Cassandra Lee Castle
Latta
Summary
Results-oriented and performance-driven Sr. Lead Instructional Designer/Project Manager/Certified Scrum Master, possessing over 20 years of experience in delivering technology-enabled learning solutions. Innovator with background in developing and implementing learning strategies to enhance both educational and corporate training programs. Strong skills in design thinking, data-driven decision making, multimedia technology usage, and project management. Applied creativity to improve learner engagement and retention, while effectively managing resources for successful completion of projects. Have consistently created impactful learning experiences leading to improved performance metrics.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Sr. Lead Instructional Designer: Project Manager
American Public University System/American Military University
Latta
11.2016 - 11.2025
- Served as a key resource for Instructional Designers across multiple schools.
- Developed training programs addressing accessibility issues for Global Accessibility Awareness Day.
- Co-presented faculty training on instructional design strategies in collaboration with APUS Center for Teaching and Learning.
- Led initiatives to enhance accessibility in course design through workshops and collaborative sessions.
- Managed senior instructional designers and project-specific instructional designers for WEBSOB.
- Coordinated project milestones with Course Operations Manager for major course revisions and new designs.
- Designed and implemented a tracking system to improve transparency in course design processes.
- Facilitated training sessions on educational technologies and instructional best practices for faculty.
Lead Instructional Designer and Project Manager
American Public University System, American Military University
01.2019 - 01.2022
- In charge of managing new course design and development from concept to launch
- Major Revisions (at least 50% of course content undergoes revision) of courses as part of the yearly/quarterly development goals for each Department within the WEBSOB
- Course re-design (more than 50% of course content undergoes revision/re-design) involving enhancements for assessments and interactivity
- Minor revisions- updates to content as needed to address changes to Online Educational Resources (OER) and to enhance interactivity of courses
- Support and training/orientation to SME’s for MyClassroom (Brightspace)
- Competency Based Education (CBE) Team- program development in Emergency & Disaster Management, Fire Science, and Criminal Justice.
- Provided expertise in instructional systems design, learning management systems and distance education to enable the implementation of the CBE program at APUS.
Interactive eLearning Architect (Sr. ISD Academic & Instructional Technology)
American Public University System, American Military University
11.2016 - 09.2019
- Designed e-learning modules and blended learning solutions following instructional design principles.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with educational standards.
- Compiled and analyzed learner feedback to assess instructional design effectiveness.
- Provided technical guidance on instructional design software applications for trainers.
- Created storyboards for online courses based on established instructional design frameworks.
- Reviewed instructional design documents prior to launch, ensuring quality and alignment.
- Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design practices.
- Maintained accurate records of all activities related to instructional design projects.
Performance Solutions Designer (Sr. ISD/Program Management & Support)
Carney, Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Learning University (VALU), Leadership VA (LVA)
12.2015 - 09.2016
- Reviewed course materials
- Implemented changes to improve quality of instructional content
- Recommended measurable objectives for face-to-face and virtual ILT
- Recommended and implemented unified packaging/branding for LVA program-wide
- Programmed instruction for week-long, face-to-face sessions based on cognitive load, instructional flow, instructor availability
- Acted as liaison for VA instructors and LVA Alumni Association leadership
- Collaborated with teams to create engaging training presentations for diverse audiences.
- Developed visual content to enhance communication of complex concepts in training sessions.
- Created product designs in alignment with specifications.
- Developed style guides for visual elements such as branding systems, typography standards, color schemes, photography styles.
- Created detailed wireframes, storyboards, user flows and process flows to effectively communicate interaction and design ideas.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams including product owners, developers, marketers, copywriters, and stakeholders throughout the entire product cycle.
Contributing Feature Writer
Squidoo Magazines
Winchester
12.2012 - 01.2016
- Researched and wrote variety of feature articles for multiple online magazines published by squidoo.com
- Met advance deadlines for planning/layout/design/photography/graphics
Senior Instructional Systems Designer/Curriculum Developer
VETS Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy, School of Program Management
Frederick
03.2013 - 11.2015
- Essential Piece Award for curriculum/training development, PM Fellows Entry Level Re-Design, PM School Agile Team
- Award for Exceptional Impact, PM School Agile Development Team, VETS, Inc.
