I began my career in a small, rural elementary school, where I spent five formative years teaching and growing as a professional. While my formal education laid the groundwork, it was through daily experiences with students and colleagues that I truly honed my skills. I learned to collaborate effectively with fellow educators to deliver cohesive, cross-grade instruction, and took initiative in developing and leading school-wide programs, including a successful reading incentive program. These early years shaped my ability to adapt, lead, and support learning communities in meaningful ways.

 After five years of teaching, I married my husband, marking the beginning of a new chapter in both my personal and professional life. His career required us to relocate frequently, making it difficult to secure teaching positions, especially mid-year. This challenge prompted a career shift into the field of dentistry.

With a strong attention to detail and a passion for science, I chose to pursue a career in dental hygiene. It offered the flexibility to move with my husband’s career while allowing me to continue working closely with people. What surprised me most was how transferable my teaching skills proved to be. As a hygienist, I found great fulfillment in educating patients about their oral health. My ability to communicate clearly, offer reassurance, and break down complex information into understandable terms was often noted and appreciated, especially by patients experiencing dental anxiety. My background in education proved to be a valuable asset in building trust and delivering compassionate care.

Throughout my dental career, I found myself going beyond oral health. Many offices were converting from paper to digital dental records. It was exciting to learn the new software and populate it with all the required details, and as a result, my interest in the digital world grew. 

In early 2020, I was introduced to a dental product company whose high-quality offerings truly impressed me. After thoughtful consideration, I chose to become one of their ambassadors. During my ambassador training, I was encouraged to create instructional and informational videos for social media, which sparked a growing interest in Instructional Design and Learning Technology.

Amid the initial shortages of personal protective equipment and the increasing risks posed by COVID-19, I made the difficult decision to leave dentistry and return to my passion for education. Within months, I fully committed to advancing my skills by enrolling in the Instructional Design and Learning Technology master’s program at Anderson University.

Since earning my master’s degree, I have been actively expanding my skills through the IDOL Courses Academy, gaining hands-on experience with a variety of authoring tools and the instructional design process. Currently, I am interning as a Learning Experience Designer with the Colorado School of Mines, where I am involved in adapting in-person professional education courses into engaging online learning for a STEM audience. Additionally, I volunteer as a Learning Designer and Squad Lead with Rumie Learn, contributing to the creation of impactful microlearning experiences. Through these opportunities, I am building a strong foundation to launch my career in instructional design and development successfully.