About Me
I am a Learning Experience Designer with over a decade of experience working for various public and private organizations. My approach to any project is to visualize the end goal and determine what success would look like for the learning audience. I collaborate closely with domain experts and stakeholders to ensure my clients achieve their objectives.
Turning Point Story
What Will I do Next?
Intentions
With fifteen years of dedicated experience in learning design, I stand at a pivotal moment in my professional journey. My application to the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology program at Full Sail University represents a continuation of my career path and a thoughtful evolution designed to expand my capabilities in an increasingly complex learning landscape.
I have developed expertise in creating effective learning experiences across various contexts throughout my career. As technology rapidly transforms educational paradigms, I recognize the need to deepen my understanding of emerging instructional technologies and innovative design methodologies. Full Sail University's reputation for blending theoretical foundations with practical, cutting-edge applications makes it the ideal environment for this next phase of my professional development.
My intentions for this program stem from three core objectives.
- I aim to expand my technical skill set beyond my current capabilities, particularly in adaptive learning systems, immersive technologies, and data-driven instructional design. I am especially interested in perfecting my audio and visual production skills, which are increasingly essential for creating engaging and effective modern learning experiences.
- I seek meaningful connections with fellow innovators and thought leaders in the field—both faculty and peers—who can challenge my thinking and introduce new perspectives.
- I intend to refine my expertise through the program's hands-on approach to complex instructional challenges.
The rapid acceleration of educational technology, particularly following global shifts in learning modalities, presents unprecedented challenges and opportunities for instructional designers. My extensive practical experience, combined with the advanced knowledge and skills offered through this program, will position me to make meaningful contributions to this evolving field.
I approach this opportunity with humility about what I have yet to learn and excitement about the collaborative innovation that awaits. I am prepared to fully engage with the rigorous curriculum and dynamic learning community at Full Sail University.
Inspiration
Frida Kahlo
"Always revolutionary. Never dead, never useless." (Kahlo, n.d.).
This quote resonates deeply with me as a manifesto for living authentically. What inspires me most about Kahlo is how she transformed her pain into powerful art, refusing to be defined by her physical limitations. Her quote encapsulates her defiant spirit—a reminder that true revolution begins within ourselves, in our refusal to become complacent or silent in the face of challenges. Kahlo teaches me that my voice and creative expressions remain alive and meaningful long after I'm gone. When I face obstacles, I think of Frida's unwavering commitment to her truth, politics, and art. Her legacy encourages me to embrace my uniqueness, speak up about what matters, and create work that carries meaning beyond myself—to be revolutionary in both thought and action like her.
Inspiration
Mel Robbins, Let Them Theory
“Focusing on what you can’t control makes you stressed. Focusing on what you can control makes you powerful.” (Robbins, 2023, p. 163)
"The Let Them Theory" centers on the concept that we waste enormous energy trying to manage others' perceptions, reactions, and feelings - things ultimately beyond our control. Robbins advocates for redirecting that energy toward your own actions, responses, and personal growth. The specific quote highlights a fundamental mindset shift in me: when I stop obsessing over uncontrollable external factors (others' opinions, past events, systemic challenges) and instead channel my attention to what I can directly influence (my habits, choices, responses), I reclaim my power and reduce unnecessary stress.
Professional Learning Network
Training Needs Analysis (TNA)
During week 2 of Strategies for Learning Engagement, we conducted a TNA for a two-week online certification course on learning theories and instructional design models.
View the full TNA here.
Reflections on Strategies for Learner Engagement
1. Thinking about all the assignments you did this month, which ones are you selecting to go into your online portfolio folder?
"I'm selecting all three key assignments that showcase my progression through this course. First, my Week 1 multimedia production using ScreenFlow and the tools from the LaunchBox turned out really well. Second, my Week 2 theoretical framework application where I mapped learning theories to practical design using Hierarchical Task Analysis is a different showcase of skill and one I haven't shared on my portfolio up to now. Finally, my Week 3 AI-enhanced instructional materials created with Adobe Premiere Pro showcase how I leverage cutting-edge technology to personalize learning experiences."
2. What does your selection(s) say about you as an instructional designer?
"These selections reveal me as an instructional designer who seamlessly integrates technology, theory, and innovation. They demonstrate my commitment to multisensory engagement through technology, my foundation in evidence-based learning theories, and my forward-thinking approach to AI integration. Together, they showcase my ability to transform traditional learning into experiences that are not just informative but truly engaging and personalized. Most importantly, they highlight my understanding that effective engagement isn't accidental but architecturally designed—a philosophy that guides all my instructional design work."
