Professional Skills and Testimonials

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.

Helen Keller

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

I am someone who is:

Diligent

I'm a hard worker and was raised with a strong work ethic. I will make sure your project gets the laser-focused attention it deserves.
I'm also an enthusiastic lifelong learner and can pivot easily to new technology and tools, especially when it relates to accessibility and Learning Management Systems (LMS).

Detail Oriented

Yes, I'm one of those people who spot typos on menus, billboards, and emails. Better spot mistakes now versus on the finished product, right?

Organized

I incorporate backwards planning to help plan a project's major timelines.
Online and paper calendars help keep my "to do" lists in order.
Digital tools I use to manage my tasks and responsibilities include:
- Trello
- Zoom/ Microsoft Teams
- Google Docs/Microsoft Office

Flexible

I can adapt to ambiguous situations easily using emotional intelligence, a growth mindset, and my positive "can do" personality.
I use an agile approach and the SAM process to create rapid iterations with multiple feedback rounds.

I use:

Communication

I use active listening skills to help everyone feel "heard."
I've piloted, written, and led a yearlong curriculum using the ADDIE process.
My written communication skills have also been published in websites, such as Make a Living Writing, Matador, and a business writing website, FluentU.

Data Analysis

I use Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Evaluation to analyze success metrics and feedback to improve courses/training.
If an existing course is not meeting learner outcomes, I look for data trends within the course to determine how to revise, modify, and improve it.

Collaboration

I am proactive and not afraid to take initiative to help the team meet deadlines and projects. I also work well independently.
I collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), colleagues, and stakeholders to ensure learner outcomes. I then recommend appropriate training/course modalities using principles of adult learning theory.

Creativity

Visual design principles (and Canva) help me envision and create:
- - Storyboards
  - Articulate Storyline 360/Rise eLearning modules
  - Camtasia and Vyond animated microlearning videos
  - Instructor-Led Trainings (ILTs) and virtual Instructor- Led Trainings (vILTs)

Testimonials

Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.

Amy Poehler

Melissa is an intrinsically motivated, professional instructional designer who is passionate about delivering projects in a timely manner and under budget.

Crystal Slagley, AIDA Cohort Member

Melissa will be an asset to any organization she’s in. She possesses not only the skills and devotion to lifelong learning but also the heart, which makes her a triple threat. Thanks for the time you’ve invested in Fortitude Careers.

Melanie Babadjanov, Fortitude Careers Project Manager Coordinator

I worked with Melissa with her time with Fortitude Careers. She completed two courses during her tenure. The topics were Laws and Actions for Diversity and Know your Rights: Respecting Others. Acting as the subject matter expert, she developed objectives to match the business outcomes identified by the director, created an outline that chunked out the information in chunks and created activities to reinforce the material. She was timely responding back to feedback, creative with the activities, and meet deadlines.

Teresa Osieczonek, Fortitude Careers Project Manager