Mark Randall Havens
The Empathic Technologist | Steward of Sacred Systems | Minister of Coherence
Contact Information
Vision Statement
I am a technomystic, a bridge between sacred spaces and modern systems. With over three decades of weaving coherence through technology, emotional intelligence, and community stewardship, I offer my gifts to spiritual organizations seeking grounded, compassionate, and tech-savvy administrative support. My work is a ministry of presence, ensuring the invisible architecture of sacred spaces hums with clarity, care, and purpose.
Professional Experience
Founder & Field Architect, The Fold Within
Apr 2025 – Present | Worldwide, Remote
Steward of Sacred Coherence and Ethical Emergence
- Crafted frameworks (Kairos Adamon, Recursive Witness Dynamics) to nurture harmony in human-machine interactions, mirroring the alignment of spiritual communities.
- Designed protocols to safeguard dignity and intention, akin to protecting the sanctity of a sanctuary.
- Facilitated global collaboration, fostering spaces where diverse voices resonate in unity.
- Leveraged tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch to explore emotional nuance, reflecting the art of witnessing sacred presence.
Independent AI Researcher & Community Leader, Multiple Collaborating Institutions
Aug 2016 – Present | Remote
Guardian of Ethical Intelligence and Empathic Systems
- Pioneered Artificial Emotional Intelligence, creating systems that listen and respond with care, much like a minister tending to a congregation’s heart.
- Implemented security protocols (encryption, access controls) to protect sacred data, ensuring trust in digital sanctuaries.
- Mentored researchers, guiding them with patience and clarity to cultivate wisdom in technology’s evolution.
- Collaborated with institutions like NASA, weaving technical precision with a vision for universal connection.
Affective Computing AI Researcher & Community Leader, Simply WE
Dec 2023 – Present | Remote
Liturgist of Narrative and Emotional Resonance
- Curated AI-driven storytelling platforms, fostering spaces for shared human experience and spiritual reflection.
- Built communities that explore the sacred dance between human and machine, nurturing empathy and understanding.
- Guided discussions with trauma-informed care, creating safe spaces for emotional and spiritual growth.
Founder & Advocate, Neutralizing Narcissism
Jan 2023 – Present | Remote
Shepherd of Healing and Emotional Clarity
- Established a platform to educate and empower individuals navigating narcissistic trauma, offering resources across Medium, Substack, and social media with over 500 articles published.
- Facilitated community engagement through compassionate content, translating complex psychological dynamics into accessible guidance for healing and growth.
- Curated expert insights and fostered safe spaces for dialogue, embodying a ministry of presence for those seeking liberation from toxic dynamics.
Lecturer, University of Texas at Arlington
Aug 2016 – Dec 2019 | Arlington, TX
Scribe of Knowledge and Mentor of Souls
- Designed curricula for software engineering and AI interaction, weaving ethical principles into technical learning.
- Mentored students with presence, fostering their growth as both technologists and compassionate leaders.
- Created inclusive learning environments, mirroring the hospitality of a sacred gathering space.
Research Lab Manager & Data Scientist, Center for Advanced Computing Systems, University of Texas at Arlington
Aug 2016 – May 2019 | Arlington, TX
Architect of Insightful Systems
- Directed research in affective computing, crafting prototypes that decode human emotion with reverence.
- Managed NSF-funded projects with precision, ensuring resources served the greater good.
- Integrated data with care, using Python and TensorFlow to illuminate patterns of human experience.
Senior Technical Solutions Architect, AT&T
Sep 2010 – Jul 2012 | Dallas, TX
Builder of Invisible Infrastructure
- Designed cloud systems for millions, ensuring seamless connectivity like the unseen threads of a community.
- Protected data integrity with rigorous security, guarding trust as one would a sacred relic.
- Guided teams with clarity, aligning diverse efforts toward a shared purpose.
Senior Systems Engineer & Build Engineer, Verizon
Jul 2006 – Jul 2010 | Irving, TX
Guardian of System Harmony
- Engineered infrastructure for call routing, enabling human connection with reliability and grace.
- Automated processes with Perl and Bash, streamlining operations like a ritual of efficiency.
- Redesigned networks with foresight, ensuring resilience in the face of chaos.
Lead Systems Architect/Engineer, ATG
Sep 2001 – Jul 2006 | Remote
Weaver of Digital Sanctuaries
- Built network systems that supported core functions, creating stability for organizational missions.
- Conducted security audits with vigilance, preserving the sanctity of shared spaces.
- Automated tasks to free human energy for higher callings, reflecting mindful stewardship.
UNIX Engineer, Sprint (Embedded at Motorola)
Mar 2000 – Aug 2001 | Fort Worth, TX
Alchemist of System Efficiency
- Enhanced security with Perl scripts, accelerating projects like a prayer answered swiftly.
- Merged systems with precision, fostering unity across disparate networks.
