Hello!

I’m Paola, an instructional and curriculum designer focused on delivering inclusive, learner-centered, and creative learning resources at the intersection of education and technology.

My Story

I’m a curriculum developer and instructional designer with a solid foundation in education, coming to these roles as a former elementary school teacher. I think it goes without saying that I’m used to wearing a lot of hats! I thrive in an environment where I can leverage my creativity, engineering innovative learning and training solutions.

As an experienced graphic designer, I also love to design multimedia geared towards teaching and learning. This includes videos, learning games, infographics, and more. My focus is always on the target learner. I’m always looking for ways to keep them at the center of everything I design.

I’m a graduate of the Learning Design and Technology program at the University of San Diego, earning my master’s degree in August 2024. Instructional design has proven to be the intersection between my background as an educator, my love of graphic/multimedia design, and my skills as an efficient planner and project manager. In effect, it’s led to expanded horizons as I look to the next chapter of my career.

Although I left the classroom in 2018, I find huge fulfillment in being able to continue serving teachers and students through my Teachers Pay Teachers store, Adventures Ahoy. I specialize in ELA, social-emotional learning, and organizational tools with a focus on functional, print-and-go materials. When it comes to curriculum design, I’m equally comfortable with both print and digital formats.

Credentials & Proficiencies

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree – Interdisciplinary Studies (Midwestern State University, 2010)
• Master’s Degree – Learning Design and Technology (University of San Diego, 2024)
• Teaching Certificate (EC-6), State of Texas

Software and Design Tools:

• Articulate
  • Rise 360
  • Storyline 360
• Google Apps
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Canva
• Adobe Suite
  • Photoshop
  • Lightroom
• For Project Management:
  • Trello
  • AirTable
• Atticus (eBook Formatting)

More About Me

I’ve done a lot of traveling as the daughter of a US Navy veteran and then the spouse of an Air Force veteran. Currently, I live in Houston, TX with my husband and son. I’ve always been an avid reader, and I spend my spare time working on the massive stack of books I’ve accumulated over the years. I challenge myself to read at least 50 books a year, but it probably doesn’t help that I keep adding more to the pile! I also enjoy writing, photography, and graphic design.