My Professional journey.
I am a dynamic and adaptive problem solver with over five years of experience in designing learning activities, course content, and training materials both in person and online.
I’ve always loved to learn and help others do the same, as every person is capable of adapting, growing, and creating new experiences and skills.
I thrive on creating exciting and engaging learning experiences that make course content applicable and valuable to all stakeholders.
I’ve had opportunities to help improve learning and understanding across many different age groups, subjects, and group sizes. I have taught from a classroom of twenty-five kids to a district of over 200 employees. I have also been given the opportunity to teach Higher Education instructors how to use the newest version of their LMS.
My many roles have allowed me to create and facilitate strategic plans and initiatives, gather data, delegate tasks, and manage project deliverables all while coaching and mentoring others throughout the process.
I have developed extensive knowledge of mind and action mapping as well as software such as Articulate Storyline 360, Adobe Captivate, Microsoft Office, and Google Suites. I am also well-versed in instructional design models such as ADDIE and Experiential Learning.
As my career progresses, I continue to learn and grow with professional development, graduate school, and independent studies.
The longer Version
The process of learning both fascinates and excites me. The joy of seeing the ‘lightbulb’ turn on, or the data rolling into an LMS, is what motives me to continue to improve my ability to create engaging and exciting learning content.
The Beginning
With my love of learning and growth I began my journey with my bachelor’s degree in business and project management. I sought this degree in hopes that someday I use the skills I acquired in this program to manage large projects that would build new experiences and opportunities.
During this time, I gained experience in mentorship and tutoring that I found enjoyable and fulfilling. This led me into my master’s degree in teaching and learning.
Following this degree, I began teaching, which allowed me to see instructional design for the first time. As much as I enjoy teaching, I enjoy planning, making content, adapting material, and designing curriculum even more.
Redirection
When COVID19 hit and schools were shutdown, many educators received a crash course on online education. But not everyone was resolved to using a simple LMS to send worksheets.
I wanted to keep students engaged and excited, which inspired me to develop my digital classroom. This classroom still allowed student to interact with one another, play learning games, explore learning content, and access assignments.
This was the beginning of a passion that would grow into my love of instructional design. A love that has led me to my master’s program in learning experience design and educational technology for K12 and adult learners.
The Revelation
I explored even further into my new love and education by creating a digital gradebook and training, in hopes of improving teacher efficiency for my public school district.
I also designed a training for the same district that focused on the use and settings of Promethean Smartboards and software to improve engagement and interaction in the classroom. With this training, I had the opportunity to train the wonderful staff in-person.
In doing this, I quickly learned the value of data, prototyping, feedback, and mind mapping. While the school district experienced an increase in recording proficiency and Promethean product use.
The Landing
Leaving my teaching role to become an instructional designer was a decision rooted in my desire to expand the impact I could make through education. While teaching allowed me to positively influence the students in my classroom, I realized that instructional design offered the potential to reach many more learners beyond the physical boundaries of a school. By designing learning experiences for diverse audiences in various formats, I could contribute to education on a larger scale, using innovative tools and strategies to engage and support learners worldwide.
This transition allowed me to combine my passion for teaching with technology, ultimately creating opportunities for broader and more accessible learning, empowering people to grow in meaningful ways.
NSU Online
Once I gained the experience and knowledge needed to succeed, I was ready to find a place to grow and learn as a team. I found a company that values professional development, skill growth, and mentorship as they build their employees up. With a positive team atmosphere and a willingness to learn from success and triumph, I am confident I can thrive with my team.
In this role, I have been given many opportunities to grow and succeed. I have:
Completed the QM APPQMR certification and am currently working on my QM Reviewer Certification.
Redesigned the practical applications used in NSU’s LMS Training for Blackboard and Blackboard Ultra. (Traditional Vs. Competency-based) Increased learner participation, completion, and feedback
Assisted in the transition between LMSs
Helped Redefine NSU Online Course Design Process by creating an interactive Course Map, Interactive Time on Task Calculator, Interactive Course Design Project Management tracker, Communications using Chat, Meeting Notes process, and QM Rubric using Google Forms,
Designed the NSU Online Brochure and Email Flyer.
Taken part in ID onboarding process (Ask questions, provide insight, & Review resumes and profiles)
These opportunities are just the beginning of my growth as an ID at NSU. As I perform the duties outlined in my job description, I find room for growth and opportunities. I look forward to learning more each day while working towards my career goals.
How some of my SMEs REALLY feel about working with me.
University of Tulsa
At the University of Tulsa, I have been allowed to work with subject matter experts to design and launch online courses, including their new cutting-edge nursing program. I am also part of the efforts to reorganize their design process and support term prep for the coming semester. Since working at the University of Tulsa, I was allowed to redevelop the Nursing program roadmap course that guides learners through the nursing program process and ensures all steps are taken for success. Once launched, there was a staggering amount of positive feedback, including some from SMEs such as the following.
“The navigator course is truly exceptional. Thank you for all of your hard work making this helpful tool for our students. I think it is going to make the onboarding process to clinical/bootcamp much easier.”