I am Val, a web developer based in Canada

I’m a web developer based in Canada with a passion for building modern and efficient digital experiences. I like saying “digital experiences” instead of just “websites” because I love exploring different things. Right now, I’m diving into workflow automation with MS 365, expanding my skills beyond traditional web work.

The Kind of Developer I Am

I’ve been working with WordPress for years, evolving from PHP-based development to embracing React and modern block development. I specialize in building custom WordPress solutions from scratch. I have experience developing themes, creating custom Gutenberg blocks, and optimizing performance.

I also have an eye for design and an interest in digital marketing—I enjoy measuring the impact of my work and refining it for better results. As you can probably tell, I have many interests—which is both a blessing and a challenge. 😆 Sometimes, focusing on a single career path isn’t easy, but the upside is that I approach projects with a broad perspective.

I won’t overlook the technical side, and I won’t neglect the user experience either.”

I want the solutions I build to be both well-structured and user-friendly.

Life, Family, and the Journey Back to Full-Time Work

I’m a mom to twin teenage girls, Alice and Olivia, and a cutie dog, Pepper. They are my strength and inspiration. Almost ten years ago, my family moved from Brazil to Canada, not just for an adventure but to raise our kids in a country we saw as safer and full of opportunities.

“We started over from scratch, and it’s been a journey of growth and adaptation ever since.”

Right now, I’m looking to transition back into a full-time job after taking time off to handle a challenging life event. I took a year-long break from work and then freelanced at a slower pace for the past two years.

But for the past year, I’ve felt ready to return full-time. I can’t lie—having a stable income is part of it, but more than that, I miss being productive, engaged, and fully involved in my career.

I’ve always loved what I do, and now more than ever, I want to set an example for my daughters—to show them passion, determination and what it means to be a woman in tech.

Why This Website?

I started this website to document my career journey and my experiments. I write about what I’m learning and the challenges I’m solving.

If you’re a developer looking for real-world insights or trying to understand modern web development better, I hope you find something useful here!

And if you’re a hiring manager… 😉

I’d love to chat! If you’re looking for a dedicated, adaptable, and hands-on web developer who brings a mix of technical expertise, design sensibility, and problem-solving skills, let’s talk.