Sam Li

Full Stack Developer

About

Professional Summary

Experience
10+ Years
Specialization
Full Stack
Focus
Performance
Approach
Results-Driven

I've spent the last decade building web applications that actually work. Not just the shiny frontend stuff, but the whole stack—databases, APIs, deployment, the works. I focus on writing code that other developers can understand six months later.

I've led teams through technical migrations (jQuery to React, monoliths to microservices) and actually shipped them. I enjoy mentoring junior developers and doing code reviews that help people grow.

My approach is pragmatic: use the right tool for the job, optimize when it matters, and keep things simple when possible. I've dealt with everything from small startup MVPs to systems handling millions of records.

Currently working with React, Vue, Node.js, and various databases. I pick up new technologies quickly and I'm comfortable jumping into unfamiliar codebases.

Core Expertise

JavaScript & TypeScriptReact & Vue.jsNode.jsCloud TechnologiesDatabase SystemsSystem Architecture

Technologies

The tools I reach for most often.

Frontend

React (what I use most) • Vue.js • Next.js • TypeScript • Tailwind CSS • Performance tuning

Backend

Node.js & Express • REST APIs • Python (when the project calls for it) • Auth systems • Database work • Scaling web apps

Databases & Infrastructure

PostgreSQL • MongoDB • Supabase • Redis for caching • Query optimization • Data modeling

DevOps & Tools

Git (daily) • Docker • AWS for deployment • CI/CD setup • Debugging production issues • VS Code

Plus:

Writing tests • Code reviews • Mentoring junior devs • Learning new tech quickly • Breaking down complex problems

Work Experience

A decade of building and shipping quality software across various industries

🎮

Senior Application Development Specialist

Current
OLG|2022 Nov - Present
React.jsPythonTailwind CSSGitHub Actions

Key Achievements

  • Led the modernization of MRIS internal web portal from jQuery to React.js, improving performance and maintainability
  • Developed automation tools with Python to streamline HTML/JSON file generation from business content
  • Led team in creating reusable HTML components with Tailwind CSS for lottery ticket design system
  • Conducted code reviews and provided mentorship to ensure code quality and best practices
  • Implemented CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions to automate testing and deployment processes
  • Optimized database queries and implemented caching strategies, reducing load times by 40%
🏢

Full Stack Developer

Real Master Inc|2018 Oct - 2022 Oct
Vue.jsReact.jsNode.jsMongoDBDockerKubernetes

Key Achievements

  • Built scalable solutions with Vue.js, React.js, and React Native for web and mobile applications
  • Implemented RESTful APIs and database interactions using Node.js and MongoDB
  • Integrated third-party services including Mapbox and OAuth authentication
  • Optimized Elasticsearch implementation for efficient searching of millions of records
  • Developed and maintained microservices architecture using Docker and Kubernetes
  • Led migration from monolithic to microservices architecture, improving system scalability
  • Implemented real-time features using WebSocket and Socket.io for live updates
💻

Front End Developer

Canada Goose|2018 May - 2018 Oct
ReactNode.jsMongoDBStripe APIWordPress

Key Achievements

  • Developed custom e-commerce solutions using MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js)
  • Created responsive web applications with focus on mobile-first design principles
  • Implemented payment processing integration with Stripe and PayPal APIs
  • Built content management systems (CMS) for small businesses using WordPress and custom plugins
  • Optimized website performance achieving 90+ scores on Google Lighthouse metrics
🚀

Web Developer

JMIR|2017 - 2018 Apr
PHPMySQLJavaScriptWordPress

Key Achievements

  • Developed and maintained client websites using PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript
  • Collaborated with design team to implement pixel-perfect UI/UX designs
  • Created custom WordPress themes and plugins for client requirements
  • Implemented responsive design principles and cross-browser compatibility
  • Participated in daily stand-ups and sprint planning using Agile methodology
10+
Years Experience
4
Companies
50+
Projects Delivered

Projects

Some things I've built or helped build.

Construction company website. Built with SvelteKit for fast performance.

SvelteKitTailwind CSSVercel
Key features: Static site generation for speed • Project portfolio • SEO work for local leads

Migrated from WordPress to Astro to improve performance and reduce hosting costs.

AstroTailwind CSSVercel
Key features: Removed WordPress dependency • Faster page loads • Low-cost hosting

Real estate service marketplace with payment processing.

SvelteKitTailwind CSSStripeSupabase
Key features: Stripe payments • User accounts • Service booking

Corporate website for a steel manufacturing company.

Next.jsTailwind CSSNetlify
Key features: Product showcase • Corporate rebrand • SEO improvements

Landscaping business website. Moved from Wix to Next.js with a project gallery and service area map.

Next.jsTailwind CSSMapbox
Key features: Performance upgrade from Wix • Project gallery • Local SEO

Surewin

client

Multi-language website for legal information with contact form integration.

Nuxt.jsTailwind CSSVercel
Key features: Multi-language support • Contact form integration • SEO for multiple locales

Online novel platform with subscriptions and author management tools.

SvelteKitSupabaseStripe
Key features: Author dashboard • Subscription payments • Reader engagement features

Property management platform for landlords.

Next.jsMongoDBStripe
Key features: Property listings • Tenant management • Payment processing

Track movies watched with stats and visualizations.

Nuxt 3Vue.jsPostgreSQL
Key features: Progress tracking • Analytics dashboard • API integrations

Explore characters and episodes from the show.

SvelteKitGraphQLTailwind CSS
Key features: GraphQL queries • Search and filter • Paginated results

REST API with auth and rate limiting.

Express.jsMongoDBTypeScript
Key features: JWT authentication • Input validation • Rate limiting

This site. Personal portfolio with expense tracking.

Next.jsTypeScriptTailwind CSSMongoDB
Key features: Expense tracking • Responsive design • Blog system

Education

Academic foundation in computer science and software engineering

🎓

Bachelor of Computer Science

University of Toronto
|
2009 - 2013
Major in Software Engineering with focus on web development and distributed systems
Relevant coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Database Systems, Web Development
Developed strong foundation in computer science fundamentals and software engineering principles
📚

Graduate Certificate

Humber College
|
2016 - 2017
Focus on practical programming skills and software development
Specialized in web development and database management
Completed industry-focused projects with real-world applications
🏆

Strong Foundation

Computer Science Degree

💻

Practical Skills

Industry-Focused Training

🚀

Continuous Learning

Always Growing