Professional Development for Federal Employees
Target Audience: Federal employees, including executive leaders, data analysts, grant management specialists, accountants, and more
Responsibilities: Instructional design through all phases of ADDIE
Tools Used: Xyleme, Powtoon, Vyond, Microsoft Excel, Regis SimGate
Development Time: From 2–12+ weeks
Overview • Experiential Learning and Storytelling • Project Management, Client Needs, and Stakeholder Communication • Excel-based Learning and Accessibility
Overview
I developed and updated a wide range of virtual and in-person courses across multiple domains, leading all phases of the ADDIE process to create engaging, learner-centered experiences. My approach combined:
- Collaboration with subject matter experts
- Agile project management to meet deadlines and budgets
- Iterative course improvement based on learner and stakeholder feedback
Each project started with a needs analysis, followed by mapping objectives, lessons, and assessments to ensure alignment. Development included technical writing, visual design, and eLearning authoring to produce guides, slides, videos, and interactive exercises.
To protect proprietary information, I focus here on showcasing my problem-solving approach, instructional strategies, and impact rather than sharing full course artifacts.
Experiential Learning and Storytelling
With an MFA in creative writing and a background in graphic design, I leverage storytelling and experiential learning to make complex concepts engaging and memorable.
HR Video Development (2-day course, 10+ weeks)
- Designed interactive, scenario-driven videos turning case studies into immersive narratives
- Supported active discussion and critical thinking by showing consequences of common mistakes
- Successfully overcame SME hesitation around video use, enhancing learner engagement compared to traditional lecture
Case Studies in Federal Grants Legislation
- Rewrote dense legal terminology for readability
- Introduced case-study teaching to immerse learners in chronological narratives of key court cases
- Added interactive discussions and scenario exercises to enhance experiential learning
Project Management, Client Needs, and Stakeholder Communication
As a former publicist, I bring meticulous project management and clear communication to every collaboration. I streamline processes while ensuring stakeholders are aligned, enhancing creative possibilities and driving successful outcomes.
Executive Leadership
Coming soon!
The Practical Applications of Data Ethics
Designed the inaugural federal data ethics course for the open enrollment market
- Partnered with SMEs and stakeholders to translate complex ethical frameworks into actionable, scenario-based learning
- Key actions:
- Maintained consistent stakeholder communication with clear action items
- Chunked content to align with terminal and enabling objectives
- Applied frameworks like NIST’s Risk Management Framework to make concepts practical
- Illustrated principles through real-world examples, covering bias, privacy, and AI
Excel-based Learning and Accessibility
Accessibility is central to my design approach. I ensure content is usable for all learners, including those with visible and invisible disabilities.
Accessibility in Financial Management
- Led course updates to ensure 508 compliance while teaching practical Excel-based skills
- Designed 30+ hands-on exercises and demos using real agency data
- Implemented best practices including:
- Clear instructions and structured data tables
- Meaningful titles, alt text, and document properties
- Avoidance of merged cells for accessibility
- Consistency with style guides and WCAG standards
Key Takeaways
Across all projects, I combine creativity, instructional design rigor, and technical expertise to create learner-centered, accessible, and engaging courses. I thrive in complex environments, translating client and learner needs into practical, scalable, and impactful learning experiences.