Creative, engaging, and conscious learning design for educators and organizations.

Helping leaders, and teams design meaningful learning experiences and intuitive SharePoint solutions.

Instructional Design is the art of creating engaging, accessible, and effective ways for people to learn. Much like a teacher guiding you step by step, it provides a clear and purposeful plan that helps learners acquire new knowledge and skills.

What I Do & My Approach

  • I divide this process in two ways. I conduct research, gather information, and create a project plan during the discovery process. I organize and structure the instructional content and course features during the architecture phase.

  • Next, I begin creating visual representations that outline each subsection's course layout and structure. Once the outline is approved, I focus on the visual aspect of the course.

  • Concurrently with the visual design phase, content creation and development begin.

  • During this phase, a final review is performed, and testing is concluded, which includes checking links, forms, page loading speed, and overall performance. Once the course passes testing and approval, it is ready for launch.

  • Once the course has launched and at least two rounds of offerings are completed, all course contributors come together to evaluate the success of the material and overall learning and teaching experience.

  • After the course is live, I provide ongoing support and maintenance, including meeting with contributors as needed to edit and update course materials.

Design Packages

  • Content Refresh

    Update/streamline existing content

  • Start from Scratch

    Design a new course, training, or system

  • SharePoint Site Design

    Intuitive intranet/workspace build and workflows

Blending technical skill with human-centered design.

Case Studies

See my work in action by exploring my Instructional Design Portfolio.

  • Project Management
    Instructional Design
    eLearning Development
    User Experience
    Curriculum Development
    Visual Design and Communication
    Strong Writing Skills

  • Curiosity
    Collaborative
    Compassionate
    Creative Problem-Solving
    Critical Thinking
    Empathetic

  • Articulate Rise 360
    Adobe Creative Cloud
    Adobe XD
    Canva Design App
    Instructure Canvas LMS
    D2L Brightspace LMS
    Cornerstone LMS

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

  • 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 Teacher

    YogaRoots Movement, 2022 - present
    Teacher & Marketing Specialist

    Yoga Revelation, 2021 - 2022
    Teacher & Marketing Specialist

    In 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.

  • 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

Testimonials.

“Deb approaches all tasks with a shared sense of responsibility and purpose, enriching the experiences of all colleagues. She serves with passion, respect, and care, and her contributions to the team are invaluable”.

— Instructional Design Manager, Walden University

“Using collaboration, communication, and dedication to contribute to success, Deb prioritizes team needs and approaches tasks responsibly and purposefully to create valuable learning experiences.”

— Director of Training and Orientation, Walden University

How I Work With You

I believe in the power of collaboration to design meaningful learning experiences.

As an extension of your team, I immerse myself in your vision and goals, working closely with you to create solutions that reflect your organization’s needs and exceed expectations.

  • First, we meet so that I understand your goals, target audience, and current marketing efforts.

  • In this phase, we align your vision with a comprehensive design and strategy roadmap, laying the foundation for success. We'll develop key visuals to reflect your brand.

  • Next, we will establish social media profiles (if they don't exist) and create and configure your email/ contact lists, tags, segments, and forms.

    We may meet once or twice during the phase for mid-project check-ins and reviews, where you can provide feedback for possible edits.

    I have experience with FloDesk, Squarespace, ConvertKit, and Wix emailing systems.

  • Once your digital marketing or website project is completed, we'll schedule a Delivery/ Hand-Off Call.

    During this call, I'll walk you through the final setup, answer any questions, and provide personalized training on managing and updating your new systems or website. You'll receive a comprehensive overview of the tools and strategies we've implemented so you can confidently take control moving forward.

    If you've chosen the management package, this call will also cover our ongoing partnership and the plan for regular updates and performance reviews.

  • Depending on the package you choose, I will provide ongoing management (e.g., regular posting, audience engagement, and monitoring of performance metrics).

Ready to Solve Your eLearning Challenges?

Whether you need an instructional design partner or a SharePoint strategist, I’d love to help bring clarity, creativity, and structure to your project.