Senior Instructional Designer - Learning and Development Specialist
Resume
Designs Compelling Videos & Content to Build End User Skills & Knowledge
Dedicated instructional designer that has established multiple robust eLearning programs that align with the learning and development goals of organizations. Recognized as a dynamic coach and trainer and won “Best Team” designation at Insignia Federal for work at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Achieved high customer satisfaction ratings by creating clear and concise eLearning content and designing engaging videos and training modules that enhance performance and elevate user experience. Specifically requested by stakeholders at NSF to handle their learning projects because of a proven track record of building strong relationships and ensuring a smooth project development process. Easily handle learning projects from start to finish using ADDIE, SAM and adult learning principles. Portfolio encompassing 50+ courses, each customized to individual client specifications.
Core Competencies
Instructional Design | Learning & Development | Content Creation | Program Development |
Project Management | Team Leadership & Coaching | Technical/Business Requirements | Curriculum Planning | Stakeholder Engagement
Professional Experience
Insignia Federal Group, McLean, VA
Senior Instructional Designer - Contract with the National Science Foundation (10/2015 - 03/2025)
Built a successful eLearning program at NSF that increased skills and knowledge of internal and external audiences and supported NSF organizational goals. Recognized by NSF staff with many positive reviews on products delivered. Heightened the reputation of Insignia Federal by always having a positive collaborative attitude with NSF subject matter experts, and consistently delivering year after year high-quality content, 508-compliant instructional materials, explainer videos, eLearning courses, micro-learning videos for quick access to tools, and revisions to existing training to meet current standards and best practices. Contributed to a lower IT service desk call volume by addressing the training needs of external audiences numbering in the tens of thousands for specific tools that NSF deployed (namely Research.gov). Played key role in attracting emerging STEM talent by creating compelling videos and courses for the Graduate Research Fellowship Program. The learning products contributed to a reduction in application submission errors, improved the response of reference letter writers, and helped the reviewers fairly assess applications. Solidified knowledge of conflict of interest principles of NSF senior staff by creating a new conflict of interest eLearning course each year over 10 years to keep the content fresh and engaging.
Axiom Resources Management, Falls Church, VA
Senior Instructional Designer - Contract with the National Science Foundation (08/2014 - 10/2015)
Hired to deploy new authoring software (Articulate Storyline and Camtasia), champion course development methods such as SAM to expedite production and improve eLearning course quality. Improved processes resulted in a contract renewal with the stipulation of keeping the existing team for next contract. Designed curriculum and taught in-person MS Excel classes for beginners and intermediate on a quarterly basis; recognized for high attendance and attendee satisfaction scores. Mentored and coached new instructional designers on the team to continue with high-quality learning product delivery.
American Red Cross, Washington, D.C.
Technical Training Manager & Project Lead (10/2000 - 07/2014)
Led training team through the end-to-end project development and launch of user documentation and facilitation of courses for the implementations and upgrades of enterprise software such as Oracle Financials, ADP, Concur, SuccessFactors, and HRIS systems. Developed and implemented the project training plans for all enterprise software projects that resulted in 30K employees working nationally to learn the new tools and processes for their job. Managed a team of 4 trainers that developed user documentation and facilitated in-person classes for each project. Spearheaded change initiative to guide the organization in transitioning from in-person classes to online engagement of webinars, e-learning and micro-learning, ultimately expanding reach while saving money and time in delivery. Improved user experience while reducing call volume of user issues by working directly with customer support to address any gaps in existing learning materials. Left in 2006 and rehired to work part-time from 2008 to 2014.
IntelliDyne, LLC, Vienna, VA
Professional Development Manager (06/2006 - 06/2008)
Joined as the first incumbent in this role to build a new training and professional development office and position the organization to meet quality standards. Formalized the training function to help organization compete for larger contracts. Achieved 100-point score on the establishment of the professional development office in compliance with CMMI Level 3 standards within first year of hire. Developed all the eLearning modules to bring organization up to CMMI level 3 standards. Upgraded management’s soft skills by implementing and delivering HR training such as Behavioral Interviewing and SuccessFactors to improve culture and performance. Collaborated on rolling out a custom Learning Management System (LMS) to track internal/external staff training as well as their licenses and certifications.
Additional Relevant Experience
Just Fur Pets, LLC, Springfield, VA
Owner and Operator (06/2008 - 05/2014)
Took over distressed retail business and made it profitable by increasing hours of operations and adding services. Scaled team from 3 to 13 and propelled revenue from $150K to $750K over a 6-year span. Sold business at a profitable margin.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Nebraska | Omaha, NE
Bachelor of Commerce (B Com), Finance, McGill University | Montreal, Canada
Certifications
Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance, American University, Washington, D.C.
Master’s Certificate in Project Management, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Technical Skills
Articulate Storyline, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Audition), Camtasia, Powtoon, WellSaid Labs