3. What skills did you learn this month? How can you best demonstrate those in your final portfolio?
"This month, I developed skills in immersive learning design, theoretical framework application, and AI-enhanced content creation. I can best demonstrate these in my final portfolio by creating a cohesive narrative that shows my progression from traditional to innovative approaches. For theoretical frameworks, I'll showcase how I applied self-determination theory and goal orientation theory to transform existing content. For AI integration, I'll include examples of personalized learning paths created with tools like Google Notebook LM and Articulate Rise. Throughout, I'll include reflective annotations explaining how each piece represents my evolving approach to creating learning that matters, transforms, and sticks."
Reflections on Corporate Training and Motivational Development
- Now that the class is over, how would you describe yourself as a presenter/trainer? Are you an expert, formal authority, personal model, facilitator, or delegator? Explain.
I'd describe myself as a **personal model** trainer. Instead of just explaining concepts, I showed participants how I actually approach things in real life. I shared examples from my own work—both the wins and the times I messed up—and walked them through my thinking process out loud.
Rather than acting like the all-knowing expert, I was more like "here's how I handle this situation" and "this is what I learned when I tried this approach." When people had questions, I'd often respond by showing them how I'd tackle the same problem, explaining my reasoning as I went.
I think this worked well because it felt more authentic and relatable. Participants could see that professional practice isn't about having all the answers—it's about having a thoughtful process and learning from experience. They seemed more engaged when they could observe real examples rather than just theoretical best practices.
While I did some facilitating during discussions, my main strength was demonstrating actual professional practices and being transparent about my own learning journey. It felt more natural to learn alongside participants by sharing my authentic experience rather than lecturing from a distance.
2. How does your Training Presentation Outline incorporate at least two principles of Adult Learning? (Text accessed through O'Reilly Learning).
My presentation incorporates several key adult learning principles:
1. Building on Prior Experience/Knowledge
I explicitly activate participants' existing knowledge by comparing the new digital interface to familiar manual control panels they already know. I also ask them to identify assembly process skills they believe will transfer to the new system. This connects new learning to their established expertise and validates their existing knowledge as valuable, which is crucial for adult learners who bring years of hands-on experience to the training.
2. Problem-Centered/Relevance to Work
The entire training is directly tied to their immediate work context - learning the Spectraforce robotic interface they'll actually use on the job. Rather than theoretical concepts, every element focuses on practical skills they need: identifying control zones, executing initialization sequences, and understanding safety indicators. The learning outcomes are specific to tasks they'll perform daily, making the training immediately applicable and relevant.
3. Active Participation/Learning by Doing
Instead of passive listening, participants actively engage throughout - they use a web simulator, take screenshots, annotate interface zones, and practice the initialization sequence themselves. This hands-on approach respects adult learners' preference for experiential learning and allows them to immediately apply what they're learning rather than just absorbing information.
The assessment also reinforces these principles by having them demonstrate actual competency with the system rather than just recall information, ensuring the learning translates to real workplace performance.
3. How did the project/assignment you selected for your Mastery Journal engage your adult learners during your training presentation?
My Spectraforce robotic interface training project shared above engaged adult learners through several key strategies:
Immediate Hands-On Application
Rather than just explaining the interface, I had participants access the actual web simulator during the session. They could immediately interact with the three control zones (status, controls, parameters) instead of passively watching. This direct engagement kept them active and allowed them to learn by doing, which adult learners prefer over theoretical explanations.
Real-World Relevance
The training focused entirely on skills they'd use immediately on the production floor. Every element - from identifying control zones to executing the initialization sequence - directly related to their daily work tasks. This immediate applicability kept participants motivated because they could see the direct value to their jobs.
Building on Their Expertise
I started by connecting the new digital interface to the manual control panels they already knew well. This validation of their existing knowledge engaged them by showing respect for their experience rather than treating them as blank slates. When I asked them to identify transferable assembly skills, it activated their professional expertise and made them active contributors to the learning process.
Interactive Problem-Solving
The screenshot annotation activity required them to actively demonstrate understanding rather than just listen. They had to identify, label, and explain each interface zone, which engaged their analytical thinking and ensured they were processing the information rather than just receiving it.
Success Story Integration
Sharing Tim Saltz's transition story provided peer credibility and showed that someone like them had successfully mastered this system, which helped reduce anxiety and increased engagement through relatable success modeling.
