About Me

Education from an early age

I have been passionate about education since I was eight years old and decided to create a neighborhood library with my personal books. I created a whole system that included a card catalog. Unfortunately, no neighborhood kids were interested, but I did learn that I was destined to be an educator.

I began tutoring elementary school students while I was still in high school. I went on to coach youth basketball for 10 years. I found my true calling for training when I joined Aquia Harbour Volunteer Rescue Squad (AHVRS) in 2002. I contemplated becoming a nurse during those early years but quickly learned that I was drawn to the shifts where there was an EMT or a driver in training. I wanted to train. I joined the training committee and helped new EMTs to reach their potential. I became the elected Onboarding Specialist where I recruited and retained new members who would eventually go on to become EMTs and Emergency Vehicle Operators. I am now in the process of taking my experience and moving some of the onboarding training to an eLearning module.

Community Outreach

I participate in community education as a volunteer EMT.

Hands On, Engaging Learning

A co-worker and I are getting materials ready for my favorite science lesson: hatching ducklings in an incubator. I have since created an eLearning module for teachers interested in hatching chicks in their classrooms.

My own education

During my experience with AHVRS, I attended Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to obtain my BA in English and my Master of Teaching. I spent the next 12 years as an Elementary School Teacher in three different counties around Virginia. During my tenure as a teacher, I achieved a 90% or greater pass rate for all of my students in reading every year. I also was the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) lead for my school. I led the team of seven faculty from grades K-5 to align instruction and close learning gaps across grade levels.

One of my most passionately pursued projects was creating and leading The Green Team after I was appointed the Sustainability Coordinator. I led a team of four faculty members to guide a team of 70 student members to create sustainable initiatives within our school. We were able to double our recycling output and reduce overall energy usage.

Changes in Education

When my school district was required to pivot to virtual instruction in 2020, I found my next calling. I was had to move 12 years of learning resources to a digital format with little to no notice, and I found myself thriving. I found renewed passion in creating those resources and during the 2020-2021 school year I discovered Instructional Design. I immediately knew that was going to be my next adventure.

I began up-skilling for Instructional Design work in 2021. I took courses to learn about design, Articulate 360 (Storyline in particular), adult learning theories, and effective eLearning. I took my passion for volunteering and began creating a scenario-based eLearning module for Agape Animal Rescue and Training center. You can find my work on my portfolio page or click here.

I am passionate about creating learning that reaches all learners. I have a passion for creating engaging and effective courses and have the experience to accomplish those goals. I am looking for a company where I can learn and grow and take my passion to the next level.

Please view my portfolio to see my work.

COVID Teaching

A co-worker and I preparing for a blended learning model to accommodate COVID safety protocols: teaching students in person while simultaneously teaching quarantined students online both synchronously and asynchronously for the 2021-2022 school year.

Portfolio

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