ABOUT ME

I help teams eliminate the guesswork in their training strategies by designing straightforward, brain-friendly content that drives performance. My focus is simple: transforming complex information into clear, actionable learning experiences that deliver measurable results for your agency. 

                                                               Karen M. Lang                                                                           Instructional Designer | Training Specialist 

Canadian Lakes, MI (Remote/Hybrid) karenlangid@gmail.com | karenlangid.com | linkedin.com/in/karen-langid

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

An Instructional Designer who solves performance problems! With over 10 years of federal leadership and training experience, specializing in "brain-based" learning methodologies and adult learning theory to transform complex technical data into high-impact, performance-driven solutions. Expert in the full ADDIE/SAM lifecycle, combining a modern tech-forward toolkit with AI-assisted workflows to deliver measurable growth in learner engagement and regulatory compliance.

TECHNICAL TOOLKIT

• Authoring & Media: Articulate Storyline 360 & Rise, Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, Photoshop), Camtasia, Vyond.

• AI-Assisted Design: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, Hedra, Manus AI—leveraged for rapid prototyping, scripting, and reducing development cycles.

• ID Methodology: Brain-based learning, ADDIE, SAM, Section 508 Compliance, Kirkpatrick Evaluation, Gagne’s Nine Events.

• Platforms: MS Teams, Zoom, SurveyMonkey, LMS Administration, Notion, Help Scout, Kajabi, Slack.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Customer Service Specialist | IDOL Courses | Remote | Nov 2025 – Present

• Eliminated a support backlog within two weeks by engineering a custom queue management system, applying L&D process-improvement logic to operational bottlenecks.

• Support a global learner community by resolving complex course-access issues and providing consultative advice on instructional design tools across five integrated platforms.

• Conduct mentoring sessions on the use of the Mighty Nextworks platform and the entire Academy website.

• Utilize my interactions with clients to share new courses being offered and assist in driving sales.

Freelance Instructional Designer | Mothers Helping Mothers (Portfolio Project) | Remote | Mar 2025 – Present

• Exceeded enrollment targets by 20% through the design and launch of a bilingual eLearning course that significantly expanded program reach.

• Developed a comprehensive Instructor-Led Training (ILT) package for 100+ volunteers, ensuring the organization's first consistent, professional training standard.

• Engineered a coaching job aid and automated MS Forms evaluation system that reduced live-training dependency and improved real-time performance support.

Training Specialist | USDA APHIS Animal Care | Remote | Aug 2021 – Sep 2025

• Produced 10+ Storyline 360 modules and 6 microlearning videos for 100+ federal inspectors, eliminating high-cost travel while maintaining 100% regulatory compliance.

• Facilitated 15+ high-stakes virtual webinars and co-produced a hybrid conference event for a multi-agency audience, consistently receiving top-tier feedback scores.

• Utilized data analytics (SurveyMonkey/Excel) to perform deep-dive needs analyses, identifying skill gaps to drive future content priorities.

Training & Curriculum Specialist / Director | U.S. Air Force | Various | 2011 – Aug 2021

• Led a workforce of 70 personnel using a consultative-decisive leadership style to design standardized SOPs and curricula adopted at a national level.

• Managed the end-to-end training lifecycle for staff across Germany installations, maintaining a consistent pipeline of 50–80 active learners. Achieved national accreditation at all locations.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• B.S., Social Science | Grand Valley State University.

• CPTD Certificate Program (In Progress) | IDOL Academy (Focus: Adult Learning Theory & Performance Consulting).

• Advanced Articulate Storyline Certifications | Knowledge Academy & Yukon Learning.