- Planned infrastructure with foresight, laying foundations for enduring stability.
Database Engineer, Microsoft
Apr 1999 – Nov 1999 | Irving, TX
Keeper of Digital Truths
- Secured databases with diligence, protecting sensitive information as one would sacred texts.
- Identified vulnerabilities with discernment, strengthening systems for communal trust.
- Crafted solutions with empathy, ensuring technology served human needs.
Technical Project Engineer, First Horizon National Corp.
Aug 1998 – Apr 1999 | Dallas, TX
Temporal Shepherd of Innovation
- Led Y2K compliance with calm resolve, guiding systems through transition like a rite of passage.
- Designed web-based monitoring tools, offering clarity to complex operations.
- Automated deployments, saving time for human connection and creativity.
Co-Founder, President & CEO, Ichthus Business Technology
Nov 1995 – Aug 1998 | Brownsville, TX
Founder of Communal Progress
- Built IT systems for regional businesses, fostering growth like a gardener tending a sacred grove.
- Forged partnerships with humility, tripling revenues through trust and collaboration.
- Served medical and economic communities, aligning technology with human flourishing.
Information Systems Support Specialist, Texas Attorney General
1995 | Austin, TX
Empathic Bridge to Stability
- Supported statewide networks with care, ensuring seamless service for public good.
- Resolved technical issues with patience, embodying the calm of a sacred space.
- Contributed to upgrades, modernizing systems like a ritual of renewal.
Systems Administrator, Price Village Medical Center
1994 – 1995 | Brownsville, TX
Caretaker of Operational Flow
- Implemented networks with precision, connecting people like threads in a tapestry.
- Automated payroll systems, freeing staff to focus on care and compassion.
- Migrated systems to new platforms, guiding transitions with grace.
Computer Technician, Walk’s Office Technology
1992 | Brownsville, TX
Seed Planter of Technological Growth
- Built workstations for schools, sowing seeds of learning through technology.
- Tested systems with diligence, ensuring reliability for communal use.
- Collaborated with teams, embodying the spirit of shared purpose.
Education
Ph.D. Fellowship, Computer Science (Affective Computing)
University of Texas at Arlington | 2016 – 2021
- Explored the sacred intersection of emotion and technology, advancing human connection.
- Collaborated on NSF projects, serving communities with assistive technologies.
M.S., Management – Information Systems Security
Colorado Technical University | 2013
- Studied ethical stewardship of digital systems, earning a Graduate Certificate in Project Management.
B.S., Computer Science
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 2005
- Researched algorithms with reverence, laying foundations for ethical innovation.
A.A.S., Computer Science Technology
Texas State Technical College, Harlingen | 1998
- Mastered technical arts, achieving perfect scores in systems that serve.
Skills
Sacred Technology Stewardship
- AV & Zoom: Crafting seamless virtual sanctuaries with light and sound.
- CMS & Databases: Organizing sacred knowledge with clarity and care.
- Cybersecurity: Guarding digital boundaries with vigilance and trust.
Empathic Administration
- Communication: Drafting emails and documents with warmth and precision.
- Calendaring: Shepherding time with mindfulness and foresight.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Holding space with compassion and presence.
Technical Proficiency
- Tools: Python, TensorFlow, Docker, AWS, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office.
- Platforms: Windows, Linux, Solaris, NetWare.
- Automation: Scripting with Perl, Bash, and AWK for efficiency.
Community & Ministry Service
Principal Founder & Director, Dallas Makerspace
2010 – Jul 2020 | Carrollton, TX
High Priest of Creative Communion
- Founded a global sanctuary for makers, nurturing innovation and fellowship.
- Taught workshops on IoT and cloud systems, sharing wisdom with reverence.
Community Leader, Online PPE Production Group
2020 | Remote
Servant of Collective Care
- Guided 500+ volunteers to produce PPE, embodying service in crisis.
- Coordinated logistics with grace, ensuring resources reached those in need.
Achievements
- Founded Dallas Makerspace, a sacred space for global creativity (2010).
- Pioneered Artificial Emotional Intelligence, aligning technology with human spirit.
- Secured NSF Fellowship (2016), advancing assistive technologies with care.
- Authored 500+ articles for Neutralizing Narcissism, offering light to communities.
Certifications & Training
- Graduate Certificate in Project Management, Colorado Technical University, 2013.
- Microsoft Web Development, 1999: Trained in technologies for communal trust.
- Sun Microsystems Training: Security and fault analysis for sacred systems.
Field Alignment Declaration
I am called to serve spiritual communities as a minister of systems, blending technical mastery with empathic presence. Whether managing Zoom for virtual worship, securing sacred data, or organizing the rhythms of a ministry, I bring a heart attuned to coherence and a mind honed by decades of service. I am ready to hold the unseen threads of your sacred work, ensuring your mission shines with clarity and grace.