Christopher Ross: Architecting the Future of WordPress and Digital Learning
With over 25 years of experience at the intersection of web development, instructional design, and technical consulting, I have dedicated my career to building smarter, more inclusive digital experiences
. Based in Niagara Falls, Ontario, I serve as a collaborative partner for organizations looking to bridge the gap between complex technical requirements and meaningful user engagement.
A Foundation Built on Code and Creativity
My journey in the digital space began in the mid-1990s, a formative era for the web. Starting as a graphic designer and photographer in Hamilton, I spent my early years mastering the fundamental principles of layout, typography, and visual storytelling. This era offered a unique, front-row seat to the digital revolution, providing a hands-on education in pioneering tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator during their infancy. It afforded me the rare perspective of bridging two worlds: the analog discipline of darkrooms, film photography, and Letraset, and the emerging frontier of early digital design platforms.
This blend of creative direction and technical curiosity naturally led me into software development. By the turn of the millennium, I was developing internal websites and training materials for Corel Corporation, followed by a tenure with the Government of Canada. In Ottawa, I served as a Senior Software Developer, building mission-critical web applications for Canadian Forestry Services, Agriculture / Agri-Food Canada, and the Department of National Defence. These early roles cemented my reputation for delivering robust, secure, and highly functional web solutions for enterprise-level clients.
The WordPress Consultant: From Rodonic to WordPress VIP
In 2009, I founded Rodonic Corporation, a technology firm that would go on to work with some of the most influential media organizations in the world. It was here that my focus narrowed on WordPress as the premier platform for enterprise-scale content management. My team and I specialized in creating high-traffic applications built on WordPress VIP, catering specifically to the fast-paced needs of the news and entertainment industries.
Managing remote teams of full-time developers, I led the creation of custom plugins, themes, and mobile applications that pushed the boundaries of what WordPress could achieve. After seven successful years of growth and innovation, Rodonic was acquired by a national brand, allowing me to shift my focus back to consulting and specialized digital learning.
Bridging the Engagement Gap with Custom LMS Solutions
Throughout my career, I noticed a recurring challenge: organizations often had powerful websites but lacked the engagement needed to truly educate their users. This inspired my transition into becoming a Digital Learning Specialist. I realized that a website shouldn’t just be a brochure; it should be a platform for growth.
I have spent the last decade designing and implementing scalable Learning Management Systems (LMS) for diverse institutions. From my time as the Director of Corporate Technology at Yorkville University—where I managed digital security for 36,000 students—to my current work at Sherwin-Williams, I have mastered the art of the WordPress-powered learning environment
My current specialty involves building customized LearnDash and Moodle environments integrated with SharePoint and Microsoft Teams, ensuring that training is not only accessible but measurable.
Empowering Communities Through Accessible Technology
Beyond the code, my mission is rooted in digital equity. I am deeply committed to empowering remote, Indigenous, and underserved communities through education and accessible technology. My work often involves low-bandwidth optimization and microlearning strategies, ensuring that those in remote areas have the same opportunities for advancement as those in major urban centers.
Whether I am live-streaming a technical training session to a remote site or developing a custom plugin to solve a niche business problem, I bring a unique perspective that balances technical expertise with instructional design.
Education and Continuous Evolution
To stay at the forefront of this rapidly changing field, I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Learning and Technology at Royal Roads University, building upon my degree in Computer Science. I also leverage modern AI tools—including ChatGPT, Midjourney, and GitHub Co-Pilot—to streamline development workflows and create more engaging visual content for my clients.
Let’s Build Something Meaningful
Today, as a consultant and developer, I look for partners who are on a mission to create an impact. If you are looking for a WordPress expert who understands that a great website is built on a foundation of education, accessibility, and community, let’s connect.
