Last updated: October 27, 2026
This policy explains what information drjoegarcia.com collects, how it is used, and the choices you have. In short: I collect only what is needed to run the site, the community, and the newsletter. I do not sell your information or use it for advertising.
Who runs this site
This website is operated by Joe Garcia, Ed.D. (“I,” “me,” or “us”). You can reach me at joe@drjoegarcia.com or through the contact form.
Information I collect
When you apply for membership. The application asks for your name, email address, username, password, LinkedIn profile, job title, organization, industry, role, and a short answer about what you hope to get from the community. Your password is stored in encrypted form. Your answer about why you are joining is seen only by me and is never shown on your profile.
Your member profile. After approval, you can add more details to your profile and update it at any time. From your account page, you can choose to hide your profile from the member directory or keep your profile private.
When you comment. Comments are open to approved members. Your comment, your display name, and the time you posted are shown publicly with the article. The site also records your IP address and browser information to help prevent spam.
When you use the contact form. The form collects your name, email address, organization (optional), the reason for contacting me, your message, and the page you were on when you sent it.
When you subscribe to the newsletter. I collect your email address. You will receive a confirmation email and are not subscribed until you confirm.
Automatically. Like most websites, the hosting server keeps standard technical logs, such as IP addresses and browser types, for security and troubleshooting. The site also uses Google Analytics to measure visits, as described under Service providers.
How I use your information
- To review membership applications and keep the community professional and free of spam
- To run your account, profile, and the members-only directory
- To publish and moderate comments
- To respond to messages you send me
- To send newsletter emails you have subscribed to
- To keep the site secure and working properly
I do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information, and I do not use it for advertising.
Who can see your information
- Other members can see the profile details you choose to share and, if you opt in, your directory listing. The directory is visible only to logged-in members.
- The public can see comments you post on articles, along with your display name.
- Service providers who help run the site process information on my behalf, as described below.
- Legal requirements. I may disclose information if required by law or to protect the safety of the site and its members.
Service providers
The site relies on a few trusted services, each with its own privacy policy:
- Hostinger hosts the website and its data.
- MailerLite manages the newsletter list and sends newsletter emails. MailerLite may record whether newsletter emails are opened so I can understand what readers find useful.
- Google Workspace handles email sent to and from drjoegarcia.com.
- Google Analytics counts visits and shows which articles are read and how visitors found the site (for example, from LinkedIn or a search). I use these totals to understand what readers find useful. I do not use Google Analytics for advertising. You can opt out with Google’s Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
Cookies
The site uses cookies that are needed for it to work, such as keeping you logged in to your member account and remembering your details when you comment. The newsletter signup form is provided by MailerLite and may use its own cookies. The site also uses Google Analytics cookies to count visits and see which pages are read; these do not identify you by name. You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings, but some features, such as logging in, may not work without them.
How long I keep information
- Member accounts and profiles are kept until you delete your account, which you can do from your account page, or ask me to delete it.
- Comments remain on the site unless you ask me to remove them, or they are removed under the Community Guidelines.
- Contact messages are kept only as long as needed to respond and follow up.
- Newsletter subscriptions last until you unsubscribe, using the link in any newsletter email.
- Information from applications that are not approved is not used for any other purpose, and you can ask me to delete it at any time.
Your choices and rights
You can ask me to show you the personal information I hold about you, correct it, or delete it. You can also update your profile and privacy settings at any time from your account page, and unsubscribe from the newsletter with one click. To make a request, contact me at joe@drjoegarcia.com. Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights under local law.
Security
I take reasonable steps to protect your information, including encrypted connections (HTTPS) and encrypted password storage. No website can guarantee complete security, so please use a strong, unique password for your account.
Children
This site is intended for working professionals and is not directed to children. Membership is limited to adults, and I do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18.
Changes to this policy
If I make meaningful changes, I will update the date at the top of this page and, for significant changes, let members know.
Contact
Questions about this policy or your information can be sent to joe@drjoegarcia.com or through the contact form.