At the Catholic school and parish where I began my work, the tech systems had been held together by the dedication and ingenuity of an exceptionally skilled IT director.
With limited funding and a reliance on donations, she managed to keep everything running far longer than anyone could have expected. Her work was a testament to what’s possible when talent meets resourcefulness.
But like many faith-based institutions, the school had reached a point where even the most capable hands could not keep up with the growing demands of modern education and digital safety.
When I stepped into the role, I found a campus full of potential, but also full of challenges. The internet connection was strong, but the equipment controlling it could not keep up. The cables running through the building were outdated and unlabeled, making it hard to troubleshoot or expand.
Classroom devices were a mix of old laptops, desktops, and tablets, with no consistent system for replacing them or keeping track of what was in use. Teachers and staff used whatever was available, and students relied on tablets and Chromebooks, many of which were nearing the end of their usable life.
In fact, most of the student devices were set to lose support within a few years, which meant they would stop receiving updates and become less secure. I made sure that every new device we purchased would remain usable and protected for the next 10 years.
Over the next few years, we transformed the school’s technology from the ground up. We secured grants specifically designed for nonprofits, which allowed us to upgrade everything without straining the budget. We installed a new system to manage internet traffic more efficiently and securely. We replaced all the old cables with faster, more reliable ones, and we built a wireless network that could handle the demands of modern classrooms. We created a separate, secure network for building systems like heating and security, so they would not interfere with everyday operations.
We added cameras and access controls to every door, improving safety for students and staff. In the classrooms, we introduced a consistent setup: a desktop computer, a podium, and a bright, energy-efficient projector. Teachers received new laptops, and every student, from first grade to eighth grade, had their own Chromebook that would stay current for years to come.
This was not just a one-time upgrade. It was a flexible, repeatable plan, built for scalability and adapted for other schools and parishes. Every step we took was designed with long-term sustainability in mind.
The same grants, the same planning process, and the same approach to safety and modernization can be applied anywhere. That is why I am launching a new initiative: to help other Catholic schools, parishes, and nonprofit organizations across the Baltimore area build secure, reliable, and future-ready environments.
These institutions carry enormous responsibility. They protect sensitive information, serve vulnerable communities, and educate the next generation. But they often do so with limited staff and shrinking budgets. At the same time, digital threats are increasing, insurance companies are demanding stronger protection, and government regulations are becoming more complex.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed. We have all been there. That is why this new venture was created; to offer practical support, helping organizations plan upgrades, apply for funding, improve safety, and meet compliance requirements without losing sight of their mission.
If you are part of a Private School, Catholic school, parish, or nonprofit in the Baltimore area, our team would love to connect. We are offering free consultations to help assess your current setup and explore what is possible. You do not need to face these challenges alone, and you do not need a massive budget to make meaningful progress. Security is sacred. Let’s build something strong, sustainable, and worthy of the communities we serve.