Learning Strategy & Instructional Design
Absolutely—here’s a revised version of the overview that aligns more closely with the warm, clear, and grounded tone from your IMG cover letter:
In my current consulting role at nectar.inc, I work with colleges and universities to rethink what online and hybrid learning can look like—across fields as varied as Cybersecurity, Public Health, Commerce, and Digital Storytelling. I lead the design of learning experiences that are not only accessible and outcomes-driven, but also genuinely engaging for students and sustainable for faculty.
Much of this work involves translating complex, often unfamiliar content into something students can connect with. I draw on my background in creative writing, instructional design, and coaching to bring structure, clarity, and just the right tone to each project. Whether I’m building a course design kit, writing student-facing copy, or helping a stressed-out SME get unstuck, I try to keep things collaborative, purposeful, and human.
I’ve also led the development of interactive assets using tools like Articulate 360, Brightspace, Canvas, H5P, and Synthesia. A recent highlight: I partnered with Dr. Dhananji Amaratunge (Director of Microsoft Security Copilot) to design gamified study tools for a cybersecurity course—turning routine content review into a space for curiosity, reflection, and skill-building.
The assets below reflect what I love most about this work: learning new things, building trust with smart and passionate people, and creating experiences that help students feel more capable, connected, and in control.
Featured Projects
Dr. Carr’s Story Slam Challenge
Institution: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Tools Used: Articulate Rise, Canva
Overview: A 5-week asynchronous course designed to help medical students and staff craft personal narratives to combat burnout, enhance communication skills, grow patient-provider relationships, and improve healthcare outcomes. These narratives serve both personal and professional purposes, from medical residency applications to public speaking, helping learners articulate their "why" with clarity and conviction. I have adapted it for in-person with high school juniors writing college application essays and tweens in the GIRLS, Inc. summer programming.
View Project
Cybersecurity Crossword Challenge
Institution: CUNY / Microsoft Security Copilot
Tools Used: H5P, Brightspace
Overview: Weekly interactive crossword puzzles and a companion study guide designed to gamify content review and enhance metacognitive skills in cybersecurity education. The audience included non-traditional learners often navigating academic barriers, low technical confidence, and limited study skills. By combining creative technology with a focus on learning habits, this project equips students to push beyond their comfort zones and become lifelong learners.
Try a Crossword
COMMence Program for 2nd Year Students
Institution: University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce
Tools Used: Canvas, Synthesia, H5P
Overview: A comprehensive co-curricular program for 400 incoming 2nd-year students. COMMence includes three asynchronous welcome modules, a two-day in-person conference, and a follow-up Canvas course to prepare students for academic and professional success. Content includes Synthesia-generated avatar videos on self-awareness, growth mindset, CliftonStrengths, and the LASSI; H5P interactive activities like flashcards and drag and drop quizzes, and multimedia content on LinkedIn profiles, SMART goals, personal branding, and Odyssey Life Planning. This project exemplifies my experience leading end-to-end product development: from ideation to initiation to implementation.
View CourseCybersecurity Crossword
COMMence Assets
These three assets highlight key elements of my design work for the COMMence Program at UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce. Together, they show how I approach learning experience design—from high-level strategy to on-the-ground student engagement.
The Experience Mapping slide deck offers a clear visual of the learner journey and how each phase aligns with student needs and institutional goals.
The Creative Brief defines the program’s visual and narrative identity, shaping how students experience COMMence across platforms and formats.
The 16Personalities Worksheet is a practical, student-facing tool that brings these ideas to life—inviting learners to reflect and connect with the program from the very start.
COMMence Mapping
Type: Slide Deck (PDF)
Description: The COMMence Experience Mapping document provides a visual and narrative blueprint of a learner journey that spans three key phases: "pre-conference" online modules, an in-person conference, and an online course. The Experience Map also illustrates intentional design alignment, linking each learning activity to specific learner needs, institutional goals, and long-term success metrics.
View Experience Mapping SlidesCOMMence Creative Brief
Type: PDF Worksheet
Description: The COMMence Creative Brief outlines the branding and creative direction. The brief defines a visual and narrative identity that is modern, motivating, and inclusive. This brief guided the development of multimedia learning assets, print collateral, and digital content—ensuring a cohesive experience across all program touchpoints, from Canvas modules to in-person workshops and follow-up courses.
Open Creative Brief16Personalities Worksheet
Type: PDF Resource
Description: This downloadable worksheet helps students reflect on their mindset, values, and goals before beginning the program. The 16Personalities Assessment supports self-awareness and connects personality insights to academic and career development. The handout encourages students to begin the program with focus and purpose, setting up deeper engagement throughout.
View 16Personalities WorksheetAI-Generated Avatar Videos
These AI-generated avatar videos are part of the asynchronous COMMence modules, introducing students to LASSI, CliftonStrengths, and the five student success competencies. I managed the full end-to-end production—from crafting on-brand scripts and designing learning experiences to working directly in Synthesia to create and generate the videos. Throughout the process, I incorporated stakeholder feedback and ensured the content stayed on brand, aligning with the institutional mission and vision, program goals, and audience needs. This work demonstrates how AI tools can deliver foundational concepts in a consistent, scalable, and learner-centered way, combining multimedia storytelling with adult learning principles and reflective practice.
Intro to the LASSI
Type: AI-Generated Avatar Video
Description: This video introduces the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) as a personal check-in, helping students reflect on how they approach learning—what’s working, what’s not, and where they might want to grow. It sets the tone for COMMence by framing learning as a skill that can be developed.
Watch LASSI VideoIntro to CliftonStrengths
Type: AI-Generated Avatar Video
Description: This video introduces students to CliftonStrengths as a way to build language around what energizes them—and how they learn and lead best. Framed as a tool for reflection, not labeling, the video helps students start thinking about how to bring their strengths into team settings and the broader COMMence experience.
Watch CliftonStrengths VideoSuccess Competencies
Type: AI-Generated Avatar Video
Description: This video introduces five core competencies that shape the COMMence experience: self-awareness, direction, growth mindset, community, and resourcefulness. It invites students to reflect on where they are now—and where they want to grow—using language that supports both academic and personal development.
Watch Competencies Video