# Janessa Garrow > Senior Software Engineer Location: Greater Pittsburgh Region, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/janessa My name is Janessa and I am a fullstack engineer with a soft spot for frontend engineering. I am currently a senior software engineer at Spring Health where I help improve the workflow for mental health providers. Previously, I worked at MX Technologies on their developer experience team, leading the build of a new documentation site. I also previously worked on developer experience at Apollo GraphQL as a fullstack engineer, building their documentation site and custom learning platform, and creating content to help developers learn how to use Apollo's tools. Coming from a non-traditional background in linguistics and language teaching, I've seamlessly transitioned into the dynamic world of web development. My true passion lies in empowering individuals to focus on and expand their own capabilities and create impactful solutions. In my teaching days, I thrived on simplifying complex linguistic concepts, enabling others to express themselves more freely. Now, as a fullstack engineer with a penchant for frontend development, I channel that passion into crafting web solutions that enhance lives. Whether it's freeing up people's time by streamlining processes or enabling new possibilities by giving them better tools, I'm dedicated to creating resources that empower individuals to achieve more. Check out some of my work on my Github (https://github.com/jgarrow), portfolio (https://janessagarrow.com/), or Polywork (https://www.polywork.com/jgarrow). Skills: React | JavaScript | CSS3 | Remix | HTML5 | GraphQL | Node | TypeScript | Gatsby | REST | Express | Cypress | Jest | Postgres | Git ## Work Experience ### Senior Software Engineer @ Spring Health Jan 2024 – Present ### Senior Frontend Engineer @ MX Jan 2023 – Jan 2024 • Rebuilding our outdated documentation site from the ground up (using React/Docusaurus, MDX, TailwindCSS, TypeScript, and NodeJs) in close collaboration with product, design, and technical writing to provide an improved UX/UI with a more intuitive information architecture. • Led the feature development for a search experience on the new documentation site (built using NodeJS, React, and Algolia) to help users more easily find the learning resources they are looking for, improving client time-to-implementation. • Initiated the ideation and implementation of a more streamlined deploy process in the CI/CD pipeline that reduced time to production from several days to mere minutes. • Participate in code reviews and discussions around architecture and developer experience for MX's API's and client dashboard. ### Developer Experience Engineer @ Apollo GraphQL Jan 2020 – Jan 2022 • Improved Apollo's learning platform’s DX/UX by shifting complex code to the server for client-side optimizations, rearchitecting content structure for easier authoring, and migrating to TypeScript for stability and type safety • Built a unified search (React, Algolia, NodeJS) across Apollo web properties, resulting in an increase in number of users using the search (+26%), number of searches (+29%), and user engagement (+5%) • Led a cross-functional initiative with Design and Education to build an "exams" feature to Apollo's learning platform as an option for users to obtain GraphQL certifications • Built a custom learning platform from the ground up with React/Gatsby, MDX, Postgres, GraphQL (Apollo Federation) in collaboration with senior engineers and Product to provide free, high quality educational resources for Apollo users • Contributed to the GraphQL community and collaborated with Developer Relations by creating educational content, such as streams, blog posts, video tutorials, and speaking at conferences • Continuously maintained and improved Apollo's learning platform, documentation, blog, DevHub, and GraphQL Summit websites ### Student @ Lambda School Jan 2019 – Jan 2021 • Full-stack web development student at Lambda School Academy of Computer Science and Web Development, studying HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Context API, Redux, Node, Python, and SQL ### Team Lead @ Lambda School Jan 2020 – Jan 2020 • Remotely managed a team of 6-8 students over a period of 8 weeks, assisting in teaching and reinforcing curriculum, holding daily standup meetings to evaluate student progress and assess student needs, and perform 1:1 code reviews. • Taught fundamentals of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React by hosting weekly Q&A sessions for up to 90 students, as well as daily hour-long meetings for up to 8 students. • Managed a cross-collaborative team every month during a week-long team project to build a product from scratch, assisting students in communication, understanding product specifications, working as a team, and developing project management skills. ### Localization Intern @ Cake Technologies, Inc. Jan 2018 – Jan 2018 | Provo, Utah Area • Collaborated with international networks to research and compile an accurate and reliable list of news sources for over 20 countries • Tailored a variety of news sources to fit the culture and language of 20+ countries, enabling Cake to expand to a global market ### Student Secretary @ Brigham Young University Jan 2017 – Jan 2018 | Provo, Utah Area • Maintained and updated department Wordpress website to improve user experience for students and faculty by providing better access to necessary resources and information • Created social media content weekly to increase reach of department influence on campus ### Student Instructor @ Brigham Young University Jan 2017 – Jan 2018 | Provo, Utah Area • Designed and taught lessons of fundamental Italian grammar, reading, and writing skills in an engaging manner to 10+ students, 5 days a week each Winter semester • Administered daily assignments, weekly quizzes, and monthly oral and written exams to assess students’ progress ### Teacher's Assistant @ Brigham Young University Jan 2016 – Jan 2017 | Provo, Utah Area • Graded and created assignments and exams for 40+ students in the French and Italian Department each Fall semester. • Assisted in professor’s research, found sources and citations. ### E-commerce Fulfillment Clerk @ BYU Store Jan 2015 – Jan 2016 | Provo, Utah Area • Resolved customer concerns through various forms of communication, such as email, phone calls, etc. • Created, edited, filled, and processed 20+ daily online orders correctly and efficiently. ### Front Desk Receptionist @ Palmyra Inn & Suites Jan 2015 – Jan 2015 | Palmyra, New York • Responded to customer needs and concerns both in person and over the phone, such as making reservations, troubleshooting room issues, etc. • Managed the gift shop and assisted with housekeeping duties as needed. ## Education ### Computer Software Engineering BloomTech Jan 2019 – Jan 2021 ### Bachelor of Arts - BA in Italian Studies Brigham Young University Jan 2012 – Jan 2018 ### Bachelor of Arts - BA in Linguistics Brigham Young University Jan 2012 – Jan 2018 ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/janessa-garrow - Website: https://janessagarrow.com - GitHub: https://github.com/jgarrow --- Source: https://flows.cv/janessa JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/janessa/resume.json Last updated: 2026-03-22