My journey at NICC began in June 2017, with 28 years of experience in post-secondary alternative course delivery. As the Executive Director of Instructional Innovation and Design, I lead an extraordinary instructional design team. My role involves supervising the instructional design staff and spearheading innovative education solutions using sound instructional design methodologies, current technologies, and effective project management to meet organizational strategic goals. Developing courses for the Competency-Based Education (CBE) Initiative continues to feed my innovative design soul, while my passion for looking at the big picture and solving problems aligns perfectly with the continuous improvement work I complete in support of the Teaching and Learning Department. I hold a bachelor's degree in Communication Technologies-Graphic Arts from UW-Platteville, an Instructional Design Certification from the Online Learning Consortium, and have participated in Iowa State's Leadership Institute for a New Century.

As an instructional designer, I support faculty and administration in the instructional design process for courses and programs. I also assist faculty with building and implementing embedded assessments in the Brightspace Learning Management System. 

My passion for instructional design has been fueled by over a decade of experience in teaching, academic coaching, and accessibility support. I have taught and coached all kinds of students, including high school drop-outs, college students with disabilities, and seasoned professionals in the midst of career change. My goal is to design courses that meet the unique strengths and needs of all types of students and faculty while leveraging exciting and accessible technology. I hold master’s degrees in  professional writing (MPW) and teaching (MAT) from Chatham University, and a BA in English from the University of Pittsburgh. 

As an instructional designer at NICC, I assist instructors in the planning, design, and development of credit and non-credit courses. I am passionate about supporting Brightspace users and am eager to help troubleshoot questions from students, staff, and instructors alike. I serve as an adjunct instructor in the 8-Week Z-Degree format, teaching U.S. History and American Government courses for the college and am in my second year of Winona State University's education doctoral (Ed. D) program.

My  dynamism for designing began and has followed my high school graduating class motto: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" Lau Tzu. Over many years of playing with different technologies, I found the path to DIID and it has uncovered a desire for helping others. I began the journey by owning my own cosmetology salon, moved into teaching cosmetology at NICC, while helping a friend build websites for my community. Next, came the incorporation of countless computer based resources to enhance instruction and the rest is history. I now have my own motto: “If I can help others, that’s all that matters” and found my passion as a faculty support specialist.

My journey as an employee at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) began in July 2016. I bring knowledge and experience in customer service, various technology platforms, and a strong commitment to supporting the success of others.

As an Instructional Designer, my role involves aiding instructors in creating intuitive, user-friendly, and interactive courses. Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, and expressing my creativity.

I have earned a few degrees: an AAS in Graphic Design from NICC, a BA in Graphic Design from Upper Iowa University, and an AAS in Business and Web Programming from NICC.

Technology should be a gateway to enhance teaching & learning – not a barrier. Since beginning my work in educational technology in 2008, I have been passionate about learning the latest trends, products, services and features to ensure we have solutions in place to help you in the course room. Once I started administrating the Brightspace Learning Environment in 2016, I have been inspired by the creative ways my colleagues and connections use Brightspace. 

I proudly hold two degrees from Upper Iowa University – Master of Higher Education Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. 

My journey at NICC started in 2019. With our team’s expertise and technological tools, I look forward to continuing to develop impactful educational solutions for our faculty, staff, and students in Brightspace and beyond. 

I began with the College in 2018, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in customer service and support, which I pride myself on providing at a superior level. I lead the LMS support efforts by managing the Brightspace Knowledge base and assisting with questions and issues related to our Brightspace and Organizational Development sites.  With my interest in learning about new technology-related tools, I am the go-to for anything and everything Panopto-related, and Brightspace data-related and will be sharing new tips, tricks, and tools as I review them. I work with a very dedicated and accomplished team to ensure our students, faculty, and staff have the best user experience with our platforms.