For five years, I worked as a band director, where I learned how to take something complex, break it into manageable pieces, and help learners build the confidence to put those pieces together.

Teaching also showed me that there’s rarely one approach that works for everyone. Every learner brings different experiences, strengths, and challenges to the table. That perspective continues to shape my work today and is why learner-centered design is at the heart of how I approach instructional design.

After leaving the classroom, I moved into education technology and currently work as an eLearning Support Specialist, supporting the development of online courses for university nursing programs. Along the way, I’ve continued building my skills through graduate study and hands-on instructional design projects. I especially enjoy the challenge of taking complex or overwhelming information and transforming it into learning that feels clear, approachable, and useful.

I’m also a firm believer that great learning doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Whether I’m working with educators, subject matter experts, or other members of a project team, I value collaboration, curiosity, and feedback. I like asking questions, understanding the why behind a problem, and working with others to find a solution that meets both the learner’s needs and the organization’s goals.

Outside of work, one of my favorite creative outlets is baking. I love that it requires both creativity and precision—there’s room to experiment, but the details still matter. I approach instructional design in much the same way. I enjoy experimenting with interactions, visuals, and new ideas while ensuring every design decision serves a purpose. A learning experience shouldn’t just look good; it should help someone do something better.

When I’m not designing, learning, or baking something new, you can usually find me watching Chicago Bears football or spending time with my husband and our two cats, Minnie and Blu.