Interactive Resume

Master Facilitator

Uses extensive knowledge of instructional content/design and evidence-informed pedagogical strategies to boost learner engagement and support instructional outcome attainment.

The Basics

Work Overview

Director of Action, DIA Higher Education Collaborators (DIA)

June 2023 – May 2025 (1 yr 10 mos)

DIA’s mission is to improve student learning and retention in higher education by helping institutions move from “data to information, information to action”. DIA not only provides college partners with data on incoming students’ non-cognitive skills (e.g., time management, grit, help seeking) but supports partners in using these data to “improve cultures, strategies, and practices” among faculty, staff, and senior leaders. As Director of Action, I guided partners in the development, implementation, and evaluation of customized use-of-results plans, including (where needed) plans for product user training and support.

Associate Research Scientist, Curriculum Associates (CA)

Mar 2021 – May 2023 (1 yr 10 mos)

CA is committed to “making classrooms better for teachers and students” by providing curriculum, assessment, and personalized instruction products for nearly half of the nation’s learners in grades K-8. As an Associate Research Scientist, I worked with internal teams (e.g., product, marketing, sales) to answer questions about the implementation/effectiveness of CA products and develop external-facing materials (e.g., implementation guides, efficacy reports) for current/potential users.

Lead Assessment Consultant, JMU Center for Assessment and Research Studies (CARS)

Aug 2017 – May 2020 (2 yrs 9 mos)

Comprised of faculty and graduate student assessment consultants, CARS guides all student learning outcomes assessment efforts at James Madison University (general education, academic degree, and co-curricular/student affairs). To achieve its vision of “inspiring and empowering faculty and staff to make evidence-based decisions to enhance student learning and development”, CARS offers consultation services for programs/departments, provides assessment training for faculty/staff, and works closely with senior leaders to create systems and processes that support learning assessment. As Lead Assessment Consultant (Doctoral Graduate Assistant), I worked primarily with co-curricular/student affairs programs, training staff and devising strategies to address cultural and organizational barriers to learning outcomes assessment.

Education Overview

Assessment & Measurement (Ph.D.), James Madison University

Degree Conferred: May 2020

The A&M program adheres to a “practitioner-scientist, applied model” of graduate training. In class, students receive instruction on program assessment (measuring the effectiveness of learning programs or interventions), measurement (developing and evaluating the quality of learning assessment instruments) and quantitative methods (research design and statistics). Outside of class, students practice what they’ve learned through assessment consultation work (20 hrs/wk) and applied research projects with university partners.

College Student Personnel Administration (M.Ed.), James Madison University

Degree Conferred: May 2016

The CSPA program “prepares graduates to excel as higher education educators” working in student services offices (e.g., Career Advising, Residence Life, Disability Services) at colleges and universities. Coursework explores young adult development, career development, counseling techniques, and organizational theories among other topics. Outside of class, students have ample opportunity to apply their knowledge through two assistantships (20 hrs/week) and two 150-hour practicum experiences in student services offices. As a CSPA student, I worked in Residence Life, Career & Academic Advising, and Multicultural Student Services.

Sociology & Public Policy (B.A.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Degree Conferred: May 2013

Completed a double major in Sociology and Public Policy, both with a strategic focus on education through electives such as SOCI 423: Sociology of Education and PLCY 530: Education Problems & Policy Solutions.

Relevant Experience

(See Comprehensive Portfolio to view work samples and case studies.)

  • DIA: Facilitated a mix of in-person and virtual learning interventions for DIA product users across nine colleges and universities—from small teams to entire divisions.
    • Developed and facilitated synchronous, virtual trainings for faculty, staff, and administrators using Zoom and Microsoft Teams Communication Platforms.
    • Used various features within Zoom/Teams(e.g., breakout groups, chat/Q&A, interactive polls/quizzes) and evidence-informed pedagogical tools/strategies (e.g., engagement hooks such as stories and testimonials, relating to learners through use of role- and organization-specific language) to promote learner engagement in a virtual training environment.
  • CARS: Designed, facilitated, and assessed an award-winning multi-day, in-person assessment workshop for educators and administrators at James Madison University that increased participants’ assessment knowledge, skills, and confidence.
    • Used evidence-informed pedagogical tools/strategies and other facilitation best practices to keep learners engaged and support the achievement of learning outcomes (e.g., relating to learners & building positive rapport, connecting instructional content to learners’ prior experiences, activating learners’ curiosity, fostering a safe environment that encourages vulnerability).
  • CARS: Co-taught a four-week online module for graduate students on evidence-based decision-making using Canvas Learning Management System and Webex Video Conferencing Platform (received the Outstanding Achievement in Teaching award).
    • Used various technological features (e.g., breakout groups, chat & discussion boards, interactive polls/quizzes, multimedia content) and evidence-informed pedagogical tools/strategies (e.g., setting expectations, modeling desired classroom behaviors, encouraging peer interaction through group activities & assignments, providing personalized feedback) to promote learner engagement in a virtual classroom environment. 

Other Qualifications

  • Invited to give keynotes and workshops on best practices related to teaching, learning, and assessment at colleges and universities across the country, including the University of North Alabama, Washington and Lee University, Western Carolina University, and El Paso Community College.
  • Facilitated dozens of workshops and presentations at regional, national, and international conferences on topics related to teaching, learning, and learning assessment with groups of up to 100+ attendees.