Hi, I'm Jen!
I’m passionate about creating elearning experiences that delight learners.
Have you ever taken a compliance training course, and wished it was over? Maybe you’ve thought to yourself, “Why is it making me listen to this thing I already know? I’ve read the slide faster than the speaker is speaking. I don’t even have to listen to this to get an 80% at the end of the course.” I’ll let you in on a not-so-secret secret. Those trainings are not designed with the learner or learning in mind. They are designed with compliance in mind. Which makes me wonder, why is compliance important if no one is learning anything? That remains a mystery to me.
Personally, I don’t believe in compliance trainings. I believe in creating learning experiences that respect learners. I won’t ever get tired of figuring out ways to connect with learners, and make sure that they have fun.
In my career, I've had the opportunity to be a part of inspiring teams throughout the US. I worked with international non-profits, and I've supported and trained teachers and facilitators. I am the first female in my family (for generations) to attend college and then graduate school. I have always had an intrinsic motivation to learn. I love finding the intersection of technology and education.
Authoring tools, like Articulate Storyline, Rise, are my creative playground. I’m a Canva fanatic. I peruse fonts, color profiles and vector graphics for fun.
So let’s work together and have some fun!
Specialties: Project Management, Content creation, Adult Learning Theory, eLearning, Curriculum Design, Graphic Design, Voice over work, Interpersonal skills
Software Skills
eLearning Development
Articulate Storyline, Articulate Rise,
Learning Management Systems
Cornerstone, Moodle, Canvas
Video Editing
Adobe Premiere, Camtasia, Vyond, Screencastify, WeVideo
Audio Editing
Audacity, Garage Band, and Soundtrap
Graphic Design and Photo Editing
Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Canva
Project Communication
Microsoft Office programs, Google Suite, Zoom, Slack, Mailchimp
Career Progression
Darkness to Light- Remote, International Non-profit
Instructional Technologist
February 2021 - April 2023
Project Managed hybrid international training through collaboration with subject matter experts from Bermuda (including video development and editing, branched scenarios, customizable journal entries for participants, and debrief facilitator script and processes)
Problem solved facilitator issues by developing a train-the-trainer asynchronous eLearning course and materials (scripts, fillable pdfs, simulation, assessment) for facilitators connecting rationale for training choices through adult learning principles
Maintained 80% approval rate on course formatting and engagement from data from surveys given to all participants (National and international audiences)
Organized and presented department procedures and processes, to entire organization, through project management systems, and virtual presentations
CrowdDoing - Worldwide Volunteer organization
Instructional Designer
2020 - 2021
Demonstrated self-management skills by working autonomously on content development (infographics, vector images, eLearning modules) for future product marketing to various audience types by implementing adult learning principles
Ability to analyze and convert technical research from Subject Matter Experts (public health data-scientists) and writing biological processes for marketing to various audience types
Collaborate (virtual meetings, Slack communication, and Trello) various teams: UX design, sales, instructional design, and public health on the "Foods as a Medicine" project, using ADDIE as a process
Valley View School District – Romeoville, IL
Instructor
2019 – 2021
Proactively spearheaded a district curriculum development revamp to a virtual format with updated learning initiatives. Changed the sequence of topics for the curriculum development, adding music technology, anti-racist topics, and prioritizing consistency in visual design
Demonstrated project management skills by facilitating virtual training meetings (Zoom) for the district music department to use audio loop-based software (Soundtrap), and create innovative virtual gamification content using design concepts (Google Slides, Google docs, and Canva)
Create engaging instructional videos with screencasting (WeVideo and Screencastify) to teach new software (Soundtrap), and customizable virtual notebooks (Google Slides) to over 1000 students. Reception of various learning solutions from users was overall 90% positive based on surveys (Google forms)
Memorial Junior High School – Lansing, IL
Instructor/ Choir Director
2017 – 2019
Designed monthly e-newsletter with Saas (Mailchimp) for the choir department using metrics from surveys to influence future account management and scheduling
Proven track record of excellent communication skills by partnerships with staff, parents, students, and community members through email, and LMS integration
Increased student choir participation by 150%. Survey distribution was a part of the needs analysis process. Analytics and student leadership drove the increase.
Stages Bloomington – Bloomington, IN
Instructional Designer
2016 – 2017
Design and develop training curriculum for Instructor-led training (Drama Introduction for preschool-aged children) to aid in product marketing
Demonstrated ability to collaborate and follow up through implemented feedback from board members to modify training with best practices
Piloted training presentation as a facilitator in various preschool settings to obtain formative data (reactions, engagement, participation) from the target audience for future sales and account management
Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music Education – Bloomington, IN
Administrative Assistant
2015 – 2016
Oversaw knowledge management completion of data organization for a professor’s study on “Impact of Reflection on Music Practice”
Transcribed audio and video clips as data points into Excel documentation throughout the life cycle of the project
Created a positive customer service experience with best practices to aide in sales for Jacobs School of Music information booth at 2015 Illinois Music Educator Conference
Education
Masters of Arts in Instructional Design
Graduation in Fall 2024 (in progress)
Utah State University - Online
Instructional Design Certification
Nov 2020
Linkedin Learning Path
Master of Science in Music Education
June 2017
Indiana University - Bloomington, IN
Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance
January 2013
San Jose State University – San Jose, CA
