URL: http://www.thompsonpark.org

Description: Official Website of Thompson Park, which is located in East Liverpool, Ohio.

Reflection: This particular website is volunteer work that I consider to be my donation to Thompson Park, as well as the city of East Liverpool. I started this site during the year 2006, at which time I was a member of "The Friends of Thompson Park." Three members donated to the publication of this website. While I provided the creation and maintenance of the site, another member donated the cost of the domain and another who is a website developer himself, hosted it.

Thompson Park is very important to me. It has been the backyard of my family home since 1923. The 100 acres of land that Thompson Park sits on was donated to the city of East Liverpool by Will L. Thompson in 1899. The land my family home sits on, borders the park and was also owned by Mr. Thompson. (Thompson Park)

Eventually, the "Friends of Thompson Park" committee folded and the member who donated cost for the domain opted out. Because the park means a lot to me, I now donate the cost of the domain to keep the site going. Although it is still being hosted on the original server, I plan to move the site to my own server in the near future to ensure its safety.

The following comment was submitted to me through my personal website concerning Thompson Park.

On behalf of the East Liverpool Calcutta Area Garden Club, we'd like to say: " Thank you, thank you, thank you !!! " for promoting our community event on the Park's website !!! We knew that the park would be a great place to hold our annual flower show & were so happy to provide ELO with a free, family-friendly event, that focused on nature's beauty, along with being fun & educational. Hopefully we've helped to remind residents & visitors alike, what a wonderful natural resource we have within Thompson Park. TP, is likewise, very fortunate to have someone as talented & dedicated as yourself to manage its' website. You do a terrific job. Thanks so much for your help Amy !!!
~ Lita Hutchison, ELCAGC

URL: http://www.jeffcochapter.com/

Description: "The Jefferson County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society (JCCOGS) was formed in 1986 to support the objectives of the Ohio Genealogical Society by creating and building interest in the collection and preservation of historical and genealogical materials and records of Jefferson County and the adjoining areas of the Ohio Valley.  This chapter takes an active part in the collection of records and helps to make these chapter discoveries available for use by the public in various formats" (Jefferson County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society)

Reflection: I completely re-created this website in 2007, at which time it was made up of around 20 pages. It is now made up of over 5000 files that include not only web pages, but downloadable photos, publications, spreadsheets of tombstone inscriptions for many cemeteries, and so on. There are too many resources to list here. This site includes a members only section for paid members where they can download even more resources, as well as the monthly newsletter.

In 2008 I was presented a Website Designer/Manager Award certificate by the Jefferson County Chapter, OGS because their Website has been, and still is, voted #1 in the State of Ohio for offering the most sources of information.  The president of the chapter gave me a letter of recommendation for acceptance into my graduate program at Kent State University. I still maintain this website today.

URL: http://www.torontoohioalumni.com/

Description: "The Toronto High School Alumni Association was founded to provide scholarship grants to deserving graduates and to keep alive memories of high school days and "re-u-knight" friends among graduates of THS." (Toronto High School Alumni Association)

Reflection: I met some of the board members of the Toronto High School Alumni Association through my work with the Jefferson County Chapter, OGS. Toronto is located in Jefferson County. I completely re-created this website in 2007. The original website had very few pages and was not structured very well. The new site includes the organization's information, as well as upcoming reunion information, student information based on class year, a form for alumni to update their records, and so on. the class years listed on this site go back as far as 1899. I still maintain this site today. The following testimonial is listed on my main website and one that I received from the Alumnia Association's Tresurer.

"What a great job in designing a user friendly website for us. For a quality website, trust Amy to deliver the best. We have received positive feedback from many of our over 5000 alumni since the new site was launched in August. The site has also increased our paid membership and donations. Amy was so easy to work with; making suggestions that produced a better website. I liked the fact that we were able to view our new website as a work in progress and could easily make any changes before they were published on the web. Web updates and personal contact makes her a first choice when choosing a design firm." - Carolyn Walker, Treasurer

URL: http://www.westernbeaver.org/

Description: Western Beaver County School District serves the communities of Industry, Ohioville, and Glasgow Pennsylvania.

Reflection: I was introduced to the superintendent of this school district by my cousin who is a teacher at the district's elementary school. A couple of the district's teachers were trying to maintain a basic site so that it could have a web presence. Eventually in 2009, the superintendent called me and requested a meeting at which time I was contracted to re-create the entire site. It turned out to be a success and I still maintain this site today.

I have learned a lot more about website design since I originally created this site and feel that it could be more appealing in terms of layout and design. However, the district is planning a new online academy so it is very possible that this site will cease to exist in the near future. In the meantime, I have had the pleasure of working with some of the best people I have ever met. The superintendent gave me a letter of recommendation for my acceptance into my graduate program at kent State University.

