Meet your Instructors
The Journey of BeST Scoping Techniques: A Legacy of Innovation and Faith
In 1994, after more than two decades in the corporate world, Cathy made a life-changing decision. Facing daily anxiety from her commute in Houston, Texas, she left her job in search of a new path—one that allowed her to work from home and utilize her computer skills. Exploring the burgeoning online communities of the time, Cathy joined CompuServe forums, where she discovered a post by Maureen Robinson about the Legal Services Institute (LSI), a program offering training as a scopist—a niche profession she had never encountered before.
Intrigued, Cathy investigated further and became LSI’s very first student. With guidance and support from Maureen and her partner, Katie LaChance, Cathy mastered the art of scoping.
By July 1995, Cathy’s dedication paid off. She was contacted by Money Magazine for a feature on top home-based careers. The article, published in the August 1995 issue, coincided with Cathy’s first attendance at the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) convention, marking a pivotal moment in her career. The magazine’s reach created a ripple effect, drawing inquiries from aspiring scopists, including Judy Rakocinski, a former gift basket entrepreneur from Florida. With a proven track record in running a successful gift basket business, Judy sought a legitimate and fulfilling career that allowed her to work from home while balancing her family responsibilities.
After connecting through emails and phone calls, Judy enrolled in the LSI program, and she and Cathy quickly became close friends. In 1997, the two met in person at the NCRA convention in Orlando, solidifying a partnership that would lead to numerous collaborative ventures.
Building a Community and Expanding Services
The early 2000s brought significant milestones. Cathy and Judy launched the Yahoo SSG email group in 2000, followed by ScopistsSupportGroup.com in 2001. Their service portfolio grew with the addition of web design under the name “Websites by Mazco,” which officially launched in 2001. On March 1, 2002, they founded BeST Scoping Techniques, a comprehensive scoping training program, and in February 2003, they introduced ReporterSupport.com, a platform connecting court reporters with qualified scopists and proofreaders.
Guided by Faith
Cathy and Judy’s shared Christian faith has been the cornerstone of their journey. In 2001, they dedicated their web design business to the Lord, pledging to support Christian ministries with a portion of their income. This commitment to glorify God continues to inspire their work at BeST Scoping Techniques, where they find joy in helping others succeed while sharing their faith.
Today, BeST Scoping Techniques stands as a testament to Cathy and Judy’s vision, perseverance, and belief in the transformative power of community, innovation, and faith. Whether you’re an aspiring scopist or a seasoned professional, their story proves that with dedication and purpose, incredible opportunities await.
