Instructional Design Experience

Learning Designs Inc. 1998 - Present


Freelance Instructional Designer


  • Project: Tercica Increlex Self-Study Sales Training Program
    • Developed and wrote two modules of a four module self-study training program on the marketplace and selling of Increlex, a drug that treats pediatric growth failure.
    • Researched, wrote, created graphics and edited both modules, including summaries and review questions, based on general learning objectives from the client's marketing and sales management.
  • Project: Celgene Self-Study Training Program on Reimbursement and Distribution
    • Extensively researched and wrote a revision of a two part learning system on reimbursement and distribution of multiple myeloma drugs targeted to sales representatives.
  • Project: Stiefel Dermatology Products Online Exams
    • Created a series of on-line examinations to test product information mastery of sales representatives for 9 of 15 dermatology product lines the company carries as a result of mergers and product acquisitions.
    • Coordinated exams to ensure consistency and reduce redundancy.
  • Project: Acorda Fampridine Self-Study Sales Training Program
    • Worked as part of a project team that developed a multiple module self-study learning system as well as web-based e-learning courses that covered the marketing and sales of Fampridine, a drug that treats gait and mobility issues in multiple sclerosis patients.
    • Researched, wrote, created graphics and edited a module on societal issues facing MS patients and the MS treatment team, summaries and review questions, based on general learning objectives from the client's marketing and sales management.
  • Project: Elan Tysabri Self-Study Sales Training Program
    • Developed a self study training module for sales representatives on the Crohn's disease market and customers as part of a Crohn's disease learning system.
    • Researched, wrote, created graphics and for the module, including summaries and review questions, based on general learning objectives developed in conjunction with the client's marketing and sales management.
  • Project: Tibotec Therapeutics HIV/AIDS Sales Force New Hire Training Program
    • Developed and wrote a self-study, paper-based backgrounder used to introduce newly hired HIV/AIDS drug sales professionals to their position. The backgrounder includes information on roles and responsibilities, clinical trials in HIV/AIDS drugs, the organization of clinical papers, FDA regulation in AIDS trials, advocacy and speaker development.
    • Created summaries, field exercises, review questions and other review activities for the backgrounder.
  • Project: Tibotec Therapeutics HIV/AIDS Self-Study Learning System
    • Extensively researched and wrote a revision of part of a seven module HIV/AIDS Learning System self-study training program for HIV/AIDS sales representatives.
    • I did this both in 2006 and 2008.
    • Updated these materials based on the fast-paced and often changing world of HIV/AIDS market and therapies. A main source of information was the Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents which is revised twice annually.
    • Because the revised training program was scheduled for completion approximately 18 months after the previous version, I had to read and then apply three updates of these guidelines to ensure that the most up-to-date information was included in the training modules.
    • I revised modules which addressed these topics: An Overview of HIV/AIDS; Pathophysiology/Clinical Management of HIV/AIDS, The HIV/AIDS Market, Diagnosis and Treatment of HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS Competitive Therapies.
  • Project: Bio-Technology General Corporation Self-Study Sales Training
    • Developed and wrote a self-study sales training program for a new drug that helps to treat involuntary weight loss. Modules covered the drug's market, health care prescribers, treatment facilities and reimbursement issues.
    • Researched, wrote, created graphics and edited entire module, including summaries and review questions, based on general learning objectives from the client's marketing and sales management.
  • Project: Alza Pharmaceuticals Training Seminar on Using Clinical Studies to Sell
    • Developed leader's guide, participant's workbook and leader's PowerPoint slides for a training seminar for pharmaceutical sales staff on how to effectively use a new and favorable clinical study to sell their product.
    • Created materials based on the learning objectives from the client.
  • Project: Toshiba Medical Systems MRI CBT Storyboards
    • Developed and created storyboards for CBT for sales representatives for MRI systems. This material was developed from interviews with subject matter experts as well as my review of technical documentation and marketing materials from the client's sales training management.
  • Project: Dey, L.P. Respiratory Learning System Self-Study Sales Training Program
    • Developed self-study training program for sales representatives for respiratory drug company.
    • Wrote several modules which focused on respiratory drugs and selling strategies.
    • Revised existing training materials as well as researched and wrote about new Dey products not included in the existing materials.
  • Project: Agouron Sales Personnel Career Development Program
    • Designed and developed a Professional Science Liaison Career Ladder training program.
    • Developed and wrote a self-study, paper-based backgrounder used to introduce newly hired Professional Science Liaisons to their position as scientific advocates between the company and clinical researchers developing drug trials. The backgrounder included information on roles and responsibilities, clinical trials in HIV/AIDS drugs, the organization of clinical papers, FDA regulation in AIDS trials, advocacy and speaker development.
    • Obtained information from the client's sales training staff and interviews and a ride-along interview with matter expert.
    • Created summaries, field exercises, review questions and other review activities for the backgrounder.
  • Project: Celgene E-Learning Course Audio Scripts
    • Created audio scripts from two modules of a self-study training program on multiple myeloma and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the sales representatives of a multiple myeloma drug.
  • Project: Dey, L.P. Training Seminar on Selling a Surfactant into a Hospital NICU
    • Developed facilitator materials, PowerPoint slides and participant workbooks for several modules of a training seminar on how to sell a neonatology drug into the hospital NICU and pharmacy.
    • Created materials based on the learning objectives from the client.