URL: http://www.personal.kent.edu/~bgunning/index.html

Description: "This website provides general information about the Applied Business Technology program at Kent State University, and in particular the Accounting Technology Courses. In addition you will find some information about me and my research interests. " (Bruce J. Gunning)

Reflection: Mr. Gunning contacted me in 2010 in regards to setting up an instructor site for all the courses he teaches. His vision was to have one website that would enable student access to important information regarding his all classes. This site also includes information about him, his teaching philosophy, and his research, as well as information about the Accounting Technology Program in general. Students can visit each course page where they can download the syllabus and a list of course goals.

URL: http://www.dollarsforscholarsonline.com/

Description: "The Tri-State Area Citizens' Scholarship Foundation (popularly known as Dollars for Scholars®) is a 501(c)(3) foundation. It grants interest-free tuition awards to needy college-bound students in eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. This chapter of Dollars for Scholars® was founded in 1962 and made its first awards in 1963." (The Tri-State Area Citizens' Scholarship Foundation)

Reflection: I was contacted in 2010 by Catherine S. Vodrey, Vice-President of The Tri-State Area Citizens' Scholarship Foundation Dollars for Scholars® in regards to creating a website for the foundation. Until I created this website, the foundation had never had a Web presence. Each year applications were processed via regualr mail. A catelog was also printed and mailed out to donors as well. This website saves the foundation money in terms of printing catelogs and applications, and saves the cost of postage and envelopes. Donors can now view all the information that was once contained in a printed catelog by visiting the website. Also, students can now apply for scholarships online.

Catherine S. Vodrey, Vice-President of The Tri-State Area Citizens' Scholarship Foundation Dollars for Scholars® voluntarily wrote a letter of recommendation for me to use for whatever I deem necessary.

URL: http://www.wilderb.com and http://www.thewilderbcompany.com

Reflection: I was contacted in 2011 by Marina Schaum, Owner and President of Ohio Valley Herbal Products, Inc. who was very unsatisfied with her website. Marina and I discussed the creation of an entirely new website, that once completed, would prove to be a big success in marketing her products.

During the creation of this new website, I also revamped her entire shopping cart. I still maintain this site today and I am in charge of the email marketing campaigns. I truly enjoy working with this company and hope to continue to do so for many years to come.

URL: http://www.theupsofdowns.org/

Description: "The Ups of Downs, Tri-State Down Syndrome Support Group is a volunteer, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 2009. It is a group of families, friends and professionals working together to help raise awareness and inclusion of children and adults with Down Syndrome." (The Ups of Downs)

Reflection: The Ups of Downs, Tri-State Down Syndrome Support Group president and very good friend of mine, Nikki D'Atri contacted me in 2010 to help her set up a website for this support group. I was more than happy to create this website as my donation to the group. This website contains many resources about down syndrome, as well as group events, members, and how to become a volunteer. This site also includes a form for the Down Syndrome Awareness Walk and a form for those interested in being volunteers that can be easily filled out online.

URL: http://www.didionsmech.com/

Description: "As an A.S.M.E. code certified shop, we are current holders of the U, U2, S, and PP stamps and the National Board R-repair stamp. We are also holders of the CE stamp. Which is used on pressure equipment that is certified in accordance with the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). The staff at Didion's takes great pride in each and every product, custom fabrication, and service that we provide." (Didion's Mechanical)

Reflection: Didion's Mechanical is a company that was established in 1977. When they contacted me in 2010, they already had a website, but were unsatisfied with it. I was contracted to create them an entirely new website which turned out to be a great success. Although I have never met them face-t-face, I really enjoyed working with the Didion's. The creation of this website, as well as the one I created for its sister company, are prime examples of how the technology of today has opened up new ways of project collaboration.

URL: http://www.didionseparator.com/

Description: "Didion Separator Company's Type DSL, DSU, and DST Separators are capable of removing 99.8% of all liquid entrainment from gas, steam, air and vapor pipe lines without causing any significant pressure drop." (Didion Separator Company)

Reflection: The Didion Separator Company is the sister company to Didion's Mechanical. I created this website in 2010 at the same time I created the website for Didion's mechanical.

URL: http://www.swearingensmiles.com/

Description: Swearingen Dental Care "offers comprehensive dental care" its "goal is to provide an environment where patients get personal, one on one attention with excellent dental care." (Lee B. Swearingen, D.D.S.)

Reflection: One of my prior professors of computer technology referred Dr. Swearingen to me in 2010, at which time I was contracted to totally re-design his entire website. I am very proud of this design. while it does contain a good bit of information, it is still a work in progress. Missing parts will be added as they become available to me.

URL: http://www.simplythebestdentistry.com/

Description: "Dr. Caldwell began practicing in East Liverpool in 1998. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, served his residency in general dentistry at Forum Dental Health System in Youngstown, OH. He holds National and Northeastern Board certification." (Jeffrey S. Caldwell, D.M.D.)

Reflection: Dr. Caldwell contacted me in 2009 to create a website for his business. Working with Dr. Caldwell and his staff has been a pleasure. However, this site has not been updated since 2010. I just recently received a call form him in regards to updating it, so ther will be some changes showing up soon. I have learned so much more since I first created this website. While the design is not bad, it could use some improvements.