Reflections on Visual and Verbal Communication in Instructional Design
- Thinking about all the assignments you did this month, which ones are you selecting to go into your portfolio folder? List and describe why you selected it/them.
My Adobe Captivate Pickleball Course - I'm selecting this project as a strong portfolio piece because it demonstrates:
- My technical versatility: I successfully navigated an unfamiliar platform (Captivate vs. my usual Storyline), showing my adaptability and willingness to learn new tools
- My interactive design innovation: I created a custom menu system with rollover states and accordion-style animations that went beyond the basic requirements
- My multi-modal learning approach: I integrated visual elements, audio feedback, embedded web objects, and interactive assessments
- My user experience focus: I designed thoughtful navigation with consistent back-to-menu functionality and clear learner guidance
2. What skills did you learn this month?
- Advanced Navigation Programming: I learned to create custom menu systems with interactive buttons and state management
- Animation and Visual Design: I implemented ease-in animations, rollover states, and fluid transitions
- Web Integration: I mastered embedding external content using iframe code and web objects
- Audio Integration: I added contextual audio for instructions and feedback
- Assessment Design: I built interactive quizzes with multimedia feedback
- Cross-Platform Adaptation: I successfully transferred my skills from familiar tools (Storyline) to new platforms (Captivate)
3. How can you best demonstrate those in your final portfolio?
- Include the live, interactive version so reviewers can experience the navigation and states I programmed firsthand
- Document my design decisions - I'll explain why I chose to exceed the four-screen requirement and build a custom menu
- Show my process work - I'll highlight how I adapted my Storyline expertise to work in Captivate
- Emphasize my problem-solving - I'll discuss how I overcame my unfamiliarity with the platform
- Include my reflections on what I'd improve next time (like the repeating audio issue I identified and how I would use variables to fix it)
Reflections on Filmmaking Principles for Instructional Design
Thinking about all the assignments you did this month, which ones are you selecting to go into your portfolio folder?
I selected my Fine Cut video because it is the culmination of all the effort, time, and planning that we did this month in class. The storyboard was a close second, as it is the blueprint for the final product and my guide during the Assembly, Rough Cut, and Final stage of editing a production.
What does your selection(s) say about you as an instructional designer?
As a learning designer, I always begin with the end in mind. It's key to start development with clear measurements and a vision of what success looks like. To me, this 'How To' video exemplifies success for this class. I received amazing feedback from both my professor and peers, helping me become a better filmmaker, artist, and instructional designer.
What skills did you learn this month? How can you best demonstrate those in your final portfolio?
I developed several key technical and process skills that will strengthen my instructional design practice. I learned systematic Premiere Pro file organization and project management, including naming conventions, bin organization, and version control that made collaboration and revisions much more efficient. Through hands-on experience, I developed storyboarding skills specifically for instructional design, learning how detailed visual plans guide both production and editing decisions. I also gained foundational knowledge in lighting and camera angle selection, recognizing how these technical production choices directly impact instructional effectiveness, and mastered the multi-stage editing workflow from assembly through rough-cut to fine-cut phases. Additionally, I strengthened my ability to integrate peer feedback constructively and learned how thorough pre-production planning directly impacts post-production success. To best showcase these skills in my final portfolio, I can include the complete workflow from storyboard to final cut, featuring screenshots of my Premiere Pro organizational systems, before/after comparisons showing how peer feedback influenced my editing decisions, and a refined storyboarding template that incorporates technical notes for lighting and camera work. This approach will demonstrate both my technical proficiency and systematic approach to instructional video production—skills that are directly applicable to future instructional design projects.
Reflections on Digital Media and Learning Applications
1. Thinking about all the assignments you did this month, which ones are you selecting to go into your portfolio folder?
I'm definitely including my QR Code Digital Curation video for my portfolio. This project demonstrates my ability to bridge traditional learning environments (museums) with modern technology in an accessible way.
The video itself showcases multiple competencies: scriptwriting for adult learners, visual design principles, and most importantly, my understanding of how to make technology adoption less intimidating for professionals who may be hesitant about digital integration.
2. What does your selection(s) say about you as an instructional designer?
My selections reveal that I'm drawn to practical, real-world applications of instructional design. Rather than creating theoretical exercises, I chose to address an actual problem facing cultural institutions. This shows I value:
- User-centered design - I focused on museum staff's specific needs and constraints
- Technology as a tool, not the goal - QR codes aren't flashy, but they're accessible and solve real problems
- Bridging gaps - I enjoy helping traditional institutions embrace digital tools without losing their core mission
I see myself as a designer who prioritizes usability and adoption over complexity.
