About

Hi, everyone!  I’m Diane.

Like many Learning & Development professionals, I started out as a public school teacher.  I primarily taught music, with occasional gigs in math and English as a Second Language.

When it started to feel like the grown-up world was passing me by, I began taking some computer programming classes. Being a quick learner, a bit of a geek, and willing to travel, I landed a job teaching NASA engineers how to use 3D graphic imaging software. Just 3 months prior, I had been singing The Wheels on the Bus with kindergarteners.

In 2001, I joined IBM to work as a functional tester on the Lotus Learning Management System team. During those years, I focused on SCORM compliance testing of third-party courseware.  I eventually found my way back into a more traditional L&D role, joining a small team that provided training to the Lotus Technical Support organization.

In 2008, I began working on my graduate degree in Instructional & Performance Technology (now known as Organizational Development & Workplace Learning) from Boise State University.  This program was delivered completely online using Lotus Notes! 

I graduated four years later with an M.S. degree, certificates in Human Performance Technology and Workplace eLearning & Performance Support, and a great appreciation for the non-training aspects of organizational development.  During my culminating portfolio defense, I described my instructional design approach as pragmatic — delivering enough to meet the need and then moving on (because there is always more in the queue).  One of my professors said it reminded him of Herbert Simon’s concept of satisficing.  

I’m good with that.