Maxine Paynter - headshot

I'm Maxine.
The Developer Who Truly Understands Your Needs

BIPOC | She/Her

I'm currently rebuilding this portfolio website to demonstrate how I can better serve the people I want to be associated with - the little guys who are changing the world, not the big guys who are destroying it.

While this site is in development (I'm so excited!) you can ALWAYS count on me for:

20+ years of experience and understanding "small budgets" in a "big budget" world

Honest advice about what will move your digital mission forward

Free consultation. Always, every time

Unpacking My Career

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with raisin software, an award-winning fundraising software and web design company I've been working with for over a decade. In this conversation, we dig into my 20-year journey in the nonprofit sector and my experience in digital strategy and web development. I hope this interview gives you some real insight into what I do, why I love it, and how it all led me to where I am today.

Read the Interview

Web Accessibility is for EVERYONE

I teamed up with raisin software to produce a Website Accessibility video essay. I break down practical ways developers, designers, and editors can build sites that EVERYONE can use (while improving SEO and conversions). From WCAG compliance to colour contrast, alt text, and testing, watch this guide on "doing digital right". These spaces often have roadblocks for those living with disabilities. Accessibility is for Everyone!

Watch the Accessibility Video

Client Portfolio

Who have I worked with?

Over the course of my career I've had the privilege and opportunity to work with amazing organizations, companies, brands and PEOPLE. Below is a sampling of those opportunities.

Charities/Non-Profits

  • Easter Seals Canada
  • Orbis Canada
  • BirdSafe/FLAP Canada
  • The Phoenix Centre for Children and Families
  • Sinai Health
  • CAMH
  • Geriatric-ED/Geri-EM

Agencies

  • Hey Nova
  • HypePR
  • Lifelong Crush
  • LeaderLine Studios Inc.
  • StrataPrime Solutions Inc.
  • Garcia Creative
  • Resonator Agency Inc.
  • FleishmanHillard

Brands

  • MadeGood
  • Promise of Gluten Free
  • Energizer batteries
  • M&M'S

Other

  • Day's Gone Band
  • Akasha's Den
  • Boszko & Verity

What 20+ Years of Experience Really Means

Read My Interview

I Understand Your Reality

Spending my first, most formative years working inside organizations means I get your operational challenges, not just your technical needs.
I've sat in budget meetings where every dollar matters. I've navigated board politics around website decisions. I've felt the panic when donation forms break during critical campaigns. I don't guess what keeps you up at night—I've lived it.

I Translate, I Don't Intimidate

No confusing geek-speak. I explain complex concepts in ways that empower your team to make informed decisions.
When I talk about hosting, SSL, FTP, or page performance, you'll understand exactly what it means for your organization and your budget. More importantly, I'll tell you what you DON'T need, protecting you from vendors who profit from confusion.

I Bring a Team

My network of accessibility experts, strategists, and creatives all understand purpose-driven work.
When your project needs expertise beyond development, you gain access to professionals I've worked with for years—not random freelancers. Legal, content strategy, accessibility, branding—all from people who share your values.

There is a lot more to come about my journey and most importantly, how that journey has led me to a place where I'm uniquely positioned to guide your digital experience.

Until then, please get in touch. I'm sure we can build something great. Either way, we'll have one helluva good chat!

Email Me