3. What skills did you learn this month? How can you best demonstrate those in your final portfolio?
This month I developed several key competencies:
Stakeholder Analysis: I learned to identify primary users (museum staff) and secondary beneficiaries (visitors) with different needs and comfort levels.
Micro-learning Design: The video format taught me to chunk complex processes into digestible segments. I'll showcase my storyboard and learning objective alignment.
Change Management: I gained insight into helping organizations adopt new technologies gradually. My portfolio will feature the implementation timeline and support materials I created.
Client Communication: I practiced translating technical concepts into language that museum administrators could understand and buy into. My portfolio will include PDFs of my "Mr. Smith" emails that demonstrate my ability to build rapport, manage expectations, and present solutions in terms of client benefits rather than technical features.
The QR code project perfectly demonstrates these skills because it required balancing technological innovation with institutional reality, This is exactly the kind of practical problem-solving that defines effective instructional design.
Reflections on Music and Audio for Instructional Design
1. Thinking about all the assignments you did this month, which ones are you selecting to go into your portfolio folder?
I'm including both the Adobe Audition quick tips video and that fairy tale audio syllabus.
Honestly, at first I thought maybe I should just pick one, but then I realized they tell such different stories about what I can do. The Audition video shows I can handle the bread-and-butter stuff - clear, practical software training that actually helps people. But that fairy tale syllabus? That's where I got to have some fun and really push what instructional design can be.
2. What does your selection(s) say about you as an instructional designer?
Looking at these two together, I think they show that I'm someone who can read the room. I know when to be straightforward and when to get creative. I'm not going to turn every tutorial into a fantasy epic, but I'm also not afraid to take risks when it makes sense.
I guess what I'm realizing about myself is that I get bored with one-size-fits-all solutions. The fairy tale syllabus especially; taking something as dry as a syllabus and making it actually engaging for Duke students - that felt really satisfying. It shows I'm willing to ask "why does it have to be this way?" even with traditional formats. This was a creative assignment and I appreciate how real-world this felt.
I also respect that sometimes people just need to learn how to remove background noise in Audition. Both approaches matter.
3. What skills did you learn this month? How can you best demonstrate those in your final portfolio?
This month was huge for audio production. I really got comfortable with editing, pacing, and thinking about how learning happens through sound rather than text.
I also learned a lot about storytelling as pedagogy. Turning concepts into narrative isn't just about being cute or entertaining, it actually helps information stick. The fairy tale forced me to think about structure, metaphor, and emotional engagement in ways I hadn't before.
For my final portfolio, I think the best move is to let these pieces speak for themselves but add some reflective commentary about why I made the choices I did. Maybe a short intro for each that explains my thinking, like what the audience needed, what constraints I was working with, and what I was trying to accomplish.
Reflections on Game Strategies and Motivation
1. Thinking about all the assignments you did this month, which ones are you selecting to go into your portfolio folder?
I'm selecting Creator's Quest: Gamifying the Content Creator Journey for my portfolio folder.
2. What does your selection say about you as an instructional designer?
Choosing Creator's Quest demonstrates that I design for real human behavior, not just content delivery. This isn't a gamified wrapper around traditional training—it's a complete reimagining of the learning experience that addresses the actual problem: creators getting stuck, overwhelmed, and giving up.
This selection shows I approach instructional design like an anthropologist. I identified the genuine pain points (decision paralysis, isolation, unclear progress markers) and designed game mechanics that directly address those barriers. The milestone system, mentor feedback loops, and community elements aren't decorative, they're behavioral interventions.
It also reveals that I prioritize measurable impact over aesthetic polish. Creator's Quest includes concrete success metrics: completion rates, milestone achievement, portfolio quality improvements. I don't just create engaging experiences; I create experiences that drive specific, observable changes in behavior and outcomes.
3. What skills did you learn this month? How can you demonstrate those in your final portfolio?
This month solidified my ability to:
- Apply game mechanics strategically rather than superficially. The quest structure, XP system, and unlockable content in Creator's Quest aren't gamification for engagement's sake—each mechanic solves a specific learning barrier.
- Design progression systems that sustain motivation. The tiered milestone structure (Novice to Master Creator) provides both immediate wins and long-term goals, addressing the motivation challenges that typically derail content creators.
