Building Better Systems through Creative & Inclusive Design
A transformative mindset focus.
My Education
My work centers on leading instructional design initiatives that integrate technology, equity, and emotional intelligence to create meaningful learning systems. I’ve led strategic projects in accessibility, workforce development, and curriculum innovation, all grounded in measurable impact and community relevance. At the heart of my approach is the Transformative Mindset Instructional Design (TMID) model, which I developed to help educators and organizations lead with clarity, creativity, and care. This leadership lens shapes every program I design, ensuring learning is both effective and deeply human.
My Skills
I bring expertise in instructional design models such as ADDIE, SAMR, and Bloom’s Taxonomy, using each to build purposeful and effective learning experiences. My work incorporates interactive elements, such as gamification, microlearning, and competency-based mapping, to enhance engagement and outcomes. I design platforms using tools like Adobe Captivate and Canvas, incorporating AI, augmented reality, and virtual reality into content that is both visually engaging and accessible. Every design is grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to ensure inclusivity is built in from the start.
My Experience
Throughout my career in K-12, higher education, and nonprofit spaces, I’ve led with a commitment to innovation, communication, and impact. I’ve guided transitions to new learning platforms, used analytics to improve instruction, secured grant funding, and expanded program participation across multiple organizations. Whether supporting students, faculty, or community members, I design systems that adapt to evolving needs. My approach is grounded in lifelong learning and a deep conviction in the transformative power of education to create lasting, meaningful change.
Clifton Strengths
Themes on 7/2/2024
This report highlights my top five CliftonStrengths from 34 options. CliftonStrengths focuses on maximizing individual strengths rather than fixing weaknesses. It emphasizes that people are most productive and satisfied when leveraging their strengths.
While my strengths may evolve and reflect insights from the day of the assessment, these resonate well with who I am today.
Learner | Achiever | Individualization | Analytical | Ideation
Contact Me
Reach out...
Feel free to reach out to gain access to courses, discuss exciting opportunities, share ideas, or have a chat. I enjoy collaborating on instructional design and technology or learning and development.
Looking forward to connecting with you!
Sonja L Howell, Ph.D.
