Hi, my name is

Kalen Johnson

>

Building robust web applications and
scalable infrastructure from Taiwan.

View My Work Get In Touch

01. About Me

I'm a backend-focused developer with 14+ years of experience building web applications and infrastructure. My core stack revolves around PHP and Laravel, with deep expertise in crafting APIs, managing databases, and architecting systems that scale.

On the DevOps side, I work extensively with AWS, Docker, and Linux — managing deployments, CI/CD pipelines, and server infrastructure. I believe in automation and reproducibility, and I'm most comfortable when I'm in a terminal.

I'm a former contributor to the Roots open-source ecosystem (Sage, Bedrock, Trellis) and have spoken at multiple WordCamp conferences about modern WordPress development workflows.

Based in Taiwan, I've been working remotely for international teams for the better part of a decade. When I'm not coding, I'm spending time with my family or tinkering with Linux.

Quick Facts

Location

Taiwan

Experience

14+ years

Focus

Backend & DevOps

Open Source

Roots contributor

Speaking

Conference speaker

02. Skills & Technologies

Languages & Frameworks

PHP
JavaScript
Tailwind CSS
MySQL
Laravel

DevOps & Infrastructure

Linux
Docker
AWS
CI/CD
Git

Tools & Platforms

WordPress
Roots

03. Experience

2015 – Present

Diego Dev / PHP Architect

Backend DeveloperDevOps

Remote

Maintained and upgraded infrastructure, migrated and modernized PHP applications, and built CI/CD pipelines.

  • > Built features within legacy app, wrapped Laravel around legacy codebase and built new features in modern code
  • > Maintained and upgraded infrastructure on AWS, Docker integration, built CI/CD pipelines
  • > Built APIs for internal use as well as clients
  • > Developed documentation to teach team members about company coding standards and best practices
PHPLaravelLegacy maintenanceAWSDockerMySQLTailwind CSS
2022

Wuzzals

Backend DeveloperDevOps

Remote

Took over from previous developers on a Laravel application.

  • > Reduced AWS spending almost 80% while maintaining site speed and RPM
  • > Built new features in Laravel/PHP
  • > Quickly fixed bugs and improved codebase
PHPLaravelAWSMySQL
2011 – 2015

Freelance

Web Developer

Remote

Built WordPress sites, themes, and plugins for clients using Roots tools.

  • > Built WordPress sites, themes, and plugins using Roots tools (Sage, Bedrock, Trellis)
  • > Hired and worked with designers to design sites
PHPWordPressJavaScriptMySQLCSS
2012 – 2014

Jacob Tyler

Senior Web Developer

San Diego, CA

Agency development for a creative branding and web design firm.

  • > Built WordPress themes and plugins from Photoshop designs
  • > Coached junior developers in PHP and clean code
  • > Scoped client projects and ensured delivery on time
PHPWordPressJavaScriptjQueryCSS

Open Source & Speaking

Roots Open Source

Former contributor to the Roots ecosystem — Sage, Bedrock, and Trellis — modern WordPress development tools used by thousands of developers worldwide.

WordCamp Speaker

Presented talks on modern WordPress development workflows, including Bedrock, Trellis, and deployment automation at multiple WordCamp conferences.

04. Get In Touch

I'm always open to discussing new projects, interesting ideas, or opportunities to collaborate. Feel free to reach out.