- Create feedback loops that drive iteration. The mentor review system and community showcase aren't just social features, they're designed to help learners recognize quality and improve their work through comparison and critique.
For my final portfolio, Creator's Quest demonstrates these skills through its complete ecosystem design, showing I can think beyond individual lessons to create sustained learning experiences. The documented behavior change outcomes (creators moving from paralysis to published content) prove I can design for real-world application, not just course completion.
Reflections on Learning Management Systems and Organization
1. Thinking about all the assignments you did this month, which ones are you selecting to go into your portfolio folder? List and describe why you selected it/them. I'm selecting the LMS Module Video with Content Map (Ethical AI Prompt Engineering) because it demonstrates multiple high-value skills in one integrated package. The content map shows my ability to visualize complex learning architecture—six modules, progressive credentialing, clear learning outcomes tied to measurable business impact—all on a single scannable page. The video demonstrates my ability to translate that visual design into clear stakeholder communication, explaining pedagogical rationale, platform decisions, and modular structure in accessible language. Together, these artifacts prove I can both design sophisticated learning experiences AND communicate the "why" behind my decisions to executives, SMEs, and implementation teams. This is critical for independent consulting—clients need to see that I can think strategically about learning design while also presenting solutions confidently. 2. What skills did you learn this month? Video Scripting for Instructional Design Explanation I learned how to structure a script that moves seamlessly between big-picture concepts (the full learning journey) and granular details (Module 1 breakdown) while maintaining narrative flow. This required balancing technical accuracy with accessibility—explaining my behavior-focused methodology and platform decisions without alienating non-ID audiences. Platform Evaluation & Migration Rationale I developed the ability to articulate platform decisions based on learner context rather than just feature lists. Moving from TalentLMS to SC Training wasn't about one being "better", it was about mobile-first design meeting the actual workflow constraints of healthcare professionals. This skill translates directly to client conversations where I need to justify tool recommendations with evidence. Visual Communication for Learning Architecture Creating the content map reinforced my skills in visual hierarchy, information design, and stakeholder communication. I had to compress 4.75 hours of learning content, six modules, multiple assessment types, badges, and measurable outcomes into one scannable page without losing clarity or professional polish. Multimodal Content Presentation I learned to present the same instructional design in multiple formats for different consumption needs: visual (content map for quick scanning), verbal (video for presentation contexts), and written (transcript for documentation). This mirrors real consulting scenarios where I need to present to different stakeholders with different preferences. 3. How can you best demonstrate those in your final portfolio? I'll present the video, content map, and blog post together as a complete portfolio case study with this structure: Challenge: Communicate a complex microcredential design to multiple audiences: academic evaluators, potential healthcare clients, and learning design peers—while demonstrating behavior-focused methodology and strategic platform decisions. Process: -Designed visual content map showing complete learning journey with progressive credentialing -Developed video script balancing overview with Module 1 deep dive and platform rationale -Wrote thought leadership blog post positioning the work within broader healthcare training challenges -Created transcript for accessibility and documentation Artifacts: A. Content map PDF (visual reference for stakeholders) B. 3:29 video walkthrough (presentation/communication) C. Blog post (thought leadership and market positioning) Transcript (documentation/accessibility) Outcome: Multi-format communication package that demonstrates I can design training AND position it strategically for different audiences and purposes. Portfolio Context: I'll include a brief reflection explaining that this trio demonstrates a critical consulting skill: adapting the same instructional design for different stakeholder needs. The content map provides the quick visual scan executives need. The video delivers the presentation format for academic or client meetings. The blog post establishes thought leadership and serves as marketing collateral that positions my methodology against competitors who offer generic compliance training. This demonstrates that my behavior-focused methodology isn't just about learner experience, it's how I approach all professional communication. I design for how people actually consume information: clients skim blog posts before deciding to contact consultants, executives want one-page visuals they can share with their teams, and academic evaluators need to see I can present work professionally. Each format serves its purpose while maintaining the same core message about designing for what people DO, not just what they know.
Credits:
Created with images by MRSUTIN - "A pair of hands are typing on a laptop keyboard. The background is abstract shapes in orange and green tones." • DK_2020 - "A digital art collage featuring app icons online course materials and virtual meeting screens highlighting the modern virtual learning environment" • sofiart - "Vintage Frida Decoration" Digital Art, Emily Green, Procreate, RISD