My name is Taylor, I'm a game developer from Ottawa, ON. I recently made a change into software engineering because it's a perfect match for my problem-solving brain and my passion for developing technical skills. I come from a background of managing people in the restaurant industry and performing anesthesia for animals undergoing advanced imaging in veterinary medicine. As a game developer I am bringing a lifetime of enjoying and playing games and hands-on experience teaching board games to the public at several game and comic conventions around North America. I have a passion for ludology (the math and science of gaming) and bringing those lessons into my designs and into my life in general. I look forward to working with you to bring your designs to life!

Taylor McAusland

My name is Taylor, I'm a game developer from Ottawa, ON. I recently made a change into software engineering because it's a perfect match for my problem-solving brain and my passion for developing technical skills. I come from a background of managing people in the restaurant industry and performing anesthesia for animals undergoing advanced imaging in veterinary medicine. As a game developer I am bringing a lifetime of enjoying and playing games and hands-on experience teaching board games to the public at several game and comic conventions around North America. I have a passion for ludology (the math and science of gaming) and bringing those lessons into my designs and into my life in general. I look forward to working with you to bring your designs to life!

Available to hire

My name is Taylor, I’m a game developer from Ottawa, ON. I recently made a change into software engineering because it’s a perfect match for my problem-solving brain and my passion for developing technical skills. I come from a background of managing people in the restaurant industry and performing anesthesia for animals undergoing advanced imaging in veterinary medicine.

As a game developer I am bringing a lifetime of enjoying and playing games and hands-on experience teaching board games to the public at several game and comic conventions around North America. I have a passion for ludology (the math and science of gaming) and bringing those lessons into my designs and into my life in general.

I look forward to working with you to bring your designs to life!

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Experience Manager at Chesterfields Gastro Diner
January 1, 2022 - November 10, 2025
Experience Manager/Trainer & mentor for new hires, ensuring proficiency in both kitchen and front-of-house operations. Oversaw inventory management by submitting timely orders and tracking stock levels. Handled end-of-day finances and cash-outs for staff. Coordinated with team members to maintain smooth daily operations and maximize efficiency.
Office Assistant at VScan Office
January 1, 2021 - November 10, 2025
Reviewed applicants for CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration) licenses, ensuring compliance with legislations and regulations in the Highway Traffic Act. Took instruction from program manager to increase site traffic on the renewal application portal, contributing to improved user engagement and online visibility.
Veterinary Technician - Advanced Imaging & Anesthesia at Algonquin College Veterinary Program / Animal Hospital
January 1, 2021 - November 10, 2025
Managed anesthesia for cats and dogs undergoing MRI, CT imaging, and surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes. Interviewed clients to obtain detailed medical histories and provided post-surgical aftercare instructions, ensuring clear communication and proper home care. Implemented weight-based measures for controlled substances, standardized drug logs to comply with Ontario law and improving accuracy in medication management.
Volunteer at Ministry of Transportation
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Volunteer work in game libraries across Canada and the U.S., coordinating and facilitating game tournaments and demos for groups ranging from 1-on-1 to 100+ attendees. Taught game rules to players of all experience levels, ensuring clarity, engagement, and smooth game play. Represented publishers and convention organizers with professionalism. Participated in game jams where I worked with a small team to produce a game project in a short period. Continued to improve technical programming skills via online certifications hosted by Google and AWS.

Education

Software Engineering at Centennial College
November 10, 2025 - November 10, 2025
BSc. Neuroscience with Chemistry minor at Carleton University
November 10, 2025 - November 10, 2025
Veterinary Technician at Algonquin College
November 10, 2025 - November 10, 2025

Qualifications

Algorithms and Data Structures
November 10, 2025 - November 10, 2025
Scientific Computing with Python
November 10, 2025 - November 10, 2025
Fundamentals of LLMs
November 10, 2025 - November 10, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Healthcare, Software & Internet, Education
    Jungle Defense

    This is a deck-building tower defense game.

    Players use a hand of cards to lay traps and turrets to protect their home from invaders. Players must choose their cards wisely as each card will cost Action Points to be played, which are limited for each turn. Players earn money to buy new and different cards to add to their deck and diversify their defensive strategy.

    Created for the MoonRift Entertainment gamejam.