CREATIVE. MINDFUL. INTENTIONAL.

Instructional Design

About.

No matter what I am designing, my job as a designer is to create something to achieve a specific goal. Using a creative, mindful, and intentional approach, I perfectly balance aesthetics, functionality, and user experience in all my designs. My ultimate goal is to create innovative and visually appealing designs that cater to the needs and preferences of my clients.

Deb Mattoso profile picture.
  • Project Management
    Instructional Design
    eLearning Development
    User Experience
    Curriculum Development
    Visual Design and Communication
    Strong Writing Skills

  • Collaborative
    Compassionate
    Creative Problem-Solving
    Self-Starter
    Critical Thinking
    Empathetic
    Curiosity

  • Articulate Rise 360
    Adobe Creative Cloud
    Adobe XD
    Canva Design App
    Instructure Canvas LMS
    D2L Brightspace LMS
    Cornerstone LMS

Work
Process.

  • I divide this process in two ways. I conduct research, gather information, and create a project plan during the discovery process. I organize and structure the instructional content and course features during the architecture phase.

  • Next, I begin creating visual representations that outline each subsection's course layout and structure. Once the outline is approved, I focus on the visual aspect of the course.

  • Concurrently with the visual design phase, content creation and development begin.

  • During this phase, a final review is performed, and testing is concluded, which includes checking links, forms, page loading speed, and overall performance. Once the course passes testing and approval, it is ready for launch.

  • Once the course has launched and at least two rounds of offerings are completed, all course contributors come together to evaluate the success of the material and overall learning and teaching experience.

  • After the course is live, I provide ongoing support and maintenance, including meeting with contributors as needed to edit and update course materials.

Projects.

Faculty Orientation

  • Develop an orientation module and practice classroom, specifically for undergraduate faculty, that mimics the student experience.

  • Maintain an orientation schedule that does not surpass two weeks.

  • Working with two subject matter experts, I developed a two-week orientation module that models the student experience in the Canvas LMS. In addition to creating an orientation module, we developed a practice classroom, where participants complete hands-on exercises in a live classroom with test students.

    • Canvas Learning Management System

    • Adobe Creative Cloud

    • Microsoft SharePoint

Professional Development

  • Update the existing module on promoting faculty quality and excellence.

  • Combine course-based and competency-based versions of the existing modules, and turn them into one.

  • Working with three subject matter experts and alongside the director of training and orientation, I developed an Articulate Rise module outlining specific strategies to help faculty member deepen their professional and teaching skills applicable to both learning modalities (course-based and competency-based).

    • Articulate Rise

    • Adobe Creative Cloud

    • Canvas Design App

Onboarding Workbook

  • Develop a companion guide for the new faculty orientation—part of the faculty onboarding experience.

  • Streamline the content presented at the new faculty orientation webinar into an editable workbook.

  • I developed an editable PDF 10-page workbook outlining the webinar content. Additionally, the workbook included space for users to type notes and essential links.

    • Canva Design app

    • Adobe Acrobat

    • Adobe Color

Academic Background.

Cornell University, 2022

Graduate Certificate, User Experience, and Research

Walden University, 2021

Graduate Certificate, Instructional Design, and Technology

Walden University, 2020

Bachelor of Science in Communication

Adobe Creative Suite, 2019

Certificate, Adobe XD and Adobe InDesign

University of California, 2018

Certificate, Academic and Business Writing

Curtin University, 2017

Certificate, Digital Branding, and Engagement

Awards & Recognition.

Outstanding Faculty Training and Orientation

2023 USDLA Silver Award Winner

What are people saying.

“Deb approaches all tasks with a shared sense of responsibility and purpose, enriching the experiences of all colleagues. She serves with passion, respect, and care, and her contributions to the team are invaluable”.

— Instructional Designer Manager, Walden University

“Using collaboration, communication, and dedication to contribute to success, Deb prioritizes team needs and approaches tasks responsibly and purposefully to create valuable learning experiences.”

— Director of Training and Orientation, Walden University

Relevant Experience.

  • Walden University

    I have been designing and developing courses and other learning materials at Walden University since 2022. I aim to present the subject matter best while considering the entire learner experience. I lead teams to clear instructional outcomes, handle complex information, and simplify it for anyone to understand without losing context. My skills include Canva, Brightspace, Instructure Canvas, ADDIE, E-Learning, instructional design, communication, faculty training, training & development, Articulate Rise, and curriculum development.
    Competency-based learning, competency-based training, C-BEN.

  • Walden University

    As I approached operations processes, I took a comprehensive view of the situation and developed efficient and repeatable methods. I could avoid potential oversights or inconsistencies by creating systematic strategies that ensured uniformity. My product knowledge allowed me to work collaboratively with the Office of Teaching and Learning Excellence as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to develop and enhance orientation modules and materials. My skills in user experience, operations management, cross-functional team leadership, communication, Salesforce Lightning, and Brightspace Core LMS were instrumental in achieving these goals.

  • Walden University

    As part of my role in the organization, I had the opportunity to work collaboratively with various teams and departments to improve the overall user experience. We implemented an agile-scrum methodology to ensure everyone was on the same page and could work together efficiently and effectively. I also provided live support to students, ensuring their needs were met, and they could easily navigate the system. In addition, I created and developed processes and documentation to ensure that everything was running smoothly and everyone was on the same page. My technical skills, such as my proficiency in Salesforce Lightning and Brightspace Core LMS, allowed me to provide even better support and streamline processes, ultimately leading to a better experience for everyone involved. My communication skills and dedication to process improvement significantly impacted the organization and its users. Competency-based education. Competency-based learning.

  • I have more than ten years of experience in writing and have worked with various small businesses to create engaging web content. My writing has been published on different platforms, including websites, digital magazines, and ebooks. I specialize in writing professional profiles, lifestyle blogs, and training materials. Additionally, I possess excellent writing skills, communication skills, and technical knowledge. My creative writing style, web content writing, resume writing, academic writing, and editing skills are highly sought-after.

  • SunTrust Investment Services, 2015 — 2017

    During my time in a leadership role, I successfully implemented a business model to assist with the transition of client accounts. This included ensuring accountability and clear communication with all internal and external stakeholders. I had the opportunity to manage and support over 5,000 brokerage client relationships, which totaled 500 million in assets under management. My proactive approach to increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty involved creating a strategy that anticipated and met customer needs. Throughout this experience, I honed my skills in customer experience, cross-functional team leadership, team management, communication, process improvement, and customer retention.

  • Member of the Competency-Based Network since June 2023.