A Michigander by birth, I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelors in K-12 Art Education and have been an educator for 19 years. Most of that has been in the art room; however, I also have experience as a classroom teacher for autistic children,  5th grade,  7th grade science, teaching special effects makeup, facilitating adult painting events, and facilitating adult improv comedy classes. Yep, you read those last few correctly. Exceptionally funny, artistic, and intelligent!

Not one to shy away from professional and personal growth, I am currently engaged in eLearning courses to assist in bridging the gap from classroom teacher to Learning Designer for a corporation such as yours. Why “Learning Designer” as opposed to “Instructional Designer”? Because the learner should come first.

In the art room, my passion for building strong critical thinkers and problem solvers was evident. I worked tirelessly building a choice based curriculum in order to engage even the most resistant learner using andragogical methodologies focusing on self-directed, experiential, and project-based learning practices. My passion towards my instructional philosophy, create independent critical thinkers and problem solvers, helped grow a 9 week, rotating course into a year-long elective course with a waiting list. I also had the honor of presenting my curriculum and strategies for project management, organization, and assessment at state conferences for other art educators, as well as being invited to ASU as a guest speaker for a curriculum and assessment course.

What sets me apart? My experience in increasing engagement and, therefore, retention while helping create independent critical thinkers and problem-solvers for the workforce. 

My professional strengths include:
– Experience as an in-person and virtual facilitator covering various interests and topics
– Collaborating with various professionals
– Utilizing ADDIE and Bloom’s taxonomy
– Utilizing backward design
– eLearning design
– Understanding learning objectives and how they drive instruction
– Assessment creation
– Analysis of assessment in order to drive learning objectives
– Experience with Canvas LMS, SmartBoard, MS Office Suite, Google Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Articulate 360, and WordPress
– Video production
– Creative individual with a strong sense of design
– Effective written and verbal communication
– Strong interpersonal skills
 – Project management