Hi, I’m Katey! I’m an instructional designer with a passion for creating training experiences that are not just educational but genuinely enjoyable. My goal is to make learning something people look forward to, helping them retain valuable information along the way.
I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Digital Entertainment Technology (DET), where I explored video editing, animation, and game development, focusing on the visual and artistic aspects of the field while also gaining a basic understanding of programming. My journey into instructional design began in college as a TA, where I had the opportunity to revamp course structures for the DET program. While I didn’t realize it at the time, this experience ignited my passion for education and course development. I graduated in December 2017 and entered the corporate world, where I found myself eager to share knowledge and support the training of others, even without an official training role. In January 2023, I decided to further my education by pursuing a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology (IDT), which I completed in June 2024. Since then, I’ve enjoyed collaborating with the design team at my current company to gain experience and create resources that are both practical and engaging.
In all my work, I strive to make learning engaging and impactful. For instance, I created a comic book-style job aid that transformed routine coaching into more meaningful conversations between supervisors and their direct reports. One project I’m particularly proud of is my Hooked On Crochet training program. This personal project evolved from a simple Google Classroom course during my master’s program into a fully interactive, video-based experience, complete with character voiceovers and enhanced visuals. Both of these projects are featured in the portfolio section, where I provide an in-depth look at the thought processes and development behind them.
Beyond instructional design, I’m a natural problem-solver with a Six Sigma Yellow Belt and experience as a Yellow Belt coach, which fuels my passion for process improvement. One notable achievement was creating a QuickBase dashboard to streamline call center scheduling, saving hundreds of hours previously spent on email coordination and manual processes. This initiative not only resulted in over $100,000 in process improvement savings but also became a centralized resource used throughout the organization.
On a personal note, I’m based in Austin, Texas, where I share my home with my dog, Peyton, and two cats, Logan and Charley. Peyton, my loyal protector named after Peyton Manning, brings warmth and love to our family. We lost our mischievous Piper, named after the main character from Orange is the New Black, in March 2024, but Charley, who joined us just three months later, has happily stepped into the role of resident troublemaker. Logan, my sweet mama’s boy named after Wolverine, is never far from my side. Together, they all make appearances as characters in my crochet training program. In my spare time, I love crocheting, experimenting with new crochet patterns, and sharing all my creations on Instagram at @creationsbykateycakes. When I’m not crafting, you’ll likely find me immersed in a good series on Netflix, or tuning in to Big Brother for my reality TV fix. I enjoy gaming too, though I only occasionally indulge in some of my favorites like Cities Skylines, Supermarket Simulator, and Plate Up when I have the time. And, of course, as a true Austinite, I have a love for tacos and tostadas!
Thanks for visiting my portfolio—I hope you enjoy exploring it!
