Meet Our Team
Instructors
Software Development
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Steve Brownlee
Lead Instructor, Software Development
Steve Brownlee
Steve Brownlee is dedicated to helping teach the next generation of software developers by providing people with a solid understand of the core technologies used today, and then expanding into how to be a valuable contributor.
Brownlee has been developing software since 1980, when he programmed his TRS-80 to do his math homework for him. Since then, he grew up with the world wide web explosion and discovering all the new technologies that got invented to exploit its capabilities. 35 years later, he wants to take all the knowledge and skills he has accumulated and teach a new generation to build the next version of the Web.
Originally a Yinzer (those from Pittsburgh to you), he has adopted Nashville as his new home, having moved here in 2007 and been honored enough to be a small part of the exploding Nashville tech community. Steve firmly believes in the following values when it comes to technology: Equality, Core Competence, Respect, and Creative Destruction.
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Valerie Freeman
Instructor, Software Development
Valerie Freeman
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Dave Berzack
Instructor, Software Development
Dave Berzack
Dave Berzack has developed for the web since the mid 90’s, on all kinds of teams from start-ups and independent projects to digital agencies and Fortune 50 companies. He’s worked with a wide variety of technologies, constantly learning along the way, so he deeply values the ability to self-teach and seeks to empower students with strong learning strategies and general habits. And he really appreciates the research-driven eductational approach at NSS.
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Greg Korte
Instructor, Software Development
Greg Korte
Greg Korte has worn many hats throughout his career, and he has never been afraid to try something different which is what brought him to NSS’s doorstep. He has had a fascination with tech, from his introduction to programming on TRS-80s and Apple IIs to building his own machines shortly after acquiring scrap parts in the late 90s. After completing NSS’s Web Development program in 2015 and having the opportunity to teach what he had learned by mentoring fledgling software developers, he knew being part of the tech industry would never get old. Greg has worn many hats at NSS. He’s currently in the classroom helping more students start their tech careers.
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Gabriel Cziprusz
Instructor, Software Engineering
Gabriel Cziprusz
Gabriel Cziprusz is an experienced software engineer who has enjoyed a long and successful career in various industries. In his role at NSS, he hopes to help students get started on their own fulfilling journeys as engineers and lifelong learners. Gabriel has a Computer Science degree from Radford University and his journey with programming began on a PMD 85, copying lines of BASIC from a PC magazine. Outside of work, Gabriel embraces the role of husband and father to two curious humans and a canine. Travel adventures, staying active, and chasing a rubber puck on the ice are favorite pastimes.
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Mollie Goforth
Part-time Instructor, Software Development
Mollie Goforth
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Odigene Joseph
Part-time Instructor, Software Development
Odigene Joseph
Odigene “Odie” Joseph has called Nashville home since the early ’90s. Over the years, he has developed a deep-rooted passion for teaching and sharing knowledge. After obtaining his bachelor’s in English from college in 2012, Odie sought a stable career that allowed him the flexibility to stay active in Nashville’s vibrant dance community. With the encouragement of NSS alumna Nicole Ahima, a graduate of Evening Cohort 2, he transitioned into the tech field, graduating with Evening Cohort 3 while completing a master’s degree in organizational leadership.
With 14 years of dance teaching experience, Odie seamlessly blends his love for teaching with his technical expertise. He is dedicated to mentoring and guiding aspiring technologists in web development, helping them acquire the skills and confidence needed to reach their goals.
By day, Odie works as a software engineer, bringing valuable real-world experiences to the classroom. His practical insights equip students with the tools they need for success post-graduation. Odie’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of having fun while learning, growing from mistakes, and empowering students to carve their unique paths as new software developers.
Data Engineering
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Daniel Wallace
Instructor, Data Engineering
Daniel Wallace
Daniel Wallace is a passionate educator that brings 6 years of teaching experience along with 6 years of industry experience to Nashville Software School. He holds a BS in Applied Mathematics from Coastal Carolina University and a Masters of Computer Science from The University of West Florida. He believes that anyone can succeed in tech given the right opportunity, and is humbled to be part of that journey for his students.
Analytics + Data Science
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Michael Holloway
Lead Instructor, Analytics + Data Science Programs
Michael Holloway
Michael Holloway is a mathematician turned data scientist who brings over 7 years of teaching experience to Nashville Software School. Michael holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a Masters from Tennessee Technological University. Michael loves the challenge and excitement of keeping up with the ever-evolving landscape of data science. Prior to joining Nashville Software School in April 2019, Michael served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Saint Augustine’s University.
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Chris Wright
Instructor, Data Analytics
Christopher Wright
Christopher Wright is a data analyst with 17 years of combined experience in various education roles. Christopher earned Masters in both educational leadership and data analytics from Towson University and University of Maryland - Global Campus respectively. Christopher’s real world experience as a data analyst is diverse and includes bioinformatics research, real estate investing, business development, and academic assessments. Prior to joining the team at Nashville Software School Christopher most recently was working as the Director of Research and Analytics for Catapult Learning.
Career Development + Employer Engagement
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Ashley Dickson
Manager, Career Development
Ashley Dickson
Ashley Dickson helps current students plan their careers and provide personalized support for their job search. She comes to NSS with technical recruiting experience in both corporate organizations and staffing agencies in the Nashville area. She began her involvement with NSS during her time as a recruiter at Parallon HCA and placed several of our graduates. From there she fell in love with our mission!
