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Autistic Services Inc.
My first job after graduating high school was for Autistic Services Inc. ASI provides education and home services for autistic individuals. This job was my first glimpse into the complex nature of instructing others. ASI's consumers range across the wide spectrum that is autism so instruction had to be learner-centered. Everyone's curriculum had to be catered to their needs and the traditional, top-down teaching methods weren't always particularly effective. -
Erie Community College
Not having much idea as to what I wanted to do with my adult life after high school, I began studying part time at Erie Community College in Williamsville, NY. While I hadn't a clue as to where I was headed, I always knew the importance of the education process and I didn't want to set my education aside completely. After four years as a part time student I received an associates in science degree in general studies. -
Disney College Program
While attending Erie Community College in NY I accepted the opportunity to work for The Disney Company as part of their Disney College Program. For five months I lived in Florida, took work-study courses through Disney, and worked in their theme park Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. This was my first glimpse at the massive amounts of training design and implementation the Disney Company provides. -
Florida Bound
After enjoying my time in the Disney College Program and finishing my associate's degree program in NY, I decided to pull up stakes and move to FL permanently. I was quickly rehired by the Disney company and began my career path with them while pursuing higher education endeavors. -
Valencia Community College
Soon after moving to FL I had my eyes set on University of Central Florida. The easiest and most cost effective way to gain enrollment at UCF was to attend Valencia Community College. There I had fulfilled many of the prerequisites for UCF as well as earned an associates in arts degree. -
University of Central Florida
In 2010 I began my pursuit of a bachelor's degree in English - Creative Writing at UCF (graduating in 2012). A degree in English required a great deal of reading literature and learning how to write what others want to read. This focus inevitably instilled a greater sense of empathy in myself as I was constantly immersed in the experiences of others while finding ways to express my own thoughts unto others. This cognitive study would go on to assist in my pursuits of professional training. -
Trainer of Attractions at Walt Disney World
While working as an attractions host at Walt Disney World I was given the opportunity to become an attractions trainer, starting with Toy Story Midway Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. Over the next four years I would train at multiple attractions and train new cast members at each of them. Over this time I realized my passion in assisting the process of developing others, particularly in a professional setting. -
Coordinator of Training at Walt Disney World
Continuing my career pursuits in professional instruction, I obtained my current role with Walt Disney World as a Coordinator of Training. In this role I administer core training classes that must be taken by all Cast Members both new and transferring to new roles.This opportunity has given me a much more enlightened perspective into the massive amount of work that goes into the training process of each individual who works for The Walt Disney Company. -
Education Reimbursement
After working a few years as a Coordinator of Training I had reached a new "what's next?" moment in my life. For the first time I was working a job that existed between the hours of 9 am to 5:30 pm, giving myself a regular schedule to pursue other goals in the rest of my free time. Seeking out what opportunities my company might offer, I discovered that Disney provides education reimbursement to courses that pertain to your current role. -
Pursuing a Master's Degree in Instructional Design & Technology
Looking to advance past training at the administrative level and toward a creative career path, I discovered the Instructional Design & Technology Master's Degree program at UCF. With financial assistance from the Disney Company, I decided this would be the best course to take in this next chapter of my life.
