My work is influenced by the following:
Dynamic, self-motivated, experienced project and business development professional looking to contribute to the development of e-learning/distance education in a post-secondary environment.
Focus on developing projects to fill gaps in the local labour market. Further develop my project management skills by researching, writing and securing grants to fund special projects. Listen to the needs of both employers and potential employees to bridge the knowledge and skills gaps in our community. Ensured all project objectives were met, all reporting requirements attended to and all spending within budget guidelines.
Developed service agreements with five police services in Leeds and Grenville to provide on scene support to victims of crime and tragic circumstances by a team of fully trained volunteers. Administered all aspects of the program including volunteer recruitment, training and debriefing. Had the program fully operational within six months of coming on-board.
Presented over 200 public and on-site seminars and keynotes for a variety of clients, nationally and internationally. Designed, marketed and delivered teleclasses using telephone and internet technology. Delivered teleclasses for CoachU, a coach training organization.
Project management work included the research, design and development of seminars related to Enhancing Community Response to Violence, Cybersafety, Police and Community engagement as well as team work, communication skills and emotional intelligence. All workbooks were researched, written and designed by me.
Oversaw all aspects of the operation including responding to the priorities of the Board of Directors, budget creation and management, staff selection and training, coordination with National Office and other regional associations. Managed a Regional Office, staff of 30, budget of $500,000 and reported to the Board of Directors.
Previous to my transition as a independent contract trainer I worked for the Canadian Cancer Society, the MS Society and the Canadian Red Cross Society. During those early years of my career I developed skills in organization, planning, marketing, communication and fundraising.
My proudest accomplishment during that time was the recruitment of over 5000 potential donors to the Unrelated Bone Marrow Registry. This was achieved by consistent work to educate the general public of the need for donors. I traveled Eastern Ontario providing one hour information sessions to audiences from 20 to 300.
Currently in the final year of studies towards my M.ed with a specialization in e-learning/distance education at Athabasca University.
Working title of my thesis is: Rapport in a graduate level distance education program: Are faculty and students on the same page?
Studying at a distance has provided me with unique insights into the distance student experience. Exposure to a variety of instructors and instructional design models has allowed me to learn what works in practical application.
If it doesn't start automatically, just click on Playback/Player/Play from the top drop-down menu. This is an example of a one hour - stand alone webinar that I did for the Canadian Society for Social Development. The topic is Legitimate Opportunities to Work from Home.
Designed the EEC website using a variety of free web 2.0 tools that users are familiar with and that allow agency staff to update content without involving a web programmer. The result is fresh content and a reduction in website maintenance costs. Worked in collaboration with a web programmer. I created the cartoon style videos using Powtoons. Website won a 2013 Award of Excellence from Apex Awards for Publication Excellence.
This is an example of an instructor led website designed for youth entering the workforce. Designed to be used by the instructor and students simultaneously. Certain sections require interaction while others like the videos prompt discussion. Site was design on a shoestring using Wix.com, a free WYSMYG website creation tool. Learning objects were sourced and evaluated for quality and relevance.
Free interactive learning site designed develop skills, knowledge and confidence in financial issues. Used multiple learning objects sourced for quality. Ease of navigation was a prime concern. Developed videos and interactive quizzes using Adobe Captivate. Worked in collaboration with a web programmer. This project was funded by SEDI TD Canada Trust.
Legitimate Opportunities to Work from Home is a 4 part instructor led webinar series for career professionals. Designed to give them the information, skills and confidence they need to deliver workshops for clients. Working in partnership with Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling for both marketing and funding. Goal is to train 900 Career Professionals and have the webinars become self-sustaining within three years.
Final Course Grades associated with my M.ed studies to date. A link to my full academic portfolio is available upon request.