Senior Publications Specialist

Ellen earned her degree in Math/Computer Science at Santa Clara University and has been involved in the computer software industry since then. Her three decades of experience include software development, quality assurance, system operations, training development and delivery, technical marketing support, and management, although she specializes in technical writing.

In her years as a senior technical writer and publications specialist for Expert Support, Ellen has specified, researched, and written technical material in a variety of paper and online formats. Client products have included open-source 3D graphic asset storage, gaming platform tools for developers, networking hardware and software, Internet sales tools, Web-based system configuration and routing, XML-based and C-language APIs, UNIX high-availability tools, relational database management systems, accounting systems, warranty tracking, software and semantic analysis systems, and more. Ellen's forté is application programming interfaces (APIs).

In every position, Ellen has acquired product expertise quickly and independently, become a valued and productive member of the team, contributed to the team’s success in areas outside of her specific job requirements, and identified technology transfer gaps that she has filled by developing new documentation or other materials for internal or end-user use.

Her experience with documentation tools ranges through most word-processing and desktop-publishing packages, and includes conversion from print to HTML and direct HTML development. She has often served as the local tools expert and has developed and taught courses about FrameMaker and other products. She has extensive experience in using and customizing WikiMedia installations for public and private use.

Before Expert Support, Ellen managed a 20-person documentation and production group at Rational (before its purchase by IBM). Prior experience included almost ten years filling a variety of technical and supervisory positions at a Silicon Valley startup whose products were a relational database management system and project management tools. She also worked at Hewlett Packard and Systems Development Corp.

On the side, Ellen also

• Develops and maintains web sites for nonprofit groups in which she is involved, including serving as webmaster for her agility club's web site (http://www.bayteam.org).
  
• Earns agility titles with her dogs and blogs about the experience (http://www.tajmutthall.org).
  
• Posts occasional notes about writing, reading, and language for a general audience at Word Whirled (http://wordwhirled.blogspot.com).
  
• Teaches workshops in composting as a Master Composter for Santa Clara County.

Education

Ellen also dabbled briefly in becoming educated, attending:

• Monta Vista High School
• UCLA
• De Anza College
• UC Berkeley
• Santa Clara University

and completing her BS in Computer Science/Mathematics.