Deb Mattoso performing a yoga pose, warrior 2.

Hi, there!

Aside from spending time outdoors and connecting with nature, I love all things creative - from painting to photography to writing. I also enjoy traveling, exploring new places, trying fresh foods, and meeting new people.

When I'm not pursuing my hobbies, I work as an Instructional Designer in the online higher education industry and as a Yoga teacher at a local heated yoga studio. I strive to live a balanced and fulfilling life and always seek new experiences and opportunities for personal growth.

My creativity is driven by a desire to express myself in unique and innovative ways. I seek to break conventional norms and explore new possibilities in my designs, writing, yoga classes, and other forms of creative expression.

I was born in the early 80s in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and reside in Maryland, United States.

My name is Deb, and I'm excited to share a little about myself.

Academic Education

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

Yoga Education & Training

Creative Sequencing

50-Hours - Authentic Movements, 2023

Advanced Teacher Training

300-Hours - Authentic Movements, 2022

Accessible Inversions

50-Hours - Authentic Movements, 2022

Teacher Training

20-Hours - YogaSix Bridge Training, 2021

Certified Ayurveda Specialist

30-Hours - Online Yoga School, 2020

Teacher Training

200-Hours - YogaWorks Baltimore, 2019

Work 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, curriculum development, competency-based learning and training, and 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.

  • Luminous Yoga, April 2024 - present
    Owner & Lead Teacher

    YogaRoots Movement, 2022 - present
    Teacher & Marketing Specialist

    Yoga Revelation, 2021 - 2022
    Teacher & Marketing Specialist

    In yoga, my vinyasa flows follow the same principles of good design—symmetry, pacing, and contrast. Each pose is carefully connected, much like design elements, creating a rhythm that engages both body and mind. Whether in yoga or design, I use transitions and alignment to create an experience that feels natural, balanced, and creative.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Awards & Recognition

2023 USDLA Silver Award Winner

Let’s Chat!