- Lead, PM Fellows Program, Entry-Level Curriculum Redesign
- Co-lead Acquisition Package Series led team of 9 developers from concept to delivery of performance-based acquisition focused series of four courses for acquisition professionals of varying experience levels.
- Designed and developed course series for first fully virtual delivery via the flipped classroom model via Blackboard Learn 9.1 LMS at the VAAA.
- Currently most profitable course series running at the academy.
- Coordinated training of technologists in Blackboard Learn 9.1/collaborate
- Consulted with assigned Blackboard system administrator to support/train them in new LMS functionality
- Advised upper-level agency management on issues/solutions regarding implementation and administration of new LMS
- Set standard for online/virtual courses at the academy
- Developed courses for VA planning, programming, budgeting, and execution for self-paced, fully virtual delivery via Blackboard Learn 9.1 as well as ILT/F2F utilizing Articulate Storyline for content development
- Developed curriculum for the Acquisition Academy to train VA and OGA personnel to be specialists in acquisition, program/project management
- Developed curriculum to train personnel in various aspects of acquisition, asset management, program/project management in accordance with OMB, FAR, FAI and various governmental regulations pertaining to a wide range of agencies
- Designed course curriculum mainly for blended and virtual training environments as well as f2f delivery
Instructional Designer
Allen Corporation of America
VA
10.2011 - 02.2012
- Documented existing instructional design process and proposed a more agile, streamlined model improving efficiency and turn-around on VA/DoD instructional design project re-purposing existing training materials for online delivery in accordance with client requirements and ISD protocols
- Monitored course delivery to ensure quality control, ensure strategies were identified and implemented to strengthen partnerships, made recommendations on scheduling and delivery, conducted gap analyses, completed revisions to the curricula, and prepared training reports
- Identified browser compatibility issues with web module display between ie7 and ie 9
- Assured 508 compliance during testing phase of course modules
Technical Writer, Instructional Systems Design
Consolidated Safety Services, National Training Center for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration/USDOT
VA
11.2009 - 09.2010
- Managed web module development project for online courses involving multiple, overlapping deadlines and multiple SME’s nationwide in coordination with off-site contractors and on-site ISDM
- Provided technical guidance and assistance in writing, designing, developing, delivering, and evaluating a variety of training and educational programs specific to the FMCSA Law Enforcement Training Courses to facilitate the instruction, training, and education of personnel
- Developed agency style guide governing look, feel, design and versioning/document security based on mission and scope of federal agency’s national training center for law enforcement
- Implemented and established SOPs and managed use of SharePoint for document control and collaboration among federal SME’s located throughout the nation and ISD team.
- Identified and resolved issues where no policy existed, taking innovative actions to address new needs and/or issues as they pertained to SCORM, 508, document security/versioning, legal rights, copyright, GPO compliance and other issues pertinent to the mission of the agency/organization
Academic Technology Training & Support Specialist
Shenandoah University
Winchester
01.2007 - 09.2009
- Developed/designed/implemented/delivered campus-wide software application and LMS/CMS training program for all university instructional & support personnel
- Represented university at national conference for LMS professionals
Interim Blackboard System Administrator
Shenandoah University
Winchester
04.2009 - 07.2009
- Resolved user access and support issues
- Administered database
- Monitored snapshot process reports
- Ran fix files in SQL
- Corrected user account access issues
- Corrected course enrollment/creation issues
- Maintained faculty access/association between Datatel/Blackboard systems
- Utilized Windows server for production and test environments
English/Social Studies/Journalism/Adult Education Instructor
Frederick County Public Schools
Winchester
01.2000 - 01.2007
- Revised middle and high school English curriculum for Frederick County schools.
- Developed and presented district-wide training on writing portfolio assessment.
