My journey into web development began during my tenure as a business development manager for Source Publications in the late 1990s.
At the time, we had a team of developers and designers working on an in-house server, as off-site hosting was unavailable. Two of my clients needed websites, and we were able to develop them successfully. The first was a brochure-style website for The Nature Conservancy, showcasing beautiful images and information about how to become a donor. The second was a 5000-page website for the Tulsa City-County Library, which listed the entire library database of books, videos, magazines, and upcoming events. We also created a feature that allowed librarians from various branches to add events. This was a significant accomplishment in the late 90s, as these features had to be developed and coded from scratch. Witnessing web development in its infancy was genuinely unique!
After leaving Source Publications, I developed the first website for Council Oak using my newfound web development knowledge. I then created the website for GatherInsight.com (a book publishing site that is no longer live) in collaboration with a developer who set up the backend while I handled the front end. I later discovered WordPress and its ease of use on the backend, and I moved GatherInsight.com to that platform, mastering it in the process.
Since then, I have developed websites for several authors, including ten websites while working for Champion. I have experience setting up online courses, creating retail storefronts, and developing paid content. I will share highlights of several websites I have designed, produced, and written on this page. Please note that the websites I have listed are still being updated. Although I have screenshots of my designs as of February 2024, the website may appear differently when you visit the links I have provided.
Web Design and Development
Launched in September 2024, MiracleWithinYou.com is a vibrant platform created to celebrate Tish Litchfield’s inspiring book A Miracle Within You: Paddling Through Cancer. The website boasts a fresh and engaging design that captures Tish’s remarkable journey as she paddles around the globe and heals from cancer. Visitors can explore her blog filled with heartfelt writing samples, learn more about her book, and discover her passionate mission to gift copies of her book to cancer patients and their families. Join Tish in spreading hope and inspiration!
ChampionsCompanies.com is a one-page website showcasing the various companies Mary Lyn Hammer owns. I have worked with Mary Lyn since 2009 and collaborated with her on several projects. In 2016, I joined the Champion team as the Marketing and Communications Manager on a salaried basis. However, while there, I also developed my web development skills and created several websites. I left the position in 2023 but still work as a freelance consultant, writer, and graphic designer on various projects for Champion.
In 2009, I designed ChampionForSuccess.org for the first time. Since then, the website has gone through several redesigns. At the outset, it was created to coincide with a concert fundraiser that aimed to raise funds for programs envisioned by Mary Lyn.
In 2019, we completed the most recent redesign when Champion had teachers on staff who actively visited high schools to teach financial literacy. Unfortunately, the pandemic brought all our outreach efforts to a halt. As a result, some of the content on the website may be outdated. Nonetheless, you can still find information about Mary Lyn’s nonprofit and its accomplishments on the website!
ChampionSolutions.net is the primary website for Champion. I first developed this site in 2015 when I migrated it to the WordPress platform under its former domain name ChampionCollegeServices.com. Since then, it has undergone several redesigns, with the most recent version created in 2022.
Regarding my role, I have been responsible for selecting all the art, writing almost all the copy, and developing and maintaining the site’s back end. It has been quite challenging as the site is extensive, and I was usually the only one who reviewed the content. It was difficult because there was no one to collaborate with to improve the copy or functionality. I am honored to have been trusted enough to manage the site on my own.
ChampionEmpowerment.com is a website that operates on a subscription-based model. Users pay an annual fee to access the site’s content. The site was initially developed in 2016 and has undergone several redesigns, with the latest one in 2019.
The website is quite extensive, offering over 20 courses on various life skills, along with blogs whose content was either written or edited by me. Apart from developing the content, I also handled all the backend work. This involved working with several specialized programs, the most complex of which was the Learndash Learning Management System. This program manages the delivery of online courses and educational material. All course content is stored in the system and we grant access through the Paid Membership Pro plugin. This plugin also manages payment and allows access to specific content based on the user’s membership level. Additionally, I used Gravity Forms for signups and to process transactions for gift subscriptions.
This website is highly intricate and requires a lot of maintenance to keep it running smoothly. I gained much knowledge about customizations while developing and managing this site!
MaryLynHammer.com was launched in 2016 along with Mary Lyn’s book titled Injustice for All. I was responsible for designing the cover and interior layout of her book, and subsequently, I created a website that complemented the book.
It’s worth mentioning that the website has not been updated since its launch in 2016, and hence, the design may appear a bit outdated. The website includes a shopping cart that allows visitors to purchase Mary Lyn’s book. Additionally, the site has a wealth of content that includes press releases, author bios, interview questions for reporters, and more.
The website primarily focuses on highlighting the discrepancies that Mary Lyn identified in the Department of Education’s misrepresentation of data. This has had a harmful impact on proprietary or career schools such as welding, HVAC, cosmetology, nursing, and other trades, leading to school closures. One challenge was managing the site menu and providing visitors with the necessary information as quickly as possible.
Mary Lyn’s writing is very detailed, so many of the pages are longer than usual. I worked hard to make her content visually appealing, thereby keeping readers engaged. I’m pleased to say that Champion now has a new, very capable web developer who will soon update the site completely!
ChampionForLife.com is an online retail store that specializes in health and wellness products. The company was founded by Mary Lyn, who is passionate about good health.
Mary Lyn carefully selected her favorite products, and we created wholesale accounts with trusted vendors. Custom labels were designed for her line of branded supplements. To ensure product liability compliance, I researched the descriptions of each item and used them for vendor products. For inventory management and shipping details, I created a WooCommerce store. Additionally, I established an account with ShipStation to purchase postage, create mailing labels, and send shipping updates to customers. All fulfillment is handled in-house, and I helped secure a location in Oklahoma to receive and ship products.
To showcase all of the Champion for Life products in the best light, I created custom uniform product images suitable for posting on social media. The company takes pride in offering high-quality health and wellness products to its customers. I am proud of the work I did developing this highly complex website.
Links to Additional Project Portfolios
Book Development • Alison L. James • Melissa Harris • Council Oak Books • Graphic Design • Website Projects
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