In 2019, technology was everywhere—fast, convenient, and essential—but often felt impersonal. At a small kitchen table, James and Catherine began discussing a different idea: what if technology could feel supportive, approachable, and human-centered? That question became the starting point for TriSphere Apps.

Catherine’s Perspective

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Catherine’s background is rooted in education and human resources. After earning her degree in Elementary Education, she worked closely with students in a supportive role, ensuring no one was overlooked. Later, she carried the same philosophy into HR, focusing on listening, providing resources, and creating spaces where people could succeed. Her approach emphasized that people—not systems—should always come first.

James’s Perspective

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James came to the vision from a technical side. Drawn to coding and software development, he saw how small design choices could make a big difference. His time in healthcare technology underscored how usability and thoughtful design could reduce frustration and improve outcomes. For James, technology was never about adding features for their own sake, but about solving real problems with purpose.

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Early Support and Partnerships:

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The first person outside their circle to recognize this vision was Andrea Rutherford, a career services advisor at ECPI University. She encouraged James and Catherine to take the next step and helped them establish TriSphere’s first partnership with ECPI. This marked the transition from an idea to an active project.

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From there, James began reaching out to other colleges, sharing TriSphere’s mission of blending technology with mentorship and accessibility. Not every call led to a partnership, but each conversation refined the story, and the positive responses validated their direction.

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The First Projects:

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The early apps reflected TriSphere’s focus on combining technology with care and encouragement:

• A bedtime game that helped children relax and fall asleep.

• A penguin avatar that reminded users to stay hydrated.

• An environmental tracker that turned sustainable choices into a growing virtual garden.

Each app was designed with the same principle in mind—technology should support people in small, meaningful ways.

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Growing into a Community:

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As TriSphere grew, so did its community. Students, interns, and volunteers joined the work, drawn to both the projects and the supportive environment. Catherine and James emphasized mentorship, giving new contributors the chance to learn by doing, collaborate, and build their skills. TriSphere became not only a place to create apps, but also a place to develop people.

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Today:

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What began as a late-night discussion has grown into a studio and a community. TriSphere continues to create apps with a focus on usability, encouragement, and purpose, while also providing opportunities for learning and mentorship.

At its core, TriSphere remains guided by the same principle it started with: technology is most meaningful when it serves people.