James F. Kernicky

SUMMARY

Front-End Web Developer with a strong focus on responsive design, performance, and accessibility. Skilled in JavaScript, React, and custom WordPress themes. Proven ability to deliver clean, functional websites and communicate effectively with clients and teams. Actively seeking remote opportunities.

SKILLS

• FRONT-END: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Bootstrap, Tailwind, WordPress
• BACK-END: Node.js, Express, PHP
• TOOLS: Git, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Git Bash, Postman, Figma, Slack, cPanel, DevTools, VS Code

PROJECTS

WriterAssist: Virtual keyboard that allows people with reduced fine motor skills.

• Features include Enter, Tab, Caps Lock, Delete, Arrow Keys, and clipboard copy functionality.
• Includes accordion and mega menu with commonly used words/phrases for faster input.
• TECH: TypeScript, Clipboard API.

Guitar Chord Namer: Tool that identifies chords based on fret input.

• Accepts altered tunings, sharp/flat keys, and outputs chord name plus additional chord data.
• Form submit output includes proper chord name and 6 additional fields related to the user chord.
• TECH: JavaScript, Bootstrap.

Git, GitHub, & Open Source Contributions

EXPERIENCE

Fairmount Pet Service – Owner/Web Designer (2009-Present)

• Built and maintained an 85-page WordPress site using a custom theme and Cloudflare for DNS management, CDN caching, and performance optimization.
• Applied custom CSS and on-page SEO best practices; site remains fast, mobile-friendly, and regularly updated.
• Managed 200+ clients and trained 7 employees; handled all digital communications and web updates.

Freelance & Volunteer Web Projects (2023-Present)

• Completed WordPress websites for a nonprofit and several Fiverr clients using block themes and Elementor.
• Increased Lighthouse performance score by 25 points through image optimization and CSS refactoring.
• Converted complex technical PDFs to accessible HTML tables with advanced table structures.
• Mentored a nonprofit owner via Slack Huddles on how to update their site independently.

GitHub Contributions

• Refactored CSS for the Markdown Preview Chrome extension.
• Submitted typo and clarity fixes to freeCodecamp and MDN repositories.

EDUCATION & COURSES

• CodeYou Boot Camp: Web Development Pathway (Expected Dec 2025).
• freeCodeCamp Certifications: Responsive Web Design, JavaScript Algorithms & Data Structures.
• Other: Responsive Layouts (K. Powell), MERN Stack e-commerce (B. Traversy), UI/UX Design (G. Simon).
• Drexel University: B.S. in Operations Management.