Who We Are

Maranda is a local, who like Krista, was born and raised here in Springfield. She has been programming at local businesses for 9 years. After getting her start building web-based insurance software at Intuitive Web Solutions, she joined the team at award-winning design & development studio Mostly Serious. She now acts as Director of Engineering for Mostly Serious, leading a team of web developers.

It was during her time in the Computer Science department at Missouri State University that she first found a desire to bring diversity to the technology field. While she felt welcomed by the school faculty, it was disconcerting that there were no other women in her Computer Science courses until her senior year. She knew that if she could do it and succeed, other women could as well. Which is why her passion led her to join forces with Krista to create The Geek Foundation.

Outside of web development and TGF, Maranda enjoys spending time practicing and teaching yoga, singing with her band, and cooking healthy vegetarian meals.

The Geek Foundation is the brainchild of local Graphic Designer & Writer, Krista Peryer. After many years of different career paths, Krista realized her interests had always leaned toward design & technology. She decided to pursue graphic and web design at local colleges, but none offered exactly what she was looking for, were too costly, and with two children, a two-year associates degree would easily turn into at least four years. Next step? Online courses. While online courses are wonderful for some, others learn best in a hands-on environment. She was one of those. Thus, the idea for The Geek Foundation was born.

As she's telling a friend about TGF one evening, he recommends she speak with his co-worker whom he thought would have great interest in TGF. He introduces her to his co-worker, Maranda Reynolds, Director of Engineering at downtown digital design and development studio, Mostly Serious. Since then they've grown TGF to a team of volunteer educators, board members, and sponsors; one they are glad to make a part of the Springfield community.

When she's not turning a passion into a cause, Krista enjoys crocheting, reading comics, spending time in the woods, writing for MAKE Magazine, being goofy with her kids, and eating too much chocolate.