From Help Desk To Cyber Security Leader
Cyber Security Audit & Compliance Analyst
Lily, a former U.S. Army cable systems maintainer, was ready for a new chapter. With years of experience troubleshooting communications systems, she wanted to build a meaningful civilian career in cyber security. When she began exploring degree options, she was determined to find a program that went beyond theory—something practical, personal, and worth the investment of her GI Bill benefits.
Wanting To Pursue Higher Education but Wanting Experiences Rather than Rote Learning
Before enrolling in Sabrina Koncaba’s cyber security program at Methodist University, Lily faced a mix of fear and frustration. She’d seen instructors who read from textbooks and left students to teach themselves, creating classrooms that felt like “Groundhog Day.” As a veteran accustomed to hands-on work, she was disheartened by academic environments that valued rote memorization over real learning. The gap between military training and traditional higher education left her questioning whether she belonged in cybersecurity at all.
Lily’s turning point came when she entered Sabrina’s classroom. The difference was immediate. Instead of lectures, she found real-world labs, open discussion, and an instructor who met every student where they were.
Through Creative Cat’s systems-driven approach to teaching, Sabrina brought structure, clarity, and confidence to the classroom.
Each Lesson Was Tied To Real Job Functions And Industry Certifications
Every student was expected to engage, practice, and apply—not just absorb.
Mistakes were treated as part of the learning process, not failures.
Lily went from feeling uncertain about her technical abilities to thriving in a high-level cyber security role. After completing her degree, she quickly advanced from Tier II help desk support to managing vulnerability scanning, compliance audits, and accreditation processes for a major government contractor.
Today, she leads cybersecurity audits and penetration test reviews for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). She credits the foundation built in Sabrina’s classroom for her ability to rise from help desk technician to trusted cyber security compliance professional.
Bachelors Degree in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security - Methodist University
Masters Degree in Cyber Security - University of Maryland
Obtained CompTIA Security+ Industry Standard Certification
Gained Confidence To Manage National Level Audits & System Accreditations
Developed Strong Communication & Leadership skills rooted in real-World Training
Obtained Certified Information Security Manager Industry Standard Certification
"Every day felt new. I couldn't miss a day because every class was built on the last. We were always learning something different. And - Sabrina never made anyone feel dumb. She was always available, and she cared about what came out of her classroom. The hands-on work and the way she taught gave me the confidence I didn't know I had. And before Sabrina, there was no cyber - only help desk. Everything I've learned since has built on and reinforced what she has taught me."
Iliana "Lily" Harrington | Cyber Audit and Compliance Analyst, GDIT