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Resume

Marissa Ruland

  ▪ Email:  marissa.ruland@gmail.com ▪ Phone:  954-895-4049

Summary statement: Creative, solution-oriented instructional designer, facilitator, and project manager with over 20 years of experience crafting stimulating, interactive learning content that inspires participation and promotes high retention. A thought leader in experiential learning, known for simplifying complex concepts and delivering clear, concise, and engaging training across digital and instructor-led modalities. Skilled in developing scalable learning solutions, conducting needs assessments, and using data-driven insights to optimize performance and drive meaningful behavior change. Proficient in LMS administration, eLearning development, and blended learning strategies, with a deep belief that learning is a lifelong journey and a powerful catalyst for organizational success.

Core Instructional Design Capabilites 

LMS administration (Instructure’s Canvas) 
SCORM-compliant eLearning Development 
Adobe Captivate 
Articulate Storyline & Rise 
Camtasia 
Asana 
Blended Learning Design 
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) 
Project Management 
Change Management 
Performance consulting 
Learning Evaluation and Analytics (Kirkpatrick Method) 
Needs & Gap Analysis 
Data-Informed Learning Optimization 

Skills
  • Excellent knowledge of learning theories and instructional design models including ADDIE, SAM, and other AGILE adult learning styles 
  • Familiar with Python, HTML, CSS, SEO, video technology and editing skills, and interactive presentation boards  
  • Strong planning skills, vision, and creative intelligence 
  • Attention to detail with excellent project management, organizational, and critical thinking skills 
  • Ability to implement and present complex concepts through design and visuals. 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Explorer, Edge, Publisher, Outlook, Teams 
  • Stakeholder Collaboration with excellent written and oral communication skills 
  • Public Speaking  


Work Experience

6/2025 - Present         Yellow Dragon Communications
Director of Digital Media

  • Designed, developed, and implemented the company’s website to enhance user experience and brand visibility.
  • Created and managed digital content across platforms to support marketing campaigns and client communications.
  • Oversaw all digital marketing initiatives, including email campaigns, social media, and lead generation strategies to drive business growth.
  • Organized and co-led client-facing events with the business owner, ensuring seamless execution and positive attendee experience.
  • Maintained consistent messaging and visual identity across digital channels to strengthen brand recognition.
  • Monitored website performance and campaign metrics, using data-driven insights to improve engagement and conversion rates.


8/2019 - Present       Math with Marissa
Instructional Designer/Business Owner

  • Developed and launched self-directed online learning solutions, serving a diverse client base, ensuring alignment with educational standards and fostering an engaging learning experience. 
  • Designed scalable digital curricula and training resources, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize user engagement and outcomes. 
  • Provided individualized support and guidance to clients, focusing on skill development and measurable improvement in learning objectives.  
  • Received consistent positive feedback from users, with 100% reporting increased understanding and confidence in new concepts (primarily in math) through the designed curriculum and personalized instructional support, leading to improved course completion rates. 
  • Executed targeted marketing campaigns across multiple platforms, resulting in increased enrollment and expanded reach within professional and consumer markets. 
  • Achieved a 30% increase in course enrollment within 6 months of implementing targeted social media strategies on Facebook resulting in a broader reach and higher engagement among the target audience. 
  • Delivered onboarding and training programs to ensure seamless adoption of online courses and maximize user success. 
     

1/2017 – 6/2023          Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools

Instructional Designer
  • Led district-wide initiatives to design and implement scalable learning solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts to drive adoption and engagement. 
  • Developed and facilitated professional development programs for staff, including train-the-trainer, focusing on digital transformation, virtual learning, and continuous improvement, leveraging Canvas as an LMS to design and implement curriculum. 
  • Conducted needs assessments and comprehensive data analysis to evaluate and inform curriculum strategy and optimize learning outcomes. 
  • Managed risk and ensured alignment with organizational goals through proactive project management and stakeholder communication. 
  • Partnered with district leaders to implement organization-wide learning initiatives, supporting change management and continuous improvement. 

4/2014 – 12/2018            Windfall Consultants
Project manager/Business Consultant
  • Project Management: Provided consultancy and leadership in directing program development needs, ensuring efficient project execution and meeting organizational objectives. 
  • Designed and developed instructional materials and curricula, tailoring content to meet specific learning objectives and conducting skill gap analyses to assess learning needs. 
  • Created, built, and optimized websites, employing SEO strategies to enhance online visibility and rankings, contributing to successful brand management. 
  • Orchestrated brand strategies and executed social media marketing initiatives, collaborating with business leaders and subject matter experts (SMEs) to strengthen brand presence and engagement. 
  • Implemented lead generation strategies and managed leads effectively, employing data analysis and management techniques to drive business growth. 
  • Conducted data analysis to derive actionable insights, supporting informed decision-making and contributing to efficient data management practices. 
6/2011 – 3/2014              Buy Buy Baby
Customer Service Training Manager
  • Designed and facilitated new employee onboarding programs, ensuring consistent delivery of company policies, customer service standards, and department-specific procedures.
  • Developed and maintained training materials, job aids, and performance support tools to improve employee readiness and reduce time-to-productivity.
  • Conducted ongoing skills assessments and identified training gaps, implementing targeted coaching and refresher sessions to strengthen performance and compliance.
  • Led training for the Registry Department, creating structured learning pathways for consultants to enhance product knowledge, customer engagement, and sales effectiveness.
  • Managed storewide communication and training rollouts, ensuring staff were up to date on policy changes, operational updates, and seasonal initiatives.
  • Analyzed sales reports and customer feedback to inform training priorities and improve service outcomes.
  • Oversaw event planning and customer engagement initiatives, applying instructional and experiential design principles to enhance learning and participation.
Volunteer Work
11/2014 – Present          Upward Sports
  • Planned and organized sports league
  • Creatively instructed young girls on basic cheer fundamentals
  • Choreographed cheers and dances
  • Coached and guided children during basketball games
  • Positively interacted and communicated with parents, other teams,  and officials
Education
B.S. in Mathematics Education
University of South Florida, 2003
 
M.Ed. in Training and Development
North Carolina State University, 2021
 
Certifications, Memberships
  • North Carolina Teaching License in Secondary Education Mathematics grades 6-12
  • Member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
  • Member of Golden Key Honor Society
  • Member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Awards  2022 City of Charlotte Teacher of the Year