Team Member Profiles

Lynn Schattner

Owner

I started my passion in the technology field in 1997. Over the years, I have worked in the field, acquiring a myriad of experience in critical up-time business and technology environments.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Then a Masters of Science in Information Systems and Technology Management with a specialization in Information Assurance and Security. And I also hold various industry and product certifications.

After working in the industry for twenty years I founded Cyber Solutions after moving to Iowa in 2008. In my spare time, I am a licensed amateur radio operator tinkering with digital communications and interference detection aspects of the service.

Nate Kellogg

technologist

Growing up in a rural Iowa town with little to do, I began tinkering with computers, initially hosting a game server. This hobby evolved into a full-fledged passion, and by May 2021, I graduated from DMACC with degrees in Cybersecurity (AAS). At that point, I had been working at Cyber Solutions for over a year and had earned several relevant certifications. In my free time, I enjoy testing new recipes with my wife, whether on our pellet grill or in the crockpot, and taking walks with our dog, Isabelle, on the trails in Carlisle.

Jeremy Hooper

technologist

I graduated from DMACC with a two-year degree in Collision Repair, but my career path has been quite varied. I started repairing stand-alone cash registers, where I received on-the-job training and became an installer of computerized cash registers. Over time, I advanced to a lead installer and trainer role, which gave me a lot of experience in the field. After that, I transitioned into management, running a cash register business as a branch manager for a 17-year career. Following that, I spent five years as a rental department manager at a hardware store. My journey took an exciting turn when my brother-in-law introduced me to Lynn, leading me to my current role at Cyber Solutions.

Abby Poplawski

web developer/designer

Growing up in Illinois, I made my way to Iowa to attend Iowa State University as a design student. I graduated in 2018 with a Fine Arts degree, but three years later, I started exploring the world of coding and decided that I wanted to pursue a different career path. Enrolling at DMACC as a Computer Information Systems student, I later switched to Web Development in 2022.

I earned my Web Development Certificate in May 2023 and have recently completed my Web Development AAS in December 2024. Outside of work, I like curling up on the couch with one of my cats to read, playing board games with my friends, or trying out a new restaurant around town.

Abbey Clark

expectations manager

I grew up in Waterloo, Iowa and graduated from Waterloo East High School on a mission to go straight to college.  From there, I attended North Texas State University (now University of North Texas) and later, Upper Iowa University with emphasis on Business Managment.  My career found me more that 30 years ago when I was introduced to Information Technology from a staffing and solutions perspective– (first question to my employer, ummm, what is a Mainframe and isn’t Cobol a color?!).  I’ve held a variety of roles including Business Development, Technical Recruiting, Business analysis, Project Management and leadership. My passion is and always has been about helping people and solving problems.  I strive to provide value in every interaction through honest and open communication (good, bad, or ugly!)  

Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors, listening to live music (very eclectic palette for music!), and sports (televised and in-person).  Iowa State, Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, and Chicago Blackhawks are my teams.  My favorite color is purple and fall is my favorite season.  Oh, I also have a husband, three children, two additional children through marriage, three grandchildren…..an adult foster son that joined my family when he was 17, two fur baby Chihuahuas (Petey & Penny).  I am an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #731 on Des Moines’ South Side. 

Aubrey Charlson

Senior Systems Manager

I grew up in the scenic mountains of Boulder, Colorado. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science at Colorado Mesa University.

With two years of experience in Sales and another two in Network Engineering, I’ve developed a solid foundation in customer-facing and technical roles. A consistent focus on growth and a deep interest in computer systems has driven my journey to my current position. I hold certifications in Network+, Security+, and A+, all supported by hands-on experience in Networking, Cyber-Security Architecture, and Hardware Maintenance.

Outside of work, I enjoy riding my motorcycle, body-building, reading, and continuing to expand my knowledge of computer systems.

Reid Woodyard

sales

I lived between Janesville and Des Moines, Iowa for most of my childhood. I spent my time from preschool through twelfth grade in Janesville, playing sports for teams all over the Cedar Valley. Then, I went to a community college for a few semesters, and I also spent a year of schooling in the Marine Corps for Avionics.

I worked in several trades in high school and worked in the service industry after graduation, until I joined the Marines. After medically retiring from the Marine Corps after 4.5 years, I traveled all over the US for 6 years for a sensor intelligence company, focusing on Logistics Automation.

I made my way to Cyber Solutions after hearing that they were growing and looking to expand into Colorado. Back in 2024, I acquired my health and accident insurance license and discovered how much I like providing peace of mind to families. As far as qualifications go, I have sales experience selling insurance, and I’m very customer oriented from all of my previous positions.

Outside of work, I love traveling with my wife. Spending time with and spoiling my nieces, nephews, and of course, dogs. Almost any sport I enjoy watching or playing. I golf but I’m not a golfer. I snowboard, but am also not a snowboarder. Live music. Live comedy. Anything on the water or in the mountains is always a blast.

Joey Leavell

Senior Systems Engineer

I grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri, which is also where I still live! My high school education took place at Blue Springs High School, and then I set out on the hard route of joining the Marines.

I’m a self-taught IT support specialist who’s picked up a lot of tricks of the trade over the course of my twelve-year career. Thanks to a good word about my work and work ethic from a previous client, Cyber Solutions ended up reaching out to me with a job opportunity, and that’s how I found myself here!

When I’m off the clock, I enjoy spending time with family, playing with my five-year-old son, and watching him grow up all too quickly. I occasionally dabble in some 3D printing as a hobby, and when I get the chance, I like playing video games (because I’m still a kid at heart).