As a learning designer I act as a facilitator, guide, and solution architect, helping instructors not only to feel empowered to teach in an online space, but also to create well-designed and thoughtful courses that prioritize the student experience and learning.
In recent years, my practice as an instructional designer has developed through formal training, research and reflection, and one-on-one collaborations with instructors across colleges and programs. I work with instructors to design synchronous and asynchronous courses using evidence-based research and best practices as our touchpoint. My ability to understand the instructor experience and sincere passion for inclusive student-centered learning are informed by nearly twenty years of face-to-face, synchronous, and asynchronous teaching at universities throughout the United States.
When you work with me you can expect to find a creative, curious, and reflective collaborator, an organized project manager who keeps track of progress toward our established goals, a trusted ally and supporter, and a focus on a person-first approach, which means that I am always considering our work together from both the instructor and the student perspectives.
I have a PhD from Ohio State University in Latin American Cultural Studies with a minor in Gender Studies and a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, both with minors in Women’s Studies, from Loyola University Chicago. Born and raised in Chicago, I have lived in Ohio, Michigan, Mississippi, and, most recently, Texas. I have also had the opportunity to conduct research and study in Spain, Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru.
When I am not working, you can usually find me on my treadmill (it’s too hot to run outside in Texas!), playing baseball (albeit poorly) or baking with my three kids, or cozying up with a good book or horror film.