Our Team
Stephen R. Smith, Founder and Principal
I drink coffee and make things work.
Stephen is the founder and principal of Alignsoft, and is a seasoned technologist, writer, and entrepreneur with a strong background in software development and digital strategy. With a focus on standards-based design, responsive user experiences, and scalable infrastructure, Stephen’s role in Alignsoft is delivering reliable and innovative digital solutions for businesses across multiple industries.
In addition to his technical expertise, Stephen is an accomplished science fiction author and a long-time contributor to 365tomorrows, a daily flash fiction site dedicated to speculative storytelling.
Blending a deep understanding of emerging technologies with a creative vision for the future, Stephen brings a unique perspective to both his software and storytelling work — consistently exploring the evolving relationship between people and technology.
Vanessa Garrison, Partner and Designer
I drink coffee and innovate.
Vanessa has been working for over 10 years as a web designer, and 22 years as photographer. She has collaborated with Alignsoft in a freelance capacity for over 7 years, and as of 2025 has partnered exclusively with Stephen to design and develop web solutions for their combined clients.
Outside of Alignsoft she is both a professional lifestyle and brand photographer, working with both large and small businesses to tell stories through images that reflect their unique personalities and brand values, and a sporting event photographer, enabling her to tap into her other passion as a mountain and adventure athlete.
Vanessa’s extensive experience with visual storytelling forms the core of her ability to communicate client stories and offerings to their customers in a way that's engaging and delivers results.