.
  • Create individualized worksheets to enhance the student's understanding of the concept.
  • Generate anecdotal and running records of each student.
  • Coordinate group Tutoring sessions focused on concepts in Math.
  • Create financial statements for commissioned materials.
  • Periodically schedule conferences with families to provide insight on their child’s development, address concerns, ask for input, and provide an overall evaluation.
  • Use surveys and feedback from families to make improvements in my service and communication.

Caregiver

August 2020 – February 2022

  • Communicated with a team of nurses of my mother-in-law’s condition and medication schedule.
  • Handled all bathing and grooming.
  • Administered medication according to the physician’s instructions.
  • Maintained a resource of medications.
  • Monitored health condition using personalized charts.
  • Used assistive technology devices to help her feel comfortable.
  • Assisted her with her physical therapy exercises.
  • Provided companionship.

Have a project idea?

Need a website design?

Want to play with data structures and algorithms?

Let's chat!

Currently in the matrix

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