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About Cathy Brown

I am a savvy learning and performance expert who works collaboratively with clients and subject matter experts (SMEs) to design practical and sustainable solutions to workplace challenges.
 

I’ve designed and developed learning solutions for manufacturing, technology, travel, retail, and non- profit organizations, to name a few. Whether you need help designing a full curriculum strategy or just one class, I’ll partner with you to design and develop a program to engage learners and achieve your desired business outcomes.
 

I’ve been a communicator from my beginning as a technical writer to now where I focus on learning and performance. I earned a BA in English and Theatre from Berry College and went on to an MBA program at University of Dallas. I discovered the field of learning and performance and earned a master’s degree in Instruction and Performance Technology from Boise State University.

Who is Rhoads?

My maternal grandmother, Ruth Rhoads Byrnes, was an entrepreneur when most women didn’t work
outside the home. She worked in a Pennsylvania manufacturing plant during WWII. Resourceful and
scrappy, she pursued ways to earn extra money from running a candy store out of their living room to
operating a rooming house at the shore in Wildwood NJ. Her courage and resourcefulness remain an
inspiration. She’s my silent partner.

Expertise, Accomplishments, and Publications

Expertise:

  • Applying leading instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, Merrill) and design thinking approaches

  • Designing curriculum architecture and corporate university start-ups

  • Creating user and facilitator materials such as guides, videos, collateral material

  • Designing evaluation approaches and instruments

  • Incorporating learning transfer strategies

  • Developing change navigation plans

  • Creating workplace tools and performance support aids

Publications, Speaking Engagements, and Awards:

  • Frequent speaker at ISPI annual conference and chapter meetings

  • Published article in ISPI Performance Improvement Journal

  • Selected to be on customer advisory board for EBSCO Accel5

  • Earned ISPI President’s Award for leadership

  • Served in ISPI leadership roles at the Society and chapter levels

 

Recognized for Innovative, Effective Solutions by Employers and Outside Organizations:

  • Sabre Circle of Excellence award

  • ISPI Award of Excellence for gamified sales training

  • Home Depot recognition for gamified inventory management training for store managers

Accomplishments:

  • Launched three corporate universities for three organizations

  • As curriculum architect, designed overall program structure

  • As lead instructional strategist, conducted stakeholder meetings, interviews and other data gathering activities that informed needs analysis

  • Designed and developed all facilitator and participant materials

  • Designed and implemented robust measurement and evaluation approach

  • Designed and implemented three discipline specific, cohort-based learning programs for nuclear plant directors

  • Launched comprehensive measurement and evaluation strategy for three leadership programs and five virtual on-line training modules (VOLTs).

  • Integrated Kirkpatrick Four Levels, Thalheimer Performance Focused learner surveys and Brinkerhoff Success Case Method to measure learner engagement, transfer, and results.

  • Surveyed over 500 participants who had attended one of the programs in the past two years.

  • Conducted Success Case Method interviews to identify enablers and barriers to successful learning transfer.

  • Used feedback and success case results to shape program revisions.

  • Wrote comprehensive, summative report for senior leaders to inform them of programs strengths and areas for improvement.

  • Earned High Performance Learning Journey Design certificate from Promote International

  • Earned Measurement Academy certification from GP Strategies

  • Led a successful innovation project to design and implement a strategic direction for learning department (Pathfinder)

Design and Development Standards and Principles

We use research-based approaches in our work. We follow Will Thalheimer, Ruth Clark, Clark Quinn, and others to integrate sound learning principles into all of our programs. We believe learner time is a precious resource; therefore, we work to ensure every moment learners spend supports the objectives and has a clear connection to expected business outcomes.


We adhere to the International Society for Performance Improvement standards in all our projects. The standards include:

  • Be results-focused

  • Work systemically and systematically to make sure the program delivers the expected results

  • Add value by bringing adult learning theory, innovation, and creativity to the work

  • Work in partnership with stakeholders and subject matter experts

  • These principles are the foundation of every project, whether designing one program or designing an entire curriculum.

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