Dare to Engage Differently

Educator * Instructional Designer * Writer

About ME

Experienced & Unique

Remember that old Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town Christmas special—you know, the one with the Island of Misfit Toys? There was Charlie (not Jack) in the box, and a polka-dotted elephant who didn’t fit the mold. That’s me. I don’t fit neatly in a box either—and neither does my writing.

I’ve crafted copy and content for Fortune 500 companies like Anheuser-Busch, Teradata, and PNC Bank… for government figures (Senators, Governors, even a few presidential hopefuls)... for non-profits like Yellowstone National Park, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the Peter W. Busch Family Foundation, and March of Dimes… for sports teams (ECHL hockey and Dale Jr. NASCAR fans, I see you)… and for higher education institutions ranging from community colleges to R2 universities.

Let’s just say I’ve written across enough industries to know what not to do: bore people.

Stories that Show Not Tell

Whether I’m writing for marketing, training, or eLearning, I don’t do dry. I tell stories. I spark curiosity. I build scenarios that draw people in—and keep them learning.

As an instructional designer and eLearning content creator, I bring storytelling together with adult learning theory, user-centered design, and a sharp eye for educational outcomes that matter. I don’t believe learning ends with a diploma or degree. In fact, I believe the best learning happens when students feel connected to the content, empowered by relevance, and supported by thoughtful course design.

That belief fuels everything I create in higher education. My courses aren’t built for passive clicking—they’re designed for active engagement, critical thinking, and real-world application. I build learning environments where students don’t just consume information—they wrestle with it, reflect on it, and use it. The goal? To foster curiosity, confidence, and lasting growth—one thoughtfully-designed module at a time.

Passion Fuels Engagement

I'm also a copywriter with a gift passed down from my dad: I never meet a stranger. That shows up in my writing, where I can connect with any audience and every topic. I ask questions. I listen more than I talk. And yes, I usually have a coffee in hand while doing it.

In higher ed, I’ve taught thousands of students how to design high-quality online courses—and how to write and think critically. My classroom was never a place for “What I did last summer” essays. Instead, I encouraged passion projects—with props. One student brought in his basset hound puppies. Another rolled a dirt bike into the parking lot for his speech (the dean vetoed the classroom). Another brought in veggies fresh from her grandma’s garden. Why? Because when learners care, they engage—and when they engage, they grow and share with others.

That principle is at the heart of everything I design, whether it's a course, a video, or a campaign.

Hello

My CORE Values

These aren't just words. They're the backbone of my work:

Family
Lifelong learning
Creativity
Engagement
Kindness
Integrity

My writing and instructional design reflect these values in every project, every time.

Hobby: Collecting Academic Letters

My Educational Experience

You could say I’m a bit of an academic overachiever—some might even call me a collector. Over the years, I’ve earned a M.Ed. in Education with a focus on Instructional Design & Digital Literacy, an M.A. in English Composition and Rhetoric with an emphasis on teaching writing, and an M.B.A. in Project Management.

Quality Matters Guru

Highly Skilled in Quality Matters' Framework

I’m a certified Quality Matters Master Reviewer, Course Review Manager, Peer Reviewer, and Online Facilitator, with past experience as a Facilitator Coach and Professional Development Specialist. Through these roles, I’ve supported faculty and institutions in designing and evaluating high-quality online courses.