Hello. My name is Lisa Girod. Welcome to my portfolio. I'm 38 years old and have been playing video games since I was 4. I have always had a fascination for games as they've helped me with therapy, learning, and general growth. I really became interested in creating games after a schoolmate (and eventually instructor) showed me that you don't need super skills and knowledge to do so. I found out, however, that this is only partly true. I'm also disabled and do things to the best of my ability.

After suffering a staph infection in 2009, where I spent 15 days in the hospital, suffered loss of my memory (most of which I can't get back), and realizing that this affected me in ways I can't control, I changed my focus from just wanting to create games. I want to create games/peripherals for the disabled or create educational games. I feel as if it's my way to give back to the industry that has kept me going. I feel as if it's now my life's purpose.

After becoming interested in creating games, I've spent a lot of my time learning all I can about them (design, programming, and other aspects). At Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio I obtained the Interactive Game Programming certificate and the Interactive Entertainment Technology certificate in May of 2011. I also obtained my Associate of Applied Business in Interactive Game Programming in May of 2012. I attended Full Sail University in Orlando, FL beginning in November 2011. I completed a Bachelors of Science in Game Design at Full Sail University at the end of July 2014.

I am a hard worker and have good leadership skills. I was second-in-command of the Lakeland Community College H-102 open computer lab (HSLRC) for 8.5 years, and head lab assistant for 1 year. I helped a countless number of students with everything from how to use the computer to getting the nursing students into their tests. Before graduation in May of 2012 from Lakeland, I completed a training manual for use in this lab (which reflected my years of service to the students, staff, and faculty). I want to take those skills (along with others) and use them in the future at whatever I achieve.