Cognitive Arts 2006

Freelance Instructional Designer

  • Project: Federated Department Stores Business Systems Training Course
    • Created storyboards for a computer-based training course to teach assistant buyers how to use the business system to produce merchandising reports.

Quick Compliance 2004

Freelance Instructional Designer

  • Project: St. Jude Medical E-Learning Course on Pacemakers
    • Developed and created storyboards for an e-learning course for sales representatives on pacemakers.
    • Interviewed subject matter experts and created material based on learning objectives from client management.

Freelance Marketing Writing



Project: Cardinal Health Medical Products Catalogs

  • Wrote copy for paper-based Laboratory Products catalog and on-line Physicians Products catalog for this large medical products distributor. This work included researching product information and then grouping and writing copy on specified manufacturers' products.
  • Also did in-house copyediting and proofing for the Laboratory Products catalog.

Project: Synergy Health Associates Corporate Identity Program

  • Worked with the principals of this start-up chiropractic and personal training company to develop a corporate name, identity, logo/branding, brochure and supporting marketing and identity materials.
  • Managed the development of the corporate logo, working with a graphics designer for the final output.

Project: North Suburban YMCA Fitness Department Newsletter

  • Developed the concept, created layout, and wrote copy for a quarterly newsletter to inform fitness members of the North Suburban YMCA about new classes, program changes, new equipment, and other happenings in the fitness department.

Project: Team Illinois U19 Girls Hockey Team Brochure

  • Designed, developed, wrote and produced two variations of a team brochure to distribute to college hockey recruiters and coaches during several tournaments.

Marketing Communications and Other Professional Experience

Corporate Communications Associates 1986-1990

Account Supervisor

  • Managed half of the $3 million high-tech marketing communications agency's business.
  • Created, sold, implemented and managed marketing communications programs.
  • Supervised agency staff and managed client marketing budgets.
  • Clients included such companies as Mitel, British Telecom, Metropolitan Fiber Systems, Peat Marwick, Pansophic Systems.
  • Wrote public relations, advertising and collateral materials, including ads, brochures, newsletters, publicity materials and video scripts.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with high tech press, general business media and other market influencers.

Starmark, Inc. 1986

Public Relations Writer

  • Designed and implemented public relations programs for clients of this business-to-business advertising and public relations agency.
  • Wrote and placed public relations materials with business-to-business media.

NEC Inc. 1983-1986

Advertising/PR Coordinator

  • Developed end user documentation for personal computer systems and peripherals. I wrote the user manual for the second generation laptop computer system that NEC introduced in the U. S. in 1984 after spending several months at NEC Corp. headquarters in Tokyo working with Japanese hardware engineers.
  • Created sales and product training materials and conducted training sessions for PC retailers and distributors.
  • Coordinated marketing communications for PC products division which included: managing outside advertising and PR agencies, responding to computer industry media requests and tracking media coverage.
  • Created, wrote, edited and supervised production of retailer newsletters, sales literature and other collateral.

Capital Structures Advisory Corporation 1982-1983

Administrative Assistant

  • Performed administrative duties for president of investment advisory company.

Other Experience


Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer 1994-present

  • Currently teach fitness classes at the North Suburban YMCA in Northbrook, IL.
  • Certified by the American Council on Exercise as a group fitness instructor since 1995.
  • Teach a wide variety of fitness class formats including: high/low aerobics, step aerobics, strength training, beginning fitness, chair fitness, studio cycling, kickboxing, boot camp, pre- and post-natal fitness, aqua aerobics.
  • Certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer since 2003.

Education


Illinois Institute of Technology 2009

  • Currently working toward a Master's degree in Technical Communications in the Technical Communications and Information Design Program.

Northwestern University 1977-1981


  • B.S. in Journalism from The Medill School of Journalism
  • Minor in Economics