URL: http://www.ohiopuppyconnection.com/

Description: "Ohio Puppy Connection specializes in AKC registered Shih Tzus. All of our Shih Tzus are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) for purebred dogs." (Ohio Puppy Connection)

Reflection: This particular website belongs to me. I am a Shih Tzu breeder and I created this site to market my puppies. It needs some updates applied to it and I plan to do that over this next summer as well. I designed the website header myself, as I have done for all the sites I have created. This particular website header includes images of my two dogs, Sammy (the white one) and Sophie. If you or someone you know is interested in an adorable new addition to your family, keep checking this site regularly. New puppies will be posted as they arrive.

URL: http://www.ohiovalleyhomespuns.com/

Description: Ohio Vally Homespuns offers a line of project patterns for crochet, knit, plastic canvas, and cross stitch, as well as specialty gifts that are already made.

Reflection: This is a website that I am creating for my mom's business. It is still a work in progress, but when it is done it will be one of my best sites. I am especially proud of the website header I created for this site. It will include a shopping cart that visitors can use to purchase patterns and specialty gifts. The page shown to your left is the pattern page for crocheted angels. The homepage does not include any content yet, but like I said, it is a work in progress and one that I will be very proud of once finished.

URL: http://www.drewalls.com/

Description: "DRE Walls uses state-of-the-art segmental earth retention technology when installing retaining walls and pavers. Throughout all aspects of the construction process, DRE appreciates the importance of "in-house" ability in time and money saved. By meeting the demands of today's fast track projects, DRE is able to meet your customized needs of Retaining Walls and Pavers." (DRE Walls)

Reflection: Dave Edgell, owner of D.R.E. Walls contacted me in 2009 to re-create his website. Like Dr. Caldwell's site, the design serves its purpose, but could use some improvements in terms of appearance. Especially since I have learned much more pertaining to website design since I created it. I spoke with Dave about this and explained to him that I would like to update the look of his site since I have learned so much more. Dave and I grew up and graduated high school together. Therefore, he said he trusted my judgement and that I could do whatever I needed to make it better. The websites I create not only represent those I create them for, they represent my skills.

This site includes many before and after photos of Dave's work which amkes for very long pages. Dave decided to have me list the photos as medium-sized thumbnails under their perspective categories instead of creating a navigatable slideshow.

The reason for this is because a lot of his potential customers don't have computers or access to the Internet so Dave has a copy of this entire site on his laptop hard drive. This way, when meeting with potential customers, he can open up his laptop and show them the before and after photos of previous work without having to access the Internet. By formatting the photos this way on the webpages of his site, the thumbnails are big enough that he can easily locate the ones he want to show.

URL: http://www.amyhissom.com/

Description: This is my personal website that I created in 2010.

Reflection: When I started college in 2005 I created an online portfolio t showcase my college projects. That portfolio was hosted on the Kent State University server. Kent offers server space for all its faculty, staff, and students. In 2010 I decided that I want to purchase my own domain name and hosting package that I could use to showcase my college projects, as well as projects I have completed outside of school. This site also advertises my services as a website designer and includes my own personal blog. Because I created landing pages to this site for every city and county in the state of Ohio, I have received many requests for website quotes. Didion's Mechanical was amazed that I was not located in their area, expecially when they did a search for website designers in their area and I came up on the first page of the search engine results.

There is a feedback form located on this site and because of it, I have received many emails since it was launched from students around the country telling me how helpful it has been to them. Some have even emailed me requesting my suggestions on projects. I wish I would have saved all those emails and asked for permission to place those comments on my site. This site drastically needs updated and I plan to do just that over this summer. Not only will it include links to resources for teachers and students, it will include a page for comments submitted to me about my site.

I recently received an email about my site from a libraian at a school in Seattle and another from a student. These two emails (shown below) are ones that I have saved and got permission to post on my site. It is emails like these that make me feel good about what I do. Just knowing how what I have included on my site was helpful to someone else is a reward in itself.

Subject: Thanks

Comment: Just wanted to toss you a thank you out of the blue from not-so-sunny Seattle. I'm a high School librarian at Lynnwood High School and also the webmaster for our school's website. I've been mentoring a Cambodian girl working on a senior project in web design and we stumbled across your site on a web design vocabulary search. She has fairly limited English proficiency and as I used to teach ESL I've been breaking down a lot of the terminology for her. I used your site repeatedly to teach her about many of the elements and vocabulary of web design over the couse of a week. At the end of the week I told her I felt like you were our friend. Thanks for the great site. You might not have envisioned your site as a teaching tool but it works very well.

All the Best,
James Scarlett-Lyon

Subject: Thanks

Comment: Just wanted to say thankyou...i am printing and studying all your notes for my exam tomorrow. Link to your notes: http://www.amyhissom.com/CourseWork/Focusing_On_Customers.pdf

All the best,
David
UAE - Dubai