About Irena
Fullstack developer with a strong interest in languages, coding, and modern web technologies, as well as secure, reliable system design. I enjoy working with others to produce a better outcome. Facilitating discussions and coordinating different streams of workflow. I have extensive knowledge of front-end JavaScript and browser APIs as well as significant experience with popular frameworks and libraries like React and Redux. Deep full-stack experience includes Node.js and Express, MongoDB.
My expertise spans front-end development with frameworks such as React, Redux, Vue.js, Nuxt, Next.js, and Vite, alongside full-stack backend development using Python (FastAPI, Django), Node.js, and Express, paired with MongoDB and GraphQL (Apollo). I build user-centric interfaces, backend services, and APIs with security, performance, and maintainability in mind.
I have hands-on experience with containerization and orchestration using Docker and Kubernetes, and I apply best practices in authentication and secure system design, including JWT, OAuth2/OIDC, HTTPS, and role-based access control (RBAC). I place strong emphasis on testing, reliability, and code quality, using tools such as Jest and React Testing Library.
Skills: Front-End: JavaScript, React, TypeScript, Next.js, HTML5, CSS, SaaS, Testing, Jest.
Backend: Python, FastAPI, Django, Node.js, MongoDB, Apollo, GraphQL, Docker, Kubernetes.
Work Experience
JavaScript / React Mentor Volunteer - ReDi School for Digital Integration
March 2021 - PresentMentoring advanced ReDi students in FrontEnd cycles. Empowering students to get a job in tech. Guiding project teams through feedback and support. Time investment: 4 hours per week.
WTM Berlin - Tech Writer & Ambassador
May 2021 - PresentTech Writer (JavaScript, CSS, Python for beginners). Organizing coding workshops, Hack with Peers Nights, and JavaScript fundamentals sessions.
IT - FrontEnd Developer - Majorel / Google, Berlin
May 2020 - April 2021Solving Google Analytics issues, troubleshooting, providing solutions, researching APIs, services, and infrastructure. Advocated for product quality, security, and performance improvements.
Web Developer Trainee & JavaScript Teaching Assistant - DCI, Berlin
Sept 2017 - Aug 2019Developed workshops & projects in JavaScript and React, organized coding workshops, prepared presentations, exercises, lectures, coordinated with clients in German & English, and managed current projects.
Informatik Teacher - Internationaler Bund, Neuenhagen bei Berlin
Sept 2017 - Aug 2019Created UI applications, developed responsive designs, implemented HTML/CSS/JS concepts, coordinated functional and aesthetic designs, and founded a coding club for teens.
Business English Teacher - Multiple companies, UK, Bulgaria, Germany
May 2002 - May 2017Taught Business English, English for specific purposes, exam preparation (ICFE, ILEC, LCCI, IELTS), and facilitated corporate communication training.
Education
Blockchain Developer - Cimdata, Berlin
10.08.2022 - 10.02.2023Frontend: JavaScript, React, Next.js, TypeScript, Vite.js, Apollo, GraphQL. Backend: Python, Flask, APIs, Microservices. Project: Blockchain with Python & Flask.
Web Development Full-Time Program - DCI, Berlin
Dec 2019 - April 2021MERN Stack: JavaScript, Node.js, React, CSS, SASS, Express, MongoDB.
Front-End Web Development - Udacity Nano Degree Programs
July 2019 - Oct 2019React.js, Full-Stack Development. Scholarship from CodeDoor.
Web Development - ReDi School for Digital Integration, Berlin
Aug 2019 - Dec 2019Advanced JavaScript, React, Vanilla JavaScript, building web applications projects.
Software Engineering - Software University, Sofia, Bulgaria
May 2017 - Dec 2019Core modules: JS Essentials, Advanced JS, JS Apps. Web modules: Node.js, React. Front-end: HTML & CSS, React Web Applications Masterclass.
Applied Linguistics - South-West University, Neophit Risly, Bulgaria
1993 - 1998Master's degree: English and German, Sociolinguistics, Computational Linguistics, Literature.
Projects
View detailed project case study
Dolphin Educational School - Full-Stack Website
Dolphin Educational School — Full-Stack WebsiteDesigned and developed the entire web platform end-to-end, covering UI/UX design, frontend and backend development, deployment, and SSL/TLS security configuration. Delivered a secure, scalable, production-ready solution for an educational institution. All website content, including informational pages and blog articles, ensuring clear communication for parents and students. Designed and implemented the blog structure to support ongoing content updates. Managed hosting, security hardening, and ongoing maintenance. Collaborated directly with stakeholders to align technical delivery with educational and business goals. Delivered a stable, maintainable production system aligned with business and educational needs.
Delphin Educational Centre
Delphin Educational CentreLed full-cycle development from design to deployment, including backend logic, hosting setup, SSL security, and performance optimization. Collaborated with stakeholders to deliver a reliable, maintainable production system. Built and launched the official website for Delphin Educational Centre, improving information access and online visibility for courses and school services. Implemented responsive design, content structure, and performance best practices. Created all written content and blog posts, focusing on clarity, SEO fundamentals, and audience engagement. Built and maintained a scalable blog system to support content publishing. Configured SSL certificates, HTTPS enforcement, and security best practices. Delivered a stable, maintainable production system with long-term usability in mind.
Bakery Grain Bites — Full-Stack Website (In Progress)
Bakery Grain Bites — Full-Stack Website (In Progress)- Developing a full-stack website for a bakery brand using Vue.js + Vite (frontend) and Node.js + Express (backend)
- Implementing a SQLite database to manage products, inventory, and orders
- Designing responsive, accessible UI/UX optimized for performance and modern web standards
- Planning secure deployment, SSL/TLS configuration, and production-ready infrastructure
- Project includes content creation, product catalog structure, and multilingual support; currently in active development
Photography Portfolio — Full-Stack Website (In Progress)
Photography Portfolio — Full-Stack Website (In Progress)Frontend Stack
- Built with Vue 3 + Nuxt 3 + Vite for a modern, performant frontend
- Styling handled via CSS Modules + Sass for modular and maintainable design
- Responsive, accessible UI/UX optimized for showcasing photography
- Supports multilingual content and dynamic gallery organization
Backend Stack
- Developed with Node.js + Express for a robust server-side architecture
- SQLite database manages galleries, photo metadata, and client inquiries
- Secure deployment setup with SSL/TLS and production-ready infrastructure
- Handles content curation, client bookings, and backend data management
References
Bastian Albers - Mentor at OpenTechSchool Berlin
Email: bastian@civey.com
Nora Schiming - SEO CODEDOR, Frankfurt, Germany
Email: nora@codedoor.org
Erik Bolikwski - Mentor at ReDi School Berlin
Email: erik@gmail.com
Russell Snyder - Senior Software Engineer Mentor
Email: russellevansnyder@gmail.com
Tim Rohde - Marketing & Head of Ambassador Management - Digital Career Institute, Berlin
Email: timrohde@dci.com
Mariana Trenkova - SEO & owner Delphin Educational Center
Email: delphinschool@gmail.com | Phone: +359(0) 879 461 009