A Top-Quality Training Team Leads the Way

President Neal Otto teaching MS Outlook efficiency

Neal E. OttoPresident, Principal Instructor

Jumpstart’s founder and primary trainer, Neal is a lifelong educator and learner. Neal is a former high school teacher and administrator having worked in schools in Oregon and abroad. Since 1992, his focus has been on technology education.

Neal is known for his broad knowledge of an extensive array of software and his ability to connect with students of all abilities and styles. He has a particular passion for efficiency. . . many times to the chagrin of his family. Neal is a member and sponsor of the Association for Talent Development (formerly ASTD), Portland Executives Association, and numerous other formal and informal groups. Participation in these organizations keeps Jump-start focused on new technology and workforce issues.

Neal lives in the Greater Portland Oregon area with his wife Paige (also an educator), daughter Brynne, and Linus the Wonder Dog. Son Nathan attends the University of Puget Sound. He is a long distance bicyclist and loves to spend any spare time in his shop making sawdust or in the kitchen baking bread.

Certifications: Microsoft Partner, Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Project

Rebecca BenoitJump-starter

Rebecca is a bona fide geekette who fell in love with a computer in 1989. She gets great pleasure from learning new skills and helping others understand technology.

She has been working with Jump-start Computer Training since 2007 on course development, marketing, and as a popular instructor.

She is knowledgeable in a wide variety of software including Microsoft and Adobe, and has a particular passion for all things to do with digital photography.

She is known for her patience with beginners, good humor, and ability to find solutions to student specific problems.

Rebecca is the proud mother of two fine young men, and lives in the Greater Portland Oregon area with her husband Nader. She loves playing with cameras and traveling, two very compatible passions.

Associations: Beaverton Arts Commission Commissioner, Event Organizer for Portland/Vancouver Photography and Women Learning Photography Together Meetup Groups, former Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce (Board), Beaverton Chamber of Commerce, Portland PC User’s Group

Chris TrabaccaJump-starter

Chris is Jump-start’s “all things digital” producer. Chris’s responsibilities include website and social media updates as well as instructional videos. He also keeps the mobile computer labs updated and running smoothly.

He is excellent at organizing and presenting information in a concise and understandable manner.

Chris enjoys all things Portland including bicycling, hiking, and most importantly, finding new flavors at one of Portland’s many restaurants.

Prince of LeanMuse, Icon, Brand Manager

Prince of Lean is a nimble and green efficiency machine. Not afraid to jump in and get his feet wet, Prince of Lean will make a splash at your next corporate efficiency training. He’s amazing at finding time-eating “bugs” in business workflows—he literally eats them for breakfast. And he’s so quick, they’ll be gone before you can say “toast.” He has a huge appetite and capacity for efficiency bugs of all kinds and yet maintains his svelte, lean body by jumping hurdles. He’s valued for being quick-to-adapt and can take on teams of any skill level or industry.

Prince of Lean enjoys several activities outside of Jump-start, including swimming and meditating. He hopes to meet a nice lady some day (who will most certainly transform him).