- Implemented writing portfolio assessment to enhance student evaluation methods.
- Integrated Blackboard as a primary tool for classroom instruction.
- Trained departmental faculty on effective use of Blackboard technology.
- Taught College Preparatory and Career Preparatory English courses, ensuring curriculum alignment.
- Participated in School Improvement Team focused on technology implementation strategies.
- Served as representative on Superintendent’s Advisory Committee, providing insights on educational policies.
Education
Master’s of Education - Adult and Higher Education (Curriculum, Instruction and Evaluation)
Morehead State University
Morehead, KentuckyMBA - Program/Project Management
University of Maryland University College
MarylandBachelor of Arts - English (Journalism-double major/Political Science-minor)
Morehead State University
Morehead, KentuckyTeacher Education Program - Teacher Certification-KY
Morehead State University
Morehead, KentuckySkills
- Asana expertise
- JIRA expertise
- Microsoft Office 365 suite
- MS Project
- Adobe Creative Suite
- E-learning development tools
- Learning management systems- D2L, Blackboard, Google Classroom, Moodle,Sakai
- Agile methodologies - Scrum, CSM
- Project management
- Curriculum development
- Accessibility standards
- E-learning development
- Technical writing skills
- Data analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Training facilitation
- Time management
- Continuous improvement
- Instructional design expertise
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Problem-solving strategies
- Team building and facilitation
- Accessibility compliance practices
Affiliations
• ATD
• Society for Applied Learning Technology
• Association for Career Technical Education
• National Council of Teachers of English/Virginia Association of Teachers of English
• National Education Association/Virginia Education Association
Recognition
- APUS Vision Award
- APUS Quality Award
- VETS Award for Exceptional Impact
- Program Management School Agile Team
- Disney Hand Awards for creative teaching (Nominee)
- Rotary Club Teacher of Influence Award
- Frederick Co. Education Association: District High School Teachers’ Representative and District Middle School Teachers’ Representative
- VEA Delegate State Convention
Personal Information
Citizenship: U.S.
Certification
Certified Scrum Master
Accomplishments
APUS Quality Award for distinction, excellence and continuous improvement in serving students, faculty, or staffQuality Award for distinction, excellence and continuous improvement in serving students, faculty, or staff
American Public University SystemAmerican Public University System Issued
American Public University SystemAmerican Public University System Issued
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Limited
French
Limited
German
Elementary
Arabic
Elementary
Timeline
Lead Instructional Designer and Project Manager
American Public University System, American Military University
01.2019 - 01.2022
Sr. Lead Instructional Designer: Project Manager
American Public University System/American Military University
11.2016 - 11.2025
Interactive eLearning Architect (Sr. ISD Academic & Instructional Technology)
American Public University System, American Military University
11.2016 - 09.2019
Performance Solutions Designer (Sr. ISD/Program Management & Support)
Carney, Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Learning University (VALU), Leadership VA (LVA)
12.2015 - 09.2016
Senior Instructional Systems Designer/Curriculum Developer
VETS Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy, School of Program Management
03.2013 - 11.2015
Contributing Feature Writer
Squidoo Magazines
12.2012 - 01.2016
Instructional Designer
Allen Corporation of America
10.2011 - 02.2012
Technical Writer, Instructional Systems Design
Consolidated Safety Services, National Training Center for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration/USDOT
11.2009 - 09.2010
Interim Blackboard System Administrator
Shenandoah University
04.2009 - 07.2009
Academic Technology Training & Support Specialist
Shenandoah University
01.2007 - 09.2009
English/Social Studies/Journalism/Adult Education Instructor
Frederick County Public Schools
01.2000 - 01.2007
Master’s of Education - Adult and Higher Education (Curriculum, Instruction and Evaluation)
Morehead State University
MBA - Program/Project Management
University of Maryland University College
Bachelor of Arts - English (Journalism-double major/Political Science-minor)
Morehead State University
Teacher Education Program - Teacher Certification-KY
Morehead State University