Instructional Designer
eLearning Developer
Adult Learning Specialist
Hi, I’m April. I turn real‑world challenges into engaging, human‑centered learning experiences powered by clarity, creativity, and GenAI.
About Me
I’m an Instructional Designer and e‑Learning Developer who creates effective, learner‑centered training for adult audiences. I specialize in identifying learning needs, clarifying performance gaps, and designing practical, results‑driven solutions that help teams work with greater clarity and confidence. My experience as a learning coach and trainer has strengthened my ability to translate complex processes into clear, engaging experiences that support organizational goals and improve day‑to‑day performance.
I believe learning should be fun at every age, and I often use games and playful interactions to spark curiosity and deepen understanding. Whether learners realize it or not, well‑designed game mechanics can lower barriers, increase engagement, and make even complex concepts feel approachable and memorable.
Outside of my professional work, I recharge by spending time with my husband of twenty years, enjoying homesteading, caring for my honeybees, and raising four growing boys who are now well into their teenage and young adult years. Together, they keep me grounded, curious, and inspired.
Design
Philosophy
My design philosophy is rooted in the belief that every learner can grow, no matter where they begin. I focus on creating learning experiences that meet people at their current stage, much like tending to a garden where each plant needs something different to thrive. By understanding individual needs and contexts, I design accessible, relevant pathways that nurture growth at the right pace and in the right way. I rely on iterative design, using data and feedback as the water and sunlight that help ideas strengthen over time. My goal is to cultivate learning environments that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and support lasting, meaningful development.
Featured Work
Communicate with Care
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This course helps professionals build clearer, warmer, and more intentional communication habits in virtual settings. Designed with a focus on empathy and clarity, the module guides learners through realistic scenarios where they practice choosing language, tone, and behaviors that support trust and understanding online.
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Project Summary A scenario‑based eLearning experience that teaches learners how to communicate with care in virtual environments. The course blends modeling, reflection, and practice to help learners build confidence and consistency in their digital communication.
Audience Professionals who collaborate, coach, or teach in virtual spaces and want to improve clarity, tone, and connection.
Tools Used Rise360, Canva, Google Docs, SME collaboration, Copilot
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The Challenge Virtual communication often loses nuance. Learners struggle with tone, clarity, and emotional presence when they can’t rely on in‑person cues.
The Solution A warm, accessible module that uses examples, guided practice, and scenario‑based decision‑making to help learners choose language and behaviors that support connection. The design emphasizes clarity, empathy, and intentionality—core elements of communicating with care.
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The course meets learners where they are, offering simple, practical strategies they can apply immediately. By pairing real‑world scenarios with supportive feedback, the module helps learners build communication habits that strengthen relationships and reduce misunderstandings.
Work- Life Balance
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This course helps busy professionals build healthier boundaries, manage competing demands, and create daily rhythms that support both productivity and personal well‑being. Through reflection, practical strategies, and relatable scenarios, learners explore what balance looks like for them and how small, intentional shifts can create meaningful change.
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Project Summary A self‑paced learning experience designed to help adults recognize imbalance, clarify priorities, and build sustainable habits. The course blends reflection prompts, scenario‑based practice, and simple planning tools to guide learners toward a more grounded, intentional approach to work and life.
Audience Professionals navigating heavy workloads, shifting responsibilities, or blurred boundaries between work and home.
Tools Used nearpod, Canva, Google Docs, SME collaboration, Copilot
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The Challenge Many learners know they need better balance but struggle to define what that actually means or how to begin. Without clear strategies, they often fall into cycles of overwork, guilt, or burnout.
The Solution A supportive, accessible module that helps learners pause, reflect, and make small, realistic adjustments. The design focuses on clarity, self‑awareness, and practical tools—helping learners identify what matters most and create habits that honor both their work and their well‑being.
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Why It Works The course meets learners with empathy and offers guidance that feels achievable, not overwhelming. By pairing reflection with actionable steps, it empowers learners to build a more sustainable rhythm that grows with them over time.
Interactive Games
Game Title: Snack Attack
Description: Snack Attack is an interactive vending‑machine experience that lets participants explore and select their professional development sessions before attending. Designed to feel playful and intuitive, the tool invites users to “shop” for learning by browsing options, comparing choices, and choosing the sessions that best fit their goals. This lighthearted interface reduces decision fatigue, builds early engagement, and helps learners arrive feeling prepared, curious, and invested in their personalized learning path.
Game Title: Snake Knowledge Check
Description: Snake Knowledge Check is a playful, browser‑based knowledge check built by adapting the classic Snake game into an interactive learning moment. As players collect items, they periodically trigger short quiz questions that reinforce key concepts from the lesson. The game blends simple mechanics with spaced retrieval, turning a familiar arcade experience into an engaging way to check understanding without breaking flow.
Game Title: Email Detective
Description: Email Detective is an interactive practice game that helps learners spot phishing attempts by sorting through a series of realistic emails. Players review messages, identify red flags, and make quick decisions about whether each email is safe or suspicious. Immediate feedback reinforces key concepts and builds confidence, turning a common workplace risk into a simple, engaging learning moment.
Testimonials
“GREAT course you provide to new employees getting accustomed to the ways of a virtual position. Definitely helped my transition into my new role!”
— Mark, Adult Learner-Mark, Adult Learner“One key takeaway from the professional learning is the importance of creating an atmosphere where mistakes are welcomed. Mistakes are part of learning, and our brains build new pathways each time we make and correct them.”
-Kirsten, Adult Learner“I was impressed how she used the strategies she expect us to used in our own environment into her lessons. It shows them in action and shows they work. “
— Amy, Adult Learner