About Me
I build learning experiences for the way people actually learn.
I’m Deb Mattoso — a Senior Instructional Designer, learning strategist, and the kind of person who thinks deeply about why a module isn’t working and won’t stop until it does.
I hold a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Walden University and a Graduate Certificate in UX Design from Cornell. I’ve spent six years in higher education designing faculty-facing training, building institution-wide AI literacy programs, and leading cross-functional eLearning projects from concept through evaluation.
Currently, I’m a Senior Instructional Designer at Covista (formerly Walden University), where I lead the design of the AI Ready Graduates initiative — a multi-module, multi-audience AI literacy program training faculty, staff, and students across the institution. It’s the kind of project that requires translating complex frameworks into plain, accessible language, managing multiple stakeholders, and making design decisions grounded in cognitive load theory, Mayer’s principles, and Universal Design for Learning. It’s also the kind of work I do best.
What Sets Me Apart
I design for how brains actually work. As a neurodivergent designer, I apply accessibility principles because I experience firsthand what happens when learning design fails to account for different minds. Every module I build is informed by UDL, sensory-aware design choices, and a deep belief that if it doesn’t work for the edges, it doesn’t work.
I bring cultural depth to my work. I’m Brazilian-born and trilingual in English, Brazilian Portuguese, and Spanish. My Latin-American upbringing shapes how I think about embodied learning, inclusive design, and creating space for people who’ve historically been left out of “standard” learning environments.
I’m also a yoga teacher. I run Luminous Yoga Academy and teach weekly classes locally. Yoga informs my design practice in tangible ways: sequencing, pacing, reading the room, knowing when to challenge and when to support. The way you do anything is the way you do anything.
Outside the Work
When I’m not designing, I’m probably on a yoga mat, on a trail, or journaling about both. I live in Maryland with my husband, two dogs, and one cat. I keep a notebook everywhere because the best ideas rarely happen at a desk.
Academic Education
Walden University, 2025
Master of Science, Instructional Design and Technology
Cornell University, 2022
Graduate Certificate, User Experience Research and Design
Estácio de Sá University, 2003
Associate’s of Arts, Journalism
Walden University, 2020
Bachelor of Science in Communication
University of California, 2018
Certificate, Academic and Business Writing
Curtin University, 2017
Certificate, Digital Branding, and Engagement
Work Experience
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Walden University
I have been designing and developing courses and other learning materials at Walden University since 2022. I aim to present the subject matter best while considering the entire learner experience. I lead teams to clear instructional outcomes, handle complex information, and simplify it for anyone to understand without losing context. My skills include Canva, Brightspace, Instructure Canvas, ADDIE, E-Learning, instructional design, communication, faculty training, training & development, Articulate Rise, curriculum development, competency-based learning and training, and C-BEN. -
Walden University
As I approached operations processes, I took a comprehensive view of the situation and developed efficient and repeatable methods. I could avoid potential oversights or inconsistencies by creating systematic strategies that ensured uniformity. My product knowledge allowed me to work collaboratively with the Office of Teaching and Learning Excellence as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to develop and enhance orientation modules and materials. My skills in user experience, operations management, cross-functional team leadership, communication, Salesforce Lightning, and Brightspace Core LMS were instrumental in achieving these goals. -
Luminous Yoga, April 2024 - present
Owner & Lead TeacherYogaRoots Movement, 2022 - present
Teacher & Marketing SpecialistYoga Revelation, 2021 - 2022
Teacher & Marketing SpecialistIn yoga, my vinyasa flows follow the same principles of good design—symmetry, pacing, and contrast. Each pose is carefully connected, much like design elements, creating a rhythm that engages both body and mind. Whether in yoga or design, I use transitions and alignment to create an experience that feels natural, balanced, and creative.
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Walden University
As part of my role in the organization, I had the opportunity to work collaboratively with various teams and departments to improve the overall user experience. We implemented an agile-scrum methodology to ensure everyone was on the same page and could work together efficiently and effectively. I also provided live support to students, ensuring their needs were met, and they could easily navigate the system. In addition, I created and developed processes and documentation to ensure that everything was running smoothly and everyone was on the same page. My technical skills, such as my proficiency in Salesforce Lightning and Brightspace Core LMS, allowed me to provide even better support and streamline processes, ultimately leading to a better experience for everyone involved. My communication skills and dedication to process improvement significantly impacted the organization and its users. Competency-based education. Competency-based learning. -
SunTrust Investment Services, 2015 — 2017
During my time in a leadership role, I successfully implemented a business model to assist with the transition of client accounts. This included ensuring accountability and clear communication with all internal and external stakeholders. I had the opportunity to manage and support over 5,000 brokerage client relationships, which totaled 500 million in assets under management. My proactive approach to increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty involved creating a strategy that anticipated and met customer needs. Throughout this experience, I honed my skills in customer experience, cross-functional team leadership, team management, communication, process improvement, and customer retention. -
I have more than ten years of experience in writing and have worked with various small businesses to create engaging web content. My writing has been published on different platforms, including websites, digital magazines, and ebooks. I specialize in writing professional profiles, lifestyle blogs, and training materials. Additionally, I possess excellent writing skills, communication skills, and technical knowledge. My creative writing style, web content writing, resume writing, academic writing, and editing skills are highly sought-after.
Awards & Recognition
2023 USDLA Silver Award Winner
2025 OLC Presenter/ Speaker
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ADDIE
SAM
Backward Design
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Gagné’s Nine Events
Universal Design (UDL)
Mayer’s Multimedia Principles
Cognitive Load Theory
Competency-Based Education
Section 508/WCAG Compliance
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Curiosity, Collaborative, Compassionate, Creative Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking, Empathetic
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Articulate Rise 360
Adobe Creative Cloud
SharePoint
Canva Design App
Instructure Canvas LMS
D2L Brightspace LMS
Cornerstone LMS
SCORM/ xAPI