We are excited to welcome Sarah Bindman as the newest member of our team. Sarah moved back to Seattle last month from her native San Francisco. We sat down with Sarah and threw some questions at her to get to know her better.

Tell us a bit about your experience at Hackbright Academy, the engineering school you graduated from in SF.

For me it was a fantastic experience. It was my first non-traditional educational experience. Prior to Hackbright, I studied Urban Planning at MIT. The format of the Hackbright Academy was very intense: every day we had 3 hours of lecture and then 4-5 hours of lab (partnering). This type of setting allowed me to learn a lot about myself, and about how I work with others. It also allowed me to truly immerse in the field of software engineering. I barely saw my friends during those 12 weeks because I was so excited about what I was learning.

I would say the most important thing I got out of my education at Hackbright Academy was learning how to read error messages and successfully use help and debugging tools. I know it sounds silly, but there’s always going to be something you don’t know in development, so it is crucial to know how to answer my own questions.

What are you excited about learning in your first 6 months with us at Spatial Dev?

From a coding side, I’m really excited to learn about the possibilities. People always talk about front end vs. back end development, but I want to know what goes into that. At this stage of my career, I’m still taking it all in and wanting to learn as much as possible so I can decide where I want to focus. Right now, I’m having fun learning and exploring.

Another aspect of Spatial Dev that has been really exciting for me is knowing that I’m working on projects that make a difference in the world. I’m not only doing what I love, but I know that my work can change lives. That is super motivating for me personally.

What is your favorite coffee drink?

I’m a big coffee drinker. When I lived in Capitol Hill, I loved going to Stumptown. I’m still new to Ballard and am exploring the neighborhood, but right now Bauhaus is in the lead.

You are new to Ballard (living and working): what is your current favorite spot outside of work?

I’m a big outdoorsy person and am loving this summer weather. Green Lake is one of my favorite places to play volleyball.

I still go to Capitol Hill since that’s where I used to live, and love visiting my favorite wine shop: Vino Verite.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

I think I once ate an ant… or a termite…. I don’t remember.  Oh wait…. I got it… I once ate a live goldfish (sometimes you do regrettable things in college).

What was the last thing you geeked-out about?

I geek out really hard about parking and parking reform. It’s my favorite issue…don’t get me started or I won’t be able to stop!!!

Name one quirky habit you have

I have a very, very loud laugh…. people in other buildings have recognized me by my laugh.

What makes you laugh out loud?

Honestly, everything makes me laugh. I’ve realized that laughing is my way of understanding the world around me! I have to use optimism and humor to make life funny because sometimes it is hard to process all of the challenges and inequalities that exist.

How do you describe what you do for a living to your friends?

The way I’ve been saying it is, “I work for a consulting firm that does data visualization and website development for mostly large foundations and NGOs”. My parents were happy with that! ☺

What is your favorite travel destination?

I love traveling and have a lot of favorite places but one that stands out was my recent one-month stay in Mexico City. I was there with a friend in 2013 to teach math and science at a school. The city was amazing: I loved the people, music, food, museums and the POPSICLES. Nobody talks about the coco-de-crema popsicles but they are THE BEST!

What was the last book you read?

My latest read was “Where did you go Bernadette” and it was great! It takes place in Seattle. 

Anything else you want us to know about you?

I want to say that I’m not cool and casual but I’m working on it since that is clearly the vibe of the office!

Sarah, we think you are definitely cool and casual! Welcome to Spatial Dev!