Welcome!

As a small business owner, I believe it’s important to build long lasting relationships with my clients. Of all the things I’ve learned over the years, it’s to be kinder than necessary. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle. My goal in life is to leave this world a better place for my beautiful daughters.
Life is too short. Take risks. Eat the ice cream!

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. – Maya Angelou

After graduating from Jacksonville High School in 1993, I was offered a volleyball scholarship to play Division I Volleyball at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN, where I obtained my bachelors degree in Elementary Education with a Computer Endorsement. In 2007, I earned my masters degree in Computer Science from the University of Illinois – Springfield.

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. -Maya Angelou

I love technology!! From teaching others the fundamentals, to connecting our busy lives, to collecting important data, to communicating through design, it’s an exciting journey that’s always changing, growing, and making our lives easier. For some it’s a burden. For me it’s an adventure that will never be completed but the road is magnificent.

Be impeccable with your word. The words you speak are one of the most telltale expressions of your state of mind. -Four Agreements

J Mank Design began in 1999 to provide communications for businesses in central Illinois. My company builds websites, social networking, creates graphic designs, publishes flyers and brochures, and provides IT support for local businesses. In 2007, I completed my Masters in Computer Science and continued to focus my career on Information Technology.

I then accepted a position in the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget as a Technology Specialist. I created and designed Access databases and reports, .net and SharePoint web accessible pages for state agency’s budget submissions. I also assisted in the editing and formatting of the Governor’s operating budget book and lead coordinator, editor and graphic designer for the Governor’s Capital budget book. I ended my career at GOMB as a Senior IT Specialist.

In 2012, I accepted a position at State Farm as a Technical Editor / Systems Business Analyst / Content Manager. My duties include SharePoint development and Content Management reporting. While at State Farm, I developed a SharePoint requesting system. This allows the Content Managers in the 4 Development Centers to coordinate work efforts and collaborate on projects. After developing a successful request system, they began the process of building a team of developers to support my work. I was unable to stay through the next phase of development.

In 2017, I returned to web development as a Senior Web Developer at King Technology. While working closely with new and existing clients, I built and maintained cPanel sites using WordPress and while maintaining asp sites on our Windows server. A few of the sites in our portfolio consisted of Downtown Springfield, Inc, Springfield Parks District, Lincoln Memorial Gardens, Abraham Lincoln Association, Landscape Unlimited, Maldaner’s, and OEHS, Inc.

Someone somewhere is practicing. When they meet you head to head, they’ll beat you. Be the someone.

I was born and raised in Jacksonville, IL. I attended Jonathan Turner Junior High from 1987-1989. I played volleyball, basketball, and ran track. At Jacksonville High School, I participated in volleyball, basketball, and softball (1989-1993).

I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better. – Maya Angelou

I assisted TJHS and JHS Coach Larry Sample, IC Coach Brenna Kelly, and Salem Lutheran Coach Brenda York in their summer camps (1998) and developed my the first SUMMER VOLLEYBALL CLINIC (1998). I later returned to coaching as the head volleyball coach at MacMurray College (1999-2001). My first year as a coach at MacMurray we broke an NCAA Division III record for most losses in a row. By the end of our second season, we broke 2 Division III records: #1 in digs and #15 in blocks. A few years later, I returned to coaching. This time at Jacksonville High School (2005). In 2014, I accepted a position as the Junior Varsity Coach at Rochester High School.

To the world you might be someone, but to someone you might be the world.

I am the youngest of 7 children born to George and Marian Manker who raised three sons and three daughters with the youngest son at 17 years old when I was born. I have 15 nieces and nephews and 5 greats. We are a very close family and support each other in all we do. My father owned three bowling centers so I learned the importance of “team” at an early age and was the youngest bowler in Illinois (20 months old).

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
– Maya Angelou

The next chapter in my life started 4/19/14 (yes, it’s a palindrome!) when I married my best friend Collin Brennan. He has been my rock and biggest fan. With this merge, I also became a step-mom to a beautiful, sweet little girl. I’m wrapped around her finger and I’ve held on ever since. Having come from a large family, it was always important to me to have a family of my own. It wasn’t until now that I really understood the magnitude of that desire. Our family grew once again in 2015. Gracie Mae was born 88 days early at 27 weeks. We continued our growth with our 3rd daughter, Katie Marie. Also born as a preemie at 29 weeks. Both girls are happy and healthy!

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. -Maya Angelou

I’m a very self-motivated, positive, driven person. I strive to be proud of my work and not afraid to work hard to achieve success. My determination to succeed in my personal life and in my career keeps me searching for that next adventure. I believe success comes from making a difference in other’s lives. Whether that means providing a more efficient way of doing things or encouraging someone to take control of their lives, I feel a sense of accomplishment knowing I’ve made a difference. My mother always said, “Be kinder than necessary. You never know what kind of battle they are fighting.” We could all use an extra dose of kindness and COLOR in our lives.