Meet our instructors
Brian Knight is the owner and founder of Pragmatic Works and is a serial entrepreneur, starting other companies throughout his prolific career. He is the author of more than fifteen technical books and has spoken at dozens of conferences like PASS, SQL Connections, and TechEd. He has received a number of awards from the state, governor and press including the Business Ambassador Award (Governor) and Top CEO (Jacksonville Magazine). He is on the board of the region’s Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation.
Devin Knight is a Microsoft Certified Trainer, and President of Pragmatic Works. He was also a Microsoft Data Platform MVP for 9 years. His main focus is driving adoption of technology through learning. Devin is an author of nine books on Power Platform, Business Intelligence, and SQL Server. He has been selected as a speaker for conferences like Power Platform Summit, PASS Summit, SQLSaturdays, and Code Camps for many years. As a Jacksonville FL resident, Devin is a contributing member to several local user groups in the area.
Mitchell Pearson has been with Pragmatic Works for 10 years as a Data Platform Consultant and the Training Manager. Mitchell has authored books on SQL Server, Power BI and the Power Platform. Data Platform experience includes designing and implementing enterprise level Business Intelligence solutions with the Microsoft SQL Server stack (T-SQL, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS), the Power Platform and Microsoft Azure.
As a Training Content Manager and Trainer with Pragmatic Works, Manuel uses his extensive knowledge of the BI Stack (SSRS, SSIS, SSAS etc.) to deliver exciting and engaging content. He also has experience with T-SQL, DAX, Power Platform and Azure Data Services. Manuel, however, is known for his impressive knowledge of the Microsoft Power BI tool. A native of Puerto Rico, He graduated from the University of Central Florida and loves being involved in the world of business intelligence. Manuel is a thought leader in the BI community.
Allison graduated from Flagler College in 2011. She has worked in management and training for tech companies for the past decade. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, her primary focus is helping our customers learn the ins and outs of Power BI, along with Excel and Teams.
Nate Halliwell is a Power Platform enthusiast, specializing in Power Apps and Power Automate. He began his journey into the Power Platform as a “Citizen Developer” while working as a recruiter in talent acquisition. He used Pragmatic Works to train himself on the technology and hopes to use this new role as a trainer to help others achieve similar career transitions! Nate is PL-900 and PL-100 Certified, and ready to help you take on any Power Apps or Power Automate challenges you or your organization are currently facing!
Outside of work, Nate is a husband, a father to 2 boys, and a beer league hockey player.
Yasmine Brooks is a former BI consultant with 6 years of experience in Healthcare as a Radiation Oncologist and Operations Manager in her home country of Brazil.
She is the proud mother of a sweet baby girl, a dog lover, and soccer fan. She is always seeking new foods and travel destinations.
Ace Phillips is a Jacksonville native who has a lifelong passion for technology and mechanics. They possess a strong desire for continuous learning and exploration in various fields. Ace discovered their love for coding at an early age and has since honed their expertise in Java and HTML, as well as expanded their knowledge to include Javascript, Python, C++, and Rust.
In addition to their professional pursuits, Ace enjoys various hobbies such as playing tabletop roleplaying games, cycling with their canine companion Kronos, coding, gaming with friends, and creating digital art during their leisure time.
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