Open to opportunities

Christian Freolo

@christianfreolo

Message

Entry-level full-stack developer building secure React/Node applications with JWT auth and REST APIs.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for an Agile/Scrum team where I can ship full-stack features, strengthen secure coding, and keep improving my React + Node.js API development skills while contributing in code reviews and testing.

I’m an entry-level full-stack developer transitioning from 13+ years of leadership into hands-on software engineering. I build end-to-end applications using modern web technologies, focusing on clean, maintainable code, core algorithms, and strong problem-solving.

In my project work, I built a full stack prototype similar to “Mock ChatGPT” with a React (Vite) client and a Node.js/Express REST API, implementing JWT authentication, Axios API calls, and automated tests with Mocha/Chai. I also built a “Mock Dog Adoption Web App” with full client/server data flow, MongoDB integration, and secure password handling with JWT and Bcrypt—while staying comfortable in Agile/Scrum and collaborative, fast-paced teams.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Restaurant Manager

Current

Clyde’s Restaurant and Hospitality Group

Sep 2019 - Present (6 years 7 months)

Managed COGS and labor planning to hit weekly and monthly budget targets, lowering company comps by 5% in 2025 while keeping food cost around 19%. Led staff training and coaching, implemented inventory and purchasing controls to reduce food waste, and ensured health, safety, and sanitation compliance across multiple locations.

COGS Budgeting Inventory Management Cost Control Staff Training Vendor Management Process Improvement

Mock ChatGPT Prototype

Mock-ChatGPT

Oct 2025 - Dec 2025 (2 months)

Built a full-stack Mock ChatGPT using a React (Vite) client and Node.js/Express REST API with PostgreSQL-backed data. Implemented JWT authentication, Axios async/await API calls, integrated a free LLM via puter.js, and added Mocha/Chai automated tests.

React Vite Node Express REST APIs Axios JWT PostgreSQL Mocha Bcrypt

Dog Adoption Web App

Mock Dog Adoption Web App

Oct 2025 - Nov 2025 (1 month)

Developed an end-to-end dog adoption web app with a React (Vite) front end and Node.js/Express backend, storing listings in MongoDB (Mongoose). Implemented JWT authentication with bcrypt-encrypted passwords and built client-server data flows via routes, controllers, and middleware.

React Vite Node Express REST APIs Axios JWT MongoDB Middleware Bcrypt

Server/Bartender/Captain

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Jan 2010 - Sep 2019 (9 years 8 months)

Held roles across serving, bartending, and floor leadership (Captain, Matre’d) at Maggiano’s Little Italy. Earned Server of the Year for four consecutive years and supported leadership operational duties during service across the team.

Customer Service Table Service Leadership Bartending Team Coordination Operational Support

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)

Software Engineering Bootcamp Certificate, Software Engineering

2024 - 2025

Completed a project-heavy Software Engineering bootcamp curriculum with GitHub-documented work. Focused on building end-to-end software projects.

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)

Bachelor of Science, Psychology

2016 - 2020

Grade: GPA: 3.5

Earned a B.S. in Psychology with a focus on Behavioral and I/O Psychology. Wrote peer-reviewed research papers, including work featured by UMBC, strengthening hypothesis-driven research and evidence-based conclusions.