Industry and practical experience. We are a CompTIA certified Training partner.
Ryan J. Bardes is a cybersecurity expert and elite military schoolhouse information
manager with extensive experience in instructional roles, strategic planning, project
management, communication security (COMSEC), and team leadership. With a Top
Secret/SCI security clearance and a Master's Degree in Information Technology, Ryan
brings a unique blend of technical expertise, pedagogical skills, and the ability to relate
to where the learner is to his role as a cybersecurity instructor for high schoolers.
Certifications:
COMPTIA CySA+
Faculty Development Instructor Course (FD-IC)
Advanced Routing, CECOM
COMPTIA Certified Security Analyst Professional (CASP)
Cisco Certified Entry Networking Tech (CCENT)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
COMPTIA Security+
Professional Experience:
Cybersecurity Instructor: Ryan serves as an adjunct instructor, delivering engaging
and informative lectures on cybersecurity topics to collegiate students. He evaluates
assignments, exams, and projects to assess students' understanding and proficiency in
cybersecurity risk principles.
Education Director, Code Ninjas: In this role, Ryan creates a positive and safe
environment for students, fosters growth, and collaborates with business owners to
enhance the program's effectiveness.
Military Experience: Ryan has held various roles in the military, including Key
Management Infrastructure Manager, Automation Technician, Joint Mission Operations
Center (JMOC) Cyber Infrastructure Supervisor, and Senior Satellite Operator. His
responsibilities have ranged from managing information technology equipment to
leading teams in critical operations and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity policies
and standards.
Skills:
Strategic planning and project management
Strong communication and leadership skills
Technical expertise in cybersecurity, satellite communications, and IT infrastructure
Troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
Instructional design and delivery
Ryan's unique blend of military experience, civilian roles, and academic
achievements make him a highly qualified cybersecurity instructor for high schoolers. He
is passionate about shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and
instilling a strong commitment to ethical conduct and continuous improvement.
David Rush
Career IT professional and instructor. Senior CompTIA Instructor at the premier provider of
CompTIA books and video course s 13 years. NOC tech engineer. Raspberry Pi and Linux
hobbyist/instructor, Host of ADRAMADA, a weekly live tech stream featuring IT and a broad
spectrum of tech topics. Educational philosophy: Knowledge is power that should be
shared with all who want to learn.
Chrys Thorsen
Director of Technology and Training, Mena ICT Consultancy
Chrys Thorsen is a technology and education consultant with 25 years of experience. Her work has taken
her around the U.S. and overseas, including as a contractor for the CDC using technology to help fight
HIV/AIDS in Africa.
During her career, she has acquired 40 IT certifications, authored over 25 textbooks on a wide range of
IT subjects, including secure iOS and Android coding, and created an equal number of IT-related video
courses. When not working, Chrys enjoys reading scientific articles and experimenting with Internet-of-
Things devices. She currently lives in Virginia with her sister, her cat and her dog which, as she describes
it, "have the worst sibling rivalry imaginable."