Meet the Rediker Software Family
August 2016
Meet Tanya Peart, proud Jamaican and Director of IT at Rediker Software. Learn more about Tanya and how her department is addressing the advancement in technology in this month's Meet the Rediker Software Family.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Tanya: I am from the most beautiful and exotic island in the Caribbean, Jamaica! My best childhood memories are playing with my siblings and cousins in the backyard and sitting under a mango or apple tree and eating its fruits.
After completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology at Bay Path University in Massachusetts, a college friend who worked at Rediker told me that the company was hiring Tech Support representatives. It sparked my interest and I sent in my resume. The rest is history. Here I am over 10 years later still working for this great company!
What attracted you to joining the Rediker Software Family?
Tanya: Where do I start? From my first interview with Rich Rediker to visiting the office and meeting with employees, it felt like I was at home. Rediker Software is very family oriented and you really feel like you are a part of one big family.
What is your current role at Rediker?
Tanya: As Director of IT, I manage the department that is the backbone of Rediker Software. My outstanding team oversees the infrastructure for our internal network, including hardware, software, and security. We play an integral role in ensuring that all the technological needs of each department are fully met, and all necessary assistance is provided for them to do their jobs daily. We also manage our Cloud Services, which is operational 24/7, and provide assistance to our Tech Support team and customers. Other responsibilities of my team include daily data backups, system upgrades and software upgrades.
What challenges does IT face with the advancement of technology and how is IT addressing these challenges?
Tanya: Being a software company, we have to stay on the cutting edge as technology becomes more advanced. We now tailor to a more diverse set of customers with varying needs, operating systems and platform upgrades such as Chromebooks, Surface Pros with 4k screen, Tablets, Mobile Devices, Mac OS El Capitan, and Windows 10. Our team ensures that we provide functional software options so all of our customers can access our applications. Some of these options include a new Access Pad Cloud client, a new printing solution and HTML5. We have also made vast changes in our network infrastructure to provide a faster and more stable Cloud environment.
Keeping up with changes in security and ensuring that we are PCI compliant in all facets of our operations, especially in how schools’ data is accessed and stored, is also a huge part of what we do. Addressing these changes is never easy but with a greatly dedicated team we have always managed to conquer every challenge. As a wise man once said, “Teamwork makes ‘The Dream’ work!”
Your husband Norick also works in IT at Rediker. How is it working closely with him on a daily basis?
Tanya: I must confess that I was a bit worried when my husband was hired to work with me because I often hear from many people that it is never a good idea for a husband and wife to work at the same company, much less the same department! However, having Norick work beside me has actually been a blessing. He gets me! Norick respects my position as his manager and understands what I need to have done before I even say it. His work ethics are phenomenal and he over extends himself so that I don’t have to work as hard. We really make a great team both at work and at home.
What are you most excited about in terms of Rediker Software’s future?
Tanya: I’m really excited about the development of our existing products and new products, including our new Cloud solution, grade books, portals, websites, online applications, and numerous other programs. I am also excited about the vision we have for our internal network. We recently migrated to Office365 and are constantly researching and implementing new ways to improve our structure. I have a dynamic team and it feels awesome to be a part of such a vibrant and innovative company.
When you aren’t at Rediker, how do you spend your free time?
Tanya: I don’t have much free time but I try to make the most of it. I spend quality time with my husband and also try to find the time to go to the gym with my sister to do some kickboxing, spinning and Zumba, which I love because it helps to relieve stress. Sundays are solely dedicated to church because I am a spiritual person and Christianity plays a vital role in my life.