Course Title: Thriving at Work: A Guide for Neurodivergent Employees

Role: Instructional Designer & Researcher
Tools Used: Articulate Rise & Storyline, Canva, ChatGPT, Perplexity, NotebookLM, Otter AI, Accessibility Guidelines, Academic Research

Challenge:
UAMS identified a need for an inclusive, strengths-based resource to support neurodivergent employees in navigating workplace expectations and thriving in professional environments. With no assigned subject matter expert, the responsibility for research, content development, and instructional design rested entirely with me. The course needed to be practical, accessible, and empowering—without pathologizing neurodivergent traits.

Solution:
I conducted extensive research using academic literature, neurodivergent-authored resources, and workplace inclusion frameworks to develop a compassionate, research-informed learning experience. The result was a multi-module eLearning course designed in Articulate Rise. Each module features a consistent structure, including engaging introductions, interactive activities, reflection prompts, downloadable tools, and real-world strategies tailored explicitly for neurodivergent professionals. Topics include self-advocacy, communication, executive functioning, sensory regulation, and team collaboration—all delivered in clear, supportive language.

Results:
The course has been praised for its affirming, practical content and accessible design. It fills a critical gap in workplace learning by providing neurodivergent employees with the tools and language to advocate for their success. As part of a broader neurodiversity initiative, the course contributes to a more inclusive and supportive organizational culture.

Course Title: Controlled Substance Handling and Drug Diversion Prevention

Role: Instructional Designer
Tools Used: Articulate Rise & Storyline, Canva, UAMS Policy Docs, DEA & CMS References

Challenge:
UAMS needed a self-paced training course to educate nursing staff on the safe, compliant, and ethical handling of controlled substances. The course had to meet institutional, state, and federal regulations while also raising awareness about drug diversion, safe medication disposal, and staff accountability. The content needed to be practical, policy-aligned, and engaging for learners working in high-risk clinical environments.

Solution:
Using text-based content provided by the subject matter expert, I designed an 8-lesson eLearning course in Articulate Rise that guides learners through DEA drug schedules, institutional waste procedures, and best practices for diversion prevention. I transformed the SME's raw material into a structured, interactive experience with consistent visual design and plain language throughout. The course includes interactive activities, real-world case examples, and a video testimonial to highlight the impact of drug diversion. Learners also have access to downloadable tip sheets, policy references, and a final knowledge check, allowing them to apply their learning directly in clinical settings. 

Results:
The course was deployed institution-wide as required training for nursing and clinical staff. By combining regulatory content with interactive learning, it supports UAMS’ commitment to patient safety, controlled substance compliance, and ethical practice standards. The course also reinforces a culture of accountability and early reporting, helping reduce risk and improve diversion prevention across the organization.

Course Title: I Can! Dance Volunteer Buddy Training

Role: Instructional Designer
Tools Used: Articulate Storyline, Vyond, Canva, Adobe Firefly & Express, ChatGPT

Challenge:
I Can! Dance of Arkansas supports children and teens with special needs through free, inclusive dance classes. To improve consistency and reduce the stress of last-minute in-person briefings, the organization needed a scalable, self-paced course to prepare Volunteer Buddies—participants aged 12 and above, many of whom had no prior dance or classroom experience.

Solution:
I designed a structured eLearning course using Articulate Storyline to guide volunteers through the beginning, middle, and end of a typical first class. The course begins with a microlearning activity that introduces the Buddy Fact Sheet, helping volunteers arrive prepared to support their Dance Student Buddy on day one. Interactive scenarios, animations, and practical tips help learners build confidence in supporting students with diverse needs.

Results:
The course launched on July 30, 2024, and is now part of the standard onboarding process for all locations. It enables volunteers to train at their own pace, supports stronger connections between students and volunteers, and promotes successful recitals that are vital to community engagement and fundraising. Training data will be analyzed in Fall 2024 following the full rollout.