Learning Experience Designer • STEM Curriculum Development Specialist
I designed my first learning experience in 1998. With my trusty VHS recorder, I made a film that explained the alphabet for my 2-year-old cousin. Admittedly, my production value has increased since then, but my heart hasn't changed.
Every design decision I make comes back to the same three questions. Can all learners access the content? Do they leave with actionable next steps? Do they feel capable of acting on their new knowledge? Everything else gets built around the answers.
My MSc in oceanography always raises some eyebrows in the ID world, but that experience gave me the foundation to analyze deeply and make complicated information accessible to everyone. It's been my greatest asset in designing materials for ed-tech, nonprofit, financial services, and community health organizations. (And I've now authored STEM curriculum for every grade from Kindergarten to graduate school!)
Six-year-old Natalie would be proud.
WHY WORK WITH ME?
I don't show up with a template and a timeline. I show up with questions, because the best learning experiences start long before anyone opens a design tool.
What we build together is grounded in real needs from day one. Your context, criteria, and constraints shape every decision I make, and I'm a huge fan of consistent feedback! (See my Luminary project for proof.)
Whether you're starting from scratch or untangling something that isn't working, I'll help you launch something beautiful, usable, and built for the people who need it.
Here's a sample of the tools I use and why I love them.
Articulate Storyline/Rise
The cornerstones of any instructional design. I only use these if clients come with their own licenses.
Camtasia/Synthesia
Can I use Synthesia? Yes. Do I still prefer a real-life person talking to me? You bet.
Genially
A free or lower cost alternative to Articulate. It's my go to when companies have specific design ideas, layouts, or branded colors.
Mindsmith
A similar low-cost, AI-powered eLearning builder that shines in fast-paced situations where design specs aren't decided.
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
My EdTech courses live in Canvas, Brightspace D2L, Moodle, and proprietary LMS.
Monday.com
Nerd alert! I'm a huge fan of Monday.com and Asana for agile project management. (My personal Asana board runs my life.)
AI Agents
I cowork with Anthropic Claude and Gemini Agents. ChatGPT just doesn't hold up to my current development needs.
Canva
Canva is my go-to for graphic design needs. It's fast-paced, easy, and versatile.