Live Training Solutions

I recently managed the development of ATD’s new Instructional Design Certificate program from concept to launch. The process began with a needs assessment, where I reviewed customer feedback, analyzed market trends, and drafted a concept brief to present to stakeholders. After securing buy-in, I recruited and hired instructional designers and SMEs, and project managed the development of facilitator guides, participant materials, and assessments. Our ISD had to leave the project early, and I stepped in to take on the ID role as well as the project manager role. I collaborated closely with editorial and creative teams to ensure the final content was polished, accessible, and aligned with adult learning principles. On the technical side, I partnered with the ed tech team to configure the LMS and learning platform, ensuring a seamless learner experience. To deliver the program, I scheduled and supported the pilot in coordination with operations, and partnered with marketing to craft a go-to-market strategy and website launch. Throughout the project, I led cross-functional status updates, monitored risks, and adjusted workflows to maintain quality and timeline. The program was delivered as both in-person and virtual instructor-led training, providing flexibility for diverse learners. We measured success through participant feedback, facilitator evaluations, and early enrollment data, which demonstrated strong demand and high satisfaction ratings. The result was a scalable, revenue-generating certificate program that filled a critical skill gap in the marketplace while strengthening ATD’s education portfolio.

Context / Client Need: I was contracted through Synergy Consulting to design a 90-minute DEI workshop for a client company of ~200 employees, including C-Suite executives. The request included a facilitator PowerPoint deck and a participant workbook. The challenge: I was given very little background information, limited access to subject matter experts, and minimal time for a formal needs analysis. The expectation was that I would quickly design a complete, engaging training solution. Problem: The client needed an impactful, interactive DEI session to reach the entire company, from staff to senior leadership. There was little up-front direction or detail about audience needs, specific DEI priorities, or existing knowledge gaps. I had to create facilitator and participant materials that worked “out of the box” — clear enough for a consultant to deliver smoothly, but substantive enough to engage a high-level audience. Solution / My Approach: Drew on my instructional design expertise and professional knowledge of DEI best practices to build the core structure of the workshop. Designed the PowerPoint deck to guide facilitation with clear discussion prompts, case examples, and interactive checkpoints. Created a participant workbook with reflection activities, scenario-based exercises, and space for personal action commitments. Focused on building interaction into the design, so the session wasn’t just presentation but active dialogue. Incorporated feedback from the Synergy consultant after an initial draft to refine tone, flow, and emphasis. Outcome / Results: Delivered a turn-key training package (facilitation deck + workbook) that met the client’s request without needing heavy SME input. The consultant was able to successfully deliver the workshop to all 200 employees, including executives. Post-delivery feedback indicated the materials were engaging, professional, and well-structured, and employees appreciated the chance to reflect and contribute.

Context / Client Need: Contracted through Synergy Consulting, I was asked to create three complete webinar presentations for the Women’s Higher Learning Forum, an all-day professional development event for higher education leaders and staff. The topics included: 1. Advancing Cultural Competency Within Institutions 2. Exploring the Power of Gender Diversity in Higher Education 3. Allyship & Advocacy The deliverables required: -Presentation decks for each session -Interactive participant worksheets -Detailed speaker notes to guide facilitation Problem: The client provided only broad speaking points, with minimal content or subject matter expertise available. Each session needed to resonate with a higher-education audience who were already familiar with DEI concepts, meaning the content had to feel substantive and research-based, not superficial. Materials had to be designed so that different facilitators could pick them up and present effectively, even without deep preparation. Solution / My Approach: Leveraged my knowledge of instructional design and DEI in education to create content that was both academically credible and highly engaging. Structured each session around key learning objectives, aligning activities and discussion points to ensure clarity and flow. Designed PowerPoint decks with a balance of theory, case studies, and reflective questions to engage participants. Developed interactive worksheets with scenario-based prompts, reflection questions, and action-planning exercises participants could apply to their own institutions. Wrote facilitator speaker notes that included timing cues, suggested transitions, and sample discussion responses — ensuring any presenter could deliver confidently. Built in interactive elements (polling, breakout discussion prompts, application exercises) to prevent “webinar fatigue” during an all-day virtual event. Outcome / Results: Delivered three complete training packages (deck + worksheet + notes) that were ready for immediate use. The webinars were presented to a higher-ed professional audience, who provided positive feedback on the clarity and applicability of the content. The client appreciated the turn-key design: materials required little revision and could be reused or adapted for future events.

Context / Client Need: Contracted through Synergy Consulting, I was asked to design a full-day onboarding training for all managers at SERCAP. The client requested a program that would align closely with their existing employee handbook, but deliver it in a way that was practical, engaging, and useful for managers overseeing new hires. Deliverables included a participant workbook, a facilitator agenda, and presentation materials. Problem: The organization had strong handbook documentation, but it was text-heavy and not easy to translate into training. Managers needed more than policy awareness — they needed tools, scenarios, and activities to help them practice onboarding responsibilities. I was given minimal SME support, which meant I had to transform the handbook into learning experiences largely on my own initiative. Solution / My Approach: Content Development: Extracted key policies, processes, and values from the handbook and reorganized them into logical training modules (e.g., company culture, compliance, performance management, ethics, team leadership). SERCAP Manager Training: Facilitation Design: Created a full PowerPoint deck with guidance for trainers, including case studies, interactive scenarios, and decision-making activities (e.g., handling harassment reports, managing team conflict, ethics inventories). Participant Materials: Designed a comprehensive workbook with worksheets, guided reflections, and scenario-based exercises that encouraged managers to apply concepts to their own teams. Agenda & Flow: Structured the day with a mix of presentation, small-group activities, and reflection to maintain engagement across multiple topics. Outcome / Results: Delivered a turn-key training package that allowed the consultant to run a full-day onboarding program without needing extensive prep. Managers walked away with practical tools, worksheets, and scenarios they could apply directly to their roles. The client praised the materials as clear, comprehensive, and reusable, and they continue to serve as the foundation for onboarding manager training at the organization.