Carrie Ann Schouwstra

• Forged strong relationships with the Customer Service Manager and team, leveraging their insights and trends to inform data-driven decisions, prioritizing communications and training topics.
• Created training curriculum to transition from a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to a web-based point of sale (POS) system, utilizing change management training and simulation training. Introduced new learning management system features, streamlining the course delivery process.
• Mentored junior instructional designers, providing guidance on industry best practices and professional development opportunities.
• Identified resource needs to meet instructional design objectives for the Learning & Development team. Implemented the use of ChatGPT, Power BI, Power Automate, and SharePoint.
• Facilitated stakeholder meetings to gather input on training needs, fostering collaborative relationships with clients.

Proactively assumed and excelled in additional responsibilities, spearheading internal communications and marketing initiatives while successfully managing my primary role.

• Reduced email overflow by over 40% for retail staff by streamlining internal communications, significantly boosting efficiency and engagement across both corporate and retail divisions.
• Streamlined internal communications processes to foster cross-departmental collaboration, resulting in improved project outcomes.
• Enhanced internal communications within the company by regularly providing concise updates on current promotions and upcoming initiatives.

• Successfully transitioned in-person workshops to asynchronous online courses, integrating on-the-job evaluations to measure ROI for job performance. This initiative resulted in significant cost reductions by eliminating travel expenses and onsite trainer labor hours, achieving estimated company savings of over $500,000.
• Promoted a culture of continuous learning by implementing ongoing professional development initiatives. Curated and integrated a library of content and curriculum within the LMS, achieving an 80% revisit rate, which exceeded expectations by 15%.
• Transitioned onboarding evaluations from L&D Specialists to Branch Mangers to increase efficiency of both roles. It increased L&D Specialists available hours and decreased the new hires onboarding time by 15%.
• Decreased labour hours spent on recurring compliance training by decreasing duration of training and time frame provided, and automated the reporting of the completion rates to be sent to appropriate stakeholders.
• Increased efficiency of responding to audits through document management and automation of processes. Decreases response time from 5 days to 1 business day.
• Achieved significant improvement in employee performance metrics by redesigning sales training curriculum. Increase of insurance acceptance to 80%.
• Assisted in the selection of appropriate tools and technologies for effective course development and delivery. Converted our Moodle LMS to Cornerstone LMS. Managed relationship with vendor for BizLibrary training library.
• Created training curriculum to transition from a command line interface (CLI) to a GUI (Graphical User Interface) point of sale (POS) system which utilized change management training and simulation training.
• Conducted post-training evaluations to measure effectiveness of instruction and identify areas for continuous improvement.
• Evaluated existing course materials, identifying opportunities for enhancement or revision based on learner feedback.
• Facilitated cross-functional team collaboration during course development projects, fostering a positive working environment focused on results.
• Utilized data-driven decision-making processes to identify opportunities for improving instructional material effectiveness.
• Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high-quality deliverables under tight deadlines.
• Implemented successful instructional design projects from concept to completion within budget and time constraints.

• Ensured alignment between Canadian and US business objectives and learning outcomes through strategic planning of course curriculum content. Reduced onboarding in US from 6 months to 1 month.
• Developed instructor-led training materials that supported face-to-face classroom instruction for blended learning environments.
• Enhanced instructional materials by incorporating multimedia elements and interactive components.
• Implemented various assessment tools to evaluate learner progress, effectively identifying areas of improvement.
• Managed project timelines and resources efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality instructional materials.
• Created customized learning solutions for diverse audiences, ensuring optimal knowledge transfer.
• Established standardization to optimize the translation process for Quebec language laws.
• Integrated real-world examples into lessons as case studies, connecting abstract concepts with practical application for learners more effectively.
• Collaborated with subject matter experts to ensure content accuracy and relevance in instructional materials.
• Revamped outdated training materials with updated information and modern design elements, significantly boosting learner satisfaction rates.
• Followed company policies and editorial guidelines to craft thorough, well-written content.
• Managed competing deadlines with efficiency.