+1 218 508 4968 vanessawholmes@gmail.com
 Trainer | Instructional Designer | e-Learning Designer | Health & wellness facilitator

Vanessa Holmes

 

 

 

ABOUT me

Hi, I’m Vanessa!
I’m an instructional designer, trainer, and lifelong learner with over a decade of experience helping people grow, learn, and feel more confident in what they do.

My passion is turning complex content into clear, engaging learning experiences. Whether I’m building an interactive eLearning module with Articulate Storyline or designing a series of scenario-based or microlearning lessons, I love creating training that’s both meaningful and effective.

I use instructional design models like ADDIE and Bloom’s Taxonomy to design learner-centered experiences that are grounded in adult learning theory. My work has supported healthcare teams, educational institutions,  and corporate clients, each with their own unique goals and audiences.

Collaboration is at the heart of what I do. I enjoy working closely with subject matter experts and cross-functional teams to make sure every training solution supports real-world performance and learner success.
Thanks for stopping by! I’d love to connect and see how I can help bring your learning vision to life!

Sincerely,

Vanessa Holmes

 

How I design learning solutions

My approach to designing learning solutions is rooted in adaptability and tailored to the unique dynamics of each situation. I prioritize interactivity, real-world applicability (where feasible), tangible results, and the enrichment of participants’ knowledge.

Key process steps:

  1. Thorough Analysis: I initiate the process by conducting comprehensive discussions with all stakeholders, constructing an action plan that precisely delineates objectives.
  2. Needs Assessment: Engaging with owners, managers, subject matter experts, and learners, I perform in-depth job task and context analyses to ascertain genuine training needs.
  3. Objective Formulation: Employing Bloom’s Taxonomy, I craft clear and measurable learning objectives aligned with desired outcomes.
  4. Strategic Planning: I utilize Gagne’s Nine Events to strategically plan content, methodologies, activities, and media selection. Additionally, I employ Kirkpatrick’s Model for assessment, focusing on achieving Level 4 “Results” rather than just Level 1 “Reaction.”
  5. Curriculum Development: I create tailored training materials and curriculum to effectively convey the desired knowledge and skills.
  6. Implementation: I facilitate the training process, ensuring that the learning experience is engaging and effective.
  7. Evaluation: To gauge training effectiveness, I assess outcomes and share feedback with stakeholders.
  8. Continuous Improvement: Based on feedback, I make necessary adjustments to enhance the training’s efficacy.

My approach is rooted in constructivism and andragogy, recognizing that practical, valuable, meaningful, and realistic learning experiences are the most effective in fostering knowledge acquisition.

resume summary

Dynamic and results-driven Instructional Designer & Training Specialist with over 10 years of experience across corporate, academic, and global freelance settings. Expert at transforming complex content into engaging, learner-focused training solutions that drive performance, engagement, and clarity. Known for collaborating effectively with SMEs and cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact eLearning, scenario-based learning, and blended learning experiences using the ADDIE model and adult learning theory.

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN YEARS

TRAINING YEARS

COACHING YEARS

what i bring to the table

Project & Learning Design Skills

I prioritize what matters, meet deadlines with care, and keep projects moving forward with clarity and flow.

🚀 Initiative
🔍 Curiosity
🔁 Iterative Thinking
📖 Storytelling

 Thinking & Problem Solving

I love turning challenges into engaging, results-driven learning solutions that are both effective and human-centered.

📊 Needs Analysis
🧠 Learner-Centered Thinking
🧩 Critical Thinking
🛠️ Solution-Oriented Mindset
🧭 Strategic Planning
🧪 Experimentation

Emotional Intelligence & Personal qualities.

I adjust quickly to shifting priorities, new tools, and evolving project needs—while staying grounded and focused.

💫 Empathy
🧠 Open-Mindedness.
🌱 Growth Mindset
🔥 Self-Motivation
💪 Resilience

Clear Written & Verbal Communication

I translate complex ideas into clear, engaging language—whether I’m writing course content or chatting with a team.

👂 Active Listening
🤝 Stakeholder Engagement
👥 SME Relationship Building
🔄 Feedback Integration
🌐 Cross-Functional Collaboration
🌍 Cultural Sensitivity

tech skills
  • Articulate Storyline & Rise 360
  • Camtasia – Movavi – Filmora
  • Vyond – InVideo -Animaker
  • Office 365 – Google Workspace
  • Blackboard -Moodle – Canva – METRO (Cornerstone)
  • Agile (Oracle)
  • Adobe Illustrator  – Adobe Photoshop
  • Asana – MS Planner
  • Snagit – Greenshot

 

“The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay.”

— Henry Ford

 

Related Articles

I regularly keep up with trending topics and innovative ideas in the field. Here are a couple of recent articles that caught my attention. Instructional design is constantly evolving – especially with the rapid integration of AI and emerging technologies. Here are two recent articles that offer valuable insights into how the field is shifting in 2025, from streamlining course development to reshaping the learner experience. 

January, 2025

Trends and Innovations for Instructional Design for Workforce Learning

August, 2024

Augmented Course Design: Using AI to Boost Efficiency and Expand Capacity

PHOTO GALLERY

Ready to Chat?

Contact Me

phone +1 218 508 4968