Recent Work

Case Study: Trauma-Informed Intake Training: Our Brother’s Keeper (OBK)

Role: Instructional Designer & Course Developer

Tools: Articulate Storyline 360, Hedra AI, Adobe Premiere Pro

Executive Summary

Staff at Our Brother’s Keeper shelter needed to shift from a high-stress, compliance-focused intake process to a trauma-informed, relationship-building approach. To reduce cognitive load and increase empathy, I designed a multi-modal eLearning experience built on brain-based learning principles and plain-language communication.

The resulting curriculum uses interactive scenario-based simulations, AI-generated avatars, and visual metaphors to teach staff how to manage client stress and de-escalate sensitive intake interactions.

Instructional Design Strategy

The learning architecture centers on adult learning theory (andragogy), leveraging concrete mental models and self-reflection to build emotional intelligence (EQ).

Strategy

Pedagogical Approach

Application & Impact

Cognitive Load & Metaphor

Visual Model

Uses the "overflowing stress cup" analogy to help staff reframe disruptive behaviors (e.g., anger, crying) as clinical symptoms of stress rather than personal defiance.

Emotional Intelligence

Andragogy

Prompts learners to reflect on their own "spillover" moments, connecting new concepts directly to lived experiences to deepen personal accountability.

Behavioral Application

Scenario Simulation

Connects theoretical empathy directly to high-stakes decision points during the client intake process.

Media & Video Production Strategy

• Visual Style: Animated avatar styling via Hedra AI maintains a professional, accessible tone. This approach avoids low-budget live-action distractions while creating clean narrative "beats."

• Audio & Pacing: Measured, calm voiceover narration mirrors the calm demeanor expected of shelter staff, giving learners room to process reflection questions.

• Engagement & Camera Angles: Direct-to-camera address builds eye contact and accountability, transitioning passive video viewing into an active learning session.

Course Blueprint

1. Hook: The Water Glass Analogy

• Objective: Observe how staff interactions directly raise or lower client stress levels.

• Tools: Hedra AI, Adobe Premiere Pro, Storyline 360

• Experience: Animated glass overflowing with water, establishing the goal to actively lower client stress.

2. Introduction: The Strategic Power of Plain Language

• Objective: Recognize plain language as a tool for psychological safety.

• Tools: Hedra AI, Adobe Premiere Pro, Storyline 360

• Experience: A "Shelter Mentor" avatar introduces the Designed for the Brain philosophy alongside a split-screen visual overlay ("Cluttered Brain" vs. "Calm Brain").

3. Activation: The Four Pillars of Engagement

• Objective: Define core communication values at OBK.

• Tools: Storyline 360

• Experience: Interactive tabbed interface exploring Connection, Safety, Clarity, and Autonomy (e.g., shifting terminology from "Subject" to "Guest").

4. Skill Demonstration: The Art of the Open-Ended Question

• Objective: Differentiate between closed-ended and open-ended questions.

• Tools: Storyline 360, Adobe Premiere Pro

• Experience: Motion graphic animation showing a "Closed Gate" transforming into an "Open Path," paired with audio examples demonstrating the 5-second wait-time rule.

5. Skill Application: The Jargon Filter

• Objective: Translate administrative jargon into empathetic, plain-language statements.

• Tools: Storyline 360

• Experience: Custom drag-and-drop funnel interaction where learners filter administrative terms like "Verify eligibility" into conversational language like "Talk about staying at the shelter."

6. Simulation: Empathy in Action – "Sarah"

• Objective: Practice trauma-informed decision-making in a safe environment.

• Tools: Storyline 360

• Experience: Branching scenario where learners choose between probing about trauma versus addressing immediate needs (a service animal), seeing visual feedback on client trust.

7. Final Demonstration: The "Alex" High-Stakes Scenario

• Objective: Apply complex communication skills during a high-stress intake interview.

• Tools: Hedra AI, Storyline 360

• Experience: Dynamic branching scenario where an AI-generated guest responds in real time to dialogue choices around sensitive topics like substance use.

Results & Design Philosophy

By grounding technical courseware in plain-language communication and trauma-informed care, this project provided staff with practical, actionable tools for de-escalation while preserving the psychological safety of both the shelter staff and incoming guests.