Upon earning my Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, I decided to leave teaching and embark on a career in instructional design. Over time, I have expanded my portfolio, developing a variety of training and educational materials that I find immensely rewarding. Working with stakeholders across higher education and The Walt Disney Company has been an incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable journey.

My Design Philosophy

My instructional design philosophy is grounded in the belief that meaningful learning occurs at the intersection of research-informed practice, learner-centered design, and real-world application. With over fifteen years of experience spanning secondary and higher education, government, and global corporate environments, I approach learning design as both a strategic and human endeavor—one that must drive performance while respecting the complexity of learners, contexts, and organizations.

I design learning experiences that are intentional, measurable, and adaptable. Guided by established instructional design models and learning science principles, I prioritize clear outcomes, aligned assessments, and authentic learning activities that support knowledge transfer beyond the learning environment.

Collaboration is central to my practice. I believe effective instructional design emerges through strong partnerships with subject matter experts, stakeholders, faculty, and creative teams. By facilitating job and task analysis, incorporating diverse perspectives, and using data to inform design decisions, I create learning solutions that are both academically sound and operationally relevant. I value iterative design processes that allow for continuous improvement based on feedback, metrics, and evolving learner expectations.

I am committed to blended learning experiences that leverage technology to enhance, not replace, meaningful instruction. From virtual and in-person learning to immersive and experiential formats, I design learning journeys that engage learners cognitively, emotionally, and practically through the use of interactive multimedia design elements. Accessibility, clarity, and usability are non-negotiable elements of my work, ensuring that learning is inclusive and effective for diverse audiences.

Testimonials

“Impressive Leadership”

Since you got to Disney Institute, every moment you have stepped up as a leader has been impressive. From team dynamics, to content focus, to ensuring Creativity and Innovation gets the support it needs, each day you reinforce why we chose you to lead the team.

Chris S.

Director, Disney Institute

“Efficient and Effective”

Lauren seamlessly integrated Monday.com into our project management process. This update enabled our team to remain organized while partnering with 12 lines of business and managing over 750 annual requests. Furthermore, it provided the tools to visually showcase analytical data to executive-level stakeholders. As a result of her leadership, we are now able to deliver projects more efficiently and effectively.

Rachel H.

Multimedia Specialist, Content Strategy & Integration Disney Experiences

“High Standards with Authentic Care”

Lauren creates an environment where people feel supported, heard, and encouraged to do their best work. She leads with clarity, empathy, and a steady calm that helps others thrive. Her ability to balance high standards with authentic care makes her a standout leader.

Polly Z.

Content Specialist, Disney Institute

Ready to start designing?

Schedule your consultation and find out how I can help you.