For eight years in my twenties, I sold Volkswagens.

 

I was good at it but had a love-hate relationship with the discipline of sales. Then a VW corporate trainer quoted author Zig Ziglar to me. He said, "Stop selling. Start helping." Unknowingly at the time, his statement became my professional mission. I genuinely care that I provide the right solution to stakeholders - whether it's a VW Beetle, a two year technical education, or an eLearning program.

 

While I enjoyed my time selling cars, after six years in sales and two years in management, I hung up my plaid sport coat and went to Providence College to complete my degree in Organizational Communication. My transformative adult learning experience paved the way for the next five fulfilling years, when I worked closely with adult students in Admissions at an automotive technical school. Further experiencing the power of learning to build esteem in others inspired me to refine my professional purpose. I earned a graduate certificate in Adult and Organizational Learning in 2013 and I remain in contact with many of the students I served.  

 

Meanwhile, back in 2005, my husband started CrossTrainer®, an innovative eLearning development firm out of our two-bedroom apartment in Providence. Juggling school, work, and caring for our two young daughters, I simultaneously prepared for my role in the family business while the company grew to twelve employees. In September of 2020, I'll earn an M.Ed. in eLearning and Instructional Design from Northeastern University, positioning myself to impact adult learners at the organizational level.

​

My background in sales has honed my skills as a learning designer. From conducting needs analysis to evaluating evidence for improvement, I've discovered that the ADDIE process strongly resembles the sales process. I'm adept at persuading and motivating learners or 'making the knowledge sale'. This graduate portfolio includes links to the infographic I crafted to educate learners on the 5E Instructional Model and the RISE module I created to to instruct learning professionals on the differences between Articulate's Storyline and Rise eLearning authoring tools.

​

My B.S. in Organizational Communication helps me approach learning strategically, emphasizing how content is delivered to achieve business objectives. Messaging and technology choices are key in implementing successful learning initiatives. Explore my L&D communication strategy page to view a project addressing macro-level changes impacting workplace learning in Manufacturing. In this sample, we responded to the skills gap and intergenerational workforce development.

​

My lifelong journey as an adult learner, serving other adult learners, growing in skill and confidence along the way, is what drives me to "sell" pedagogically sound, appealing learning experiences that best serve organizations and their adult learners. 

 

Because selling is helping. And when it comes to selling learning, is there any greater truth?