Who is Maestro Designs?
Maestro Designs is run by me, Jason Shiroff, in Denver, Colorado. I started Maestro Designs in order to put sophisticated web tools into the hands of small businesses, educators, and nonprofit organizations.
I have seen how the Web can bring communities and people together from across the globe. My passion is bringing the technologies together in a simple way so you can achieve your online vision.
Family
I am extremely blessed to be married to Kate Shiroff. She keeps me balanced, connected, supports my crazy ideas, and always helps me grow as a person.
We are very proud to have a beautiful and smart daughter, Sophia. It is hard to find the words that truly describe Sophia, but funny, inquisitive, and entertaining are a few. We just celebrated Sophia's first birthday in March!
Professional Connections
Teaching
I am fortunate enough to teach at The Odyssey School in Denver, Colorado. I love working with my fourth and fifth graders on technology projects, writing, math, and character development, and more.
The Odyssey School is an Expeditionary Learning School that focuses on service learning, in depth studies, character growth, outdoor adventure, and academics. The Odyssey community is my second family and I appreciate their support in my professional and personal growth.
Denver Writing Project
Complimenting my teaching career, I am also an active member of the Denver Writing Project (DWP).
I serve as the DWP Technology Liaison, which means I'm in charge of technology professional development for teachers in the Denver Metro Area, handling the DWP online presence, and much more.
As part of the National Writing Project, I am belong to a national network of teachers that work to spread technology integration throughout the country.
Peace Corps
Before I started my teaching career, I was a Peace Corps Volunteer near Volcano Pacaya in San Vicente Pacaya, Guatemala. This was one of my most meaningful and memorable experiences of my life.
I still keep in close contact with my Guatemalan "family".
Education
I have a B.S. in Environmental Population and Organismic Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
At CU Boulder, I also earned certificates in Peace and Conflict Studies, and International and National Voluntary Service Training (INVST).
My Masters degree is in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado in Denver.
Hobbies
Playing around with technology is one of my hobbies, but I have many low tech hobbies as well. I love venturing into the great outdoors, climbing volcanos, flying kites, and practicing yoga.
One of my favorite hobbies is riding bikes. I have a very fun recumbent bicycle that is my favorite bike to ride.
I also enjoy playing and listening to music, reading, writing, and most importantly hanging out with Sophia.
