Hi, I’m Henry Doce, an INTP-A personality type with a passion for solving problems and connecting with people. Growing up I was always fascinated by tech. I remember getting my first “smart” phone: the Cingular 8125 (aka the HTC Wizard), a Windows Mobile based device. I ended up on the XDA-Developers forum, where I learned how to load hacked ROMs onto my phone that included bug fixes and new features. If you have no idea what I’m talking about: Cingular was a mobile phone provider that became AT&T, Windows Mobile based devices no longer exist, back then cell phone manufacturers rarely, if ever, pushed out software updates, there weren’t app stores like there are now, and I feel like a dinosaur explaining this.
In highschool I took 2 coding electives, installed Fedora onto one of my personal computers (there had been an installation disc included in a Linux for Dummies book I had purchased), and went into college knowing I wanted to pursue some variation of programming.
A People Person at Heart
College, am I right? What a rollercoaster. The short version is: once I was there, I had trouble committing to what I would be taking on debt to hopefully have a successful, life-long career in. I started off as a Computer Engineer major, then Computer Science, then Business at some point? After about 5 or 6 times flip-flopping, I found a deep connection in and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida International University.
After graduating, I spent three years working as a psychosocial rehabilitation counselor at a nonprofit organization where I advocated for individuals suffering from severe and persistent mental illness. The work was challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. I eventually led a team of five counselors, learning the true value of collaboration and the impact a dedicated team can have.
Working closely with this population reshaped my perspective on life. It taught me empathy, resilience, the importance of truly understanding the issues people face before trying to offer solutions, and that sometimes the only “solution” was to just listen. Perhaps most importantly, I learned that it was okay to say “I don’t know, but we can figure it out together.” These lessons have been instrumental in my transition to the tech world, where understanding user needs and honest communication is at the core of every successful project.
Discovering a Passion for Code
While my client work was fulfilling, the rest of the job left me disillusioned with the US healthcare system. Insurance companies dictated care based on cost-saving measures, and the nonprofit’s financial struggles meant unlivable wages and unreasonably packed sessions. It felt like I was sacrificing my mental health to fight a system that failed the people it was supposed to serve.
Realizing I needed to take care of my own mental health, I found solace in coding. The logical problem-solving aspect resonated with me, and soon it became more than a hobby — it became my passion. In 2019, I made the leap and attended Ironhack’s full-time web development bootcamp. That decision changed everything.
Since then, I’ve worked as a full-stack developer and even as a lead instructor at another coding bootcamp. A standout moment was coming in as a finalist at the 2019 Startup Bus hackathon, an intense experience that pushed me to my limits. My career as a frontend developer has taken me from building A/B tests that transform user experiences via a data driven approach to helping launch home blood testing portals and spearheading the implementation of a telehealth consultation flow.
Building the Future, One Line of Code at a Time
Today, I’m a frontend engineer at ever.ag, where I’m dedicated to enhancing and maintaining The Vault and their partner market portal. My latest focus has been spearheading an accessibility initiative to improve the usability of Vault for users with visual impairments. This work ties back to my core belief that technology should be inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Beyond the Code
Lately when I’m not coding, I’m mostly parenting. When I get some free time you can find me at Alamo Drafthouse eating an entire tub of popcorn, occasionally reading a good book, or getting in a workout with kettlebells. I’m also a big fan of standup comedy, mindfulness, and have ventured a bit into The Gateway Experience via The Monroe Institute. And, of course, I’m always on the lookout for new favorite spots to eat.
Looking Ahead
As I continue my journey in tech I’m excited about the opportunities to connect with others, solve complex problems, and build tools that make a difference. Whether it’s through coding, writing, or just sharing a laugh, I’m here to make a positive impact.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I’ll be sharing more insights, projects, and experiences here, and I hope you’ll join me for the ride.
If you’d like to get in contact, try reaching me on Mastodon first. LinkedIn works too, but I don’t check it often.