As an instructional designer with more than 8 years experience, I consider myself a training solutions engineer. Like engineers in other fields, I design solutions using a systems approach. This approach results in blended learning experiences that enable the learning audience to work toward specific business goals.
I am equally skilled at providing instructor–led (both ILT and vILT) and computer–based (CBT) solutions. While not a professional graphic designer, I have mastered methods for producing aesthetically pleasing presentations. I combine these design skills with my knowledge of adult learning theory, exceptional writing skills and technical skills to produce results that positively impact the learning experience and ultimately produce business results. My style involves working openly with the development team, vendors and stakeholders to produce successful outcomes.
- Training Needs Analysis
- eLearning Development
- Captivate
- Training Delivery (In-Person and Online)
- Illustrator
- LMS
- Leadership Development
- Client Management
- Business Goals Alignment
- Evaluation
- Technical Communication
- Adult Learning Theory
- Project Management
- Copywriting
- Social Media
Consultant
Learning Strategist | 1080 Group, LLC | March 2011 – Present
Invited to partner with International online presentation (Webinar) guru, Roger Courville, to develop learning tools and strategies for his clients.
- Developed in-class and online workshop program, designed to be repurposed as needed to increase revenue opportunity.
- Researched and developed competitive battle card as a sales training job aid for a high-profile client’s product release, securing new work and expanded revenue opportunities.
- To help ensure persistent internet presence, authored articles to use in 1080 Group blog and also re‐purposed for soft skills toolkit on Webinar presentations (sample article).
- Managed go-to‐market product development and release of Rapid Webinar PowerPoint ™ Template, opening a new source of revenue.
Interactive Advertising Bureau | Technical Writer | Aug. 2011 – Present
The IAB is a non‐profit association that invited me to organize, design, write and rewrite industry standard guideline documentation developed to support engineers in the online advertising industry.
- Produced cleaner, easier‐to‐read documentation that appeals to existing and potential members, increasing member retention and new member growth.
- Ensured guidelines are the collaborative result of IAB members, improving adoption and ultimately enabling the flow of billions in advertising dollars toward digital advertising.
- Engaged members in competing businesses and solicited participation in working groups that shape industry guidelines to maximize member benefit and maintain or improve member retention.
Microsoft | eLearning Consultant | May 2011 – Nov. 2011
Designed and developed online learning to replace expensive in-‐person training for new clients and for the constant turnover of entry‐level positions under existing clients. Our goal was to channel the existing budget into more strategic training programs for increased end-user adoption.
- Produced 50 three-minute scripts plus conceptual imagery, screencast recording instructions and assessment questions for production development in 8 weeks, enabling the speedy launch of a phase 1 project that enabled training efforts to scale.
- Developed elearning in an engaging format to motivate customer audiences and maintain customer retention despite a shift from in‐person training to online training.
- Mentored training professionals inexperienced in developing elearning, helping them to produce quality results and more fully contribute to organizational success.
Appiro | Technical Writer/Editor | June 2011
Requested for one-month assignment to rewrite call center articles used in new cloud-based knowledge base.
- Exceeded article estimate by nearly 200%, enabling client to achieve a more complete system upon release and increasing the value offered in the client’s contract with Appirio.
- Took the initiative to assist other writers with template use and standard practices, increasing group productivity.
- Assisted instructional designer by providing writing samples designed to improve writing skills of client’s in‐house writers.
forProject Technology | Irving, TX (Remote)
Training Specialist | 2009 – 2011
Developed training plans, materials and documentation to support legacy and emerging technologies built to enhance Microsoft Project with performance management tools using Earned Value Management principles.
- Managed effort to build a training business around premium product to be offered as an enterprise solution for companies managing multi‐million dollar projects.
- Consulted and trained clients in large‐scale construction and aerospace engineering industries helping to ensure client adoption of forProject tools.
- Designed and drafted 5 manuals for legacy software, offering value for existing clients and ensuring customer retention.
- Developed graphically appealing slides, scripts and workshop activities designed for online delivery to clients of a new product. forProject’s updated suite of tools is estimated to significantly increase forProject’s market share and increase revenue by hundreds of millions.
Microsoft | Redmond, WA
Sr. Instructional Designer | Global Client Education | 2008 – 2009
Developed team standards for training development, mentored new instructional designers, and managed stakeholders–especially field trainers–as part of building a new program with improved training offerings and tracking metrics.
- Engineered customizable training modules for field-facing training, alleviating workload to maximize support of $200M+ business.
- Offered solution that would save more than $50,000 a year on a learning management system that provided better functionality.
- Supported field trainers responsible for more than 200 top tier clients each generating an average of $1.2M.
- Developed training materials designed to help trainers up-sell products during training.
- Managed projects and teams without direct authority to produce quality work delivered on time and within budget.
Sr. Instructional Designer | Atlas Learning | 2007 – 2008
Led field training development projects, mentored technical writers, and developed the knowledge and skills of a growing group.
- Reduced costs by more than $20,000 for each online learning module by personally developing online modules with available tools.
- Initiated a weekly tech‐talk on product features and underlying technology to develop team knowledge.
- Developed intermediate and advanced training to increase client interest in advanced tools and products, opening the door to increased revenue.
- Collaborated with and consulted technical and non‐technical teams to define business goals and assess learning needs, producing strategic training programs to support high profile product releases.
aQuantive (MSFT acquired August 2007)
Instructional Designer | Atlas Learning | 2006 – 2007
Developed e-learning programs to support premium product.
- Reduced field trainer time spent on repetitive Webinars by 75% by developing and publishing self-paced online training that reached more than 6,800 field clients.
- Delivered field training to top tier clients enabling sales account managers to close sales.
Technical Writer | Atlas | 2004 – 2006
Developed and maintained client-facing written materials.
- Enabled continued learning program development as interim training manager during a maternal leave of absence and later during transition to a new training manager.
- Completed training materials for revolutionary product facing field client base holding millions in potential revenue.
- Developed and delivered modal training for field trainers, technical support, sales, and clients on a new patented technology expected to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars as well as increase client base.
Technical Writer Intern | Atlas | 2003 – 2004
Developed and maintained online help for premium product.
- Edited first edition of modular training program designed to support an initial client base of more than 2,000.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication
University of Washington
Associate in Art and Science
Clark College | Vancouver, WA
Other Accomplishments
Instructional Designer/Developer
Langevin Learning Services
Competent Communicator
Toastmasters International
President, Toastmasters: Microsoft Impressions | 2007 – 2009
Founded corporate club to improve employees’ communication skills. Led educational programs and managed team of 6 officers to evangelize club benefits and lead quality meetings.
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