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Hello, I'm Karen!

And just to be clear, I'm not that kind of Karen.

I’m a learning experience designer with a background in science and management.

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I'm also a world traveler, home brewer, scuba diver, mom to four kids and two cats.

 

Want to know more? Scroll down! 

Working with Laptop

My Career

My Skills

Instructional Design Theory
  • ​ADDIE

  • Androgogy

Instructional Design Analysis
  • Action Mapping

  • Needs Analysis

  • Working with SMEs

Instructional Design 
  • Storyboarding

  • Learning Objectives

  • Bloom's Taxonomy

eLearning Content Development 
  • Gamification

  • Simulations

  • Branching scenarios

  • AI-Assisted Creative Writing

  • AI-Assisted Graphic Design 

  • Video Editing

Training 
  • eLearning

  • Instructor-Led Training

  • Blended Training

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Web Authoring
Project Management

My Journey to Instructional Design

I love the look on people's faces when I tell them I'm a scientist who creates science courses for art and design students. They often wonder how a molecular biologist found their way to the Kansas City Art Institute and what I could have possibly been thinking. Well, I thought I needed a big new challenge, and I was feeling a need to unleash my creativity by designing learning experiences. During my six years at KCAI, my passion grew, inspiring me to pursue instructional design full-time. In 2023, I decided to make the career leap.

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Last year, I immersed myself in instructional design through online courses, learning new software, and creating concept projects. However, my transition to instructional design began long before my job at KCAI. It’s a career field that aligns with my personality, values, and transferable skills.

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I find joy in creativity and in building from the ground up. Adapting to change, taking on significant challenges, and continuously learning new skills are the hallmarks of my professional approach.

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My values center around creativity, maintaining a positive and fun work environment, uplifting others, teamwork, and a commitment to lifelong learning. These principles don't just guide my work; they are the essence of what I bring to any team or project.

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Over the years, I've honed diverse skills, including designing outreach learning events, creating adult training, mentoring people, managing projects, and collaborating with subject matter experts, stakeholders, external collaborators, and team members. A consistent theme throughout my varied career is my dedication to mentoring others and creating experiences that draw out the best in people.

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Want to know more? Check out my resume or contact me!

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My Tools

eLearning Authoring
  • Articulate Storyline

  • Rise

  • PowerPoint

Multimedia
  • ​Adobe Illustrator

  • Adobe XD

  • Adobe Express

  • Camtasia

  • Dall-E

  • Canva

LMS
  • Google Classroom

  • Moodle

Web Design
  • Wix

  • Google Sites

  • SharePoint

Project Management
  • Microsoft Teams

  • Asana

  • Confluence

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My Interests

What I Like

  • Science Fiction

  • Yoga

  • Fitness

  • Being a Mentor

  • Adventure Travel

  • Scuba Diving

  • Camping

  • Popcorn

  • Making People Laugh

Fun Fact About Me

World Traveler

I've been to over 30 countries!

What I'm Learning

  • Knitting

  • Aero Drums

  • Adobe Illustrator

  • Adobe Premiere Pro

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