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Michael Frieh
Senior Career Development Specialist
Michael Frieh
Michael Frieh is one of the Career Development Specialists who serves NSS students by providing personalized support throughout their job search. Michael began his career in technical recruiting with a large staffing firm in Nashville. In his time as a recruiter, Michael worked closely with many NSS graduates and developed a passion for coaching candidates through all stages of the interview process. He loves to build upon this passion through his work with NSS students and graduates.
Michael now calls Chattanooga home, where he resides with his partner and cat - he will always be open to seeing pictures of your fur babies! He is a graduate of Illinois State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational and Leadership Communication with honors.
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Erin Thompson
Employer Engagement Manager
Erin Thompson
Erin manages employer relationships with companies who are interested in partnering with Nashville Software School in addition to connecting students with job opportunities. She joins NSS with a background in business development as well as non-profits, working for the Greater Nashville Technology Council for nearly six years. Erin thoroughly enjoys working with the Middle Tennessee technology community and is excited to further the mission of Nashville Software School!
Programming
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Kate Rogers
Program Manager
Kate Rogers
Kate’s mission has always been focused on opening pathways for others to move ahead in their career. It is the through-line that unites her previous roles in and out of the bootcamp space. A natural connector and born nurturer, she found her calling helping others connect to and steer their careers in the tech scene. Combining over a decade of recruiting experience with a tech education background, she uses the skills she has gained to support students through their learning and job search journey here at NSS.
Born in Nashville but having grown up on the east coast, Kate spent the first part of her career in NYC, after graduating with her B.S. from NYU, before moving to Los Angeles where she started her tech ed career with General Assembly. After she and her husband moved back to Nashville to be with family, Kate became a true unicorn: both a Nashville native (born at Baptist, first doll from Phillips Toy Mart) and a west coast transplant. They have settled in East Nashville with their two cats. A graduate of the pastry program at the French Culinary Institute in NYC, her spare time often centers on cooking, with a particular passion for chocolate after having briefly worked as a chocolatier. If you see her on the street, please share the name of your favorite bakery, she is keeping a running list of the growing options here in Nashville.
As the Program Manager, Software Engineering, Kate thrives on supporting others as they connect to the skills, education and opportunities that bring depth and meaning to their careers (and chocolate, she also thrives on chocolate.).
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Jacob Goodman
Program Manager
Jacob Goodman
Jacob Goodman is a dedicated program manager with a focus on continuing education and professional development. He is passionate about supporting job seekers as they maintain their skills and acquire new ones to be more competitive in today’s job market.
A Nashville native, Jacob comes to NSS with a background in Customer Education and Product Training at large tech companies. He began his career as an instructional designer and trainer, and has gone on to manage global training and certification programs.
Operations
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Laura Buchanan
Director of Operations
Laura Buchanan
Laura A. Buchanan brings over 15 years of experience growing and managing not-for-profit organizations to Nashville Software School as the Director of Operations. Her responsibilities include oversight of regulatory compliance, financial management, data collection mechanisms and analysis, human resources, facilities, and personnel management. Prior to joining NSS, Laura served as an Executive Director, Statewide Project Director and consulted with educational institutions and a multitude of other community service organizations. Her educational background includes a BS in Psychology and an MBA along with two professional certifications in human resources management.
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Mandy Arola
Director of Marketing & Communications
Mandy Arola
Mandy Arola joined Nashville Software School in 2017 and leads our marketing and communications strategy and community building efforts. She enjoys telling student and alumni stories and helping people on their path to finding a career in tech. She has more than 15 years of experience in marketing and served as the President for the Nashville chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA Nashville) from 2021 to 2023. She is also an alumna of Seth Godin’s altMBA for business leaders. Originally from North Dakota, Mandy made Nashville home from 2006 to 2023 and loves Nashville’s vibrant tech and marketing communities. She currently resides in the Tampa, FL area.
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Mary van Valkenburg
Director of Data Operations
Mary van Valkenburg
After a long career in software development and implementation, Mary discovered the wonder of data. After learning and doing some consulting work to grow her knowledge and abilities, Mary joined NSS in 2017 to help launch the Analytics + Data Science Programs. She played a leading role creating curriculum for the part-time Data Science Bootcamp, part-time and full-time Data Analytics Bootcamps, and the Analytics Jumpstart and was lead instructor for each of these programs at least once.
In 2021, Mary moved to the Operations team and began working to clean, organize and learn from NSS’s own data.
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John Wark
Founder and CEO
John Wark
John Wark founded Nashville Software School in 2012. He believed that Nashville’s technology talent shortage would never be solved by trying to import experienced developers from other cities that also suffer from talent shortages or by waiting for colleges and universities to start graduating enough students and/or appropriately trained students. He also had faith that Nashville had an ample supply of motivated adults with latent aptitude who, if offered a chance, would eagerly pursue a career in technology.
John started programming professionally at age 19 in 1971. He spent a few years in enterprise IT as a developer, analyst and project manager. In 1978 he moved to a startup database software company and spent the next 25+ years in the software vendor world moving back and forth between startups and growth stage companies. He was involved with helping to launch, grow, and/or lead four software startups. As CEO of Continuus Software he raised $30M in venture capital financing, took the company public in 1999, and sold the company in 2000.
John moved to Nashville in 2005 and has been involved with both the local startup and technology communities since that time. For seven years he taught entrepreneurship classes as an adjunct professor at Belmont University. He was an active mentor at Jumpstart Foundry from 2011 through 2014. He continues to be inspired and energized by the pro-active community engagement of Nashville’s technology community.